Really Good Logos Explained: Top Design Professionals Critique 500 Logos and Explain What Makes Them Work [Paperback]

Margo Chase (Author), Rian Hughes (Author), Ron Miriello (Author), Alex W White (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2008

A collection of 500 great logos critiqued by a panel of internationally acclaimed designers

In Really Good Logos Explained, some of today's top creative minds critique and appraise over 500 examples of truly exceptional logos, and explain what makes them work. The insight provided by these four outstanding editors is - like the logos themselves - succinct, specific and effective. Their comments provide a rare and insightful glimpse into the inner workings of excellent design, and offer a new understanding that is immeasurably useful to anyone working within the creative fields today.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Rockport Publishers (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592534279
• ISBN-13: 978-1592534272
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #571,085 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Speechless., May 9, 2008

By 

Empty (MI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Really Good Logos Explained: Top Design Professionals Critique 500 Logos and Explain What Makes Them Work (Paperback)

[I should start with the fact that I have a logo in this book.]

Excited and nervous at the same time, I flipped through to find that the book was pretty much as advertised -- critiques and analysis by 4 top creative minds on some 500 great logos! However, it seems that the book may have been rushed to it's completion. Not all the logos are critiqued by all 4 authors. And there's no explanation as to why that is.

Some logos only see a critique by as little as 1 of 4 authors. To me, what gave the book its charm was the idea that 4 different experts could give their own unique analysis and the reader could study their debate -- even participating in it to some degree. Left with 1 person's input, the reader loses any tension and the ability to decipher the group's thoughts -- leaving the reader less engaged.

So what was it that gave some logos more attention and others less? Was it that the publisher didn't allow enough time? Or was it that there was simply nothing to say? -- Which, ironically, in a Q&A at the beginning of the book with Margo Chase, when asked what is the worst thing she could hear from a client was, she answered "Nothing." Hmm.

Overall, I think that most people interested in logos are going to find this book pleasing and be happy with their purchase. It goes far and above the standard logo books that lack any dialog. I just wish that the concept had been followed through to it's completion. A small qualm in an otherwise good book.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars solid, but commentary becomes an issue, June 6, 2008

By 

J. Solak - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Really Good Logos Explained: Top Design Professionals Critique 500 Logos and Explain What Makes Them Work (Paperback)

I think this book succeeds where some others fail. For one, it's one step away from being a picture book of logos, which in some causes, tends to become a way to 'fish' for ideas when confronted with a design brief.

I like that the authors have commented on the work, though I don't necessarily agree with the comments. It's easy to look at the work post-production and say 'it would be better if...' The critics are not privy to the discussion that happened during the development process, and these discussions are what inform the work.

Unfortunately, for this book, some of the commentary is simply judgmental and unnecessary, and goes back to the personal taste of the judges. What makes design great, is that there are many individuals out there who can impart their level of aesthetic on the world. What would be the purpose if we all conformed to one person's aesthetic?

Overall, a good addition to your design collection. Would also recommend any of the Logo Lounge books.

5.0 out of 5 stars Really Good Logos Explained, July 21, 2011

By 

danpieper1 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Really Good Logos Explained: Top Design Professionals Critique 500 Logos and Explain What Makes Them Work (Paperback)

Great book. This will give any designer some fantastic insight as to how great logo designers think and the details of what they look for as they design. This is a must-have for anyone designing identities! I've been in this business for nearly 16 years and I learned a ton from reading this. In fact, I'd really like to see more books like this. How about: "Great Web Designs Explained" or "Great Layouts Explained."