Design 101

[Grade]

Hi

I want to start on Design and web design and I want to learn by myself.

So Any books that you might recommend me to learn Design and web design?

Thanks for the help

[LeviG]

Do a course, you will learn far more from a person than a book.

[Grade]

That is said then done. I live Portugal, where there practically none of those courses exists.

Also the the only places that exists is impossible for me to go.

So any books?

[jerryrock]

Adobe Press - Classroom in a Book series. Start out with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, Flash and Dreamweaver.

http://www.adobe.com/training/books/classroom.html

[Grade]

Thanks jerry.

I also want some books that might teach me some basics to expand my imagination or something that craft my abilities in design.

[fluidedge]

i find magazines much more stimulating, inspirational and frankly more useful than textbooks. Books can get very boring very quickly, but magazines are full of variety each month.

DigitalArts
ComputerArts
3DWorld

are all good. I'm sure someone can come up with a much better selection of magazines avaliable to you in portugal - most magazines offer a European/Global subscription package.

[mperkins37]

I also get Photoshop User when I can, any graphics based mags are very useful.
Good Luck.

[jerryrock]

Thanks jerry.

I also want some books that might teach me some basics to expand my imagination or something that craft my abilities in design.

Stick with learning the basic software first. You can have all the imagination in the world and not be able to express it in the form of design because you lack the tools of the trade. You have to put in the hard work, there is no way around it. It is not all fun and games.

[JasonElise1983]

Stick with learning the basic software first. You can have all the imagination in the world and not be able to express it in the form of design because you lack the tools of the trade. You have to put in the hard work, there is no way around it. It is not all fun and games.

I disagree... I've always heard from every creative director and believe myself that any monkey can learn the software, but its the creative/ original thought that matters. Its not about the tool. You can do great design without a computer... Its tv concept and idea that matters.

Magazines:
communiction arts
cmyk
print
graphik
I.D.

-je

[shecky]

I disagree... I've always heard from every creative director and believe myself that any monkey can learn the software, but its the creative/ original thought that matters. Its not about the tool. You can do great design without a computer... Its tv concept and idea that matters.


exactly. knowing software does not make you a designer. any moron can learn software.

[klymr]

exactly. knowing software does not make you a designer. any moron can learn software.

Hence the reason the tech schools around here output terrible "designers" after 8 months of school. A friend and I were talking about just that. We decided it'd be nice to go to one of those school to better learn PS, Ai, etc. only to learn the programs better. I would never replace that with the design classes I've taken so far at school.

[jerryrock]

I disagree... I've always heard from every creative director and believe myself that any monkey can learn the software, but its the creative/ original thought that matters. Its not about the tool. You can do great design without a computer... Its tv concept and idea that matters.

Magazines:
communiction arts
cmyk
print
graphik
I.D.

-je

So your idea of a Graphic Design education is reading magazines?

exactly. knowing software does not make you a designer. any moron can learn software.

Great answer! How does this help the OP?

[lord patton]

The Non-Designer's Design Book (http://www.amazon.com/Non-Designers-Design-Book-Robin-Williams/dp/0321193857/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1208800690&sr=8-1) by Robin Williams.

It's just a start, but it's a really good start.

[JasonElise1983]

So your idea of a Graphic Design education is reading magazines?

Actually, if you read what the op asked for, you would realize he asked for books and resources to expand his knowledge of design and creative thought. I was giving him those resources. Sure, i can rattle off books and tell him to go to classes, but i subscribe to lots of magazines and those give me the inspiration i need and help me over-come my creative challenges. Actually, if someone wanted real advice...i would say step away from the computer, live, and become active in society. Those life experiences and understanding of people will get your further in design than any teacher, magazine, book or application will ever get you.

-je

[Toronto Mike]

Another suggestion about learning design would be to learn how to draw.

