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5 Responses to “The Non-Designer’s Design Book”

1. Jessica Grant
   December 12th, 2009 at 10:44 am

   After graduating from a 4 year university with a degree in Graphic Design, I get really peeved when I see books like this. Graphic design is not something you can teach yourself in a matter of hours; it’s a form of art that I’ve spent years learning (and am still learning more about daily!).

   I did not read this book. After looking through the pages online, I can tell you that this book is not going to teach you good design. I agree with the comments made about the poor use of type, which I think Williams should be embarrassed by. I am convinced that Williams is a non-designer as well.

   Instead of getting this book, learn about the work of well known graphic designers/ firms: Stoltze Design, Tolleson Design, Martin Venezky/ Appetite Engineers, Ellen Lupton, Pentagram Design are some of my favorites.

   Also, if you want your work to look really great, I recommend hiring a graphic designer or going back to school. That’s the only way you’ll really learn!
   Rating: 1 / 5

2. J. Yahshar
   December 12th, 2009 at 11:20 am

   This book is on my 10 list of books to read. I was thrilled, not only to find such a book but also to see that it’s in it’s 3rd edition and has so many positive reviews.

   I’m a graphic designer with over 15 years experience both freelancing and working full-time in various industries. And I’m a firm believer that you don’t have to be a artist to be a graphic designer. In fact I’ve focused a lot of my attention on helping people who may be artistically challenged, and show them they can design too. So this book is right up my ally. I’m definitely going to make this book available on my website just as soon as I read it.

   Rating: 1 / 5

3. Carrieann Hess
   December 12th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

   This transaction went smoothly, quickly, and the item received was in great condition. I would reccommend business with this seller.
   Rating: 5 / 5

4. Gerard Millers (gerard@hotmail.com)
   December 12th, 2009 at 2:18 pm

   I dont think this book is good at all. It is too simple, even for a novice. . .
   Rating: 2 / 5

5. Daniel Hart
   December 12th, 2009 at 4:13 pm

   I bought this book thinking that it might help me design visually appealing (or at least respectable looking) web pages. I’m already an experienced programmer but I’ve always struggled with the graphic art aspects of web design. Unfortunately, this book was utterly useless to me because all of the designs were extremely bland and for the most part overly simple and generally unattractive. Maybe I’ve been spoiled because I’ve had the privilege of working with so many great graphic artists, but this book really disappointed me. If you are looking for a way to improve the look of your pamphlets espousing the communist ideals of Noam Chomsky then maybe this book is for you. Anyone else who needs to learn compelling real world design principles (and I believe this is the majority of people out there) will find this book to be–at best–a good reference on ways to design for clients who are looking for a bland, no-frills, 1970’s style layout. At worst, this book is a total waste of an aspiring designer’s time and money.
   Rating: 1 / 5