Book Review - The 7 Essentials of Graphic Design

An instructional book explaining fundamental elements of graphic design
along side images of real world examples.

This is good book for beginner design students and any practicing designers wanting to go back over fundamental principles.  The book reminds me of the focus and mental energy it takes to create inspiring design. With so many directions available on a blank slate it is very helpful to have structure and a systematic process, especially in the fast pace commercial art industry.

The 7 graphic design essentials the book talks about are:

Research - Typography - Contrast - Layout - Grid System - Identity Design - Analysis

These are the elements that all successful designers know and apply constantly. Of course there are more elements than the ones talked about depending on the type of project. Beginners to graphic design should pay attention to these elements and designers in the field still need to be reminded of the big picture now and then.

The Research section explains the importance of expressing the true essence of the client’s business or message. The book goes over methods of defining this by using exercises like Question & Answer, Finding Existing Examples and Creating a Typical Scenario.

Of course the Typography section is key, for it explains the importance of type layout that is usually not even noticed by the common viewer. With so many other books out there on just typography this picks and talks about essential attributes that can be applied to most any design piece.

Contrast can be applied many types off elements and can be achieved in a variety of ways. One good use of  contrast is to apply emphasis to create visual hierarchy. The book gives several good examples of different methods on accomplishing this.

The books talks about Layout being used as a road map or providing specific direction to the viewer.  Symmetrical layouts are talked about and illustrated to show balance through a design piece. Visual rhythm or sequencing can be achieved with layout and then broken to avoid monotony.

Grid Systems are a vital part of design epically the more elements a designer adds to the overall piece. The grid system will usually not be noticed by your average viewer but is still very important. The book goes into detail of all the reasons to use a grid system and how to apply them.

Identity Design creates the recognition the every company or organization truly wants to achieve. Ask your self what is the idea essence of your thing and portray that with little or no words. When concepting an identity design or logo the designer must imagine it in every possible place it might end up (printed or screen).

The Analysis chapter explains the importance of sharpening your design eye even if you are not in the director or design instructor role. Studying your own and other designer’s work should a practice on an on going basis.

Over all the book The 7 Essentials of Graphic Design was a good read and worth devoting the time.  It is not laid out well to be a common used reference book but a good one to sit down and read the whole think.