A recent experience designing my own website brought home the realization that the visual skills of creating art and drawing translate well into design. Art teaches you all the finer points of discernment in translating ideas into a visual language. Art will give you the confidence in your own thoughts and judgement because every mark you do in a drawing is self motivated. It exists for a reason. If you do a bad drawing and understand why - when you work on your design work, you'll know why as well. Design is built on the same visual language as art. They are blood brothers.

My journey with art spans over ten years and the visual ability to see is slowly built up in tiny increments. Every once in awhile a great leap forward takes place. But it is hard work and the willingness to learn that moves you forward. Apart from all your other studies, I sincerely believe that nothing would help your design education more than picking up a pencil and paper and drawing the world around you.

What's to lose - the basic drawing materials are the smallest expense you'll ever make.

[LeviG]

As do I, all my design work starts with a few sketches, these may be simple boxes with angles to represent lighting directions etc but they speed up the final process no end.

[Abraxsis]

All of my fellow posters have given good advice and solid direction. Im just going to give my .02 cents as well.

1. Learn to draw if you can not already do this. The ability to sketch, no mater how rudimentary is nearly always essential. Focus on scale, proportions and placement first off.

2. lynda.com is a great place to learn the tools of the trade, but like most people said, knowing the tools doesn't make you a designer. A story I often tell my freelance clients is about a man who was driving through the desert when his vehicle began making a horrible racket. He pulled into a gas station and the attendant came out. He listened to the car for about a minute, got under the hood and turned a single screw, the car began to purr like a kitten. The driver was amazed and asked how much he owed the man. The mechanic said 50.00. The driver was outraged, complaining and asking how exactly turning a screw is worth 50 bucks. The mechanic smiled coyly and explained it was only a nickel to turn the screw, but it was 49.95 to know which screw to turn.

3. Start looking at magazines and books. Begin to get a feel for design (notice I didnt say "good" design), take in ALL design, because only then will you learn to separate the good from the bad.

4. NOW start reading design magazines and websites devoted to design. Granted not all that you see is going to strike you as good design, just like artists everyone has a unique taste, this is why I refuse to follow "rules." Sure there are a few decent ones, no rivers in texts, rule of typography, etc. But rules in art are stupid for the most part, like A cant only go in area B, or C only works if the background is D, etc. If we truly believed this then Picasso and van Gogh's work, not to mention 75% of modern art, would be largely considered crap. Find your own niche, and your customers will find you.

Books:
The two books I personally swear by for the beginner are ...
how to be a graphic design without losing your soul by Adrian Shaughnessy
Forms, Folds, and Sizes: All the Details Graphic Designers Need to Know but Can Never Find by Poppy Evans

Hope this helps.


Hi

I want to start on Design and web design and I want to learn by myself.

So Any books that you might recommend me to learn Design and web design?

Thanks for the help

[fluidedge]

I don't know what it is about some graphic designers but they have a real attitude problem sometimes - can we stop all of this "the only way you'll ever be good at design is with 349 years of experience, oh and design schools are crap" attitude

I really hate that in 'senior designers' - not willing to help us younger designers.

[ezekielrage_99]

exactly. knowing software does not make you a designer. any moron can learn software.

I completely agree, this is a great point. But still there are plenty of people out there who honestly think that knowing the software is the 100% of being a designer.

[Hankster]

Knowing software is a large part of being an excellent designer. A designer is ONLY as good as the tools available. If a designer doesn't know how to use tools effectively then the results will be fair at best.

Creativity and software knowledge go hand in hand, one cannot exist without the other.

[klymr]

Creativity and software knowledge go hand in hand, one cannot exist without the other.

I don't know if I agree with this statement. There are some amazing designs that I have seen done by people with no computer involved, except for maybe printing purposes. My personal belief is that great design can be born without the aid of any more tools than a pencil and sheet of paper. A computer, in my opinion, is a terrible design tool. It is a tremendously useful production tool though, and graphic design would not be what it is today with the aid of a computer, but it's not necessary to come up with a killer design. Of course, as I've mentioned a few times already, this is my opinion.

[jerryrock]

Knowing software is a large part of being an excellent designer. A designer is ONLY as good as the tools available. If a designer doesn't know how to use tools effectively then the results will be fair at best.

Creativity and software knowledge go hand in hand, one cannot exist without the other.

I totally agree with this statement. Too many people call themselves graphic designers and have no idea how to us the software that is required in the industry. If you do a job search for Graphic Designer, you will see that the software skills are required for the job.

The tools of this industry are computers and software. It is no longer pen, paper and physical typesetting or manually creating color separations. Plate-setting has gone digital as well.

This is not saying that drawing skills, knowledge of color theory or design principles are any less important. It is critical to be able to express these components digitally.

A "Designer" that cannot use the required software is unemployed.

[snickelfritz]

I read "Layers" and "Photoshop User" magazines.
I also have a technical book for Flash called "Learning Actionscript 3.0" by O'Reilly.
(I highly recommend this book for artists that want to work effectively with Flash)

Software should become second nature to a designer, in the same way that woodworking tools are second nature to a carpenter.
Desktop Publishing is a technical skill.
The more skilled you are with the software, the effective you will be at converting your creative ideas to high quality finished pieces.

[stargurl84]

You could learn a lot on forums like these and reading articles online

[klymr]

I totally agree with this statement. Too many people call themselves graphic designers and have no idea how to us the software that is required in the industry. If you do a job search for Graphic Designer, you will see that the software skills are required for the job.

The tools of this industry are computers and software. It is no longer pen, paper and physical typesetting or manually creating color separations. Plate-setting has gone digital as well.

This is not saying that drawing skills, knowledge of color theory or design principles are any less important. It is critical to be able to express these components digitally.

A "Designer" that cannot use the required software is unemployed.

Hmm...I see what you are saying now. I guess I agree that software knowledge and application is an absolute must, but that's not all that design entails either. Like you said, other skills are also required.

I see the designing as being done on paper with pen/pencil and the computer producing and bettering that design. I think the tools of design are still pen and paper, however the manual typesetting, etc. has been replaced with the computer and other digital means for finishing the design process and then producing the idea. Does that make sense, or am I just crazy? LOL! :p

[dopey220]

My advice would be to download the trial versions of Adobe's CS3 software and make yourself a few practice "assignments." For instance, a magazine cover/layout, a promotional poster for a band, a personal letterhead, etc. The people on this forum would be glad to help out with software questions and critiques.

[Abraxsis]

I agree with your statement, but I also believe (maybe not ALL people) that limiting one's self to beginning with the Paper and pen is self limiting. I know that I myself get a better feel for something if I produce inside the software, as if its like this big puzzle and Im able to create the pieces as I go along, as well as continually reassess their interaction. I have the general direction in my head as opposed to in a sketch. If I were to do this on paper then digitize it, I think personally I would find that a little stifling, creatively speaking that is.

It would be the same to say a master painter is wrong for not using an undersketch. Nay, in fact, one would call him a much better painter because he has the ability to see the final product in his head. Am I saying that Im a better designer because I can do this? Not hardly, but I do believe that everyone is different, ergo work flow is different for each individual. However, if I couldnt afford the software, or afford the time to learn it properly, I think I would start with Pen and Paper.


Hmm...I see what you are saying now. I guess I agree that software knowledge and application is an absolute must, but that's not all that design entails either. Like you said, other skills are also required.

I see the designing as being done on paper with pen/pencil and the computer producing and bettering that design. I think the tools of design are still pen and paper, however the manual typesetting, etc. has been replaced with the computer and other digital means for finishing the design process and then producing the idea. Does that make sense, or am I just crazy? LOL! :p

[klymr]

I agree with your statement, but I also believe (maybe not ALL people) that limiting one's self to beginning with the Paper and pen is self limiting. I know that I myself get a better feel for something if I produce inside the software, as if its like this big puzzle and Im able to create the pieces as I go along, as well as continually reassess their interaction. I have the general direction in my head as opposed to in a sketch. If I were to do this on paper then digitize it, I think personally I would find that a little stifling, creatively speaking that is.

