Non-Designer's Design Book

Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams

Let’s say you’re the only one in your family who has any semblance of computers skills. This usually means that your cousin/uncle/mom/boss etc. will come straight to you and ask for your help when they want to create something special for their cousin/uncle/mom/boss etc. There is usually some type of cheery exchange such as “Oh you’re just so good with computers, I just know you can whip up a funny, cute, sentimental, pretty birthday card for my friend (cousin/uncle/mom/boss etc.)” You smile weakly and glance past them hoping to deflect their request by latching onto the next passerby with the intention of asking them a really, really important question that simply must be answered at this exact moment. Unfortunately, no one is happening by just then so you turn back to your cousin/uncle/mom/boss etc. and mumble, “sure, I guess so”, where upon they light up like a hundred watt bulb, squeeze your hand with delight and turn on their heel to stroll away without a care in the world. Now here you are, left with the task of coming up with something creative in a minimal amount of time.

I found myself in this spot several times over the years and I’ve gotta admit that this book has helped me understand enough design principals to have my boss smiling and nodding when handing over the requested document. This isn’t a scary book. It isn’t a long book. It’s short and sweet, with lots of pictures. It’s also easy to follow and understand and will truly help you develop an eye for seeing how thing can fit together on a page to create a pleasing design. By the end you’ll be able to pick out a serif font versus a sans serif. Oh, and you just may be able to create that really groovy card for your cousin’s uncle’s mom’s boss. -Flourish