Graphic Design School (8^th Ed.)
The Principles and Practice of Graphic Design

Revised and updated edition of the leading graphic design textbook, with new examples, the latest tools, and many new illustrations.

From understanding graphic design fundamentals, to developing original concepts, to creating finished designs?Graphic Design School develops design students' core competencies and provides practical advice and tips for how these fundamentals translate into new and evolving media. This Eighth Edition is updated with many new images and examples including apps, social media, magazines, websites, and books, presenting a comprehensive overview of the visual communications profession. Other updates in this edition include refreshed reading lists with more diverse practitioners, updated guidance, and media examples using the latest in graphic design software.

Graphic Design School, 8th Edition, covers the fundamentals of design including:

• Color, typographic rules and typefaces, web design and layout, and app or social media design
• Information architecture, file organization, and content management
• The importance of coding requirements and SEO
• Case studies, designer biographies, and student assignments for testing skills and concepts
• Revisits traditional printing techniques such as risograph and screen printing

Graphic Design School, 8th Edition includes full-color illustrations throughout, with pedagogical tools that focus on the growth of interdisciplinary learning and collaborations between design specialists, as well as highlights on key players in the past and present of graphic design.

INTRODUCTION 6

PART ONE: PRINCIPLES 8

CHAPTER ONE: RESEARCH AND CONCEPTS

Basics of research 10

Linear reasoning/lateral thinking 14

Exploratory drawing 16

Visualizing ideas 18

Theories of image and text 20

Audiences, markets, and concepts 24

Scheduling, organizing, and finalizing 26

Chapter 1: Assignments 30

CHAPTER TWO: FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPOSITION

Basics of composition 32

Form and space 36

Symmetry/asymmetry 38

Basic principles of design layout 40

Styles of layout 44

Pace and contrast 46

Size and format 50

Identity and extended systems 52

Photography and illustration 56

Chapter 2: Assignments 60

CHAPTER THREE: FUNDAMENTALS OF TYPOGRAPHY

Typography and meaning 62

The anatomy of type 64

Understanding and selecting typefaces 66

Spacing 72

Readability and legibility 76

Typographic emphasis and hierarchy 78

Typographic rules/boxes and ornaments 82

Text as image 84

Chapter 3: Assignments 86

CHAPTER FOUR: FUNDAMENTALS OF COLOR

Color terminology 88

Color legibility, contrast, and harmony 92

Color associations 94

Color as information 96

Chapter 4: Assignments 98

PART TWO: PRACTICE 100

CHAPTER FIVE: TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES

Photography basics and sourcing images 102

InDesign 106

Photoshop 110

Illustrator 114

Animate and After Effects 118

Chapter 5: Assignments 120

CHAPTER SIX: PRINT PRODUCTION AND PRESENTATIONS

Preparing files for print 124

Creating a convincing presentation 128

Paper stocks and finishing 130

Printed color 132

Print media 134

Digital printing 138

Correcting color proofs and press checks 140

Chapter 6: Assignments 142

CHAPTER SEVEN: WEB DESIGN

Project development process overview 144

Project structures 150

Web tools 152

Initial consultations 156

Information architecture (IA) 158

Flowcharts and wireframes 160

Common elements of a web layout 164

Designing for the Web 166

Mobile application design 172

Working with content management systems 175

Search engine optimization (SEO) 178

Online portfolios 180

Chapter 7: Assignments 184

CHAPTER EIGHT: EXPERT PATHS 188

Glossary 198

Bibliography 202

Online resources 203

Index 204

Acknowledgments 208

ABBIE VICKRESS (London, UK) is a Senior Lecturer on the Graphic Communication Design programme at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts in London. She is a graphic designer and researcher, exploring knowledge generation in public engagement and cultural spaces. This critical approach manifests through printed design, exhibition design, curation, writing and facilitation of workshops and events.

SANDRA STEWART (Philadelphia, PA) is the Associate Dean for Academics at Drexel University's Westphal College of Media & Arts Design.

DAVID DABNER (London, UK) taught at the renowned London College of Printing and served as course director for the UK's Higher National Diploma in Typographic Design.