5 comments about Designing Brand Identity: A Complete Guide to Creating, Building, and Maintaining Strong Brands.

1. I used this book for a graphic design course that I'm taking and it was very informative as well as thorough. It was interesting to read about all of the brand identities and how logos really affect the way a company is viewed. I like the detail, the graphics and the comparisons for the different logos. This helped me in developing a good design for my project.



2. Since graduating with a communication design bachelor, I have felt I missed out on the theoretical process of branding and marketing. This book is fantastic, it is broken up into three sections, theory, prac and reviews. You will learn so much from this well designed, easy to read guide.
   
   I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to start their own business, or brand and market somebody elses business, or a designer wanting to get into brand identity designs.



3. Great book... and more than just case studies. This book gives great insight into branding process and strategy.



4. Nice hardcover book, I got it for a steal! It is required for my college course. The book is well organized, with lots of color pictures; I like pictures.



5. This book is great for the people out there who might not be aware of what goes into company brand identity. This is quite an important field for graphic designers, and I highly recommend this book, it really was a great help to me during my brand identity course at the Art Institute.

5 comments about Typographic Design: Form and Communication.

1. I had to get this book for school and I have to say it is a great book. It is packed with content and examples. Examples are kept to a minimum instead of plastering every page with 90% examples and 10% text. The content is solid and all of the examples have their place. If you are interested in typography don't pass the book up, it is probably one of the best I have seen.



2. I am taking a course right now with Rob Carter. So at the risk of this sounding like a biased review, please know that I'm not the kind of person who allows personal feelings to stand in the way of my opinion on what's good and bad.
   
   Professor Carter's ability to effectively communicate is carried over to this text remarkably. Any obscure questions that I've had regarding typography and design have been answered by him personally and he nearly always pulls this text out to illustrate exactly what he means.
   
   Point is, I'm in my third year in a design program and even the "random, not covered by other professor" topics, are covered in this text.
   
   This is a text that designers will be going back to long after they've obtained their degree and are working in the field. It's a fantastic investment.
   
   --s



3. This book has tons of pictures and lots of examples. Looking through the book gives you ideas and inspiration!



4. I was impressed to be ableto get this textbook as quick as I did. I needed it right away for school and the campus bookstore didn't even have it. I paid a little more but it was convenient for me.



5. I am very disappointed by this book. We used it as course book in second year type classes and my students were less than thrilled. We'd switched from the Lupton Thinking With Type book. My question is this: Is this meant to be a textbook or a brief history of typography?
   
   The book is full of the sort of language that belongs in academic journals discussing visual culture. It is too sweeping in its coverage. Nor does the text does not relate to the examples in any sensible way. Too often the text discusses issues then refers to an example without explaining how they are connected.
   
   There is much valuable information in this book but it is buried.
   
   My remedy: I would make this typography textbook. I would get rid of the history section or make it very shorter. The first thing you see are ancient stone tablets and hieroglyphics, very off-putting to any student. The type specimens and type technology are unnecessary. The chapter on legibility is, well, awful. Tell me how type works. (Or, I should shut up and write my own type book!) This book is also poorly designed and lacks a design concept. The cover is especially bad.
   
   Review: Typographic Design: Form and Communication. May 2007

5 comments about Envisioning Information.

1. Tufte follows up his debut classic with an even more beautiful piece of graphic art disguised as a guide to ways to display three (and more) dimensions on a flat surface.
   
   While even more beautifully crafted than The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, 2nd edition, it has less in the way of practical guidance. Tufte's principle here can be reduced to this far-reaching but not so simply-implemented statement: increase the resolution of "flatland" (paper or computer screen) to show more data to increase clarity.
   
   As usual, the principle is lavishly illustrated with beautifully-reproduced examples of good and bad ways of envisioning information. In fact, I have found Tufte's principle and illustrations are useful ways of thinking about how to improve my own graphics, but I find my ability to implement them frustrated by the limitations of the design tools I use most: Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Word, wikis. That is a negative reflection on the tools, not on Tufte.
   
