Reddit reviews Grid systems in graphic design: A visual communication manual for graphic designers, typographers and three dimensional designers (NIGGLI EDITIONS) (German and English Edition)

It would be truly «Swiss Style» if you did the following things:

• Use a proper Grid system, align everything to it. Like /u/ponypebble said, this is a good starting point, for further info you could buy Grid Systems by the legendary Josef Muller-Brockmann.
  
• Don't use lines to divide the content, it should be clear what belongs together from the placement of the text blocks (you can keep the line of the Logo as it comes from that)
  
• Don't use as many font styles and font colors. Regular(or light) and Bold in white should suffice. Also keep the kerning consistent. Also you could change from a geometric to a more Grotesque Typeface (Like Akzidenz Grotesk, Neue Haas Unica, Helvetica, Univers, Akkurat usw)
  
• Remove the transparent type in the background
  
  
  Don't get me wrong it looks really good and I like it as it is right now, that would simply make it more «Swiss Style» as the old Swiss Masters around that time used more or less the following principles:
  
  
• Absolute Minimalism, only show whats necessary
  
• Strong use of Typography, often experimental Typography
  
• Strong, even rigid use of Grids, construction of complex Grid Systems. (For Example this Poster by Josef Muller-Brockmann)
  
• Use of mainly Grotesque fonts
  
  I also just love the old Swiss Masters and geeked out a little, sorry. :)
  
  

The idea everything should live within some kind of structure consisting of columns, padding and alignment, etc.

You can use the grid to help create those lines, most people will pull guides and custom measure our a grid. Some prefer to build a grid and design within, others will design organically and mold a grid as they go.

A good read on the practice.

Elements of Style

Stop Stealing Sheep

Grid Systems

Two things that is very helpful is to know type and grids.


On typography my favorite is: The Elements of Typographic Style

Another good one is Stop Stealing Sheep


For grids, I like this one: Grid Systems in Graphic Design

Making and Breaking the Grid
is not too bad either.

Making and breaking the grid by Timothy Samara is pretty much the definitive practical reference imo.

And if you want to get a little more into the depth and history, Grid Systems by Brockmann of course.

I think it's not bad, I would say the biggest things are around typography.

1. Add more padding around some of the typography.
   
   
2. On the second image that "intro paragraph" is kind of weird, its two paragraphs I think, but in it's own style? Usually those type of things are one headline sentence which leads into the content.
   
   
3. Fix what is called a "widow" basically one word on the last line of a paragraph.
   
   
4. If you are using InDesign, select your text, go to paragraph styles and uncheck "hyphenate" to remove all the hyphenated words.
   
   
5. Some of your text is just oddly aligned, the yellow box quote, each line starts more and more to the left
   
   
6. Look at the "Working in the industry" page, I would redesign to be left aligned, the "rivers" pattern (white space between words) as we call them in typography looks more like lakes in these pages.
   
   
7. I like the fifth image, but add more padding around the text so it's not to the edge of the bounding box.
   
   
8. Pros & Cons page, I like the title design, nice job here; But the box below again with justified text, not working too well.
   
   
9. On the note of the above, make sure your paragraphs have a clear space between the previous paragraph.
   
   
10. You've got a lot of different font types, and styles going on each page, which is fine, but you should come up with a look and feel, that makes it so if each page were looked at separately (like we are here) someone could say "Yes these pages are from the same magazine."
    
    
11. On the contents page (last screenshot) left align the text, it's generally not a good idea to right align text as it makes it difficult to read. (the numbers can stay right aligned)
    
    And Finally:
    
    If you can - try to learn more about grid systems and typography, there are some great books out there that if you have cash or can ask your parents to buy you a couple books, here are some recommendations (even to just look at for inspiration):
    
    Grid Systems in Graphic Design: A Visual Communication Manual
    
    Thinking with Type - This one is one of my favorites
    
    The Typography Idea book
    
    I hope this helps :) And keep at it!! Definitely better than I was doing in high school!

I have compiled a reading list to be read in order just for this question.

I strongly believe that these books will make you better than 90% of designers out there.

Level One

Start with Thinking with Type it is a really good introduction to all things graphic design. It focuses a lot on typography and it is really basic. I

Next is Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type This book takes what you learned in Thinking with Type and allows you to develope it further in a grid based system. Its good, basic, and has exercises for you to do to play with composition.

Third on the list is Graphic Design: The New Basics It will take what you learned in Thinking with Type and Grid Systems and open them up a little. You learn about design elements other than just type like scale, rhythm and contrast. It really good, and has some projects to do.

Level 2

Now You can get into more "advanced" stuff. There are a lot of books that can go here, but Ill recommend some of my favorites. Its not as important to do this section in order.

Grid Systems in Graphic Design is the bible when it comes to grids. Its german and dry as fuck, but it is basically awesome. Its expensive, but worth every single penny.

Elements of Typographic Style Not alot about grids in here, but it tells you every insane crazy thing that typographers do when they massage text.

You can look at other designers work too. Heres a list of designers I like a lot:

Stefan Sagmeister

Paul Rand

Massimo Vignelli

James Victore

Paul Sahre

Wolfgang Weinhart

Paula Scher

Tibor Kalman

Most of these designers also have books out about their life and work.

Get a sketchbook and play around in it. Draw, collage, glue bubblegum wrappers in there. Just make it a diary of your visual life.

You could also get into Visual Theory here:
Norman Bryson has a book on still lifes that awesome
JWT Mitchell's What do pictures want is great

After this, its just a matter of making a lot of really bad shit and eventually its just a little less worse and maybe one day it might be good.

Ive got more, but that should keep you busy for a year or two.

An Essential Reading List For Designers

Source: www.tomfaulkner.co.uk

All books have been linked to Amazon for review and possible purchase. Remember to support the authors by purchasing their books. If there are any issues with this listing let me know via comments or pm.

Architecture

• The Phaidon Atlas of Contemporary World Architecture by Phaidon
  
• The Architecture of the City by Aldo Rossi
  
• Learning from Las Vegas by Robert Venturi, Denise Scott Brown & Steven Izenour
  
• Modern Architecture since 1900 by William J R Curtis
  
• Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture by Phaidon
  
  Communication Design
  
  
• Essentials of Visual Communication by Bo Bergström
  
• Visual Language for Designers by Connie Malamed
  
• Visual Communication: From Theory to Practice by Jonathan Baldwin & Lucienne Roberts
  
• This Means This, That Means That: A User's Guide to Semiotics by Sean Hall
  
• Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture by Marita Struken & Lisa Cartwright
  
  Fashion Design
  
  
• Fashion Design Course by Steven Faerm
  
• Fashion Today by Colin McDowell
  
• The Fashion Designer Survival Guide by Mary Gehlhar
  
• Deluxe: How Luxury Lost it Lustre by Dana Thomas
  
• The Fashion Book by Angela Buttolph Editors of Phaidon ?
  
  Furniture Design
  
  
• Furniture Design by Stuart Lawson
  
• Eames by Gloria Koenig
  
• Design of the 20th Century by Charlotte & Peter Fiell
  
• 1000 Chairs by Charlotte & Peter Fiell
  
• The Encyclopedia of Furniture by Joseph Aronson
  
  Game Design
  
  
• The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses by Jess Schell
  
• Theory of Fun for Game Design by Raph Koster
  
• [Challenges for Game Designers](Challenges for Game Designers) by Brenda Brathwaite
  
• Level Up!: The Guide to Great Video Game Design by Scott Rogers
  
• Screenplay: The Foundation of Screenwriting by Syd Field
  
  Graphic Design
  
  
• Grid System in Graphic Design by Josef-Muller Brockmann
  
• The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher
  
• A Type Primer by John Kane
  
• The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst
  
• The New Typography by Jan Tschichold
  
  Information Design
  
  
• The Visual Display of Quantitative Information by Edward Tufte
  
• Show Me The Numbers:Desiginingg Tables and Graphs to Enlighten by Stephen Few
  
• Envisioning Information by Edward Tufte
  
• Information is Beautiful by David McCandless
  
• Information Graphic by Sandra Rendgen
  
  
  Industrial Design
  
  
• The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
  
• The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda
  
• Manufacturing Processes for Design Professionals by Rob Thompson
  
• Process: 50 Product Design from Concept to Manufacture by Jennifer Hudson
  
• Universal Principles of Design by William Lidwell
  
  (cont'd)
  
  

Ha, time to shine, Swiss guy over here. Try to think of grids merely as a help to keep your proportions in order – a good grid should provide a stable structure for your layout without constricting you too much (of course there's always a little constriction using a grid but thats part of the fun). I always use grids, mostly 9x9 or 12x12. You can easily set those up in Indesign under Layout > Create Guides > then just type in whatever proportions you desire. You can also add gutter if you want to but it's not always necessary. There's no right or wrong when it comes to grids – if you're a beginner though, you might consider classical grids like those Joseph Müller-Brockmann (here's a very good book) introduced before moving on to create your own ones. I really love grids, they can be a fantastic help – the whole layout just feels right because every element corresponds with the proportions of the page. I always like when you "feel" the grid but don't actually see it.

