Customer Reviews

Idea Index: Graphic Effects and Typographic Treatments

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

In a world awash with books on how to use graphics and page layout software which, due to rapid changes in technology, tend to have a fairly short shelf life, this book is a remarkable exception that will be useful for many years to come.

I once heard a quote from a National Geographic photo director that he was neck deep in photographers, but only ankle deep in story ideas. Many creative people sometimes feel that way today with a plethora of hardware and software and the skills to use them, but without inspiration for the ideas to put it all to good use. The author states in his introduction that this book is intended to be used as a "mental drain opener' when the creative juices stop flowing." It is a wonderfully effective tool for just that purpose. Rather than telling the reader exactly what to do, it is a book of a couple of thousand one-liners intended to stimulate ideas.

This handy little book actually fits into the back pocket of my Levis, and because of the rubberized cover (the publisher correctly assumes you'll keep it for years) it doesn't even tear. The book is divided into 2 sections, Graphic Effects and Typographic Treatments. A total of 310 different "ideas" are each presented in a two page layout, verbalized on the left, and illustrated on the right (just like your brain works!)

The discussion of the idea of "Reverse", for example, states "Reverse one or more images from another" paired with a simplified black lightbulb graphic with a white lighting bolt and electrical plug within it, as well as a half dozen other statements and two more drawings.

"Punctuate" suggests using punctuation marks as background images, using a different font for the punctuation characters, and looking at your keyboard for ideas.

If you want a book to tell you how to do XYZ with (fill in the blank) software, this book isn't for you. But if you already have a shelf full of those, and now want a little help to generate ideas, buy this; you won't be disappointed. Who knows, you might just get a great idea for your next project by reading a page while on hold or waiting for a web page to download!

Why didn't anyone think of this before? There's no shortage of "how to" books, but there are VERY FEW books that actually help you come up with the concepts and "looks" for those images and designs. You've probably got shelves full of books that help you use your computer better and faster, what you need now is a book that will help you use your brain better, faster and more creatively. I can guarantee this book won't end up on your shelf...it'll be parked next to your sketchpad or keyboard at all times!

This fat little plastic-bound book has hundreds of well organized and cleverly illustrated images on the right-hand side of each spread, and short topic-relevant sentences on the left. I'm amazed at how quickly it helps me not only run through potential concepts and styles for new projects, but also how it helps me find ways of giving my own not-quite-ready ideas the extra "tweak" needed to bring them up a notch. I can't imagine not having it next to my computer and/or in my carry-all at all times. My advice for freelancers: get one. My advice for agencies and studios: get one for everybody.

I disagree with a previous reviewer who wrote that this book is the equivalent of "ideas in a can."

I find that to be more true of many of the other design books which showcase the work of the same 100 or so designers in multiple books by the same publisher. I don't have a problem with those books - if you use them to find cool elements which are an explorational springboard.

And that's what I think this book does. We all have walls full of inspiring work, boxes loaded with stuff clipped from magazines, and printed collateral from various sources.

This is no more than that. A place to perch and peer into the realm of "what if I try..."

I don't think the author intends for anyone to go and say, I'll start w/p. 22, add some page 45, and tweak it up w/p. 140.

It's just a way to get the brain to travel a little. It's also a good way to identify a general direction when narrowing your brainstormed ideas.

I don't think we are supposed to stop with what's between the covers of this book. I think it's just an interesting place to start.

Once arrived, I must confess, I said "what the hell, who shrunk this book?".. I did not pay too much attention at the book format during ordering. Anyway, disappointment turned to pleasure just after a few pages. This tiny book is full loaded with suggestions and it's a very helpful friend for brain-storming about graphic ideas. It's the typical book a graphic designer should keep very far from client's eyes!. Worth every dollar. Happy Happy Joy Joy.

Though I did not really like some of the design solutions that the author came up with in this book, I did like how the book could be used as a very effective brainstorming tool. It's like an alphabetical index of all of the things you have learned as a designer, but that are sometimes forgotten when you are stumped for an idea. It really is best when you are stuck and looking for another direction to try out, it will motivate you with words such as "Movement", "Humanity" Cartoon" and other small suggestions of how to change the look of what you're working on. Great book for starting designers to keep the ideas flowing. A little rudimentary for more experienced designers who run through this mental checklist everytime we design. But, overall it is worth the money, a good little refresher course on design ideas and principles.

This little book manages to explain expression using very few words (though those iterated are certainly precise and thought provoking). An excellent addition to any visual thinker's library. Like taking a brisk walk outside after plodding away into your mental reserves.

It's a refreshment for the mind, and a sparkling treat for the imagination. A gem!

Changes the way you look at everything. Should be a required text for every artist . . . whether neophyte or pro! Unique format . . . ideas on one page are illustrated on facing page. I would bet that this will be on a lot of desk tops, chained to the computer so it won't be stolen!

This book is excellent for beginning designers as well as for more experienced designers with a mental block. Though I personally did not like very many of the actual designs the author came up with, the key words, techniques, and brainstroming ideas are great. THis book is like your little checklist of mental notes to run through when designing. Overall a good book to have on the shelf in moments of frustration.

Jim Krause is a genius. This little book is capable of inspiring any graphic designer. The Idea Index is a small book and could fit in most people's pockets. The cover is even durable. Krause knew what he was doing when he created this book.
I am just getting started with graphic design (I am a college student pursuing a degree in graphic design). I have brought this book along with my to my intro graphics class and it never fails me. This is an excellent resource for brainstorming ideas. It is divided into two parts: design ideas in general and also features creative approaches to typography.
Don't leave home without this book.

This is exactly what the title implies. This is an index of ideas you can use in graphic design. There is not a lot of explanation, but it is helpful, even for the beginner.

The book has some discussion that explains things like typographic treatments, but it is only a couple of pages long. It then goes you examples of different effects and gives quick points to give you some guidance. For example, it has three samples of blurring, and on the opposite page, says things like "blur to convey motion or emotion," "use a blurred image as a backdrop," and "contrast a blurred image with a sharp image." This helps the designer generate ideas for his or her creation.

I believe this would be a handy reference for all graphic designers.