The best graphic design does more than capture attention and make the audience linger. It prolongs the encounter, compelling the reader not only to notice, but to remember. This book is about making graphics memorable by using witty thinking. It argues that ideas which happen in the mind, stay in the mind. Beryl McAlhone and David Stuart begin by explaining what wit is and how it works. They make the case for wit in graphic design, seeing humour as the shortest distance between two people. The different routes designers can take are explainedincluding ambiguity, missing links, substitution and double-takes - to clarify the options available at the start of an assignment. A Smile in the Mind documents the power of intellectual playfulness as it invades even the corporate heartland of annual reports and the dry territory of technical literature. Designers can refer to examples for every category of graphics, from direct mail to information graphics, and for a variety of sectors from leisure and the arts to manufacturing and the law. For the finale, witty designers answer the big question: how did they get the idea? They offer a peep into their private working methods, as they check out word lists, look at things sideways, or put several jobs on the table at once. Gathering together the best examples of graphic wit over the past three decades, A Smile in the Mind shows work from over 300 designers in the USA, Britain, Europe and Japan.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
If graphic design to you is pretty decoration and the latest cool font then this book is not for you...
However, if you want to gain the ability to apply witty and conceptual thinking to create communicative and memorable graphic images, then buy this book!
Concept and wit (two forgotten tools in the "computer first" design education in today's schools) can aid the designer in creating work that provokes the viewer to solve clues in his/her mind, sometimes resulting in a smile or "aha!" When this happens the graphic image leaves a lasting impression because the viewer has participated in it's closure.
Some may consider the contents of the book "old school." But good examples of wit and ideas are two things that will never go out of style!
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I've been doing (and reviewing) graphic design for three decades now, and this is the one book that I recommend every designer have on his or her shelf. Why? Because it not only contains some of the wittiest design from the last couple of decades, but it takes a good stab at explaining what made it witty in the first place. Interestingly, you quickly learn that what makes design witty is pretty much the same thing that makes it innovative. If you're intent on mastering the art of graphic design, or if, like Paul Rand, you just want to know what you're doing, this is your book. Personally, if I were stuck on a desert island and could only have one book, this would be it. A delight from start to finish.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By torquemada
Format:Paperback
this book has an awesome collection of works by hot shot designers plus the 'receipe' for their displayed idea. this adds significant amounts of life and meaning and fun into this book. however, i cite it as a reference because most of the designed works in it are frozen in the past and will most likely need a rejuvenation process before long. the only timeless part in that book is the 'wit' section. this is something a designer must have to stay afloat in a continuously steeper competition. my rating goes for this only. again, 90% of the featured designs are the now dusty images of pentagram, the partners and the like. actual design doesnt look like this anymore. if that's what you're looking for, check out books by Metadesign, or Bruce Mau.
do i advice you to get this book? if you're a designer, YES because our past is a rough draft for a better future and there's no use denying it. amateurs and computer-only freaks will not find this book helpful at all.
do i advice you to get this book? if you're a designer, YES because our past is a rough draft for a better future and there's no use denying it. amateurs and computer-only freaks will not find this book helpful at all.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Worth the purchase
It's a great book with plenty of good examples for each witty style od design. It's super easy to read through and understand for class, as well.
Published 2 months ago by Katelyn Jacobsen
3.0 out of 5 stars
Ok quality, fast service
The book arrived within the time period that was promised, and it was nicely packed. The product was in good quality otherwise, but the front cover was aged yellow (probably... Read more
Published on January 10, 2011 by Sapa
5.0 out of 5 stars
Graphic Design essential
Great book.
If you're into graphic design, this book is a must.
The book showcases some of the best designers out there, although it's not up to date, it's still... Read more
If you're into graphic design, this book is a must.
The book showcases some of the best designers out there, although it's not up to date, it's still... Read more
Published on August 17, 2010 by Markus
5.0 out of 5 stars
Phenominal!
This is a delicious book. I'd love to use it for a college design textbook.
Published on March 11, 2007 by Mary Quirarte
5.0 out of 5 stars
What is wit?
This book effectively and clearly outlines different kinds of visual wit. People often say you cannot learn or study topics like this... "A Smile in the Mind" dispels this myth. Read more
Published on August 20, 2006 by spabomba
1.0 out of 5 stars
When the brain farts
I read the reviews, I like wit. I like deisign. thought that this wiuld be a good book for me to get. WRONG. Read more
Published on June 4, 2006 by deshabaru
4.0 out of 5 stars
Inspirational and Invigorating.
This is an exceptional book on the topic of visual wit. It does give more credit to a few pedestrian examples than is absolutely deserved, but it's an awesome read. Read more
Published on August 26, 2005 by Jonathan Sandruck
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE solution for creativity block...
I've read tens of design books, yet this is the one I'd recommend if you were lost on an island and only had access to one. Read more
Published on August 9, 2005 by Cheap Shopper
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Witty Graphics with Explanations
This is a big nice books with tons of witty graphics. If you love humor and grahic you will love this one, but if you are a serious designer and wit is not your cup of tea, then... Read more
Published on October 11, 2004 by T SANTOSO
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not that witty, really
A nice design book. But what the authors describe as wit is simply design with a message in it. I mean, they classify the Shell logo as visual wit! Read more
Published on May 3, 2002 by The Honourable Husband
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