Idea Index

by Jim Krause

The tremendous practicality of these clever little design books has made them enormously popular among idea-hungry designers. Each one presents hundreds of creative variations on type, graphics and layouts that are sure to offer an elegant solution to any design challenge -- even under a tight deadline. Each book is portable, packed with inspiration and neatly packaged in a colorful, sturdy vinyl jacket. This portable, browseable compendium of graphic and type idea generators features hundreds of visual and conceptual suggestions designed to stimulate, quicken and expand the creative process.

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

Paperback

First published May 1, 2000

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

[Cami Travis-Groves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect gem of a book for ideas on logo design.

[Rob · Rating 2 out of 5]

An average quality compendium of "ideas" for graphic design projects. It runs through some assorted concepts to help you during your more fallow periods... It will show off an example of juxtaposed elements or how to create an impact with differently sized elements or how to create tension with "misplaced" design elements, etc.

Unlike its siblings (i.e., Color Index and Layout Index) I wouldn't really describe this one as a "best practice" guide. That doesn't make it bad... It just didn't seem as useful in the long-run. I could see how it might be very useful to some folks -- there were certainly times when I got some good ideas from it -- but for the most part you're probably better off just looking for inspiration in the things around you in your everyday experience.

3 stars if you're new to graphic design; 2 if you've been at it for a while

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book I keep on my desk at work. Makes for a great reference book and can help jog my brain to get out of an endless loop of similar designs. However, I find this isn't the first book I generally reach for to get inspired.

[Mrelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Kate Zirkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book!

[Andi Boediman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small book that spark an inspiring journey to the design exploration. Good for designer that needs a jolt for the brain.

[Bjm Index]

9

[Yukie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A jumping off point to come up with your own ideas...

[Nelly Jica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its ok fir quick referencing but thats it.

[Sara Al-Mutairi]

Brainstormer. I find it very helpful.

[Kanit Nutong · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, I use it as one of my reference book.