No, the best way you can learn anything about design principles is through study and hard work. You will never become a successful designer through copying and emulation. Some form of formal study would be ideal.

These are the basic principles of design. But if you want to be a successful designer you will have to build an understanding that goes far beyond those few handfuls of words on a page.

Learn something about the history of design. Be familiar with the work of great designers, and understand why they are successful visual communicators. Also, you will never regret buying this book or watching this movie .

Follow design blogs, design magazines, and design trends. Stay current.

Until you understand why, don't depart from using a core handful of reliable typefaces. Typography matters.

I'm sorry if my comments have seemed harsh, but I have worked hard, and spent many many hours and no small amount of money developing my skills as a designer, through books and formal study both. I'm a designer because I believe that good design matters. I know through personal experience the difference that good design can make to an enterprise or organization.

Consequently I get kind of annoyed at the streams of people who now seem to feel that anybody with a copy of photoshop and basic html knowledge makes for an instant designer.

To answer your question, if you like you can check out some of my work at bofo.com.au. If you're serious, I do wish you luck in professional development as a designer.

I think you have a really good grasp of design for an amateur! A bit of advice I have for you is to give your work a little more space to breathe. On the first section of the first page, your vertical spacing is too tight. On the second page, your text gets a little too close to the photographs. Overall, I think you have a strong sense of color, and integrating photographs and type. Your logo needs a little work, and I would also recommend studying grid systems.

Grid Systems.
http://www.amazon.com/Systems-Graphic-Systeme-Visuele-Gestaltung/dp/3721201450

Once you'll fully understand the method, you'll be a level 4.

I'd say the largest "mistake" I see is not knowing how to use a grid effectively before going without one. Here are a couple of books that helped me figure things out a bit regarding this:

Grid Systems In Graphic Design - Josef-Müller-Brockmann

Thinking With Type - Ellen Lupton

Both great resources for getting started.

the bible IMO is grid systems by Josef Muller Brockton, https://www.amazon.com/Grid-Systems-Graphic-Design-Communication/dp/3721201450/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478318609&sr=8-1&keywords=grid+system+josef

Great editorial design lives in a well crafted grid, read all you can on typography, good type foundations mean a good eye for spacing, paragraphs. Learn composition, color and contrast. IMO editorial design combines almost all design basics into one form of design.

Grid Systems by Josef Muller-Brockmann.

My bible.

There are some great concepts here!
I feel like the typography could use some more work. For example the H in "The flawed game" isn't centered in the box and some of the font choices could be improved upon.

It should also be noted that I haven't read any of the books!

that being said here are some feedback (personal opinion):
Do some more thurough font-searching or try to incorporate the current fonts more into the design – many of these feels like the text has been just smacked on.

In "A model of horror" you could try and decrease the line-height between "A model" and "Of horror"
I would probably go with another font-pairing on that one aswell.
Perhaps something like Macabre by Dave Coleman could fit here (https://www.futurefonts.xyz/dave-coleman/macabre)
It also feels like the balance is a bit off. It feels like you are trying to utilize whitespace and a minimalist approach, but it feels a bit crowded still. Try and reduce the size of the secondary text (and perhaps chose a more legible font for small type). Maybe even try and make the illustration only the hair?

Again with whitespace and balance, in the "Terms of contention" it feels like the illustration is a bit too large and the cut line is a bit too distracting.
Perhaps try and shrink the illustration and make the line a bit faded. I'd also try and remove the dash closest to the scissor, it feels a bit cramped now.

I would also recommend reading a bit about grids and how to utilize them in your designs. There is a great book called "Grid systems in graphic design: A visual communication manual for graphic designers, typographers and three dimensional designers".

