How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer [Paperback]

I got this book because of the title. It's a con. This book is basically a series of interviews with graphic designers. The book even admits: [sic] "Despite its title, this book will not provide the reader with a recipe to think like some of the most accomplished graphic designers of our time." Which then begs the question, what was the point in writing it? So basically we have here a book that is called "How to think like a great graphic designer" that doesn't want to teach you how to think like a great graphic designer. Oooookay then!

So a quick glance through the contents which lists the names of these so called "revered" designers gives us quotes such as: "What actually drove me to a therapist was that I had a very unhealthy obsession with laundry." I know, I was on the floor in tears of laughter too...not!

This book is a waste of time and money. Yeah okay you may well learn something but you'd be better off just meeting a few designers and talking to them. I recently read that a designer is someone who creatively solves problems. I'd say that's only partially true because all problem solving requires creative genius. So I'd say that a great designer solves creative problems in an innovative and creative way. The most important thing to note is that a designer is NOT someone who can use Photoshop and InDesign really well. That's just PART of what a designer MAY do. I am just tucking into a book called: "Logo Design Love" By David Airey, it gives some insight into the thought process behind getting a logo/design idea from brief to production. This understanding can be very helpful in building the confidence of a new designer.

I gave this book one star because although I think it has a great title is misleading and has really let the design community down. The book seemed like more of a laugh among friends than an actual book to nurture and encourage upcoming designers. It missed really good opportunity to offer solid advice from more experienced designers to younger ones, but I have always found that the design community is quite closed and isn't really open to sharing new ideas or helping younger ones climb through its ranks. There is nothing wrong with this book per se but don't read it expecting to come away thinking like a great graphic designer. If you want mind-numbing interviews that probably won't help you in life, I'd say stick to Heat Magazine. Cheaper and at least you know you're about to read fodder.

The delivery came about a week after ordering, and the book were in perfect shape. Nothing bad to say about this!