Freight Train (1978)

Donald Crews’ Children’s Book

Introduction:

I grew up with this book and I thought that it was the coolest thing in the world. I was obsessed with trains as a child, having grown up right next to some railroad tracks. Every night, a Union Pacific Railroad deiseal engine would pass though the town and blow its horn. It became the sound of home and comfort for me. “Freight Train” helped me understand and identify the different cars that the trains where pulling. With the bright colors and simple designs; I remember pouring over this book again and again.

My Library’s copy of Donald Crew’s 1978 children’s book “Freight Train”

What’s Inspiration About Donald Crews’ Freight Train:

It is inspiring how simple it is.

Being a graphic designer, my job is to communicate information visually in the simplest, cleanest, way possible. This book does that with the concept of a train in the best way imaginable. I have no notes for this book. It is perfect in the execution of it purpose. Everything is intentional and visually communicated clearly. I want to be able to be this good when I grow up.

I knew when I made this blog that I wanted vectors of steam engines. I had a foggy recollection of this book and knew that it would be a great starting point. However, I couldn’t remember what it was called or who wrote it so I begin searching my local library’s website. It took a while but I found it, as the very last search item on the very last page. I was so grateful to have found it but also astonished at how old it was.

Taking Inspiration from Donald Crews

Now I imagine you can see why I decided to call this blog Inspiration Station. Having grown up loving trains and needing a good framing device to represent a bunch of ideas and stories intersecting, making this blog a train station felt like a good fit.

That is why I was so happy to take inspiration from the designs to make my little vectors that decorate this site.

There are five different variations of the trains I placed throughout the blog.

Go ahead and see if you can find them all.

Final Thoughts:

Never disregard children’s authors or artists. They might be some of the best communicators out there. Those who truly know something teach it. Those who can clearly inspire and teach children how to understand something are even better.

That is why I love Donald Crews’ book “Freight Train” because it is a prefect colored distillation of what a steam train is. Masterfully drawn and communicated in a beautiful way.

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Vector Passenger Engine

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