Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students (Design Briefs)

EAN:9781568984483 Label:Princeton Architectural Press Author:Ellen Lupton Binding:Paperback

Design isn't just about how things look, the answer to a design challenge is more about discovering why certain things work Not definitive, but a worthy handbook of the larger typographic discussion. In steering projects toward visual solutions that deliver clear messages, we have to look at the very building blocks of design2009-03-02 Rating 4. Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students aims to get at the heart of this issue. If the cover seems familiar it might be because I mentioned this book before in my article Gifts for Graphic Designers: A Wish List, but it's time for a more thorough review. The book's aim is to be as practical as possible while providing a logical and historical foundation. It's a field guide for professionals to deal with type. This book comes from Ellen Lupton, a professor at my home state's Maryland Institute College of Art. Choosing type isn't just about whim or feeling. This book deconstructs type into basic elements helping you make informed design decisions. The book is divided into three sections: Letter, Text and Grid plus an appendix of definitions, hints and warnings. History is weaved between practical information in a way that is more narrative and entertaining than the typically dry text book lesson. In one moment you're reading about the purpose of body text; the author switches abruptly into the history of written manuscripts. In a short few paragraphs we're in the digital age of dynamic text. In talking about spacing, the history of written type translated onto evenly made printing blocks is transformed into the modern purpose of controlling visual space in body copy. The sections might be considered essays more than a longer narrative, which makes for an easy read. The examples are as integral to the book's narrative as the history itself. The design of the pages often split the text liberally with examples. The layout of the book has great play with type itself. When is justified text good or bad? The answers are stated with justified text. Makes sense. Many of the other examples are just fun type tricks and explainations on when and why they work or don't. Effectively conveyed is type styles' effectiveness in different mediums. Helvetica is a font designed for print, Verdana works well for web. The writer doesn't just force you to memorize this kind of information, but instead she explains why. So you can look at type with fresh eyes and see that Verdana's large x-height and simple curves work well for the pixel display of the computer system. The layout grid is discussed like most things, with it's origin with printing press. The focus is clearly intended to steer the reader into the uses of the modern grid in magazine, book and web design. There are some negatives. Purposefully functional,the history isn't fully explored. It's the backdrop for basing modern uses of type. The essay format drives the points forward and then simply moves on. This is possibly ideal for the busy modern pros that the book must be aimed to, but for those looking for a long form and in-depth view you'll have to go elsewhere. The modern model of dynamic typography that changes with context is in full effect and some readers might not like some of the more magazine styled layouts. I suspect that the average reader will learn a lot from this text. It can serve as a good guide during the design process. The short page count of the book can be seen as a much appreciated conciseness. The format is almost web-like in it's sections and pieces which appeals to a young and tech-savvy designer such as myself. Will the average writer or editor appreciate this information as much? Perhaps not. It may not be what everyone is looking for, but it will appeal to many design professionals who need a quick reference and crash course. This book is full of stuff Great book!. Once you start you really don't want to put it down2009-02-15 Rating 5. It is fun to read. One of the easiest I have ever read, almost like a childrens book, but better. It is filled with historical and present typographic trends and styles and common rules and systems that are used throughout the history of type, and much much more. . This is a great book that introduces typography in a simple, easy to understand way Great book for introducing typeography. Beginning with the history of typography, and going through pre-digital type, then going on into contemporary typography, this book offers a good resource for graphic designers and English majors alike2009-02-14 Rating 4. For the beginning graphic designer reading this review, I would definitely suggest this book before tackling some of the more in-depth typography books so that one can have a basis for understanding some of the more complicated concepts that will be presented in alot of the other books. This is one of only a few type books that I have read and was one of the most enjoyable Solid concepts. The concepts of typography are presented in an easy to follow flow and language that anyone can understand while not 'dumbing down' typography to a point that designers won't enjoy the book2008-09-29 Rating 4. A fun book to read to learn about how types we're created (author and history) Fun and interesting. Really like it2008-07-17 Rating 4. I guess only people in the graphic design world will like this book. The organization of letters on a blank sheet -- or screen -- is the most basic challenge facing anyone who practices design What type of font to use? How big? How should those letters, words, and paragraphs be aligned, spaced, ordered, shaped, and otherwise manipulated? In this groundbreaking new primer, leading design educator and historian Ellen Lupton provides clear and concise guidance for anyone learning or brushing up on their typographic skills. Thinking with Type is divided into three sections: letter, text, and grid