It would be the same to say a master painter is wrong for not using an undersketch. Nay, in fact, one would call him a much better painter because he has the ability to see the final product in his head. Am I saying that Im a better designer because I can do this? Not hardly, but I do believe that everyone is different, ergo work flow is different for each individual. However, if I couldnt afford the software, or afford the time to learn it properly, I think I would start with Pen and Paper.

Oh, don't get me wrong, I agree with you in the sense that playing with digital layout is needed also. I personally have many ideas on things that flow through my head, but if I sit at the computer I have a much harder time with the layout than if I quickly sketch out the various elements. Say, for example, I want this photo here, that paragraph there, or maybe this paragraph here, that photo there, etc. I work better if I draw out a few different layouts on paper (not detailed at all) and then take the better of the ideas and start to work off of them on the computer. I find that I don't limit myself that way, whereas if I were to just sit at the computer I don't tend to stray much from the original concept because there are so many other things I can do to tweak what I'm doing. That's me personally, and I'm sure you work differently.

BTW, this is an interesting topic we have going on now, LOL.

[Abraxsis]

Maybe what we are really getting at here is that, like other topics, there are some who seem to have an innate ability to do something. Blind painters, deaf musicians, Helen Keller, etc. There are many instances where a persons mind is strengthened in a certain method of processing. Pardon my psycho-babble, I got a MS in Psy before I became a Designer, lol. Perhaps my innate abilities allow me to think more freely with the computer because that is where I started at. I never went through a Paper and Pen stage. Sure I drew as a child and teen, but once I got into science it was all computers and writing. So perhaps I have trained my brain to work within the confines of the computer, where as you found your way into the field via Pen and Paper. I feel more "natural" with a mouse, instead of a Pen (maybe that is why Im having issues getting used to the Wacom tablet I bought, lol) Not that either way is wrong, or better, but just saying that it is a possibility.

Take a blind painter for instance, obviously he/she had sight at one time, and therefore recreates visual memories via painting, even though they are unable to SEE what theyre doing. The visuals they have is a sort of "training" in this case. My background is in computers, there for it is my previous "training." Just as Paper and Pen was yours. (Im assuming that this is the case since youre very passionate about the use of Pen and paper, please correct me if I am wrong.)

Oh, don't get me wrong, I agree with you in the sense that playing with digital layout is needed also. I personally have many ideas on things that flow through my head, but if I sit at the computer I have a much harder time with the layout than if I quickly sketch out the various elements. Say, for example, I want this photo here, that paragraph there, or maybe this paragraph here, that photo there, etc. I work better if I draw out a few different layouts on paper (not detailed at all) and then take the better of the ideas and start to work off of them on the computer. I find that I don't limit myself that way, whereas if I were to just sit at the computer I don't tend to stray much from the original concept because there are so many other things I can do to tweak what I'm doing. That's me personally, and I'm sure you work differently.

BTW, this is an interesting topic we have going on now, LOL.

[Phrasikleia]

There are two sides to the coin: theory and practice. You do need them both.

Regarding "practice", the good news is that one can learn the tools of the trade fairly quickly; and helpful books, magazines, and online resources for learning them abound. The bad news is that those tools are constantly evolving and changing, so learning them is a never-ending process. The "practice" never ends.

As for the theory: everything you learn goes forward with you. That's the good news. The bad news is that truly helpful resources are few and far between; and this kind of knowledge is hard-won. It's best to rub elbows with greatness if you can; there's nothing like having a great mentor. But if you really have no place to go for mentoring and critiques, then look for books that bracket out the technical aspects and focus on the fundamentals of design, composition, and CONCEPT. The latter is really the key to success. Design is ultimately about communication, and no amount of "style" can make up for conceptual weakness.

