Layout Index

by Jim Krause

Idea Index kick-started a revolution in graphic design books, unique in size, feel-and most important-wealth of ideas. Layout Index is the next step, a compendium of layout idea-generators that will help designers explore multiple possibilities for visual treatments each time they turn the page. The visual and textual suggestions are divided into eight major areas, including newsletters, flyers, posters, brochures, advertising, stationery, page layout, and Web pages.

Genres: Design, Reference, Nonfiction, Art, Art Design, How To, Graphic Novels

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 16, 2001

About the author

Jim Krause has worked as a designer in the Pacific Northwest since the 1980s. He has produced award-winning work for clients large and small, including Microsoft, McDonald's, Kodak, Cingular Wireless, Washington Apples, Levi Strauss, Paccar/Kenworth, and Seattle Public Schools. Jim Krause has written over 15 books on design, creativity, and digital photography. His books are widely popular and are on sale around the world. Several have been translated into multiple languages.
Krause's latest books are Color Index XL, Lessons in Typography, Visual Design and Color For Designers.
When Jim isn't working on books, he can usually be found riding or racing either a motorcycle or a bicycle, hiking, reading, roasting coffee beans in his back yard, drinking espresso, or doing an art project of some kind or another.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

More/less a compendium of "best practice" layouts. If you're an inexperienced or novice graphic designer or have had graphic design thrust upon you ("But I'm a developer!") then this is a great book to keep handy; if you're a little more experienced, it's still a good one to keep around for quick ideas ("...and the mock-up is due tomorrow morning 10am sharp!") or to loan out to your apprentices.

Typical use case for this book: your creative energy is low and you have a looming deadline on a series of mock-ups. Skim through this book, grab a couple of layouts that looks like they'll work with your material and adapt them to fit.

There is nothing particularly novel or ground-breaking in here but it's still useful for times when the pressure is on and ideas aren't quite there.

4 stars for graphic design novices and/or non-designers; 3 stars for more experienced designers.

[Leo Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting, easy-to-follow guide if you want to graphically design anything, from a website to a business flier to a PowerPoint presentation. Choc-full of ideas that will yield a professional-looking, well-composed design that "hangs together." No fuss. No muss. Just wonderful ideas.

[Nabeel Mohammed · Rating 1 out of 5]

Outdated, mostly irrelevant

Really needs a more modern update. When released this may have been an essential resource but today is more of a history lesson.

[James Wilhite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

I have the books on type and color from this author. They are go to references. This one on design layout is a helpful, creative masterpiece. Bravo!

[Esteban Candia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Me pareció malísimo. Realmente, no aporta nada. Y no solo eso, sino que todo lo que muestra, además de absolutamente inservible, es muy, pero muy feo.

[Maarja Janson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the idea of this book and tips and tricks. Always entertaining to learn from the past. 😁

[Sasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Speaking of layout... this book is hard to read. There's a reason most art (etc) books are on the larger side. This one is quite small. The idea is a good one, but there's little information actually offered or conveyed per piece.

[Mrelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I'm brainstorming or low on inspiration, I love to have my "index" books handy.

[Patrick Quinnelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference book!

[Kate Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book!

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book on my desk at work to help jog creativity when it lapses.

[Gregory Diemart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful when I was stuck on how something should flow in a project.

[Michelle]

small size, good idea springboard, samples of several different related designs for the same project

[Hamed jafari · Rating 5 out of 5]

0

[Barbara Emanuel · Rating 1 out of 5]

waste of money