| One of the books I strongly recommend for | | | | four (4) basic design principles, namely: Contrast, |
| non-designers like me is Robin Williams' | | | | Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity. Each of these |
| "Non-Designer's Design Book". It is a must for | | | | has its own chapter with several examples that can |
| dummies who want to have a career on graphic | | | | be done even in the comforts of your home. |
| designing even without the formal education. The | | | | The typography section, on the other hand, explains |
| book is a good primer for novices and amateurs to | | | | the principles of Concord, Conflict, and Contrast. The |
| help them produce layouts that can catch attention. | | | | three (3) principles have been based by Williams on |
| The Book provides a practical introduction to the | | | | typefaces by style, weight, shape, and spacing. |
| basic principles of design, which makes it more | | | | Totally clueless on graphic design, I wanted to have |
| appropriate for those who need to put together a | | | | knowledge, even if the most basic, on the good and |
| media material such as a presentation, a newsletter | | | | bad of designing. This book definitely provided me |
| or a flyer, but doesn't have the degree or even the | | | | with the basic technical ability to do so. Suggestions |
| background in design. | | | | on creating one-page designs for simple newsletters, |
| Written in a pamphlet-sized, 200-page book, the | | | | brochures, or business cards have been an |
| author explores designs for the printed page. | | | | eye-opener for me. Also, it has given me helpful and |
| Robin Williams has put into this book the basic | | | | useful insights on the world of layout. |
| principles of good design and typography. It explains | | | | Mind you, the book does not make you an instant |
| step-by-step the concepts and methods to help | | | | expert and professional designer who is capable of |
| aspiring graphic artists to begin producing more | | | | producing sophisticated works of art. For this, you |
| sophisticated, professional and attention-grabbing | | | | really need to have a formal degree to achieve this. |
| pages right away. | | | | However, if your goal is to be able to have the ability |
| The book is written in a relaxed manner--- full of | | | | to produce easy and decent media pieces, this book |
| humor and free of graphics jargon usually found in | | | | can help you on that department. Maybe someday I |
| other books. To help readers produce great materials | | | | can venture into the graphics design business. |
| instantly, Williams has infused her book with | | | | Provide yourself the time to read the book and do |
| exercises, quizzes, illustrations, and dozens of | | | | the exercises. It will definitely help you improve your |
| examples to make learning a snap. | | | | designs. I know mine did. |
| She gamely discussed the concept of layout around | | | | |