Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field
Category: Books,Arts & Photography,Architecture
Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field Details
Review "I heartily recommend this book for anyone seeking a friendly, concise overview of graphic design theory. The texts included are fresh and provocative. And the book design makes it a pleasure to read (particularly in comparison to the Looking Closer series). Each group of texts is followed by a section of vivid images called "Theory at Work" that explicates the ideas presented. I plan to reach for this book any time I need to stimulate my brain and/or my design." -- Hartleib --Share Brain, April 29, 2009"An intro to design theory featuring essays from some of the industry's most important contemporary thinkers." --How Magazine"Design and Reflexivity by Jan Van Toorn. Appears in the book Graphic Design Theory: Readings From the Field edited by Helen Armstrong, published by Princeton Architectural Press.The political in design is often looked at in a context of making a political statement but neglects the political process linked to design itself. The circumstances and intentions that lie behind the designer are assumed to be transparent, but in a market economy the profit will always be the underlying factor. In this sense Van Toorn argues that in order for design to function it accepts the established order as the basis of its actions. Social order legitimizes design and in turn it becomes necessary for design to legitimize the social order as well, creating a system that denies a critical look into the system itself (102). Acknowledge this realization, reality becomes a concept that is separated from design it becomes difficult for design to become much more that representations of the representations of the current system." - Michael Carbaugh --Michael Carbaugh"This book offers a great primer on graphic design theory by collecting 24 essays from design luminaries like Jan Tschichold, Lorraine Wild, Paul Rand, El Lissitzky, Herbert Bayer, and more, culled from writings spanning more than a century on wide ranging topics from typography to the social responsibilities of a designer. " --Jason Santa Maria Read more
Reviews
Great info, supplements coursework and aids practical knowledge. Would recommend to anyone.