   In any case, enjoy Tufte's books now for the portable affordable art that they are, and hope for the tools to catch up soon.



2. Nutshell review - This is a beautiful resource on presenting information in a myriad of ways with many examples of good and bad design. Beautifully illustrated.



3. Every time I go back to this book I get something more out of it. Over the past 10 years I've been through my copy a couple of dozen times. If communicating information is important to you, you should take a look at this classic.



4. This is my 3rd favorite of Tufte's books after Visual Display and Visual Explanations, but it would be a good addition for any Tufte collection and still contains useful info.



5. I admit. I do not have natural tendencies for developing web sites, color maps, charts, schedules, power points, diagrams or GUIs. Anything as such comes out in complete discord until I came across Edward Tufte's name in a seminar brochure.
   
   Edward Tufte scrutinizes design strategies all they way back in time from the Renaissance period into the 20th century. Initially I wondered, how on earth are these prestigious techniques presented in ancient times similarly applied today? They are not common today. Computer programs and marketing propaganda have limited our visual expectations to only broad and small pieces of information, limiting our learning space about the world we live in. Beyond contemporary appeals, Edward sheds out underlying utility out of these relics into everyday use. His prime example is a 1735 London figure of two dancers. The drawing describes their dance in time, motion, and sound without common resort to animation.
   
   Chapters in this book: Escaping Flatland, Micro/Macro Readings, Layering and Separation, Small Multiples, Color and Information, and Narratives of Space and Time.

5 comments about Design Elements: A Graphic Style Manual.

1. Amazing book by Timothy. It's perfect for young designers, unlike myself, who need to learn basics in graphic design. As a more experienced professional I had fun reading the book and I'm gonna keep it in my office for use of all new interns so they find out a little more by themselves. The only downside I see is the small grey texts, but fortunately my eyes are still in perfect conditions.



2. Good looking book with lots of interesting examples. I could only read it for a short time without my eyes hurting. It's ironic that a book about design uses such a small font that I have a hard time reading it. I don't use cheaters yet, but maybe it's time after squinting my way through this.



3. I'm just starting out as a Designer (Still & Video) & I found this book was really engaging and well written. Full of examples, there's a design to go with each paragraph. I've found it really helpful when working with design concepts. This is a great handbook. I'm really glad I got it!



4. Book is informative, and full of images to go by. A great way to get new ideas.



5. I find this book to be well written, the examples are clear and to the point, and the layout is attractive. There are several good Graphic Design books on the market, and I would include this one in any list of that sort. The only criticism I have is an aesthetic (and for some of us) practical one. The designer of the book chose a very small font for the picture callouts (captions), and also chose light gray on white for the text color. For those us us in the "bi-focal" generation, that makes the picture captions rather difficult to read. I would recommend this book, but get out your little magnifying glass before you open it.

5 comments about Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines (Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines).

1. Priceless and necessary material for all graphic artists, especially those like me that are just beginning to get some sort of grasp on how much things should cost.



2. This is the bible of graphic arts. Every working designer and illustrator in the business should keep a copy by their side.



3. I've illustrated over 20 children's books, 10 of which without this book. Once I used the contracts from this book, I got paid what my time was worth! Great tips on pricing what your work and time. Most importantly, selling artist usage rights to multiple users. Who says your efforts can't be duplicated from one project to the next. This book is Gold! Pick up a copy and use it! Only for serious individuals wanting to do business in the real world. I recommend this book to authors, publishers, and anyone I work with.



4. So much information that it will take a lot of time to read it all, but it is so well written and with the right and necessary information that it is a must for everyone in this field. Very informative, clear and to the point. Covers almost every aspect of the Graphic Artist business. Will help a lot, specially with themes regarding your rights and obligation, what is to be expected from an artist and what should an artist expect from others.
   
   The price tables are not accurate for everyone since I believe that there are different markets for different reasons, geographical, economical targets and so on... so you should not expect them to apply exactly to you, but those are really good points of reference you should consider and seriously evaluate.
   
