User Group Bookshelf User Group BookshelfNew book shows you how to design cool stuff; makes good design easy for anyone.
Back to INDEXUGN Home PageSubmit ReviewMany have become thrilled with some of the recent authors like Scott Kelby who claim to teach design. But usually as in the case of many of the trendy magazines and tricks books, they only teach how to use the software. Over the past five years the publishers have confused the definition of Design with software techniques -- just to sell books. They sell the 'dream' that if you learn their software tricks you'll automatically become a good designer. Which, of course isn't true. Design has nothing to do with computers, software or techniques -- even though many other authors include the word Design in their titles, there are precious few real design books being published today. If you already know how to use your software and would now like to learn the best way to present your information, this book is a good start...
Before & After Page Design is a beautifully, cohesive and elegant primer on page design that covers all the essentials. Acclaimed for his approach to teaching by example, McWade makes simple the complex process of good design for professional and occasional designers.
"For over a decade, graphic designers have depended on Before & After magazine for ideas and inspiration," says Marjorie Baer, executive editor of Peachpit Press. "With Before & After Page Design, we have created an essential addition to the library of any visual communicator."
Through a series of projects chosen for their practical value to today's graphic designer, the book shows readers how to put into practice the principles of excellence in design. McWade teaches how to think visually -- transforming the images in your head into documents that communicate effectively on the page. Projects include newsletter and newspapers, brochures, fliers and mailers, advertising and stationery.
"Page design is not about decoration but communication. It's about making your words and vision visible, giving it form and body for all the world to see," says John McWade, creative director of Before & After magazine. "This book is about how to express in a few words, a few shapes, a few colors, the ideas you want to convey."
Highlights of subjects covered include:
The Father of Desktop Publishing
Designer, teacher and author John McWade has been at the forefront of the graphic design and desktop publishing world for several decades. The very first beta user of the desktop publishing program Aldus PageMaker, he went on to found the first desktop publishing company, PageLab, to take advantage of the new tools. With his wife Gaye McWade, he founded the acclaimed Before & After magazine, long a favorite resource for graphic designers.
New Book Teaches How to Design Cool Stuff
John McWade, Before & After magazine; Click here and save 30%. Paperback: 195 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.39 x 9.08 x 6.96; Publisher: Peachpit Press; 1st edition - General: cross platform anyone; 0402-09; Click above for more details or to purchase.
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