Customer Reviews

Graphic Design for Nondesigners: Essential Knowledge, Tips, and Tricks, Plus 20 Step-by-Step Projects for the Design Novice

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I read through this book one afternoon at a book store and rushed home to order it from Amazon for less. I'd been looking for a basic overview of graphic design principles -- grids, use of color, grouping, etc. -- and found a great many books on design were more about the design of the book than about design instruction itself.

This book is obviously well designed and easy to read, but it's also rich with practical, takeaway information, tips like the basic rules of typography (knowing which fonts to use for different projects), how to choose coordinating colors and how grids can help you figure out where to place the different elements in your design.

The first half of the book covers principles; the second half contains a series of specific projects, like how to design a brochure. I'm less interested in the projects, but contained within the steps for each project are valuable little nuggets on design project management that can also be applied in other ways.

My only complaint is just that I wish the first half were longer, but that's more to say that the book is so good that I want more.

I bought this book on a whim while perusing the shelves of Border's, and I LOVE it. I graduated with a BA in Fine Arts, but have been really interested in graphic design and typography lately. It has been so fun to read, and since the chapters are short, I can pick it up on and off throughout the day without skipping a beat!
I do not recommend this book to those who have no idea about where to start, or those looking for a step-by-step instruction manual. It's pretty general, and would be better for those who have a background in some creative field who are looking for advise or basic rules to follow. People who understand what makes a good image, but need a little push getting there will appreciate some of the basic principles this book outlines.
While reading, I couldn't help but think of cousins who love art and design, and think it would be a great gift for the budding artist.

The book shows good and bad designs and most importantly shows you why they are bad.
Beginners book, but one of the best beginners books out there.
If you complete all the exercises you wont automatically get your design degree and start up a design house with glass for walls, but you will have a pretty decent idea about design

A very attractive book, with some nice projects. But I had read the Robin Williams books, and there wasn't a lot new here, except for some snazzy images. Do check out the Robin Williams books. They helped get me into design as a field and not just an avocation.

I purchased this book after seeing it in an art supply store. As someone with no graphic design training who creates a lot of brochures, flyers, posters and other publications for a small business I needed some professional guidance and this book seemed to be a answer to my prayers. However, I was somewhat disappointed. One of the first things the author tells you to do is to invest in a good set of markers. One would have to have SOME ability to draw in order to put these tools to use well enough to justify their purchase. If I was artistic enough to design layouts by drawing them I would probably not need this book. People who are naturally artistic may not have a graphic arts education, but they generally just wing it and their stuff comes out looking good. There is also a lot of information on photography and creating great artwork to use in your designs. Yeah, right. I use clipart, period.

I do not have an artistic bone in my body which is why I needed this book. It appears more to be for artists (or artistic types) who want more knowledge in the field of graphic design. I needed a book that clearly spelled out how to produce professional(ish) printed materials with no expectations of me having art or design abilities. If you are like me then I would instead recommend The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams (no, not THAT Robin Williams).

The book is really good and it can be really helpful. In my opinion this is a book for people who plan to jump into the graphic design field or they are just starting as a graphic designers. If you are a graphic designer already, you will probably know most of the stuff.