The Little Know-It-All: Common Sense for Designers (Imitation Leather)

~ Robert Klanten (Editor), Mika Mischler (Editor), Silja Bilz (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

What is a Meta-Tag? What kind of measurement is DIN A1? What kind of clearance and documents do you need before using copyrighted material?

An interdisciplinary knowledge and understanding of design is practically requisite these days with the integration and crossover of evolving media. Today, many students finish their education and enter the professional world without having learned these critical elements. First Aid for Clueless Designers gives you a run-down of all the fundamental information designers need to know in their own as well as adjoining disciplines.

This book is divided into sections explicating unique vocabulary used in design, printing, typography and photography and includes helpful tips and concise analysis in contiguous areas such as advertising, mulimedia, business, copyright and project management. It is structured thematically and equipped with a resourceful index that references numerous sources and links. This indispensable manual is complete with graphics that illustrate and supplement the texts, making it a stimulating reference book for students and newcomers while serving as a trusty companion for professional designers and media professionals alike in their everyday work.

Product Details

• Imitation Leather: 351 pages
• Publisher: Gestalten Verlag (August 22, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3899551672
• ISBN-13: 978-3899551679
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #296,572 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedic handbook for contemporary designers of ads, brchures, newsletters, etc., September 18, 2007

By	Henry Berry "Henry Berry" (Southport, CT) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This small-size, thick handbook for design of visual materials such as educational material and advertising is encyclopedic in its content though not organized as systematically or logically as a regular encyclopedia. Material includes not only technical guidance and experienced tips, but also historical background on some of the countless topics. The section on paper, for instance, notes, "Paper has different qualities according to the way it is manufactured and according to its composition." Then the section continues to cite what paper is composed of and describe its different qualities; after which, many kinds of paper such as coated, art paper, and even cardboard are annotated. "Perception and reading behavior" is discussed in the larger topic of the many types of script and use of appropriate script for a particular project. A chart with small type (about 7 point) on file formats of digital media covers six pages. Differences between and uses of Adobe Illustrator, Quark Xpress, Kodak PhotoCD, and many other file formats are readily picked out from it.

The broad-ranging, eclectic content extends beyond just technical topics and aesthetic considerations to include the business matters of promotion, intellectual property, and project management. Design departments of corporations, small design firms, and freelance designers would all find the handbook equally useful. A detailed index and an outline of the primary sections of each chapter (e. g., Digital Media, Production, Marketing, Law) at its start are helpful in locating particular material of interest and of use.

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect, to-the-point resource, September 11, 2009

By	Jeffrey L. "El Jeffo" (London, UK) - See all my reviews

The perfect little manual for the young designer, or for an old-timer in need for a refresher course. 7 easy chapters divided by subject (Typography, Marketing) and an inviting layout, plus current lexicon and knowledge. The graphics and illos within the book are a nice touch! Great gift idea for a young graphic design graduate.