[eevor]

Find a college course.
Go to it.
Learn the basics.
Work hard.
Build a portfolio.
Find an art school.
Work hard to get into it.
Open your mind to everything.
Learn all you can about design.
Work hard.
Work hard.
Work hard.
Build another portfolio.
Graduate.
Find a design studio that will take a new designer.
Open your mind to design as a business and a craft.
Work hard.
Work hard.
Find a better job, or start up for yourself.
Work hard.
Work hard.
Die happy knowing you did what you wanted.

[7on]

I always say doesn't hurt to pick up a pencil and keep a daily sketchbook :)

[fluidedge]

and a scrap book of other peoples work for inspiration!!

[eb6]

I disagree... I've always heard from every creative director and believe myself that any monkey can learn the software, but its the creative/ original thought that matters. Its not about the tool. You can do great design without a computer... Its tv concept and idea that matters.

Magazines:
communiction arts
cmyk
print
graphik
I.D.

-je

Totally agree. I had a professor once say he could still make a living in graphic design even if he lost both arms and both legs. Its about your mind, creativity, imagination.

[rockdog]

I am no expert but here is where I would start if I were you.


Start doing daily sketches. This will help you in ways you can't imagine.
Start keeping a physical and digital scrap book of designs and graphics that appeal to you. This helps you with ideas as well as helps expose you to design.
Start going to any local art functions. This exposes you to the art community and locals who might be able to help you.
Look for podcasts and the like in iTunes or elsewhere that deal with design and the tools you might use (indesign, photoshop, etc). It is like going to mini seminars from the comfort of you own computer. Magazines are good as well.
Lastly, do something artistic every day. The creative process is often the best teacher, you may fail often but you will learn every step of the way.


I wish you the best and good luck

[waynesun]

Design 101.. there is no proper "design 101". If you want to design in usability.. read Krug's "Don't Make me Think".. more concise than Nielsen, and takes out all the little details in between. Smashing Magazine is a pretty cool website, as well as Vitamin.

Inspire yourself.. be creative.. buy inspirational publications.. network with some really famous designers.. find out what makes "good design" and try to step forwards with that grain in hand. Attend seminars and tech events to get a good grasp of what's in demand to fitfully supplement the mass of sites that are being pushed out right now. Personally, I wish I could do this, but i'm still in high school.

Levid Media, Fantasy Interactive, The Favorite Web Awards.. all great places to catch up on inspiration. Don't read design.. feel it. Reading puts you in a cage. Your own experience is what pushes you forward.

[Krebstar]

For typography, you can not go wrong with these two books by Robin Williams:

The Non-Designer's Type Book - http://www.amazon.com/Non-Designers-Type-Book-Robin-Williams/dp/0201353679

The Mac Is Not A Typewriter-
http://www.amazon.com/Mac-not-typewriter-Robin-Williams/dp/0201782634/ref=pd_sim_b_img_4


However, you will never get too far simply by looking at books.

[klymr]

"The best design tool is a long eraser with a pencil at one end." —Marty Neumeier Neutron LLC

[macwall]

Design Basics Index by Jim Krause is really great. In fact his entire index series is really great. Check it out.

[wallaby]

I find that one of the most oft-overlooked areas of design education is design history. Philip Meggs' "A History of Graphic Design" would be helpful in this regard; study the work of the greats and learn the art movements.

But really, there is no substitute for a design education. I just finished my 3rd year in my graphic design program. Here's to heavy workloads and little pay after graduation!

[uMac]

Just get the 30 day trails, that what I did and I coded in flash already. Dreamweaver is fun too if your into building website.

[Krebstar]

The talk on the first page about being unemployed if you can't use the required software makes me shake my head. There are too many people who just know how to use effects and work with a program, but know absolutely nothing about basic design principles.

