Design Matters: An Essential Primer for Today's Designer: An Essential Primer for Today's Working Designer: An Essential Primer-Brochures, Logos, Packaging, Portfolios

The design bar is at an all-time high for those brave enough to participate in the industry. Today's designers must be clear on all the steps necessary to create work that stands out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Unfortunately, most design books only focus on type, color, and layout issues. The Design Matters series takes a more in-depth approach, allowing designers to learn not only how to create work that is aesthetically appealing, but also strategy-driven and smart.

This compilation features the best of the Design Matters series, indispensable guides to design, in one handy volume. Design Matters focuses on developing, creating and implementing brochure designs, logo designs, packaging, and portfolios. The compendium includes all the essential information needed to execute strong designs in concert with beautiful and well-crafted examples, so that designers can successfully hit the mark every time.

Capsule specializes in brand strategy and identity design services. Since 1999, the Minneapolis, Minnesota, firm has lent its distinctive methods and perspectives to the international design community. http://www.capsule.us

A former editor at I.D., Michelle Taute has written for magazines ranging from Better Homes and Gardens to USA Weekend and Metropolis. She also regularly contributes to HOW, STEP, ASID Icon, and Dynamic Graphics. In addition, she holds degrees in both journalism and English from the University of Missouri. http://www.michelletaute.com

Maura Keller is a writer and editor. In addition to freelance writing for more than 50 publications for the past 10 years, she was a marketing communications writer for the award-winning design firm, Yamamoto Moss in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She has also written extensively on marketing and business-related topics for regional and national consumer and trade publications.