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The Graphic Design Idea Book: Inspiration from 50 Masters
This book serves as an introduction to the key elements of good design.
Broken into sections covering the fundamental elements of design, key works by acclaimed designers serve to illustrate technical points and encourage readers to try out new ideas. Themes covered include form, narrative, color, type and image, ornament, simplicity, and wit and humour.
The result is an instantly accessible and easy to understand guide to graphic design using professional techniques.
Broken into sections covering the fundamental elements of design, key works by acclaimed designers serve to illustrate technical points and encourage readers to try out new ideas. Themes covered include form, narrative, color, type and image, ornament, simplicity, and wit and humour.
The result is an instantly accessible and easy to understand guide to graphic design using professional techniques.
128 pages, Paperback
First published April 13, 2016
71 people are currently reading
921 people want to read
About the author
Steven Heller
327 books207 followersSteven Heller writes a monthly column on graphic design books for The New York Times Book Review and is co-chair of MFA Design at the School of Visual Arts. He has written more than 100 books on graphic design, illustration and political art, including Paul Rand, Merz to Emigre and Beyond: Avant Garde Magazine Design of the Twentieth Century, Design Literacy: Understanding Graphic Design Second Edition, Handwritten: Expressive Lettering in the Digital Age, Graphic Design History, Citizen Designer, Seymour Chwast: The Left Handed Designer, The Push Pin Graphic: Twenty Five Years of Design and Illustration, Stylepedia: A Guide to Graphic Design Mannerisms, Quirks, and Conceits, The Anatomy of Design: Uncovering the Influences and Inspirations in Modern Graphic Design. He edits VOICE: The AIGA Online Journal of Graphic Design, and writes for Baseline, Design Observer, Eye, Grafik, I.D., Metropolis, Print, and Step. Steven is the recipient of the Art Directors Club Special Educators Award, the AIGA Medal for Lifetime Achievement, and the School of Visual Arts' Masters Series Award.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 17, 2017
There are moments in the life of a modern-day graphic designer when he or she gets stumped with a design problem. Spinning the proverbial wheels, minutes turn into a hour and nothing one does in front of their computer seems to be solving it. What to do? This book encourages the solution…thinking, understanding, examples, history, learning…and ideas. Ideas with the stories or rationale behind them. Rather than wall-to-wall imagery à la Pinterest, this book constructively explains basic design precepts in a way that sticks. Connecting a conceptual premise with an established graphic design example (by one of 50 celebrated design thinkers including Saul Bass, Michael Bierut & Stefan Sagmeister) on each spread, the authors demonstrate an effective idea in action.
For example, the idea of simplicity or “less is more” is demonstrated with a visual that shows seemingly very little: 4 boxes with varying line weights cropped together on a primarily bare poster. However the explanation behind it reveals the power behind the design. Such a simple thing but with so much impact. Although we live in a chaotically busy digital realm where full color spectrum is the norm, the premise that LESS content IS MORE impactful, can really hit home, when explained in comprehensive detail. The thinking behind these examples are primarily print, but it doesn’t mean the precepts end there. Many of the ideas covered can carry over into web, app, product, package or even interior design disciplines. They also transcend overused design trends, visuals or typography in pursuit of the core visual device.
Having an easy guide of these key ideas is well-delivered in a short but sweet compact print book that encourages the reader to spend time with it thoughtfully, even if for a moment, or an hour on the couch. Intelligently written and designed by the very capable powerhouse art direction team of Steven Heller and Gail Anderson (just “Google" how many books Heller has written on the subject of graphic design alone), this is yet another pairing that makes for a book that stands apart from others in an unassuming way. Described as “Inspiration from 50 Masters” much is covered here; fundamental design themes of scale, perspective, color to more complex ones like abstraction, collage & parody. Part graphic design history primer, part mentor in a book, part light inspirational reading, this is worthy as a design resource equally when panic or boredom strikes. Also recommended is the equally enjoyable and structured “The Typography Idea Book”, written by the same authors. I wouldn’t categorize this book as a design classic per se, but it’s a useful one.
For example, the idea of simplicity or “less is more” is demonstrated with a visual that shows seemingly very little: 4 boxes with varying line weights cropped together on a primarily bare poster. However the explanation behind it reveals the power behind the design. Such a simple thing but with so much impact. Although we live in a chaotically busy digital realm where full color spectrum is the norm, the premise that LESS content IS MORE impactful, can really hit home, when explained in comprehensive detail. The thinking behind these examples are primarily print, but it doesn’t mean the precepts end there. Many of the ideas covered can carry over into web, app, product, package or even interior design disciplines. They also transcend overused design trends, visuals or typography in pursuit of the core visual device.