Drew Davies of the very successful Oxide Design Co. said in his last lecture..."I can teach someone how to use Illustrator, but I can't teach them how to design and understand the process."

It's incredibly true. You can learn the software, but if you can't go through the steps that it takes to make good design and can not problem solve, you're useless.

So, thread creator, keep that in mind when first starting.

[motoxpress]

For the OP: There are a few areas you will want to think about.

For general design, I like the book from this site: http://gdbasics.com/

You also need to study type. There are lots of good options. A couple I know are : Stop stealing sheep (yes, that is a design book), Designing with type.

I also recommend a sketchbook(s) and develop all your ideas there first and don't go to the computer until you have a firm idea of execution. The computer is a device for execution - it cannot replace mental creativity. So, yes I am saying that photoshop filters DO NOT equal creative problem solving.

I would also look at the work of others but, not for the purpose of copying a style or look. You want to pull the design a part and figure out why they are successful and appealing to you. Just like Michelangelo did with cadavers. Looks at the type, the relationships. Look for the use of design principles. Once you learn to recognize them easily you will be on your way to being a good designer.

To those who claim software is half as important as design principles you are wrong - flat wrong. The creative process informs the execution, not the not the reverse. I see a lot of "graphic designers" who know photoshop but, can't successfully solve a design problem. The reason is they go to photoshop and expect to SOLVE the problem there and they usually just copy something they have seen. It's a false procedure. You have to come to PS with a solution that PS can help you execute.

-mx

[klymr]

For the OP: There are a few areas you will want to think about.

For general design, I like the book from this site: http://gdbasics.com/

You also need to study type. There are lots of good options. A couple I know are : Stop stealing sheep (yes, that is a design book), Designing with type.

I also recommend a sketchbook(s) and develop all your ideas there first and don't go to the computer until you have a firm idea of execution. The computer is a device for execution - it cannot replace mental creativity. So, yes I am saying that photoshop filters DO NOT equal creative problem solving.

I would also look at the work of others but, not for the purpose of copying a style or look. You want to pull the design a part and figure out why they are successful and appealing to you. Just like Michelangelo did with cadavers. Looks at the type, the relationships. Look for the use of design principles. Once you learn to recognize them easily you will be on your way to being a good designer.

To those who claim software is half as important as design principles you are wrong - flat wrong. The creative process informs the execution, not the not the reverse. I see a lot of "graphic designers" who know photoshop but, can't successfully solve a design problem. The reason is they go to photoshop and expect to SOLVE the problem there and they usually just copy something they have seen. It's a false procedure. You have to come to PS with a solution that PS can help you execute.

-mx

AMEN! BRAVO!

Oh, and I second the Designing with Type book to learn about typography.

Another basic type book that is priceless in content is The Mac is not a typewriter. We used both of these two books in my Typography class and both are very helpful.

I also bought the book The Elements of Typographic Style but haven't had time to read much. By what I hear it's an excellent resource. I look forward to reading it.

You don't even need to go as far as using a sketchbook to work out your design ideas. I often start with a pen(cil) and a clipboard with a few sheets of blank paper. The advantage of a sketchbook is that it's much easier to keep track of your ideas in case you want to go back and see your older stuff. I also recently bought a Moleskine sketchbook to keep a journal in. That way if I feel inspired at all I can break from writing to sketch without the lines getting in the way. And now I'm rambling in my type because it must be late. Good luck to whoever may care to read this.

[sambapati87]

Creativity and software knowledge go hand in hand, one cannot exist without the other.

Please reconsider.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20745656@N00/413975598/

^ Done before 1972

[motoxpress]

Just goes to show that tools change, the principles do not.

-mx

[Krebstar]

Just goes to show that tools change, the principles do not.

-mx

To quote Wim Crouwel in 'Helvetica'...

"You can't do better work with the computer but you can do faster work."

Oh so true.