   I don't like the cover at all since it is very confusing and non practical, specially if you are looking for this book in a bookstore by reference and not knowing how it looks like, since it is hard to read it's title at first glance, which I think is a huge violation to the basic rules of commercial design. I think it should have some practical and useful design for that matters. Thats's a no, no, for something coming from an "Artist" Guild. Actually it is an ugly cover (sorry for the artist who created it). The size of it does not help to make it a carry on book say to read everywhere, but for the amount of information it carries, I don't see any more practical shape.
   
   Buy it!



5. This book is necessary for anyone wanting to start their own company in the graphic design industry. It covers every aspect of the business & things that you wouldn't think of.

5 comments about Graphic Design Solutions, Third Edition.

1. This book presents itself in a professional manner, but my copy had many typos in it which I found distracting. What I liked most was the collection of art throughout the book. I didn't really get anything out of the book, but perhaps a 2nd reading might change my opinion.



2. This book was for a advanced graphic design production class I took. Overall the book was very comprehensive covering a wide range of topics for graphic design and advertising. However, due to the vast amount of info each topic was only touched on, nothing too in depth. There are however many reference materials the author suggests throughout the book and in the back. For the price though, I would have thought there would have been more meat to the book. Definitely not a book for advanced designers... great book for beginners and/or people who have taught themselves graphic design.



3. I bought this one through an Amazon seller. Although secondhand, the book is like new and it was very very cheap. The book is a valuable source of ideas, visual references and good examples of Graphic design. Recommended for all levels.



4. I just finished reading all but one or two chapters of this book for a class where this was the primary text. I have to say that this book goes everywhere with me and has become a favorite. Compared to the other text books I had this semester (and many others as well), this was a breath of fresh air. The writing was never dry and it never dragged. What I read really stuck with me and I looked forward to my weekly reading. Also having the exercises at the end of most of the chapters is wonderful for a student for further learning that truly is self-paced. I plan on doing most, if not all of these exercises for further practice. I am definitely going to have to look into Landa's other titles as well.



5. Was advised to buy from instrucor as additional class materials and found I love this book! Covers from core information to breaking down new media and cutting edge styles. Would not go without this book if you are interested in learning about graphic design as an art and a science. Great organization and use of information -good for any level designer.
   
   Don't pay retail... GET IT ON AMAZON!

1 comments about 2009 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market (Children's Writer's and Illustrator's Market).

1. While the internet provides writers with almost everything they need to succeed, there is still nothing to be found online that compares to this essential guide. Each year, Alice Pope and her crew deliver the goods, by scouring the publishing world for book, magazine and multimedia publishers that accept work from children's writers. Trust me, every successful agent and submitting author in the children's book field has a dog-eared copy of this book on the shelf. Plus, the articles that accompany the listings are of invariably high quality. A must-have.
   
   Jon Bard
   [...]

5 comments about Designing with Type: The Essential Guide to Typography (Designing With Type).

1. This is a great book for learning how to use typography in design. Anyone who is in any design field should look into this book, it will increase you abilities as a designer.



2. An absolute must have for any beginning typography student or instructor. User friendly, it covers the fundamentals of typography comprehensively and with great clarity. I have used it as a text book, when I taught beginning typography and continue to recommend it for my Intermediate and Advanced type classes. No teacher or student of typography should be without this one. Truly a classic from a real pro.



3. I bought this book for a class, but later found out the book was changed. I found this edition much more helpful than the later edition that I had to buy and use for class.



4. As a professor of Typography, I think that, that kind of a book has to be the part of each design school library.
   It is important to have it, because you can find in it all kind of basic typography knowledge not only just for Typography students. So, as I said before I am kindly recommended it. Hoping you can find interesting, as am I.
   
   Associate professor, Eduard Cehovin
   Design Department
   Academy of Fine Arts and Design
   University of Ljubljana
   Slovenia



5. Your book arrived today and I totally love it! I really like the improvements in the 5th edition. The color tabs and the projects in the back are very helpful. I love the practical approach to teaching typography. I will most definitely request it as my course textbook for the next term I teach Typography One!
   
