How to Grow as a Graphic Designer (Paperback)

~ Catharine Fishel (Author) "Laura Zeck's life changed forever when she lost a bet to a college friend..." (more)
Key Phrases: Sandstrom Design, San Francisco, Finding Time (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Helping graphic designers find professional and spiritual support in the ever-demanding struggle to stay creative and profitable, this book reveals how some of today's most successful and intriguing designers keep growing as artists and as people with the power to affect public attitudes. Topics addressed include how to keep track of one's vision, the meaning of success, what sustains designers spiritually, and how to embrace change and stay fluid. Also provided is priceless peer advice on strategic issues such setting a goal for one's company, growing or shrinking a business, and promoting one's uniqueness.

About the Author

Catharine Fishel writes about design for many leading publications, including PRINT, Step Inside Graphic Design, and Editorial Eye. She is the author of Inside the Business of Graphic Design (1-581152-57-4). She lives in Morton, IL.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press (January 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581153945
• ISBN-13: 978-1581153941
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,104,936 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Grossly mistitled..., May 24, 2006

By	ceestand (New York) - See all my reviews

This book is not about "how to grow as a graphic designer." It is a group of career biographies of (mostly) graphic designers.

If you've ever picked up a free business magazine, you have read those self-serving articles about so-and-so or company X that has started small and conquered roadblocks to become a business success. The kind of article that reads as though the author has just copied most of the press release handed to them. This book is just one of these after another.

There were no tips, instructions, pointers or other form of guidance in the book, save for the headings of a list provided by a third party. Examples of those pearls of wisdom are "Keep your skills up" and "Don't get too comfortable" - with no valuable description of how one would go about doing so.

The book would still have value if the stories were especially inspirational, or showed how the subjects uniquely overcame obstacles, but it doesn't. It doesn't even show how at all.

I expected a book that would help me find artistic inspiration, show how, who, and why successful graphic artists are inspired and find their ideas, and maybe have some business tips for a fledgling artist. I would have settled for a readable book that was even marginally about "how to grow as a graphic designer." This book fails in both regards.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great mentor for graphic designers, June 15, 2007

By	Born Again Designer "Alison" (NY, NY) - See all my reviews

If you're ever felt lost, started hating what you do, or ever thought about quitting the graphic design business altogether, then this book may help you to rethink and resurrect your career. Each chapter focuses on significant career issues that designers are often confronted with via examples of real life stories and meaningful advice.

1 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great inspiration!, June 5, 2006

By	vintagegirl (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

I absolutely loved this book! It was a great insight into the lives of working graphic designers and the struggles they go thru to get to the top. I found a ton of inspirational quotes that can really be helpful when stuck in a slump. its a great book for any student designer or designer that justs want to hear what others of their craft think!