The Little Book of Layouts: Good Designs and Why They Work

by David E. Carter

Layout is the fundamental element underlying any design project, of any kind.So when you're undertaking a new project, the first thing you'll need to decide on is your layout. OK. But what if you aren't inspired. Now what? Pick up this book, where you will find 400 different layouts (grouped into four advertising, editorial, covers and brochures). Now, you can flip through the book and see something you like. You don't have to copy it. In fact, you probably won't. But you'll see an idea, and then you'll think of a way to modify that design . . . and soon you have your fresh layout. That's what this book is about. Bonus each page features call-out notes of easily understandable comments to quickly convey the good elements of the depicted layout.

Genres: Design

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

About the author

David Edward Carter was an American businessman and writer on graphic design, logo design, and corporate branding. He wrote many books on trademark and logo design and won a number of regional Emmys for his local television productions. After moving to Sanibel Island, Carter had teamed with Pfeifer Realty Group owner Eric Pfeifer to make several historical documentaries about Sanibel Island, including Sanibel Before the Causeway and Postcards and Pictures from Sanibel.

Reviews

[Noemi]

fun stoned

[Siyu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this in 2017 makes me appreciate how far we've come since early 2000s in the field of graphic design.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book inhabits my desk at work. When I lose my luster for ad design, I take a few minutes to thumb through the pages to refresh my creative juices.

Love the use of sticky notes to illustrate the elements that work in the designs.