Graphic Design, Referenced: A Visual Guide to the Language, Applications, and History of Graphic Design Paperback – December 1, 2011

I teach Graphic Design and Digital Media and am very impressed with this book. I often refer to it and use its examples in my classes. The book does a wonderful job with laying out the numerous elements of graphic design while providing great examples. Designer biographies and mini-portfolios are included, as well as categorical breakdowns - album covers, logos, posters, etc.The book is accessible to those who are just starting out in graphic design, as well as helpful to those who are masters in the field.The world of Graphic Design can be a bit overwhelming at times, as there is so much information out there. This book captures all of that information and organizes it into an enjoyable, easily understandable layout.

This is an awesome index of everything design related. This is not a text book in the traditional sense, and I wouldn't call this collection "timeless", design is contemporary after all; this is more of a stepping stone to dive deeper into the avenues of today's artistic functions. In some cases, it feels like a promotion for universities, design books, agencies, etc...which, don't misinterpret - is good in its own right. While some of the literature can be a little brief, the descriptions are to-the-point and easy to comprehend (the information doesn't seem invaluable or overwhelming). All in all, this book is one of the best compilations of graphic design around. Recommended!

Such an amazing book. Worth investing in, only wish that it was a hard cover. However, it is so fantastic that the diverse contents inside will keep your mind creatively spinning for hours and hours. The book covers many topics of Graphic Design and is a huge visual and literary resource for creativity inspiration.

I have chosen this book for an undergraduate introductory course to graphic design and loved it. I would recommend it for several reasons:- a fresh approach and sometime unexpected take on the history and contemporary issues on Graphic Design- huge information on key facts on Design as well as unexpected, utterly interesting stories - i.e. I had no idea of what happened to the CBS cafeteria mural and that Paula Scher designed Jon Stewart book! :-)- huge amount of useful and beautiful illustrations- structure of the book perfect for class discussions (i.e. the gray links between pages makes for never ending journeys and digressions in design)I hope that this book get the success it deserves and that the authors will grace us with a second edition, to fix minor inconsistencies and gaps. In example I will take pag. 62, the anatomy of the type: the taxonomy should features more examples of commonly used terms: aperture, apex, shoulder, beak, ... And a cross bar is not a cross stroke, and so on.One note on the design of the book: the book is flooded with repeated titles and page spreads set in a rather questionable and totally unreadable stencil sans serif typeface. The outcomes (the book cover, pp 4-5, chapter spreads) are puzzling and create an unpleasant contrast with the rest of book, finely designed.In a nutshell: one of the best design reference book available. Strongly recommended.

By far the best book I've found on the subject. It's meaty and full of information, both interesting and inspiring. However it is by no means a book of lessons, tutorials or how-tos. Otherwise this book is unparalleled in terms of its physical quality, depth and breadth of content. It is well-designed throughout.Highly recommended for either the advanced or very interested designer/student.

Great references in graphic design. I really enjoyed the book and used it a lot as a north for my work. Good cost-benefit.

This book is amazing! It really take you to every aspects of graphic design. What amaze me is how they gathered and put everything together. As we know, Graphic design is a broad topic that has many things to cover. But this book almost had everything we need to know about this topic! Great book! Great Purchase!

Solid reference book that covers a lot of graphic design info.I'm taking off one star because the presented information comes across as little dry when compared to other, similar books. Granted, this is more of a reference text, but I thought the tone could be a little more "personable". However, I'd buy it again.It's not a one-and-only book to have, but makes a nice complementary piece for a beginner or experienced design-oriented person.