While looking for books to use while training my minions, I ran across this book:
"Design Elements: A Graphic Style Manual" (Timothy Samara)
Samara focuses on 20 reminders for graphic designers:
- Have a concept.
- Communicate; don't decorate.
- Speak with one visual voice.
- Use two typefaces maximum.
- Show one thing first.
- Pick colors on purpose.
- If you can do more with less, do it.
- Negative space is magical.
- Treat type as image.
- Keep type friendly.
- Be universal; it's not about you.
- Squish and separate: create rhythms in density and openness.
- Firecrackers and rising sun: distribute light and dark.
- Be decisive.
- Measure with your eyes.
- Make what you need; don't scavenge.
- Ignore fashion.
- Move it! Static equals dull.
- Look to history, but don't repeat it.
- Symmetry is the ultimate evil.
I like these so much, I think I'll use them as the basis for a series of posts, where I add my own take on his reminders. I'll try to stick to a weekly schedule, but I suspect that will vary.
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