It has helped me probably more than any book I've read in making balanced and well thought out layouts, especially when it's typographic work.

Then again, this is nitpicking. Sounds like a fun project! Keep it up!

Disclaimer: I am a sucker for Swiss International style and my critique comes from a Swiss International mindset!



Edit: Corrected I'äve to I've

Column width is covered very well in Grid Systems in graphic design, it's a very informative read packed with a ton of useful info.

"According to a well-known empirical rule there should be 7 words per line for a text of any length. If we want to have 7-10 words per line, the length of the line can be readily calculated. So as to keep the type area light and open in appearance, we have to determine the leading. "

"To choose a width of column which makes the text pleasant to read is one of the most important typographic problems. The width of the column must be proportioned to the size of the type. Overlong columns are wearying to the eye and also have an adverse psychological effect. Overshort columns can also be disturbing because they interrupt the flow of reading and put the reader off by obliging the eye to change lines too rapidly. Lines which are too short or too long reduce the memorability of what is read because too much energy has to be expended. There is a rule which states that a column is easy to read if it is wide enough to accommodate an average of 10 words per line. If the text is of any length, this rule is of practical help."

The book goes a lot more into it, but that's the gist.

Josef Müller-Brockmann knows what's up with grids, his book is pretty dope.

You should read this book: Brockman's Grid Systems Book know it. learn it. and use it/practice it. Finally post your revisions. I know you have put a lot of work in this, but its hard to read and the design feels weak (ie not something that would make me proud to work there).

I would try to get that book (library, I think there is an online version) and try employing the principles he talks about.

1. Spellcheck
   
2. Use a grid, organize your information, make the distinction between content, description of that content, and metadata
   
3. Learn about typography and type design history -- the Helvetica you are using is a rough digital replication of the metal cut for small point sizes, not display
   
4. Have your website up before you submit anything
   
5. Your portfolio should consist of anywhere from 4 to 12 projects targeted exactly for the job/internship you're after -- everything irrelevant should be taken out. It's better to have a lighter portfolio that is completely on point than a heavier portfolio with fluff.
   
6. The reason your portfolio is so big, filesize wise, is because you are using software to make it which rasterizes your type, rather than preserving the postscript outlines. This means that not only is it harder to send online, it's going to print like shit. Most people who look at your stuff are going to see it online first, so make sure you have a compressed version that you feel comfortable attaching in an email (<10MB), as well as a print version you can take to clients.
   
7. Use the design process to decide how your portfolio will look when printed -- if that's appropriate. How is your work intended to be viewed? Approximate that as best as possible in your portfolio.
   
8. If you're not sure which software to use to make all this stuff: get a copy of InDesign and start learning.

Without seeing your work, one common thing about design is that we're always looking to create a flow and hierarchy of information so that the viewer can easily figure out what to do next, or pick out the information they need to move on to their next task (whatever that is).

It goes above aesthetics because we need design to do some work.

One of the best ways to help us organize all of that is by using grid systems. You'll find plenty of books on Amazon. Grid Systems in Graphic Design is one of the gold-standards, but it can be a bit pricy if you're still in school. I have Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Design on my bookshelf and it got the job done while I was learning about grids. It's a bit more budget-friendly as well.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grid-Systems-Graphic-Design-Typographers/dp/3721201450

Grid system by Joseph Muller Brockman

You can always go with the classic

On typography:

• The Elements of Typographic Style, the Bible of Typography.
  
• Thinking with Type, a nice overview of how type works.
  
• Detail in Typography, on the finer points of type.
  
  On grids:
  
  
• Raster Systeme, by the eminent expert of the Swiss School.
  
• Making and Breaking the Grid, a modern update on the timeless grid.
  
  On colour:
  
  
• The Art of Color, a classic on color.
  
• Interaction of Color, another classic text on color (theory).
  
  On usability:
  
  
• Don't Make Me Think, a classic on web usability.
  
• The Design of Everyday Things, a general usability Urtext.
  
• Understanding Comics, a great primer from an unlikely field.
  
  On information design:
  
  
• The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, the master at work.
  
  On inspiration:
  
  
• How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer, inspiration from the field.
  
• How to Be a Graphic Designer without Losing Your Soul
  
  On theory:
  
  
• What is a designer, philosophical musings, existential questions.
  
• Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field, theoretical backgrounds on the craft.
  
