Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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 (wûrkbk)

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.

There is very valuable information in this book when it comes to website design. Graphics, of course, are a huge part of putting a website together and this book really helps us find ways to make the sites professional looking and user friendly.

I spend most of my time designing new websites for my clients and occasionally I will design a print piece here and there. Before I read this book I used to stare at a blank page I'd be wondering where on earth do I begin to "Design"? This book has helped me make informed decisions about all manner of the design process. Out of all the graphic design books out there, this is the one that I found is the best introduction to designing and layout. It has just the right amount of detail. Other books can be far too simple or vague. Attaining real solid design facts that I can take to the drawing board is my primary concern and this book delivers. I now have a new found appreciation for the white space in a page and know that it's one key piece to the design puzzle. I gained a clear understanding of how to optimise my paragraphs on a page so they're readable and work aesthetically too. I would never have thought about the aesthetic aspect of a basic paragraph while designing. I now know how to choose the right layout for a paragraph while designing in photoshop or Dreamweaver. Decisions about the letter spacing, spacing between sentences etc are all covered here. Most graphic design books preach about good design without specifying the real details so you can improve. This book is different. It's laid out in logical order with each new concept building on the previous one. Step by step you'll learn how to design every aspect of your project.

You'll learn how to dynamically break up space on your page. How to place your headings and paragraphs. If you want to start making informed design decisions, rather than just plonking something down till it "looks right", then get this book. As a designer, it's our job to communicate an emotion, thought or idea when our audience looks at our work. That's why we get up in the morning. We want to communicate effectively... a designer wants to know why a certain layout works well. We want to be able to take control of our work. Thats the true power we strive for and this book will help you achieve that aim.

I found myself reading this book while sitting at my computer or sketch pad and I'd read a bit each day. Doing this allowed me to really apply the new knowledge into my work. With each new concept, I'd incorporate the principals into my project and sometimes go back and revisit a previous project and make improvements. This is a rare book for graphic design that gives you solid design principles. They make sense and you can begin to apply them in your next project.

This book is very informative for designers working with typography. It applies to all different skill levels, there is always something to learn and this book is great to refer back to. I would recommend this book to all graphic designers. This book does not explain everything, but it is good to have as a close reference.

Lots of information and examples. Unfortunately, the book is set in minute type- I'm guessing 10pt at best. You would think a book on typography would be a little more attentive to the "readability" of the book.

This is a definite must have. This book explains in detail several important points in the world of Typography. The book includes several illustrations paired with information as well as several examples of actual work. Very nicely put together. An essential addition to any designer's collection.

Takes you through many uses of type in real- life graphic usages. Brief but thorough information supported by very nice illustrations and examples.

This is a keeper: it is a good reference tool as well. Descriptives run from basics to more complex as illustrated.

this is a wonderful book I bought for my typography class. It has wonderful visual references for you to look at as well a written explanations.