Graphic Design School

by Alan Swann

A thorough, carefully structured course in graphic design compiled by a practising designer with 20 years of experience Completely revised and updated to cover computer-aided design and the use of software applications in all aspects of commercial design Practical guidance on design for magazines, books, packaging, advertising, and corporate design Tips on producing professional work from leading design practitioners Illustrated in full color throughout, including projects for students to work through and solutions to real-life problems

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Design

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1990

Reviews

[Diz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that I found in my library that I decided to check out. It is basically an introductory textbook for graphic design courses. The approach that this book takes is exploratory rather than theoretical. In other words, it provides examples of good design and then offers a lot of hands on projects for students to try out. This allows students to get a feel for what works and doesn't work. For the projects to work really well, I think it would require critique from a teacher or professional, though. This is an older book (published in 1997), so some of the examples, especially the ones produced on computer, look a bit dated. Also, there is no mention of web design or online advertising design, which I think would be included in a more modern textbook. As such, this book isn't bad, it's just dated.

[Hugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any book written about the Design world is dated almost immediately upon creation. There is so much this book lacks due to it being in a constantly updated field. And it's pre-internet boom so it doesn't have any info on current technology or marketing practices.

But when it comes to teaching the basic principles of design and art creation, you can't go wrong. Just take the lessons included and update them for modern times and they can be just as useful.

I got a Bachelor's in Design and everything covered in this book is what you learn in the first two years of a design degree. You'd be getting yourself a headstart to be familiar with all the terms in here before you start coursework like that .