  On history:
  
  
• Meggs' History of Graphic Design, a canonical classic.
  
• Graphic Design: A New History, an alternative narrative.
  
  Monographs:
  
  
• From Lascaux to Brooklyn, the inimitable Paul Rand.
  
• Saul Bass: A Life in Film & Design, the art of Saul Bass.
  
• Tibor Kalman, Perverse Optimist, the exceptional work of Mr Kalman.

Grid Systems by Joseph Muller-Brockmann. Its considered one of the bibles of graphic design and will help you understand layout and grids more than any other resource

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/3721201450/ref=mp_s_a_5?qid=1341615916&sr=8-5

As for actually putting the book togeather. InDesign is king.

These are all really great books:

Grid Systems in Graphic Design

Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type

Thinking With Type

Meggs' History of Graphic Design

Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits

Don't Make Me Think

The Design of Everyday Things

How To Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul

Surface Book 2 has changed the way I work the most.

😗 😂

...but more seriously, the book that I found most helpful was probably Grid Systems:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/3721201450/

This is a good one: https://www.amazon.com/Grid-systems-graphic-design-communication/dp/3721201450

You could start with this classic read: http://www.amazon.ca/Systems-Graphic-Systeme-Visuele-Gestaltung/dp/3721201450/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382193099&sr=1-1&keywords=grid+systems+in+graphic+design

Than there is http://www.amazon.ca/Primer-Visual-Literacy-Donis-Dondis/dp/0262540290

Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Muller-Brockmann

I think it might be helpful to start from the beginning and learn the principles and hierarchies behind the bells and whistles of Adobe CC.

• The Interaction of Color
  
  
• Grid Systems In Graphic Design
  
  
• The Elements of Typographic Style
  
  
• Trademarks and Symbols
  
  
• The Design Of Everyday Things
  
  Each of these I was instructed to read cover to cover when I first began designing and here I am three years later with an extremely successful design career, large in part due to these readings.
  
  Take the time to do it the right way, and the rest will follow naturally.
  
  

Well, the most important books that I read when learning design were:

• Grid Systems
  
• The Visual Display of Quantitative Information
  
• The Elements of Typographic Style
  
• Making and Breaking the Grid
  
  All of those would be a good start.

thanks for posting. I think you have a great attitude, and honestly, attitude counts for more than you think.

I'll not critique the website, but, knowing you're new to the fundamentals, try to share some more general thoughts.

1. do more. I think you're starting this already with some of your sketches for mini cooper. but always, always, do more. 50 iterations, 100 iterations. Keep pushing beyond the obvious, and use sketching as the tool to do that. I read an old design book, from the 70s, that said "only one solution is the symptom of an inflexible and untrained mind." /r/52weeksofdesign
   
   
2. Time to get up on the basics. That means the basics of drawing (if you so please). It's not a requirement as a designer (I'm a piss poor artist), but it definitely helps sometimes. http://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Right-Side-Brain-Definitive/dp/1585429201/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419898682&sr=8-1&keywords=right+hand+drawing
   
   What sketching is important for is flexing ideas and testing compositions before going to the computer.
   
   
3. Learn the basics of typography:
   http://www.amazon.com/Stealing-Graphic-Design-Communication-Courses/dp/0321934288/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419898490&sr=1-1&keywords=stop+stealing+sheep
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Elements-Typographic-Style-Version-Anniversary/dp/0881792128/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419898879&sr=1-1&keywords=robert+bringhurst
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Type-2nd-revised-expanded/dp/1568989695/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419898800&sr=1-2&keywords=typography
   
   
4. Grids
   http://www.amazon.com/Grid-Systems-Principles-Organizing-Design/dp/1568984650/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1419898762&sr=1-1&keywords=kimberly+elan
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Systems-Graphic-Systeme-Visuele-Gestaltung/dp/3721201450/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419898837&sr=8-1&keywords=grid+systems
   
   
5. Photography (if you like)
   http://www.amazon.com/Black-White-Photography-Manual-Revised/dp/0316373052/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1419898921&sr=8-2&keywords=black+and+white+photography
   
   and
   
   
6. remember that this is detail work. So things like spelling errors in this post, and on your website, should be resolved.
   
   Above and beyond the basics, I see your passion is impacting the world through design. So the question becomes HOW can graphic design impact the world, and does it at all? and what can you make or do directly? I think above all, a designer is an entrepreneur these days. Especially with that main driving passion.
   

Check out Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Mülller-Brockmann

Random people on Reddit will be the most transparent.XD
I have asked the designers, they seemed okay but who knows what's inside?

I do consider to take a short course or at least a proper online course. Right now, I'm learning digital print production using EFI products.

If you can suggest some good online courses?

Some books that I have studied properly:

1. https://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Design-Reference-Specification-Book/dp/1592538517
   
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/Grid-Systems-Graphic-Design-Communication/dp/3721201450
   
   
3. https://www.amazon.com/Layout-Essentials-Design-Principles-Using/dp/1592537073
   
   
4. https://www.amazon.com/Designing-Brand-Identity-Essential-Branding/dp/1118099206
   
   If anyone can recommend books specifically for print design, that would be great.:)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grid_(page_layout)

A grid is setting up a layout on the page that creates hierarchy and order to the content in a consistent way.

Good books:


http://www.amazon.com/Making-Breaking-Grid-Graphic-Workshop/dp/1592531253/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300584269&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Grid-Systems-Principles-Organizing-Design/dp/1568984650/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300584269&sr=1-2

http://www.amazon.com/Systems-Graphic-Systeme-Visuele-Gestaltung/dp/3721201450/ref=sr_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300584269&sr=1-6

You don't have to copy or mimic. Learn basic graphic design structure taught in schools. The most basic system imho, is the Swiss Grid System.

https://nicolamurphy17.wordpress.com/visual-literacy-2/research/the-swiss-grid-system/

It is based on readability and graphic structure. It shares a lot of it's core to current CSS grid libraries today. Looking back at graphic design as a base is very valuable as it is visible and pretty explicit in it's representation.

I originally came from graphic design in 1989. I taught myself HTML and CSS in 1995 after doing manual layout, poster art, etc. That led to flash and actionscript (won awards, featured in taschen books, k10k, etc.) This then led to more multimedia and interactive work, Stewart Little screensaver in flash, Time Warner road runner broadband experiences for their "new high speed internet" launch using SMIL, actionscript, and some early J's work... Flash begins to die and JQuery starts up...and then the dot com crash.

I leave the web world to return to school for architecture. I end up with a master's degree from a top school doing theoretical architecture and using lots of computation, python, to analyze environments and the placement of large scale media and interactivity (a ton of work for large scale LED in Time Square, sports arenas, etc). At the same time I teach myself Django, sql alchemy, flask, and all of the other python dev tools. I use this for data aggregation and presentation. And now, I have tackled Dart, Vuejs, Angular Dart, Flutter, and finding new ways to use the as tools to keep pushing forward.

With all of that, my initial education in pre digital graphic design principles has been as important as anything else; to quickly visualize a design and it's technical structure is an incredibly valuable asset across creative fields. So...learn some basic graphic design layout principles and use that to attempt to understand design from a structural standpoint...how would you construct what you see. The Swiss Grid System is a nice basic foundation that almost all grid systems today are inspired from, if they know it or not.

A good book on the topic

Good questions. Let me take them one by one.

I'll first say that the portfolio is the only truly important thing. When I first came out to NYC to work, I interviewed at 17 different companies/startups/studios. Not a single one even looked at or asked about the school I went to. We just talked at length about my projects. That being said, I think design school is important. Design is complicated. There's a lot to learn. I know people who swear by just going it your own way and not going to school. Those people don't see what they don't do well. They struggle with the fine details. They think their work is fine, but they haven't figured out why it could be better.

Design school taught me a lot. It taught me how to think differently. How to get thick skin and take critique. How to work with grids. How to manage type. All of these skills don't come from hard and fast rules. They come from ethereal concepts that you have to learn. They're much easily learned through someone who can mentor you. You can figure it out on your own, but it will take longer. The cap on your ability to grow in the industry will fall short. I've even interviewed people who had some nice work, but when I discussed with them their process or their theory, they didn't know what they were talking about. They learned how to copy good work, but not how to generate their own creative output.

If you want practice here's what I would do.

1. Sketch. Even if you aren't good at it. I'm still not. Lot's of designers aren't. Sketching is about a quick method of generating ideas.
   
   
2. Read and write. Design is about communication, not visuals. Visuals are important, but if they don't say anything, no one cares. Great designers often tend to be great writers/readers. Don't just read about design. Read about architecture. Read about theater. Read Science Fiction. Just read.
   
