Visible Signs: an introduction to semiotics in the visual arts by
Visible Signs- An Introduction to Semiotics in the Visual Arts (second edition) is an update to the popular first edition, which introduces design students and practitioners to the fundamentals of semiotics. Basic semiotic theories are taught in most art schools as part of a contextual studies program, but many students find it difficult to understand how these ideas might impact on their own practice. This book explains semiotic terms and theories in relation to visual communication, with illustrative examples taken from contemporary art and design. Concepts such as signs and signifiers, language and speech are explored within the framework of graphic design and fine art.
Graphic Design History by
Graphic Design Historytraces the social and cultural role of visual communication from prehistory to the present, connecting what designers do every day to a history of innovative graphic forms and effects. It offers a unique and exciting set of critical lenses for thinking about the cultural purpose and historical dimensions of the graphic designer’s work, placing emphasis on the relevance of the history to the practices of designers today. Designed by the authors, the book is beautiful, spacious, and elegant. Clearly organized into three content-rich layers, it is informative yet lively and driven by ideas that offer ways of thinking about graphic design from a wealth of historical examples
A History of Graphic Design by
Critical acclaim for previous editions of A History of Graphic Design "I expect it to become a foundation and keystone of serious study . . . it is a fortress work." -Communication Arts "[It] traces the role of the designer as a messenger of culture." -STA Journal "Now . . . a hefty, yet concise, documentation of the entire field exists." -Print "It is a noble and formidable undertaking." -he Artist's Magazine "An excellent and invaluable work." -Library Journal "This is a reference work that reads like a novel. It's comprehensive, authoritative, graphic, and exciting." -U&lc: The Journal of Typographics "[This book] establishes graphic design as a profession. Bravo!" -Design Issues "A significant attempt at a comprehensive history of graphic design . . . it will be an eye-opener not only for general readers, but for designers who have been unaware of their legacy." -The New York Times "Mr. Meggs enthusiastically conveys these excitements to us, from the invention of photography and 'popular graphics of the Victorian era' through the Arts and Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, the Secession, the isms . . . to the Modern Movement. . . . More importantly, he shows us the joins as well as the parts."-rinting World After a decade of research by the author, the first edition of A History of Graphic Design was heralded as a publishing landmark by the Association of American Publishers, who awarded it a coveted award for publishing excellence. Now, after fifteen years of development in graphic design, this expanded and updated Third Edition includes hundreds of full-color images and new material in many areas, including alphabets, Japanese and Dutch graphics, and the computer revolution which has impacted all aspects of contemporary design and communications. With its approximately 1,200 illustrations, lucid text, and interpretive captions, the book reveals a saga of creative innovators, breakthrough technologies, and important design innovations. Graphic design is a vital component of each culture and period in human history, and in this account, an extraordinary panorama of people and events unfolds, including: * The Invention of Writing and Alphabets * Medieval Manuscript Books * The Origins of Printing and Typography * Renaissance Graphic Design * The Arts and Crafts Movement * Victorian and Art Nouveau Graphics * Modern Art and Its Impact on Design * Visual Identity and Conceptual Images * Postmodern Design * The Computer Graphics Revolution A History of Graphic Design is recognized as a seminal work; this Third Edition surpasses in detail and breadth the content, design, and color reproduction of previous editions. It is required reading for professionals, students, and everyone who works with or loves the world of graphic design. This comprehensive reference tool is an invaluable visual survey that you will turn to again and again.
Web and Digital for Graphic Designers by
Creative web design requires knowledge from across the design and technical realms, and it can seem like a daunting task working out where to get started.In this book the authors take you through all you need to know about designing for the web and digital, from initial concepts and client needs, through layout and typography to basic coding, e-commerce and working with different platforms. The companion website provides step-by-step tutorial videos, HTML/CSS styling tips and links to useful resources to really help you get to grips with all the aspects of web design. Working alongside the text are interviews with international designers and critical commentaries looking at best practice and theoretical considerations.Written for graphic designers, this book delivers more than just an instruction manual - it provides a complete overview of designing for the web.
Graphic Design, Referenced by
Graphic Design, Referenced is a visual and informational guide to the most commonly referenced terms, historical moments, landmark projects, and influential practitioners in the field of graphic design. With more than 2,000 design projects illustrating more than 400 entries, it provides an intense overview of the varied elements that make up the graphic design profession through a unique set of chapters: "principles" defines the very basic foundation of what constitutes graphic design to establish the language, terms, and concepts that govern what we do and how we do it, covering layout, typography, and printing terms; "knowledge" explores the most influential sources through which we learn about graphic design from the educational institutions we attend to the magazines and books we read; "representatives" gathers the designers who over the years have proven the most prominent or have steered the course of graphic design in one way or another; and "practice" highlights some of the most iconic work produced that not only serve as examples of best practices, but also illustrate its potential lasting legacy. Graphic Design, Referenced serves as a comprehensive source of information and inspiration by documenting and chronicling the scope of contemporary graphic design, stemming from the middle of the twentieth century to today.
