What do you think?
Rate this book
Graphic Design as a Second Language: Bob Gill
This publication is part of the Handson Graphics series - an exciting and unique collection exploring the work of respected and highly talented international designers. The books in this series are primarily aimed at students and teachers of design. However they also provide an invaluable resource for all those interested in grahic design. The content is international, collectable and accessible to all. Bob Gill's Graphic Design as a Second Language is a practical and palatable educational resource, aimed at students of graphic design. It provides a comprehensive package of the fundamentals of design, offering an important insight into how to develop original work.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published July 17, 2006
2 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 6, 2017
Graphic design is as much of problem solving as aesthetics, if not more. Bob Gill shows you his process to generate new ideas, going from a general design problem to a more specific, interesting question that lead to a design.
An example from the book:
Original problem: Magazine illustration of working at home
Problem redefined: Represent the extreme of both states (working in office and at home) in one image.
As Bob said it: "Unless you can begin with an interesting problem, it is unlikely that you will end up with an interesting solution".
The book is full of illustrations of his work and process. It's a quick, entertaining read that motivates you to think outside of the box.
An example from the book:
Original problem: Magazine illustration of working at home
Problem redefined: Represent the extreme of both states (working in office and at home) in one image.
As Bob said it: "Unless you can begin with an interesting problem, it is unlikely that you will end up with an interesting solution".
The book is full of illustrations of his work and process. It's a quick, entertaining read that motivates you to think outside of the box.
December 20, 2017
VERRY GOOD
November 14, 2019
Bob Gill encapsulates what Graphic Design is all about in this book.
July 18, 2016
He’s brilliant:
- Too much variety is as boring as no variety.
- Take what you’ve seen a hundred times and notice it.
- Unnatural catches your attention.
- The more detailed your problem definition, the more interesting your solution.
- If the words have to describe the image, your image sucks.
- “Have you ever noticed that when pictures that have been hanging on the wall for some time, are removed, they leave marks? These marks can become a fresh way of saying an art gallery has moved.”
My next three projects are def: collage, montage and repetition.
- Too much variety is as boring as no variety.
- Take what you’ve seen a hundred times and notice it.
- Unnatural catches your attention.
- The more detailed your problem definition, the more interesting your solution.
- If the words have to describe the image, your image sucks.
- “Have you ever noticed that when pictures that have been hanging on the wall for some time, are removed, they leave marks? These marks can become a fresh way of saying an art gallery has moved.”
My next three projects are def: collage, montage and repetition.
January 19, 2021
Eschews trendy visual gimmicks in favor of graphic design as problem solving. Ideas > style. Essential reading for aspiring designers and burnt out professionals alike.
February 19, 2009
I like it. Very candid and thoughtful approach to graphic design. If you don't like the rules, you don't have to do them.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews