Graphic Workshop: A Step-by-step Guide (Design It Yourself)

Rating:
Summary: Design Workshop, complete with blueprints !
Review: In his famous skillfull manner, reknown graphic designer and author Chuck Green helps you tackle real projects from the initial idea to the final printed pieces. But what makes this book so wildly special is the clean, clear way Chuck gives you the inspiration and then guides you through the steps to handle each detail.

Chuck says:
      "Think of it as a cookbook. Instead of discussing the history of the stove and the intricacies of milling flour, I'm going to show you how to bake a cake. And if I've done my job -- following one of my design recipes will result in a logo, letterhead, business card, and newsletter that looks and sells as if it were designed by a pro."


Ideas Galore - a creative shot in the arm

This book is not about making a non-designer a designer -- but it is for everyone. Non-designers will find these designs easy to understand and easy to copy. Professional designers will use them as inspiring and helpful building blocks and idea starters.

The ideas and concepts are thoroughly brainstormed, well designed, and well presented -- in color. With each example comes a design statement, step-by-step plans and highly valuable tips and referrals to the resources you'll need to make your own design creative and effective.

No, it's not a coffee-table book. It's not eye-candy or compilations of 'other' designers work. It's not even one of those hit-and-run "killer tips" or "secrets" books that are so compelling yet leave you cold. It's a shop manual... a workshop. If you were building a house, this would be the blueprints. Mine is already well handled, with an array of post-it notes popping from its edges. It's the kind of book you actually use.

I recommend this book 100% for anyone who designs or publishes anything. I recommend it particularly if you're in the process of creating or updating your business cards, stationery, newsletter and other collateral materials -- even if you have a Madison Avenue design firm -- this book will benefit you greatly! Buy it. Your money will be well spent.

Fred Showker
The Design-Bookshelf