Design books
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- lifeindev
I'm a programmer who dabbles a bit in design. I'd like to hone my design skills--you know, the fundamentals. Are there any books that would be good for a poor self-taught chap like myself?
this?: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product…
others?
- deathboy0
Well as far as aesthetics id suggest just hitting a lot of web. Find what u like and break it down. Find what and why it is u like a design and do that through comparison. Books have a tendency to just push trends or ideas without rhyme or reason. Which can be good if u have a foundation to go from and can judge. Unless of course you care about being more relevant in design and trends fiscally speaking. In that case id also say hit webs and find what is being repeated. However it still is best to develop your own taste and build on that since copy tastes u dont arent fond of for profit doesnt bring much self satisfaction. I like ffffound can i have an invite?
- pango0
just hire a designer! when there's a need we will for hire a programmer as well.
problem solved! win and win.
- nb0
I would argue against @deathboy's strategy.
Books tend to push trends less, as they have a slower development time compared to a blog or even a magazine. This forces the writers to stick to the principles of design that are consistently popular. At the very least, I find books tend to not have information about some hot new effect that will be passé in a month or two.
As well, it's typical for books to be the result of more people's ideas (editors, multiple writers) compared to any online article. This results in better information. It seems that most book publishers are concerned with providing correct information the first time. With a website, you can simply publish and edit later.
The exception to my argument is wikipedia, which is (of course) written by many people. Although it can be hard to find articles that are helpful, they can be excellent resources when you do find them. Example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Can…
Just my opinion.
- lifeindev0
thanks guys, i ordered grid systems and the thinking with type books. I'm traveling a lot this month and now I'll have some reading to look forward to.
Cheers
- NegativeSpace0
Grid Systems is an amazing resource. It can be a bit dry to some, but JMB really encourages you to survey the content to develop a grid system that can handle all the different types of content you have to deal with, and bring consistency to your project with it.
- ross0
Elements of Typographic Style.
- i_monk0
You might want to check these threads:
http://www.qbn.com/topics/553212…
http://www.qbn.com/topics/585591…
- fresnobob0
Scott McCloud - Understanding Comics
http://www.amazon.com/Understand…From an amazon review: "I recommend it VERY strongly to anyone who's involved with designing Internet sites. Although it's not about that subject directly, it has more wisdom about the design of sites than any Web design book I've ever read or seen."
Meggs' History of Graphic Design
http://www.amazon.com/Meggs-Hist…The most comprehensive design history book that exists
- soundsinsilence0
I'd highly recommend "A Type Primer" by John Kane.
- MrT0
http://www.amazon.com/Art-Lookin…
I'd recommend this as well, excellent for a bit of creative perspective.
I'm also with the majority in not agreeing with deathboy's advice. In terms of design, IMHO, there's too much final output and not enough of the thinking and process on the web. It's certainly out there but not as a starting point.
- genfourth0
http://www.amazon.com/Crisp-Grap…
this was the first thing I read in college and I still refer back to it as it is just the basic fundamentals.
- omg0