D.I.Y.: Design It Yourself (Design Handbooks)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 176 pages
• Published by: Princeton Architectural Press
• Edition: 1st Edition January 19, 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1568985525
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1568985527
• Book Dimensions: 8.4 x 6.9 x 0.7 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

Bust, Feb/Mar 2006
this book offers constructive and elegant projects that are easy to understand for a range of abilities.

Syndicated-Washington Post, Philadelphia Enquirer, etc., March 2006
Lupton wants the objects to go out into the world, as emissaries of individual creativity. Inspiration begets inspiration.

Reader Reviews
This inspirational book was born and bred at Baltimore's Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), under the direction of its graphic design director. There's no doubt that DIY design has been on the rise over the last twenty years, and this handbook does an excellent job of introducing the concept to the uninitiated. It starts with two sections, "Why DIY?" and "DIY Theory" which serve to set things up nicely without being overly dense. The excellent design and outstanding photography showcases tons of nice examples in 28 categories across a range of media, from blogs to zines. This is definitely not a step-by-step guide that holds one's hand through processes -- but it will help anyone understand how to start seeing the world as a designer. It's not perfect by any means, and experts in particular fields will find small details to quibble with. For example, the embroidery section doesn't provide complete DIY details, instead directing the reader to outsource it to commercial embroidery firms. Another example is in the web site section, which advocates the use of nested tables, a technique long out of favor in the web development community. But these are very minor quibbles about an excellent book that belongs in the hands of anyone (especially kids and teens) with the slightest interest in self-expression.