Design Elements, Third Edition (Paperback)

Timothy Samara

ISBN 10: 1631598724 / ISBN 13: 9781631598722

Published by Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc, Rockport, 2020

About this Item

Paperback. A new and updated 3rd Edition of the best-selling Design Elements, a visually rich and accessible handbook that presents the fundamentals of design in lists, tips, brief text, and examples. With new images and diagrams, the book covers everything from working with grids, colour application, typography, and imagery to how to finally put it all together. Features include:The ultimate primer on graphic designs basic visual toolkit-dot, line, plane, texture, space, and contrast-and how these basics underpin all successful layoutsAn in-depth look at colour-from its optical qualities and its effect on type to its potential for communication concepts and emotionsOne of the most thorough compilations of typography concepts to be found-including information on letterform structure and optics, combining typeface styles, the mechanics of detailed text typesetting, and using type as imageAn extensive overview of imagery-the endless possibilities of medium, depiction, abstraction, stylisation, and how these all communicate effectivelyMethods for integrating type and image, including a tutorial on using grid systems to structure layoutsTwenty rules for making good design-and the best ways to break themBeing a creative designer is often about coming up with unique design solutions. But when the basic rules of design are ignored in an effort to be distinctive, design becomes useless. In language, a departure from the rules is only appreciated as great literature if recognition of the rules underlies the text. Graphic design is a "visual language," and brilliance is recognised in designers whose work seems to break all the rules, yet communicates its messages clearly. This updated version of Rockport's best-selling Design Elements covers all the design fundamentals, from working with grids, colour application, typography, and imagery to finally how to put it all together. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9781631598722

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Design Elements, Third Edition (Paperback)
• Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc, Rockport
• Publication Date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1631598724
• ISBN 13: 9781631598722
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

The third edition of Design Elements solidifies its place as a cornerstone reference for understanding and applying the principles of graphic design. With expanded content, updated visuals, and refined explanations, this edition provides a clear, structured approach to mastering the foundations of visual communication.

What’s Inside:

• The essential building blocks of design: A thorough exploration of the fundamental elements—dots, lines, planes, texture, space, and contrast—that underpin effective design.
• Color as a functional tool: Practical insights into the strategic use of color, from its optical effects to its role in organizing information and evoking responses.
• Typography as structure and expression: A detailed examination of type, from the anatomy of letterforms to the nuances of typesetting and combining typefaces for maximum impact.
• The role of imagery: Guidance on selecting, abstracting, and integrating imagery to support communication goals.
• Grid systems and layout organization: Step-by-step instruction on using grids to create clarity, structure, and hierarchy within designs.
• Principles of practice: 20 foundational rules for creating effective designs, with an emphasis on when and how to adapt or deviate for specific outcomes.

Successful design relies on precision, clarity, and intent. By mastering its underlying principles, designers can create work that not only captures attention but also communicates effectively. This edition provides both the theoretical framework and the practical tools to approach design challenges with confidence and purpose.

Design Elements, Third Edition in coordination with Design Elements: Color Fundamentals and Design Elements: A Graphic Style Manual continues to be an authoritative guide for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of graphic design and elevate the quality of their work.

About the Author

Timothy Samara is a graphic designer based in New York City, where he divides his time between teaching, writing, lecturing, and consulting through STIM Visual Communication. His 20-year career in branding and information design has explored projects in print, packaging, environments, user interface design, and animation. He has been a senior art director at Ruder Finn, New York’s largest public relations firm, and senior art director at Pettistudio, a small multidisciplinary design firm. Before relocating to Manhattan, he was principal of Physiologic in Syracuse, located in upstate New York. In 1990, he graduated a Trustee Scholar from the Graphic Design program at the University of the Arts, Philadelphia. Mr. Samara is a faculty member at New York’s School of Visual Arts, New York University, Purchase College/SUNY, and The New School, and has published six books on design and typography, all through Rockport Publishers: Making and Breaking the Grid; Typography Workbook; Publication Design Workbook; Type Style Finder; Design Elements, Design Evolution, and Letterforms. Mr. Samara and his partner live in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn.