The idea for Graphic Design Exposed occurred gradually as I observed examples of poorly executed visual communication. Good design is accessible to everyone. I wanted to enable all individuals who use visual communication to maximize the impact of their message.
The concepts outlined in this book are not meant to take the place of formal design training. Graphic Design Exposed offers an easy-to-follow overview of common design challenges and solutions. You will learn to spot and correct common design pitfalls and effectively communicate with your audience using both print and electronic media. Many of the solutions in this book require nothing more than word processing software or open source web content management solutions (CMS). Graphic Design Exposed will also give you the skills and vocabulary needed to maximize your success when working with a graphic designer, web developer, photographer or printer.
What you’ll learn from reading “Graphic Design Exposed”
- Working with Typography – Making your words matter. Learn about which fonts work best in print and on the web including appropriate size fonts should be used for various applications, optimal line length, viewing distance, color and contrast.
- One-Page Design – Recieve tips that will ensure creation of high-impact, single-page design for flyers, posters, web pages, and email blasts.
- Newsletter Design – While receiving design tips, learn how to use a newsletter “budget” to assist in smoothly coping with content creation and deadlines.
- Logo Design – Learn about the essential components of good logo design, plus six common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Web Design – Start with five key steps for good web design; simplification, site map creation,organization, prioritization, and navigation.
- Working with a Professional Photographer – Get tips on how to hire a photographer and make the best use of the time you have working together.
- Communicating with the Printer Like a Pro – Learn to speak “printer-ese” with great ease! Maximize the outcome effectiveness of every project that is sent to press.
- Working with a Graphic Designer – Get tips on how to hire a graphic designer. De-mystify the design process so that your organization can have a fun and fulfilling experience working with a design professional.
Graphic Design Exposed is available for sale through Amazon.com for $9.99. A full digital (PDF) version of the book is available now for $2.99 by clicking the “Buy Now” button below. The book will be delivered to you via email within 24 hours of payment.
Reviews
By Robin from Around the Island Photography
Thank you so much – this book hugely helpful! I nearly lost it a few months back trying to format a line of photo greeting cards on my own without understanding what bleeds were and how they worked. Definitely a lesson learned the hard way…
I’d love to spread the word about your book on social media and send some traffic your way – I think it could be a great help to many photographers and bloggers out there.
By Penny L., Nutrition Consultant
I read Graphic Design Exposed thoroughly and learned so much — the section on “Type Talk,” page layout and website design answered a lot of questions I had. The visual examples made it easy to see what works and what doesn’t.
The book offers tips for improving the effectiveness of any written/visual communication. I read the book hoping to feel less overwhelmed when having to create a flier or PowerPoint presentation, but now I even pay attention to how my emails look! I am telling all my friends, “You HAVE to read this book!” While the author is a professional graphic designer, the book is full of tips that you can put to use with MS Word and simple open source web page software. The book discusses fonts, logos, outdoor advertising, fliers, newsletters, and web design.
Ironically, the most interesting sections for me were the ones I don’t currently need. There are sections on working with a professional photographer, printer, or graphic designer. Now when my business does turn to a professional, I’ll really know how to make the most of our budget. If you might hire a professional photographer, read this first! It will really help you be prepared, communicate with the photographer properly, make the most of his/her time, and get the best usable images. The diagrams and terms in the “Communicating with the Printer Like a Pro” section really expended my idea of what a professional printer can do; including paper finishes, inks, embossing, folding, and binding.
The FAQ section, based on the author’s own experience, was a clever way to tackle some common issues in print, web, and social media. The book closes with a 16 page glossary that will further assist you in working with a professional printer or web developer. I will definitely read through the glossary again before I have to talk to our know-it-all web guy!
Whether you head a PR department or work for a small not for profit, you will surely benefit from this book.