Learning Traditional Design

For a long time now, I have called myself a web designer. Even this little web site which is for my freelance gig: Critical Web Design makes claims that I am a designer. In all honesty when it comes down to it, this claim to be a designer is a false one, sure I have a background in Art and Design, but I don’t really have any clue about the theory and subtleties of traditional graphic design. I’m hoping to change that though.

I started to read Andy Rutledge’s blog, Design View (which disappointingly appears to be on a break) a while back and it really got me interested in learning how to design. In particular his post “Seek Understanding, Not Answers” really sparked my curiosity.

So, I have bought some books and read some blogs and am now ready to try and learn how to be a better designer. I hope to be able to document some of the things I learn right here on this blog but for now here are some resources to whet your appetite.

Printed Material

I picked up a couple of books and will be expanding my design library as much as possible over the coming months. Know of a book I should get? Let me know by leaving a comment. All links go to Amazon UK.

Stop Stealing Sheep and Find Out How Type Works by E. Spiekermann
Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type by Keir Elam
The New Typography: A Handbook for Modern Designers by Jan Tschichold
Making and Breaking the Grid: A Layout Design Workshop by Timothy Samara

Blogs

There are some great design blogs out there so I’m sure I am going to miss loads, drop me a line and link me up.

Comments

Comments make the world go round, where would we be with out good discussion? Although free speech is encouraged, please make sure you keep on topic. Any abusive posts or spam will be dealt with accordingly. Speak to people how you would like to be spoken to!

carrie

October 9th, 2006 at 11:06 am

There are some unusual titles going on there but it all sounds good. Hey when its up and running you can check out my site hehehe. I look forward to reading about what you have learnt so i can expand my own understanding. P.s
Getting things done: Is the book helping? it should get you on the move with all this stuff you’ve got to do!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Matthew Pennell

October 10th, 2006 at 9:28 am

I recently bought The Elements of Graphic Design, which was very good (although it probably covers much the same ground as the other books you link to).
Ben

October 13th, 2006 at 12:05 pm

heh Andy … you got me mate why do you need books! :P
Ian Halliday

March 31st, 2007 at 11:25 pm

Interesting post. Since I finished Uni I have spent a lot of time analysing just what exactly I have learnt, and where there are gaps in my knowledge that urgently need filling.

These days, anyone can be a designer of sorts, and that’s great, but I think some of the old skills and theories that were key when working by hand (before computers) are in danger of being forgotten.

I wrote a post about this kind of topic a while back based on my experience at uni. In the end I guess its down to the individual to educate themselves and raise their game. Hope you are enjoying the learning process so far!

blog.critical