Robin Williams Design Workshop, 2nd Edition

Always having a passion for graphic design, I read through the reviews for this book and found most of it accurate. This book introduces basic graphic design at its most elemental level: key principles.It is not a workshop where it teaches you graphic design through a workbook environment. Rather, it introduces you to principles and challenges you to think how you are able to use the information provided. It gives you perspective and adds a new way of thinking to being creative with guidelines.Although, it touches many facets of graphic design it primarily focuses on having an aspiring graphic designer to notice the four basic elemental principles of graphic design. They would be: Contrast, Repetition, Alignment and Proximity.The book goes on to cover how different arts and mediums all need to be aware of the underlying 4 principles of graphic design.I found this book to be highly useful, easy to read, and a great basic introduction to the subject matter. You will always be able to use it as a handy reference and that in itself will add value forever!

I learned about this book at a recent seminar. Bought it here through Amazon. Was a little worried when I read the first chapter that it would be over my head because I am a total novice, but I soon found myself engrossed in the book. It really is very helpful and the repeatition of ideas and "rules" helps drive home the important stuff. Well laid out so you can skip the chapters that don't interest you. Although I would consider reading them. I found that certain ideas hit home better in some chapters than others and I think it has helped my overall design ability. Good Book especially for those of us who love how-to books.

I am actually quite a fan of Robin Williams' ability to simplify design and make the concepts accessible to "non-designers." I was such a fan of her book,  The Non-Designer's Design Book (3rd Edition) , that I bought this one, too. However, this is for a completely different audience.I am giving the book a "4-star" review because it is a beautiful book with lots of good information. I don't feel it's fair to downgrade the book simply because it was not a great match for me. But, if you are a "non-designer," stick with her other book.

I've always admired Robin Williams' design books. They're straight forward, practical, and well layed out, of course. What's important about Robin's books is that she consistently ties together several design principals and builds and connects to those principles in each of her books. She provides numerous examples and resources for you to build upon and she makes you feel that you can achieve the goals of good design. Her books are not written from an elitist or esoteric point of view. They're written for both design students and laymen who are interested in the principles of good and effective design.

All of Robin Williams' design books are not only well-written, but extremely accessible, and this one is no exception. In fact, this is my favorite of all of her books. I love that she includes so many details about the projects. She even includes detailed colophons in the backs of her books, which is very useful if you are at all interested in fonts and type styles. Even if you do a lot of design work, this book is useful for jump-starting creative blocks.Her Mac books are pretty good, too.

I love this book! Again, I bought it to augment my classroom library for students learning graphic design software. It is a great introduction to how design works and gives solid, easy-to-follow rules for designing well. My students love this book!

I bought this book for class. This book is a great introduction into design and covers a lot of ground. The way it shows a before and after progression of different designs makes it easy to perceive design concepts in a easily digestible format.

I have really enjoyed this book. Being a designer, I sometimes need ideas to help get me going, and this book provides it in spades. I really like the way that the author took some ideas from concept, through to completion. It really provides a great insight into the designer's mind. I wholeheartly recommend this book!

not an academic work in case any students were wanting to use it but it is a great book if you want to get your basics in and build from there. i can highly recommend it.

The first section asks questions and if you don't know the answers it tells you to read other books, mostly on the basics. So,mid you are new to the concepts of design, get or read "the NonDesigners Type, Design and web books before getting this. Otherwise this book is well made and hefty, the concepts are interesting and the ideas helpful.

While this book may have been good back when it was published, sadly many of the examples of "good design" look out of date and amaturish. That said, many of the concepts and points made in this book are valid, just poorly illustrated.With the poor examples given though, I have a hard time recommending this book to anyone.