   --Sarah Slattery, Adjunct Instructor, Kendall College of Art end Design

5 comments about Layout Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Building Pages in Graphic Design.

1. I haven't finished the book yet, but I feel it is packed with lots of good info, like others have said, ESPECIALLY helpful for beginners and students. Not as much about just layout as I expected, lots on typography and design in general, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Lots of tips and info I found valuable as a junior graphic design student.



2. If are a good designer don't reed this. BUT... if you are a beginner, a student, or just an insecure designer, then salvation may lie in these pages. No this is not a "bible" of graphic design, but rather a great way to decode those esoteric and metaphoric lectures that you never understood while in college about some of the most simple things



3. When I first got this book, I thought it was going to be more in the layout like a textbook that has a lot of words and few pictures. When I opened it up and read through it, it was quite the opposite. It shows everything visually and minimizes type wherever it can. It really goes into good detail about the design process and the best way to brainstorm and come up with ways to stop artist-block. It shows good solid design across multiple different styles. It mostly focuses on print pieces, but the messaging and intent can be carried across to web design as well. Great examples at the end and helps to break out of the normal art concepts that I come up with. For me, it is more of an inspiration book than a "learn design" book.



4. This was the first book that I bought in Rockport's series of graphic design books. It provides great information for designing layouts and even shows examples from real publications. The only gripe I have is the small font was a bit hard to read in a dimly lit room (but most trendy publications are that way now). But despite that, the book is still readable in good lighting and provides extremely helpful design tips. With its glossy pages and a sophisticated design style, even if you don't actually read the book (although you should!), the style of the book itself provides inspiration for creating a modern, clean and dynamic look.
   
   This book is part of a TERRIFIC series of graphic design books by Rockport. (The series also visually looks great together since the publishers shrewdly designed all the bindings to match and line up together on the shelf.)
   So far there are only 5 (including Layout Workbook), but hopefully they will add more books to the very useful series:
   Logo Design Workbook: A Hands-On Guide to Creating Logos
   
   Typography Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Using Type in Graphic Design
   
   Publication Design Workbook
   
   Color Design Workbook: A Real World Guide to Using Color in Graphic Design



5. You will learn something if you are a novice, but if you have already taken a layout course this book doesn't offer you much.

5 comments about Universal Principles of Design.

1. This is a great book if you are looking for short explanation about design principles.



2. What's great about this book is it's organization and brevity. The authors articulate the design concepts in clear manner and supply concrete examples (on opposing pages) to add weight and understanding to the written explanation. Furthermore all concepts are linked to the canonical papers from which they come as well as the more modern advances in the field.
   
   It's a book your feel comfortable trusting.
   
   A design book that takes the additional care to give the audience a conceptual table of contents (of concepts grouped by type) *as well as* an alphabetical table of contents is the type of book that is, well...
   
   Well designed.



3. This book is indispensable for anyone looking for a grasp on design fundamentals without going to design school. The organization, examples and presentation are top-drawer. So intuitively done. For the non-designer, a wonderful reference and primer on classic design principals and why they matter. Should be on the desk of any marketer who works with creatives and wants a better understanding and appreciation of great design.



4. Universal Principles of Design is an accessible addition to design understanding. The information has been distilled into a consistent and clear format that allows key design principles to be quickly appreciated. It is the product of a considerable research endeavour; references sources are quoted allowing further exploration of the principles. The graphics and format, as to be expected in a book design of principles, makes delving into this book an enjoyable experience. I just wish I had a copy of this book as a student, many years ago, but you are never too old to learn and experience new ideas and perhaps reinforce design concepts that you have known for a long time.



5. Each of the 100 design guidelines ranging from photography to software design will present an explanation with references to relevant sources accompanied by one or more examples.
   
   With this book you can simply recognize the good rules, not remember you read about them somewhere. ;)