Having an easy guide of these key ideas is well-delivered in a short but sweet compact print book that encourages the reader to spend time with it thoughtfully, even if for a moment, or an hour on the couch. Intelligently written and designed by the very capable powerhouse art direction team of Steven Heller and Gail Anderson (just “Google" how many books Heller has written on the subject of graphic design alone), this is yet another pairing that makes for a book that stands apart from others in an unassuming way. Described as “Inspiration from 50 Masters” much is covered here; fundamental design themes of scale, perspective, color to more complex ones like abstraction, collage & parody. Part graphic design history primer, part mentor in a book, part light inspirational reading, this is worthy as a design resource equally when panic or boredom strikes. Also recommended is the equally enjoyable and structured “The Typography Idea Book”, written by the same authors. I wouldn’t categorize this book as a design classic per se, but it’s a useful one.
May 24, 2021
Ojo buenísimas ideas. Expuestas sin fliparse, sin mucha historia. Como debe ser. Funciona muy bien porque los ejemplos son tremendamente chulotes. Viva.
December 16, 2016
This review originally appeared in the November 2016 edition of "Technical Communication".
The Graphic Design Idea Book: Inspiration from 50 Masters is designed to showcase a combination of themes, ideas, and styles used in graphic design. It tours artwork and design starting with the mid-20th century and continuing up to recent times. As expected of a graphic design book, there are illustrations paired with every concept in the book.
Heller and Anderson took the approach that the best way to convey graphic design is to create a book where the works of graphic design leaders illustrate concepts to the reader. First, the authors created thematic groups such as “Experiment with design” and “Communicate a message” and placed the artwork and styles into each group. Each grouping contain several concepts, such as “white space,” “collage,” and “mood.” Every conceptual section contains a list of the artists featured in that section but does not contain an explanation as to why the grouping was created, or how the concepts and artists were chosen for that group. In turn, each concept is represented by a two-page spread featuring one page of commentary and one page of illustration by an artist whose work exemplifies the concept. For example, in the “Play with type and image” group, the concept of tromp l’oeil is first explained. The descriptive text explains the history of how tromp l’oeil evolved and how modern advertisements take advantage of such optical illusions to attract attention to their products. On the opposite page is the illustration of a 1962 shoe advertisement. The ad features a bus where the ad banner appears where the passenger’s legs and feet would be, giving the illusion that you are looking through the side of the bus at their shoes. The whole book follows this pattern so you can easily flip through looking for visual ideas and then read an explanation of the displayed technique.
Overall, The Graphic Design Idea Book is a fun introduction to the art of graphic design. The prose is clean and easy to read, and the illustrations are well-paired with their associated themes. It is not heavy or authoritative and is intended to both clarify ideas and to inspire artists. If you are looking for a good place to start with graphic design, this book is a good choice. While it won’t teach you to be an artist, it can help focus your existing artistic skills into established styles. Therefore, I recommend The Graphic Design Idea Book to anyone interested in learning how artwork can be used for commercial purposes and to anyone interested in a survey in the past 100 years of graphic art.
The Graphic Design Idea Book: Inspiration from 50 Masters is designed to showcase a combination of themes, ideas, and styles used in graphic design. It tours artwork and design starting with the mid-20th century and continuing up to recent times. As expected of a graphic design book, there are illustrations paired with every concept in the book.
Heller and Anderson took the approach that the best way to convey graphic design is to create a book where the works of graphic design leaders illustrate concepts to the reader. First, the authors created thematic groups such as “Experiment with design” and “Communicate a message” and placed the artwork and styles into each group. Each grouping contain several concepts, such as “white space,” “collage,” and “mood.” Every conceptual section contains a list of the artists featured in that section but does not contain an explanation as to why the grouping was created, or how the concepts and artists were chosen for that group. In turn, each concept is represented by a two-page spread featuring one page of commentary and one page of illustration by an artist whose work exemplifies the concept. For example, in the “Play with type and image” group, the concept of tromp l’oeil is first explained. The descriptive text explains the history of how tromp l’oeil evolved and how modern advertisements take advantage of such optical illusions to attract attention to their products. On the opposite page is the illustration of a 1962 shoe advertisement. The ad features a bus where the ad banner appears where the passenger’s legs and feet would be, giving the illusion that you are looking through the side of the bus at their shoes. The whole book follows this pattern so you can easily flip through looking for visual ideas and then read an explanation of the displayed technique.
