Irma Boom is a Dutch born artist and graphic designer whose speciality lies in the making and production of books. The artist has created a total number of books that is well over 300. Her unconventional and unique style of work has transformed the world of book making. 

Boom often makes bold and unusual stylistic choices that challenges the perception of what a traditional book should be in terms of design and physicality. For example, she created a Chanel No. 5 book that was entirely embossed, no print. The reasoning to create a book in which the less dominated senses are used to tell the story rather than just sight, much like a perfume is not seen but smelt, this book is felt not read. When creating books she designs it based on its contents ensuring to fully encapsulate and reflect it on the design. Boom is best known for the ‘Tiny Books’ she creates. These are miniature 3D models Boom creates to develop and rat ionalise her ideas. Using the book’s full landscape to create the design she transforms the book into something magnificent. Boom often describes herself as an architect commenting that ‘… I don’t build villas, I build social housing…’. She finds that her artistry takes the books to another level, she creates objects of use, more driven by the idea rather than the information.

Boom likes to use bright colourful designs and illustrations in her work. Including unconventional typography that links in with the book’s content. Many of her works use typography that appears oversized and shrinks when the book is open. Wanting to create books that are ‘alive’, Booms use of different elements of design to create interesting concepts that portray the contents of the book while enticing the viewer. Her main aim is to enhance the viewer’s understanding whilst creating an object of beauty and permanence.