Synopses & Reviews
The first in this series, Approach & Language looks at the initial stages of the design process and at the vocabulary used on undergraduate design courses. Students are provided with the tools and supporting knowledge that will enable them to respond to a design course content and prepare for a career in graphic design.
Beginning with an overview of the approaches to graphic design and its inherent language, the book will go on to look at methods for idea creation and development, research methods and answering /understanding what is meant by ‘the design brief’, contemporary and historical sources and will conclude with discussion on the analysis and application of the creative idea.
Review
‘Approach
and Language, by Gavin Ambrose and Nigel Aono-Billson, is a wonderful guide to the world of graphic design. Through six chapters the authors give a comprehensive view of design, addressing theoretical issues, technical aspects and practice in the design process, with topics as suggestive as "Idea Mapping" as a method of generating ideas.The contents of this book are perfect for both students and teachers. The first find in it a reference guide that will help them get started with the basics of design and learn how to deal with their first projects. For teachers, this book is an inexhaustible source of exercises that they can develop with their students throughout the course. Indispensable.’
Nacho Lavernia, Lavernia & Cienfuegos Diseño, 2012.
Synopsis
Students are provided with the knowledge that will enable them to respond to a course and prepare for a career in graphic design. The book begins with an overview of various approaches to graphic design, as well as its inherent language. It goes on to look at methods for generating and developing ideas, research methods, and understanding what is meant by the design brief. The book draws on contemporary and historical sources and concludes with a discussion on the application of the creative idea.
"Approach and Language" is the first title in the" Basics Graphic Design" series from AVA Publishing. These books cover every aspect of studying a graphic design course. Subjects covered include critical thinking and evaluation, problem solving, the development of project work and the realisation of design practice. Showcasing work from students and practitioners alike, the books provide the student with the tools and inspiration they require to develop their skills in new and emerging technologies, and to become highly motivated and independent individuals with plenty to offer to the design world.
About the Author
Nigel Aono-Billson is a designer, design educator and design writer. Based in the UK, he has lectured extensively on undergraduate and postgraduate graphic design programs in the UK, Europe and the USA. Since the early 1980s, he has also worked extensively as a designer for both design companies and as an independent designer. His design/creative work has been published in design journals, books and magazines, both nationally and internationally.Gavin Ambrose studied at Central St Martins and is a practicing graphic designer. Current commercial practice includes clients from the arts sector, galleries, publishers and advertising agencies. He is the co-author/designer of several books on branding, packaging and editorial design.
Table of Contents
1. Idea-generating techniques
The design toolkit
Idea mapping
Exploring and investigating
Communicating your ideas
Undertaking research
Context and history
2. Expressing ideas on paper
Using graphic media
Putting ideas on paper
Illustrating ideas
Typology, alphabet and images
Idea development and implementation
3. Developing a design vocabulary
Signs, symbols, pictograms
Exploring typographic design
Conveying messages
Meaning and information
Development of shape, structure, balance and hierarchy
Deconstructing visual imagery
4. Devising experimental solutions
Producing experimental design ideas
Exploring type and letter forms
Conventions and functions
Contemporary practice
Using appropriate visuals
5. Creating a variety of communication ideas
Demonstrating an understanding of influences
Tuning into current social and creative attitudes
Presenting design work
Using appropriate formats and conventions
Testing ideas
6. Investigating and using design applications
Concept and purpose
Manipulating images and objects
Creating and adjusting layouts using a chosen application
File management and formats
Letterpress, screen printing and print making
Adapting ideas for a design application
Creating a prototype or archetype
Glossary
Useful resources