Type and Image: The Language of Graphic Design [Paperback]

Philip B. Meggs (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471284920 | ISBN-13: 978-0471284925 | Publication Date: March 1992 | Edition: 1

Type and Image The Language of Graphic Design Philip B. Meggs What is the essence of graphic design? How do graphic designers solve problems, organize space, and imbue their work with those visual and symbolic qualities that enable it to convey visual and verbal information with expression and clarity? The extraordinary flowering of graphic design in our time, as a potent means for communication and a major component of our visual culture, increases the need for designers, clients, and students to comprehend its nature. In this lively and lavishly illustrated book, the author reveals the very essence of graphic design. The elements that combine to form a design-- sings, symbols, words, pictures, and supporting forms--are analyzed and explained. Graphic design's ability to function as language, and the innovative ways that designers combine words and pictures, are discussed. While all visual arts share common spatial properties, the author demonstrates that graphic space has unique characteristics that are determined by its communicative function. Graphic designs can have visual and symbolic properties which empower them to communicate with deep expression and meaning. The author defines this property as graphic resonance and explains how it occurs. After defining design as a problem-solving process, a model for this process is developed and illustrated by an in-depth analysis of actual case histories. This book will provide insight and inspiration for everyone who is interested or involved in graphic communications. While most materials about form and meaning in design have a European origin, this volume is based on the dynamic and expressive graphic design of America. The reader will find inspiration, hundreds of exciting examples by many of America's outstanding graphic designers, and keen insights in Type and Image.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Type and Image The Language of Graphic Design Philip B. Meggs What is the essence of graphic design? How do graphic designers solve problems, organize space, and imbue their work with those visual and symbolic qualities that enable it to convey visual and verbal information with expression and clarity? The extraordinary flowering of graphic design in our time, as a potent means for communication and a major component of our visual culture, increases the need for designers, clients, and students to comprehend its nature. In this lively and lavishly illustrated book, the author reveals the very essence of graphic design. The elements that combine to form a design— sings, symbols, words, pictures, and supporting forms—are analyzed and explained. Graphic design’s ability to function as language, and the innovative ways that designers combine words and pictures, are discussed. While all visual arts share common spatial properties, the author demonstrates that graphic space has unique characteristics that are determined by its communicative function. Graphic designs can have visual and symbolic properties which empower them to communicate with deep expression and meaning. The author defines this property as graphic resonance and explains how it occurs. After defining design as a problem-solving process, a model for this process is developed and illustrated by an in-depth analysis of actual case histories. This book will provide insight and inspiration for everyone who is interested or involved in graphic communications. While most materials about form and meaning in design have a European origin, this volume is based on the dynamic and expressive graphic design of America. The reader will find inspiration, hundreds of exciting examples by many of America’s outstanding graphic designers, and keen insights in Type and Image.

About the Author

About the author Philip B. Meggs is currently Professor of Communication Arts and Design at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, and contributing editor of Print magazine. He is the author of A History of Graphic Design (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) which received an award for excellence from the Association of American Publishers, and co-author of Typographic Design: Form and Communication (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) His graphic designs have been widely exhibited, including the Print Regional Design Annual, Communication Arts Design Annual, AIGA Communication Graphics, and The New York Art Directors Club annual exhibition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (March 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471284920
• ISBN-13: 978-0471284925
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #120,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars best for beginners, April 27, 2001

By 

"[e-mail]" (upstate NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Type and Image: The Language of Graphic Design (Paperback)

Although this text is a vital first step in design education, it falls short for an experienced designer; basic juxtaposition, etc. Get it out of a library and spend your money on any of the Looking Closer series by Michael Beirut... they will infinitely expand your perceptions of what design is and explores contemporary issues facing designers today.

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Do not buy unless you have to., July 12, 2008

By 

K. Ferriman (Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Type and Image: The Language of Graphic Design (Paperback)

I got this for school, I thought it would be a good read. I was wrong. I could have passed the class without buying the book.

7 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another GREAT book by Philip Meggs, December 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Type and Image: The Language of Graphic Design (Paperback)

I have always found Philip Meggs worthy of reading and have tremendously benefitted from these readings. This book excellent and anyone who is serious about design should definitly have this book.