Overall, The Graphic Design Idea Book is a fun introduction to the art of graphic design. The prose is clean and easy to read, and the illustrations are well-paired with their associated themes. It is not heavy or authoritative and is intended to both clarify ideas and to inspire artists. If you are looking for a good place to start with graphic design, this book is a good choice. While it won’t teach you to be an artist, it can help focus your existing artistic skills into established styles. Therefore, I recommend The Graphic Design Idea Book to anyone interested in learning how artwork can be used for commercial purposes and to anyone interested in a survey in the past 100 years of graphic art.
March 17, 2020
This book to me is a resume of some design principles. Each subject offer an one paragraph description in bold followed by an example on an existing design. The content of the book is divided in 5 sections: design experimentation, type and image, media and techniques, design history and communication. I would recommend it as a starting point to learn more about design. I personally would use it as a refresher.
April 4, 2019
It was well curated and had helpful examples however the tone of the writing felt very fingerwaggy "don't you baby designers do [insert dumb thing here]" which could be helpful if it wasn't written in such a grouchy tone OR we got one bad design to show what not to do next to the good design
February 20, 2025
es šo grāmatiņu nopirku kā pašmācības līdzekli, kad gandrīz 8 gadus atpakaļ iestājos tehnikumā par multimediju dizaina speciālisti aka veco labo grafisko dizaineri. es grāmatu līdz šim tā arī nebiju izlasījusi, laikam blunt proof, ka šī profesija tomēr nebija mans dzīves aicinājums. tolaik biju pārāk aizņemta ar savu dzīvi, ka skola un mācības man bija pašā pēdējā vietā. tagad lasot ar skaidro adult mind es spēju izbaudīt un novērtēt šo mākslas veidu, kurā man ir diploms, bet nekāda lielā talanta nekad nav bijis. varbūt pat talanta eksistence nav pie vainas, bet drīzāk mana lielā antipātija pret datoriem un nespēja iemācīties photoshop un illustrator lolz.
July 21, 2017
Clear and concise, the authors were straight to the point, speaking in a clear and direct language!
I really liked the format - piece of work - commentary! Especially for a designer, too much writing in a "art book" puts me off instantly. We all love pictures - we are visual people after all!
Some groundbreaking work, a staple for any designers starting out.
I really liked the format - piece of work - commentary! Especially for a designer, too much writing in a "art book" puts me off instantly. We all love pictures - we are visual people after all!
Some groundbreaking work, a staple for any designers starting out.
October 28, 2022
Short but sweet. Contains a well-organised bunch of ideas to help spark inspiration. Historical context provided, which is always appreciated. Has some practical advice to help guage when and where to apply these ideas. Kind of a nice introduction.
January 31, 2025
Una lectura complementaria estupenda, es un compendio ligero, que te da ciertas pautas y te motiva a probar nuevas técnicas y corrientes en el diseño, además de que cada maestro del libro tiene una composición gráfica en el libro con un análisis fácil de leer al lado.
January 28, 2018
I didn't find this as helpful or inspiring as other graphic design books I've read but I did learn a little bit from it.
March 5, 2018
Short, inspiring, and thought-provoking not only for designers but for anyone interested in visual culture.
June 14, 2018
Cool inspo. Pretty straight forward. I bought as a gift from me to me. Not sure if it was worth the money but then again I can't remember how much I spent? Also it's pretty.
August 8, 2019
A lovely reference book for many types of graphic design with an example for each. I'll certainly be reading through this time and time again for referencing.
February 16, 2020
My favorite discoveries were Marian Bantjes and Gerd Arntz :)
April 17, 2020
Wanted a book where I could just look at nice designs whenever I was bored, and learn a bit about graphic design. Did not disappoint
June 8, 2021
General overview of graphical art spanning from imagery, colors, and typography.
It can serve as a refreshment when in need of inspiration or an onboarding experience for newcomers.
It can serve as a refreshment when in need of inspiration or an onboarding experience for newcomers.
March 29, 2025
love—so great for inspiration
October 3, 2025
The book content is unsatisfying
April 10, 2024
The book delivers what its title promises. I don’t know that I would use this as a stand-alone textbook for an intro to graphic design course, but it would make a nice supplement for beginning students. It’s also a good read for more experienced designers looking to break out of a rut and find some fresh perspective on the process.
July 16, 2019
Lectura ideal y ágil para adentrarse en el mundo del diseño gráfico.
Ofrece ejemplos visuales de diferentes diseños acompañados de una breve reseña.
Al finalizar el libro es posible encontrar un listado de lecturas adicionales recomendadas.
Ofrece ejemplos visuales de diferentes diseños acompañados de una breve reseña.
Al finalizar el libro es posible encontrar un listado de lecturas adicionales recomendadas.
November 7, 2016
I am sucker for those "designers dissect successful designs and reveal to the layfolk why are they so great". It's a good 'un...
May 22, 2022
Dense, interesting, and quick.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews