Typography Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Using Type in Graphic Design [Paperback]

Timothy Samara (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2006

New in paperback, The Typography Workbook provides an at-a-glance reference book for designers on all aspects of type.

The book is part of Rockport's popular Workbook series of practical and inspirational workbooks that cover all the fundamental areas of the graphic design business. This book presents an abundance of information on type - the cornerstone of graphic design - succinctly and to the point, so that designers can get the information they need quickly and easily.

Whereas many other books on type are either very technical or showcase oriented, this book offers ideas and inspiration through hundreds of real-life projects showing successful, well-crafted usage of type. The book also offers a variety of other content, including choosing fonts, sizes, and colors; incorporating text and illustrations; avoiding common mistakes in text usage; and teaching rules by which to live (and work) by.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Timothy Samara was trained as a graphic designer at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. He currently teaches typography and visual communication at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and is the author of Making and Breaking the Grid.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Rockport Publishers (November 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592533019
• ISBN-13: 978-1592533015
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.8 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 in Books > Arts & Photography > Graphic Design > Typography

More About the Author

Timothy Samara is a graphic designer and educator based in New York City, where he teaches at the School of Visual Arts and Fashion Institute of Technology. He's also the author of Typography Workbook (Rockport 2004). He lives in New York's Chelsea district.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

70 of 71 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Is this the second best book on type? January 30, 2005

By Roger C. Parker

Format:Hardcover

Few books share the cadre of enthusiastic readers that Robert Bringhurst created with his Elements of Typographic Style.

But, Timothy Samara's Typography Workbook comes close, and, in some ways, is equally useful. (The two books complement each other quite well).

Samara manages to combine the technical with the inspirational. His tutorials on typeface design and layout are compellingly written and informative, but where the Typography Workbook realkly shines is the glorious color reproductions of type in use. Nothing communicates like color illustrations, and the Typographic Workbook contains hundreds of samples.

The Typography Workbook is an ideal choice for student or faculty alike. Text has been concisely edited, permitting large visuals to illustrate the points being made, as well as alternative approaches. Use it as an introductory text, a practical guide next to your computer, or for inspiration when needed.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent author March 29, 2007

By A. McCullough

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

A very good overview of typography in everyday situations, as a how-to and as shown by example. Many of the examples are in a style I don't personally like (I'm a traditionalist by nature and modern typography often borders on the chaotic in my opinion) but as a designer seeing what's being done out there is a necessity. This book is more than just a typographic showcase of current thought and work - it presents sound principles that underscore what's presented.

50 of 64 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Not a workbook January 17, 2009

By S. Moulton

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I made the mistake of assumption. In light of trying to be helpful to those who are assuming the same, I should point out that:

The definition of a "workbook" (freedictionary.com):
work·book (wűrkbk)
n.
1. A booklet containing problems and exercises that a student may work directly on the pages.
2. A manual containing operating instructions, as for an appliance or machine.
3. A book in which a record is kept of work proposed or accomplished.

This was my assumption. This is not a workbook, nor is it a guide about how to accomplish anything. The book is a comprehensive and concise reference book inappropriate as a class text. I will say it is very interesting; and the examples are wonderful and entertaining for those who are interested in typography but not instructors.

...an unfortunate title for this book was chosen.