   
3. Take pictures. Learn to frame a shot. learn how to compose something beautiful.
   
   
4. Fill your well. Your greatest resource in design will be culture. Learn about things. Experience a full life. If your creative inspiration comes from a design website, you're doing it partially wrong (those things have their value, but they are a simple tool, not a means to good solutions). Dig deep into different things and become broadly experienced.
   
   
5. Play with the software. If you're sketching, try the software too. Learn Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. This leads to my next thing.
   
   
6. Find good work and copy it. Literally. Don't copy to give to a client. Just copy in the privacy of your own studio space. You learn to play the guitar by first playing songs by bands you love. Do the same with design. Copy their work and try to learn their techniques.
   
   Regarding whether I practice, I do. Side projects are a big part of what we do. Client work is always constrained by their needs. Side projects are a good way to push your creativity. Working with constraints is good and important, but balance it with side projects. Design an app. Make a children's book. Do whatever it is that seems interesting to you.
   
   I still struggle with whether my work is good or not. You'll never get over expecting more than you can deliver. If you like the challenge of that and can live with yourself, you'll be a good designer. A good part of knowing what's good is learning to see. Study masters. Find out what makes good work tick. This is a hard question for sure. This is part of why I tell people to go do design school.
   
   Design books I recommend... this is hard. A few to get started...
   
   Steal Like an Artist is good for a newly creative
   
   The Creative Habit is amazing for people who think creativity is magic... it demystifies that notion and explains how Creativity is about practice and routine. Very smart book.
   
   DeBono's Thinking Course is heavy reading but very good in learning how to think creatively. It's a must, in my opinion.
   
   Grid Systems is bland but essential. Learn it. By one of the great masters.
   
   Art & Visual Perception is also mega heavy, but will teach you how to understand how good creative work is composed and why it works. Very interesting if you can take it.
   
   A Smile in the Mind is a great book that shows how wit and messaging in design makes for powerful and memorable work. It's a good primer on how designers work concept into their visuals. It's about discovery and the bliss that comes from that (that's why our honey bottles were so successful... discovery is everything).
   
   Also check out www.designersandbooks.com. It's a long running list of great books that are recommended by designers much more skilled than I am. These are the greats.
   
   Hope this all helps.

https://www.amazon.com/Grid-Systems-Graphic-Design-Communication/dp/3721201450/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469838003&sr=8-2&keywords=grid+book+graphic+design

To be good at design in general, there's a few things you need to know.

1. Basic 2d design and color theory: Elements of Colors + Interaction of Color
   
   
2. Art and Deisgn history: Meggs' History of Graphic Design + Janson's History of Art
   
   
3. Basics in grid systems and typography: Grid Systems
   
   Basically, there is no shortcut. You need to study the history and understand why things work or don't. A bit of psychology never hurt anyone either, even just a 101 class should be enough to get you started. Lastly, just remember this one thing, it will be the most important part in your career...CONCEPT IS KING. I cannot stress this enough, make sure everything you do has a big idea behind it. Something that lets you organize everything under it. I don't care how much UX/UI thought you have, how many ad units and SEO whatevers you did, without a great idea, its total shit and just fluff.
   

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3721201450 is (among) the best.

La design nu pot sa zic ca ma pricep prea tare, dar domeniul ma preocupa din ce in ce mai mult. Thinking with type si The Elements of Typographic Style, The Design of Everyday Things, Grid Systems in Graphic Design, Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop si Don't Make Me Think sunt cartile care mi-au placut/din care am invatat cel mai mult, dar sunt clasice asa ca banuiesc ca stii de ele.

Learn to use the grid?

The Visual Display of Quantitive Information is a great source for history and inspiration on Data Visualization and analysis. If you do end up gravitating more towards design I would also recommend Grid Systems in Grpahic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Visual-Display-Quantitative-Information/dp/1930824130

https://www.amazon.es/Grid-Systems-Graphic-Design-Communication/dp/3721201450

https://www.amazon.com/Grid-systems-graphic-design-communication/dp/3721201450

This is very much from a graphic design background rather than as a developer but here are a few of the best resources I've used.