Drawing for Graphic Design by
Here is a complete, comprehensive drawing reference for design students and professionals alike who want to implement drawing as a professional tool. In Drawing for Graphic Design, Timothy Samara empowers readers to add drawing to their design vocabulary, featuring case studies of commercial projects from start to finish along with a showcase of real-world projects that integrate drawing as an intrinsic part of their visual communication. Filled with original author drawings and sketches, it's a must-have reference that will benefit designers of all levels.
Meggs' History of Graphic Design by
The bestselling graphic design reference, updated for the digital age Meggs' History of Graphic Design is the industry's unparalleled, award-winning reference. With over 1,400 high-quality images throughout, this visually stunning text guides you through a saga of artistic innovators, breakthrough technologies, and groundbreaking developments that define the graphic design field. The initial publication of this book was heralded as a publishing landmark, and author Philip B. Meggs is credited with significantly shaping the academic field of graphic design. Meggs presents compelling, comprehensive information enclosed in an exquisite visual format. The text includes classic topics such as the invention of writing and alphabets, the origins of printing and typography, and the advent of postmodern design. This new sixth edition has also been updated to provide: The latest key developments in web, multimedia, and interactive design Expanded coverage of design in Asia and the Middle East Emerging design trends and technologies Timelines framed in a broader historical context to help you better understand the evolution of contemporary graphic design Extensive ancillary materials including an instructor's manual, expanded image identification banks, flashcards, and quizzes You can't master a field without knowing the history. Meggs' History of Graphic Design presents an all-inclusive, visually spectacular arrangement of graphic design knowledge for students and professionals. Learn the milestones, developments, and pioneers of the trade so that you can shape the future.
The Language of Graphic Design by
For anyone trying to communicate in a new language, one has to first gain a complete understanding of its fundamentals; the ABC's of that language--definitions, functions, and usage. The Language of Graphic Design provides graphic design students and practitioners with an in-depth understanding of the fundamental elements and principles of their language--graphic design--what they are, why they are important, and how to use them effectively. Organized by the building blocks of the graphic design language, this reference includes work by some of the most successful and renowned practitioners from around the world and how they have applied these fundamental principles to their work. By examining both student and professional work, this comprehensive handbook is a more meaningful, memorable, and inspiring reference tool for novice design students, as well as young designers starting their careers. To understand visual communications one has to first understand by seeing. To develop this discipline or visual sense is similar to learning a new language with its own unique alphabet, lexicon (vocabulary), and syntax (sentence structure). This book provides clear, concise information that will enhance visual literacy, while using dynamic, memorable visual references to inspire and reinforce the skill of seeing.
The Graphic Design Reference and Specification Book by
The Graphic Design Reference & Specification Book is a must-have sourcebook for every designer--amateur of professional. Completely practical with only the most needed information, this valuable book provides designers with all the little details that can make or break a design, such as: How much space to leave in the gutter when designing barrel folds How to layout a template for a box, and the ratios of each part Metric conversion charts Copyright and trademark standards Proofreaders' symbols Image file formats Standard camera formats and sizes Finding the best scanning resolution Type basics and terminology Guide to printing processes Paper usage guide Standard binding types Process color finder Proofing methods Standard envelope sizes in the USA, Europe, Canada and Asia And much more. Take thisreference everywhere you go for details on all the things you can never find but need to know when designing. The Reference & Specification Book series from Rockport Publishers offers students and practicing professionals in a range of creative industries must-have information in their area of specialty in an up-to-date, concise handbook.
Numbers in Graphic Design by
Focusing on how graphic designers tackle the ordering of number-heavy information, this book shows how the best design minds around grapple with timetables, annual reports, and other data-rich documents. It also surveys highly creative and playful typographic experiments with the more abstract notion of numeric information. Numbers in Graphic Design is the sourcebook for any designer who wants to be able to work with numbers creatively and with confidence.
