Rating: 
Summary: Really cool book
Review: I loved this book from the first time I flipped through the pages. This is a must have for all designers, for sure. Whenever I have a block of the brain for ideas, I open this book. Every time there is a different avenue I go down for logos and the like. This is one of those "gets ya thinkin' " sort of books. I just purchased the color index and layout index tonight - I'm awaiting their arrival and hoping these two titles are as useful to me as this one was!
Rating: 
Summary: Small book, small ideas
Review: I was very dissapointed when recieving this book, first because of the size, then for the content. The compression of the content didn't matter to me as much as the fact that it was in black and white. The author explains this as an election to prove that the examples of ideas even work with the grayscale, or something. That doesn't mean that you can exclude color from the inspirational process or whatever the book proclamates to do. I regret believing in each one of you who gave it 4 stars or more. I also think it's expensive for what it is worth.
Rating:
Summary: Helpful for the beginner
Review: I'm new to graphic design and this has become an inspirational book for me. When I hit a wall, I find new ideas in this book. It may be small, but it makes it easy to carry everywhere.
Rating:
Summary: This unique little gem is a real keeper!
Review: In a world awash with books on how to use graphics and page layout software which, due to rapid changes in technology, tend to have a fairly short shelf life, this book is a remarkable exception that will be useful for many years to come.I once heard a quote from a National Geographic photo director that he was neck deep in photographers, but only ankle deep in story ideas. Many creative people sometimes feel that way today with a plethora of hardware and software and the skills to use them, but without inspiration for the ideas to put it all to good use. The author states in his introduction that this book is intended to be used as a "mental drain opener' when the creative juices stop flowing." It is a wonderfully effective tool for just that purpose. Rather than telling the reader exactly what to do, it is a book of a couple of thousand one-liners intended to stimulate ideas. This handy little book actually fits into the back pocket of my Levis, and because of the rubberized cover (the publisher correctly assumes you'll keep it for years) it doesn't even tear. The book is divided into 2 sections, Graphic Effects and Typographic Treatments. A total of 310 different "ideas" are each presented in a two page layout, verbalized on the left, and illustrated on the right (just like your brain works!) The discussion of the idea of "Reverse", for example, states "Reverse one or more images from another" paired with a simplified black lightbulb graphic with a white lighting bolt and electrical plug within it, as well as a half dozen other statements and two more drawings. "Punctuate" suggests using punctuation marks as background images, using a different font for the punctuation characters, and looking at your keyboard for ideas. If you want a book to tell you how to do XYZ with (fill in the blank) software, this book isn't for you. But if you already have a shelf full of those, and now want a little help to generate ideas, buy this; you won't be disappointed. Who knows, you might just get a great idea for your next project by reading a page while on hold or waiting for a web page to download!
Rating:
Summary: DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!
Review: Jim Krause is a genius. This little book is capable of inspiring any graphic designer. The Idea Index is a small book and could fit in most people's pockets. The cover is even durable. Krause knew what he was doing when he created this book.
I am just getting started with graphic design (I am a college student pursuing a degree in graphic design). I have brought this book along with my to my intro graphics class and it never fails me. This is an excellent resource for brainstorming ideas. It is divided into two parts: design ideas in general and also features creative approaches to typography.
Don't leave home without this book.
Rating:
Summary: Exactly as Titled... Idea Index!
Review: Not much more to say than it's exactly what it is and exactly as described. An index of ideas and kickstarts when stuck in a creative block. I was able to thumb through it and use it twice within the first day of owning it, more than paying for itself and saving me when I was in a rut. I am looking forward to using the other index books (Color Index and Layout Index) as well in the same fashion. On a side note, I believe those that are truely disappointed either were expecting too much or expecting something completely different than advertised. I wish I could give it 6 or 7 stars for it's usefulness alone.
Rating:
Summary: Exactly as Titled... Idea Index!
Review: Not much more to say than it's exactly what it is and exactly as described. An index of ideas and kickstarts when stuck in a creative block. I was able to thumb through it and use it twice within the first day of owning it, more than paying for itself and saving me when I was in a rut. I am looking forward to using the other index books (Color Index and Layout Index) as well in the same fashion. On a side note, I believe those that are truely disappointed either were expecting too much or expecting something completely different than advertised. I wish I could give it 6 or 7 stars for it's usefulness alone.
Rating:
Summary: Tiny format, great content
Review: Once arrived, I must confess, I said "what the hell, who shrunk this book?".. I did not pay too much attention at the book format during ordering. Anyway, disappointment turned to pleasure just after a few pages. This tiny book is full loaded with suggestions and it's a very helpful friend for brain-storming about graphic ideas. It's the typical book a graphic designer should keep very far from client's eyes!. Worth every dollar. Happy Happy Joy Joy.
Rating:
Summary: Tiny format, great content
Review: Once arrived, I must confess, I said "what the hell, who shrunk this book?".. I did not pay too much attention at the book format during ordering. Anyway, disappointment turned to pleasure just after a few pages. This tiny book is full loaded with suggestions and it's a very helpful friend for brain-storming about graphic ideas. It's the typical book a graphic designer should keep very far from client's eyes!. Worth every dollar. Happy Happy Joy Joy.
Rating:
Summary: Small and Amatuer
Review: Read the dimentions of this book carefully. It can fit in your pocket. Although it is better than the LAYOUT INDEX, hold out for a discounted price used version.
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