The Elements of Typographic Design by Robert Bringhurst

This is specifically for typography rather than design as a whole but its the best book I've ever read on the subject. Graphic designers (at least the ones I know) use it all of the time as a reference. PDF


Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Muller-Brockmann

Josef Muller Brockmann was a genius with grids and this is his book teaching other's his use of them. PDF


The Kerning Game

Super simple little game but it'll teach you the basics of kerning.


More so then these resources though I just advise you to look at history, look at famous designers (Paul Rand, Paula Scher, Mark Farrow, Wim Crouwel) and their work then try to think critically about what makes them successful, what are their short comings, why they chose those colours and then try to develop your own style using multiple designers that have come before you as a reference. If you have a graphic designer friend you can bounce ideas off of and get feedback from all the better.

If you want to get into design, make design. Your 5D illustrations are just illustrations. Ask yourself: In what contexts could one use them? What kind of client might be looking for something like that?

I personally find your "RE-DESIGN: A Portfolio of Quondam Flack" stuff much more expressive and more interesting than all your drawings. With one exception: I think this one is well drawn. A nice illustration with a solid composition. I wished there was more of that in your portfolio.

When I read your "about", I can't help but think: She's juggling too many balls at once. You've got many ideas which is great. But I think you should learn more about typography and composition if you want to make graphic design.

At the moment, when I'm scrolling through your works, nothing seems to belong together. Make a PDF of your 5D illustrations and flip through them as if it was a magazin/artbook to see what I mean.

To offer a certain level of quality in your portfolio, sort out weaker works like this, this and perhaps also that.

I'm also not sure about this one. As a longtime digital artist, I often see this kind of colouring with a soft round brush in paintings done by beginners. If you want to show your drawings in your portfolio, I also recommend to learn about anatomy and proportions. This is not acceptable. (I wouldn't tell you this if your drawings were of the same quality as your photographs.)

If I were you, I'd keep drawing as a hobby (until I'm better at it) and I'd invest time in learning about typography and grid systems and try to extend this style. Imagine you are working for a client, a magazin, that wants you to make collages like these for a fixed topic. Make a sequence of illustrations/collages. Three to five is enough. Try to design some fake covers. I could also imagine a CD cover and booklet in your style. And so on ...

Design is really an emotional process. A lot of what makes good design good is because it feels right, without logic. Sometimes it's instant, sometimes it takes ages. I would recommend collaborating with a designer and work through design problems together. If you can't do that, then you gotta start with the basics.

Imitate what you like. Most things you interact with in the form of media, such as websites, books, films, all have a designed element to them. Someone, at some point, though of everything that you're seeing with such excruciating detail that most of the time (just like good special effects/compositing in film) it's invisible.

Some excellent books:
The Elements of Typographic Style by Bringhurst
Envisioning Information by Tufte
Made You Look by Sagmeister
Grid Systems by Josef Muller-Brockmann (might hard to find for cheap unless it's used)


From those, branch out and find sources that YOU like, and keep adding to your library. And copy it mercilessly until you hone your craft. Be inspired! Good luck.

Here are some general book recommendations:

https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Typographic-Style-Robert-Bringhurst/dp/0881791326?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

AND

https://www.amazon.com/Grid-Systems-Graphic-Design-Communication/dp/3721201450?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

OR

https://www.amazon.com/Making-Breaking-Grid-Graphic-Workshop/dp/1592531253/ref=pd_bxgy_14_img_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=NTZ6D5W49YDT8ABS9XXH

> Making and breaking the grid

This comes up a lot. Have you also read Grid Systems by Josef Müller-Brockmann? If so, how do the two compare?

Here's some links of books I put on my wish list. Its a lot of stuff about grids, which is something you should learn.

Grid Systems in Graphic Design

Universal Principles of Design

The Grid: A Modular System for the Design and Production of Newpapers, Magazines, and Books

The Elements of Typographic Style (A dry read, but very valuable knowledge)

Thinking with Type

I learned most of my composition skills from Drawing and Painting classes. I've heard photography is a great way to learn composition too.

Aside from that use Lynda.com and learn your color theory. You should also learn stuff like using CMYK vs RGB. Common sizes for print material in your country.

If you go Freelance, use this book: Graphic Artist's Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines

If you haven't discovered this site and you're feeling frustrated, just remember it could be worse: Clients From Hell

And just for fun: How a Web Design Goes Straight To Hell, Why You Don't Like Changes to Your Design