Graphic Design in Urban Environments by
Graphic Design in Urban Environments introduces the idea of a category of designed graphic objects that significantly contribute to the functioning of urban systems. These elements, smaller than buildings, are generally understood by urban designers to comprise such phenomena as sculpture, clock towers, banners, signs, large screens, the portrayal of images on buildings through "smart screens," and other examples of what urban designers call "urban objects."The graphic object as it is defined here also refers to a range of familiar things invariably named in the literature as maps, street numbers, route signs, bus placards, signs, architectural communication, commercial vernacular, outdoor publicity, lettering, banners, screens, traffic and direction signs and street furniture. One can also add markings of a sports pitch, lighting, bollards, even red carpets or well dressings.By looking at the environment, and design and deconstructing form and context relationships, the defining properties and configurational patterns that make up graphic objects are shown in this book to link the smallest graphic detail (e.g. the number 16) to larger symbolic statements (e.g. the Empire State Building). From a professional design practice perspective, a cross section through type, typographic, graphic and urban design will provide a framework for considering the design transition between alphabets, writing systems, images (in the broadest sense) and environments.
Design Elements, Color Fundamentals by
Color is an integral part of any design solution. Design Elements, Color Fundamentals is an essential resource for designers who want to create memorable design and successfully communicate with their audience. It is the second book in Rockport's Design Elements series, which focuses on the core elements of design. With this book, designers will: --Learn how to effectively communicate with color and integrate color with type and image to affect meaning and create order --See how known pairings and selection methods can be used in real-world projects --Explore hundreds of visual examples, illustrating how effective color combinations can be applied to any project, across media, and in diverse, cultural, and geographic situations --Realize the basic tenets of color theory as it is broken down into clear and actionable directives --Uncover tips and techniques for using color in client-based design work Discover the basic rules for working with color as well as when it's OK to break the rules with Design Elements, Color Fundamentals!
Best Practices for Graphic Designers, Packaging by
Best Practices for Graphic Designers, Packaging, takes you through the entire packaging process from strategy and concept development, through choosing the right materials, naming systems, studying the competition, surveying the shelf landscape and more. Gain strategic insights on all aspects of package design. From starting with a blank slate all the way up to a finished product, this informative guide to all-things-packaging covers the steps of implementation of packaging design, utilizing a variety of case studies and examples, including practical real-world information about client and vendor interaction. With more than a decade of package design under their belts, Grip has worked with clients big and small to help them with their branding and packaging needs and increasing their bottom line. They bring their real world experience straight to you in this must-have reference.
Becoming a Graphic and Digital Designer by
Begin your graphic design career now, with the guidance of industry experts Becoming a Graphic and Digital Designer is a single source guide to the myriad of options available to those pursuing a graphic design career. With an emphasis on portfolio requirements and job opportunities, this guide helps both students and individuals interested in entering the design field prepare for successful careers. Coverage includes design inspiration, design genres, and design education, with discussion of the specific career options available in print, interactive, and motion design. Interviews with leading designers like Michael Bierut, Stefan Sagmeister, and Mirko Ilic give readers an insider's perspective on career trajectory and a glimpse into everyday operations and inspirations at a variety of companies and firms. Design has become a multi-platform activity that involves aesthetic, creative, and technical expertise. Becoming a Graphic and Digital Designer shows readers that the field once known as "graphic design" is now richer and more inviting than ever before. Learn how to think like a designer and approach projects systematically Discover the varied career options available within graphic design Gain insight from some of the leading designers in their fields Compile a portfolio optimized to your speciality of choice Graphic designers' work appears in magazines, advertisements, video games, movies, exhibits, computer programs, packaging, corporate materials, and more. Aspiring designers are sure to find their place in the industry, regardless of specific interests. Becoming a Graphic and Digital Designer provides a roadmap and compass for the journey, which begins today.
Information Design Workbook by
Kim Baer, is principal of Los Angeles-based design studio KBDA, which she founded in 1982. The firm's client list ranges from nonprofit organizations, such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation, UCLA, and Chamber Music Los Angeles, to consumer-oriented companies, such as Nike, Nissan, and Hilton Hotels.
An Introduction to Information Design by
Information design is the visualization of information through graphic design. This invaluable guide provides a creative, informative, and practical introduction to the general principles of information design. With chapters on understanding the audience, structure, legibility and readability, selection of media, experimentation and multi-platform delivery, An Introduction to Information Design gives a complete overview of this fundamental aspect of visual communication. Fully illustrated case studies from leading designers provide professional insight into the challenges involved in creating information design for print, interactive and environmental media. Practical exercises and tips enable the reader to put this learning into practice. This makes it the perfect book for graphic design students as well as design enthusiasts.
Design Elements, Typography Fundamentals by
Explore the fundamentals of typography with this practical new guide. An instructional reader rather than historical survey, Design Elements: Typography Fundamentals uses well-founded, guiding principles to teach the language of type and how to use it capably. Designers are left with a solid ground on which to design with type. Limitless potential for meaningful and creative communication exists--this is the field guide for the journey!
