The Big Book of Design Ideas (Hardcover)

by David E. Carter (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
To trigger an endless stream of fresh design ideas, readers can turn to this major new reference source containing numerous inspiring examples of fine graphic design for projects of all kinds. The book contains an assemblage of visual concepts from all over the world. Categories include designs for annual reports, books, calenders, catalogs, editorial layouts, exhibits, labels and tags, letterheads, menus, outdoor advertising, packaging, posters, promotion materials, shopping bags, T-shirts, and even more. With over nine hundred examples culled from the work of leading professionals in every area of the graphic design field, this volume can become a brain-storming partner on a daily basis for professional and students designers alike, and also come to the aid of entrepreneurs, freelancers, restaurateurs, consultants, and anyone else who needs ideas for designing personalized printed materials.

About the Author
David E. Carter is the pioneer of trademark and logo books. Since his first volume appeared in 1972, he has produced nearly eighty books on the subject. As a designer, he has created corporate identities for more than three hundred businesses worldwide, and he has also won seven Emmy Awards for his work in the television field. He is based in Ashland, Kentucky.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: HBI (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068817986X
• ISBN-13: 978-0688179861
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #809,793 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

48 of 49 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars No Explanations, November 25, 2001

By	Jeffrey Leeper "kem2070" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

If you are looking for creative ideas for your designs, this book was specifically created for you.

If you are new to design, this is not the best book for you. Like me, you may not know exactly what to look for in the examples shown. Included are book jackets, catalogs, calendars, posters, and other creative designs that you can look at for ideas. Unfortunately, they are just pictures so the detail does not always come out as you might hope.

There are no explanations. With each idea are the client, the art director, and the creative firm. Sometimes, it will list the designer.

Unless you know what you are looking at, and can see the different elements of the whole as well as how they interact, then this book will not be very helpful. This book would be a good reference for people with design backgrounds, but not for the beginner.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Inspiration, December 20, 2000

By A Customer

The Big Book of Design Ideas is a great resource for any project imaginable! It's got ideas for a variety of projects--from logo, letterhead and package design to CD, book cover, catalog and annual report design--almost any project you can think of. The possibilities are endless! The book is a great compilation of different artistic styles, providing inspiration for almost any type of project conceivable. It's a wonderful resource for anyone interested in design.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A worthy book to have near your work book shelf, December 16, 2002

By	Dennis A. Amith (kndy) (California) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

As a graphic designer, sometimes you need to look towards books or publications to get some inspiration. I have invested in many books for my company and for myself for "idea" inspirations but for those in a very tight budget, design books and magazines can be quite expensive and there are many out there that some may feel a bit confused.

What I like about "The Big Book of Design Ideas" is that it takes several of those different books ...and condense it all into one book.

So, in a way, for those who can't purchase many books, I highly recommend this one because it shows visuals for annual reports, books, catalogs, calendars, exhibits, self-promotions, logos, letterheads and a few dozen more.

For those who do own many books, you can look at this book as something to glance in one setting from creative people throughout the world and instead of looking through many books, perhaps this book may have what you are looking for.

A very good visual resource for designers looking for a design "ideas" book.