One minute designer review
Friday’s Creative Review for Graphic Designers
I’m constantly on the lookout for really good design books. I’ve got tons of theory books on design. In my opinion, it’s probably more important to know design theory than it is to know all the bells and whistles of a software program.
I know: not many think that way. However, looking at the many crappy-looking layouts out there, more should pay attention to the elements that create good looking layouts — not just how to add filters and effects.
There’s a book out there that’s one of my favorites and I think has been overly ignored and not given it’s due at all. It’s Roger C. Parker’s One-Minute Designer. Now, I’m not sure why the “one-minute” is hyphenated, but this is one great book.
I love hearing a great tip that will make my life easier. And, if you are just getting started in design this book gives over 200 ideas on how to quickly improve your design (hence the title).
Why do I love it so much?
One mistake I think theory of design books make is that they teach only the theory.
Let me explain… Most design books will explain a particular design concept is but they don’t show you how to achieve contrast. Here’s what this book will do for you and your designs:
- It explains how to make your layouts better: quick tips on how to instantly make your layouts better. It’s almost as if Roger analyzed the pitfalls of beginners and put how to cure these in this book.
- It’s a how-to book: When first starting out as a designer, knowing the theory is really great. Knowing how to apply the theory is even better. I don’t need to know what contrast is, I need to know how to use it. This book shows you how to apply design principles to instantly make your layouts more professional.
- You literally see the difference minor changes make: Each tip is on it’s own page and is shown in action.
- Tips are categorized by design elements and project-specific: chapters include tips on type (separated into display and body copy, visuals, graphic accents, color.) The projects he covers are everything from ads to resumes. If you know the area you want to explore in more detail, you can go directly to that section.
C O N C L U S I O N
I always say that what differentiates the professional versus amateur designs is the details.
That’s what this book is all about: the details that make your designs more professional.
To learn more about Roger C. Parker, you can check out his site www.publishedandprofitable.com where he even has a blog!
I will also be interviewing him this month! I’ll give you more details soon. Stay tuned…
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