Try searching subject headings "Graphic Arts" & "Visual Communication" in the local KentLINK catalog.
Here are a few books to get you started:
Adobe InDesign CC : a complete course and compendium of features, lessons, reference
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Design school : type : a practical guide for students and designers
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Graphic Design for Art, Fashion, Film, Architecture, Photographer, Product Design and Everything in Between
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Graphic Design Process
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The process of creating graphic design cannot be easily defined: each designer has their own way of seeing the world and approaching their work. Graphic Design Process features a series of in-depth case studies exploring a range of both universal and unique design methods. Chapters investigate typical creative strategies--Research, Inspiration, Drawing, Narrative, Abstraction, Development, and Collaboration--examining the work of 20 graphic designers from around the world. This book is aimed at students and educators, as well as practicing designers interested in the working methodologies of their peers.
An Introduction to Information Design
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Information design is the visualization of information through graphic design. This invaluable guide provides a creative, informative, and practical introduction to the general principles of information design. With chapters on understanding the audience, structure, legibility and readability, selection of media, experimentation and multi-platform delivery, An Introduction to Information Design gives a complete overview of this fundamental aspect of visual communication.Fully illustrated case studies from leading designers provide professional insight into the challenges involved in creating information design for print, interactive and environmental media. Practical exercises and tips enable the reader to put this learning into practice. This makes it the perfect book for graphic design students as well as design enthusiasts.
Printing Technology
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The very best in printing techniques are presented in Printing Technology. Techniques range from high-tech laser-cutting to hand-crafted pressings of tree bark and leaves and everything in between, such as rubber stamping, letter press, screen prints, fabric printing, and heat-sensitive paper. Images that highlight the individuality and craftsmanship of projects are accompanied by descriptions from designers, as well as explanations of the printing processes used.
Tools for the Design Revolution
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'Tools for the Design Revolution 'critically examines the history and influences on current designs trends, giving practical guidelines and tools for creating sustainable design processes into the future. The "tools" are strategies for sustainable design informed by the challenges of social, cultural and ecological change. Finding new design ideas in terms of concept and product is becoming more and more important. In the past, design was dictated by the professional minority within narrow confines. In the future, design will be an expression of the collective, finding expression and meaning within a shared identity, social trends and popular culture and terms like "cradle to cradle" or "open source design" refer to a changing understanding of the creative process. Moving with the times, becoming fluid, exploring experimental strategies and ideas in combination with more traditional methods is the key to change. Design is not just a product it plays a vital role in shaping contemporary society, giving rise to a global identity and sense of belonging, translating who we are and what we want. 'Tools for the Design Revolution' challenges the individual to think about sustainability and consumer culture and how that might look.
Visual Design Solutions
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Enhance learners' interest and understanding with visual design for instructional and information products No matter what medium you use to deliver content, if the visual design fails, the experience falls flat. Meaningful graphics and a compelling visual design supercharge instruction, training, and presentations, but this isn't easy to accomplish. Now you can conquer your design fears and knowledge gaps with Visual Design Solutions: a resource for learning professionals seeking to raise the bar on their graphics and visual design skills. This informal and friendly book guides you through the process and principles used by professional graphic designers. It also presents creative solutions and examples that you can start using right away. Anyone who envisions, designs, or creates instructional or informational graphics will benefit from the design strategies laid out in this comprehensive resource. Written by Connie Malamed, an art educator and instructional designer, this book will help you tap into your creativity, design with intention, and produce polished work. Whereas most graphic design books focus on logos, packaging, and brochures, Visual Design Solutions focuses on eLearning, presentations, and performance support. Visual Design Solutions includes practical guidelines for making smart design choices, ways to create professional-looking products, and principles for successful graphics that facilitate learning. Ideal for instructional designers, trainers, presenters, and professors who want to advance from haphazard to intentional design, this book will help them realize their design potential. Gain the knowledge and confidence to design impressive, effective visuals for learning Increase learner comprehension and retention with visual strategies offered by an expert author Serves as a reference and a resource, with a wealth of examples for inspiration and ideas Addresses an intimidating topic in an informal, friendly style In four parts, the book provides a thorough overview of the design process and design concepts; explores space, image, and typography; and presents workable solutions for your most persistent and puzzling design problems. Get started and begin creating captivating graphics for your learners.
Visualization Analysis and Design
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Learn How to Design Effective Visualization Systems Visualization Analysis and Design provides a systematic, comprehensive framework for thinking about visualization in terms of principles and design choices. The book features a unified approach encompassing information visualization techniques for abstract data, scientific visualization techniques for spatial data, and visual analytics techniques for interweaving data transformation and analysis with interactive visual exploration. It emphasizes the careful validation of effectiveness and the consideration of function before form. The book breaks down visualization design according to three questions: what data users need to see, why users need to carry out their tasks, and how the visual representations proposed can be constructed and manipulated. It walks readers through the use of space and color to visually encode data in a view, the trade-offs between changing a single view and using multiple linked views, and the ways to reduce the amount of data shown in each view. The book concludes with six case studies analyzed in detail with the full framework. The book is suitable for a broad set of readers, from beginners to more experienced visualization designers. It does not assume any previous experience in programming, mathematics, human-computer interaction, or graphic design and can be used in an introductory visualization course at the graduate or undergraduate level.
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