Idea Index: Graphic Effects and Typographic Treatments

Features

• Turtleback: 311 pages
• Published by: North Light Books
• Edition: 1st Edition July 2000
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1581800460
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1581800463
• Book Dimensions: 6 x 4.5 x 0.9 inches
• Weighs: 13.6 ounces

Reader Reviews
In a world awash with books on how to use graphics and page layout software which, due to rapid changes in technology, tend to have a fairly short shelf life, this book is a remarkable exception that will be useful for many years to come. I once heard a quote from a National Geographic photo director that he was neck deep in photographers, but only ankle deep in story ideas. Many creative people sometimes feel that way today with a plethora of hardware and software and the skills to use them, but without inspiration for the ideas to put it all to good use. The author states in his introduction that this book is intended to be used as a "mental drain opener' when the creative juices stop flowing." It is a wonderfully effective tool for just that purpose. Rather than telling the reader exactly what to do, it is a book of a couple of thousand one-liners intended to stimulate ideas. This handy little book actually fits into the back pocket of my Levis, and because of the rubberized cover (the publisher correctly assumes you'll keep it for years) it doesn't even tear. The book is divided into 2 sections, Graphic Effects and Typographic Treatments. A total of 310 different "ideas" are each presented in a two page layout, verbalized on the left, and illustrated on the right (just like your brain works!) The discussion of the idea of "Reverse", for example, states "Reverse one or more images from another" paired with a simplified black lightbulb graphic with a white lighting bolt and electrical plug within it, as well as a half dozen other statements and two more drawings. "Punctuate" suggests using punctuation marks as background images, using a different font for the punctuation characters, and looking at your keyboard for ideas. If you want a book to tell you how to do XYZ with (fill in the blank) software, this book isn't for you. But if you already have a shelf full of those, and now want a little help to generate ideas, buy this; you won't be disappointed. Who knows, you might just get a great idea for your next project by reading a page while on hold or waiting for a web page to download! Comment | | (Report this)