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Abstract Design and How to Create It
Students, designers, and craftspeople who want to create their own abstract patterns and designs will find this profusely illustrated guide one of the best books available on the subject. After an introductory chapter dealing with the geometric basis of design, the author goes on to discuss implements and their use (T-square, compass, dividers, ruling pen, etc.), borders, textile patterns, nature study, and treatment.
Over 380 illustrations include many diagrams, designs for title pages, border patterns, allover patterns, textile patterns, and historical examples from an extraordinary number of cultures and Assyrian stone carvings, Greek and Roman jewelry, 18th-century English silverwork, and more. Thorough and comprehensive, Abstract Design and How to Create It will be an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to learn the principles and techniques of creating nonrepresentative designs.
Over 380 illustrations include many diagrams, designs for title pages, border patterns, allover patterns, textile patterns, and historical examples from an extraordinary number of cultures and Assyrian stone carvings, Greek and Roman jewelry, 18th-century English silverwork, and more. Thorough and comprehensive, Abstract Design and How to Create It will be an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to learn the principles and techniques of creating nonrepresentative designs.
- GenresArtNonfictionDesign
224 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 26, 2026
I was trying to draw decorative borders the other day and was fortunate enough to stumble across this book.
It is informative and instructional; anyone struggling with patterned designs will find this incredibly helpful. Fenn’s writing is sharp and concise, but still provides sufficient description to understand the structure of the designs, as well as the process of creating them.
It looks at designs from a number of sources both historically and geographically (including examples of Egyptian, Assyrian, Greek, Indian, Chinese, and Persian designs), also briefly mentioning the various influences of the styles. Additionally, it describes the numerous places where such designs can be found, including mosaic, wood carvings, vases, mummy cases, iron railings, and jewellery.
This approach was not only more interesting than a mere step-by-step instruction manual, but also contextualised the designs in the world and in history, leading to a much greater appreciation of the subject matter and the art of diverse cultures.
Genuinely an illuminating read!
It is informative and instructional; anyone struggling with patterned designs will find this incredibly helpful. Fenn’s writing is sharp and concise, but still provides sufficient description to understand the structure of the designs, as well as the process of creating them.
It looks at designs from a number of sources both historically and geographically (including examples of Egyptian, Assyrian, Greek, Indian, Chinese, and Persian designs), also briefly mentioning the various influences of the styles. Additionally, it describes the numerous places where such designs can be found, including mosaic, wood carvings, vases, mummy cases, iron railings, and jewellery.
This approach was not only more interesting than a mere step-by-step instruction manual, but also contextualised the designs in the world and in history, leading to a much greater appreciation of the subject matter and the art of diverse cultures.
Genuinely an illuminating read!
July 27, 2025
Really good book on abstract design. Originally published in 1930.
“Elegance is the absence of vulgarity and in this context, at least, the diagrams are truly elegant.”
Author breaks up design into repeating shapes and explains the geometry/thinking behind some of the designs. I really appreciated it. There is plenty of advice eg that balance and silhouette should be considerations when doing nature studies.
There are a few concepts - borders, which use (1) squares and panels (2) undulating lines. Textile patterns, which use straight lines, drop patterns, net patterns, scale patterns, etc. And it ends with some notes on nature study.
Other notes: I learned about mitral angles, which is the bisection of the angle at which lines meet.
“Elegance is the absence of vulgarity and in this context, at least, the diagrams are truly elegant.”
Author breaks up design into repeating shapes and explains the geometry/thinking behind some of the designs. I really appreciated it. There is plenty of advice eg that balance and silhouette should be considerations when doing nature studies.
There are a few concepts - borders, which use (1) squares and panels (2) undulating lines. Textile patterns, which use straight lines, drop patterns, net patterns, scale patterns, etc. And it ends with some notes on nature study.
Other notes: I learned about mitral angles, which is the bisection of the angle at which lines meet.
January 2, 2018
It was a really good book, and had very interesting designs for designing art.
February 8, 2017
What a marvelous, uptight little volume. The pinched tone of the writing is a perfect accompaniment to the precision expected from the writer. Repetitive designs and their variations are broken down with clarity about their structure.
January 12, 2009
Great reference book for designs and strongly articulated design philosophy by author, Amor Fenn.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews