Know Your Onions: Graphic Design

There's a time in every designer's life when they've amassed enough experience to "go pro." You know, when your work surpasses "nephew art" and can command real clients at respectable rates. It's at this moment you need to read this book. Too early and some concepts may go over your head, too far down the road and you'll say "I already knew this..." But for folks at that 2-3yr window, THIS BOOK IS LIKE GOLD. Concepts discussed are mature and time-tested, and de Soto will certainly help you run a better design business. In fact, I'd argue that even many experienced folks oughta read this one - our industry is riddled with bad design created by people who think they're above revisiting basics. I really like how he cuts right to the chase - "there are many ways to tackle [ABC], but if you do [XYZ] it's gonna work." That's real-world, applicable advice - the kind we're all starving for. It's really damn good. As a side - the actual design of this book is terrific. The cover doesn't really do it justice (although I dig that, too). Funny as it is, I was surprised the first time I cracked it open to find full-color images. It's beautiful and easy to read. I love holding it, thumbing through and feeling the pages. I especially like the elastic band that has helped me keep my place. Kudos to both the author (Drew de Soto) and the publisher (BIS Publishers) - this is a solid accomplishment and you should be proud of the work.

I bought this as a gift to a budding graphic designer. Arrived sealed in a cellophane packaging. Handy size to put in his backpack as he goes about. Appreciate that there’s a rubber band to keep the book closed when traveling and also acts as a bookmark as he works from his laptop and using sections of the book as reference. Has a small pocket on the back cover to slip some notes in but material used for the pocket is not that sturdy to withstand frequent use. Cover itself is made from heavy board with reinforced binding - anticipating frequent usage and to prevent pages from falling apart. However, since the cover material is not glossy, we might have to cover with vinyl in order to better protect the book from wear and tear. Has a glossary but no index. Contains a lot of valuable information that a mentor would pass on to a rookie and even if you’re not a rookie, gives you an organized reference as you build your career in graphic design. Handy not only for designers but for developers, as well. I will soon be getting a copy for myself.

Drew is Proprietor of Nancy Victor Gallery and Director of Navig8 Ltd. His focus in this book is on working with clients to create high end print materials, however there is much for any designer to glean from his discussion of process. The book is delightfully written, with such advice as: "Always name your files properly and consistently. Use an intuitive folder structure. Test your system; if a complete stranger was to open your job folder, would they know which was the most up-to-date version? Mock people who do not have a system." Of interest to all designers (especially those who work with clients) are his chapters on creative process, working with clients, conceptual sketching, color, and typography. Of special interest to designers who work in print are chapters on paper, the printing process, and binding.

This book was funny, simply written and thorough on a variety of topics relating to graphic design. I'd recommend it for people interested in learning more before considering working in the field, or who are new to it. The author is a traditionalist, which is good to know before reading.

Content rich, this book is very practical and helpful in the matter of Graphic Design. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to get into the field. Bought this book while a Junior Graphic Design major in college, wish I would've found it sooner. A final note: the author is British, so don't be surprised by the colloquialisms. I actually find them quite amusing, but that's besides the point, haha.

...book was great though. I loved that it challenges the reader to take action rather than hand-holding them through a process. This was exactly what I was looking for in a design book and I applaud the author for constructing his narrative as such. Also, another shout-out to the book design itself. Great approach that makes you want to carry it around with you wherever you go. Color helps it pop out on your bookshelf while the compact size allows it to be easily transported. Bonus points for the strap which allowed me to have an improptu bookmark. The cardboard cover was an interesting approach; the text on it printed well, however it is prone to creasing. Considering I bought this for the knowledge, it's hardly a dealbreaker. All in all a great addition to any designer's collection, and a book I wished that I had five years ago.

This book has a lot of useful information and it is so easy to read. I feel like he is talking one on one with you. He tells you obvious things that you would have never thought about. The book is well made and every page is bursting with information to help you with your graphic design career. I recommend this book to anyone in the graphic design field.

This is a book for those who are already working as a graphic designer but want to know about their field better. It will definitely help newbies. If you are a self-taught graphic designer then you must buy this book.

Love, love, love this book. Have used it as reference material for a little bit now. The awesome mixture of humor and very appropriate tips results in a very informative yet entertaining read. He knows his stuff.

It’s pretty outdated as it talks about CDs etc.

“How to think like a creative, act like a businessman and design like a God” – Although I can’t claim to have acquired a resulting godlike design prowess, I have to give this beautifully designed and bound publication an unreserved thumbs up. I figured that given its bold claims, great reviews, Drew de Soto’s 25 years of experience in the industry and the fact that it is an object of desire in itself, I just had to buy this book. I was not disappointed. Benefitting from a wealth of colour illustrations and a robust thread sewn binding, this is a handbook you can actually keep at hand and use year after year. While it may be that the more seasoned of us will learn less, about the principles of design, than the newly graduated; few readers will fail to gain some nuggets of valuable design advice. For my part, I found the information on typography invaluable. It is also very useful to have all such essential information in one place and I have already used its illustrations to help explain certain aspects of the trade to clients. I doubt whether there are any designers who would not benefit from at least some of de Soto’s business advice. There are none of the usual “we are all in the business of business” platitudes. It simply offers practical and straightforward advice on how to proceed, as a designer, in a manner more conducive to a profitable outcome.

Loved the book - the author shares invaluable insight on how to be a good designer.