2008 BEST AWARDS : Here's where you'll find the best of the best for anyone in the visual communications field! Best books, Photoshop add-ons, Font of the Year, Web Site of the Year, and so forth. We think you'll like them, and we believe they represent the best value for your dollar.
User Picks Best BOOKS of 2008: Out of hundreds of book reviews in 2008, DTG Readers clicked on these the most!
The Inner Life of Martin Frost
This book gets a 'BEST' award for its literary illusions presented with totally innovative graphic treatment! Paul Auster's story is ambitiously blended with Glenn Thomas's typography and graphic design in exciting new collaboration -- most importantly, the book is a stunning concoction of wonderful typography configurations, graphic illustrations, and page-layout mastery. You'll be mesmerized by The Inner Life of Martin Frost
More favorites this month:
- Creating Compelling Dynamic User Interfaces Have you seen Apple's Front Row application and Cover Flow effects? Then you've seen Core Animation at work. It's about making applications that give strong visual feedback through movement and morphing, rather than repainting panels. Now, create your own...
- Using Drupal When reviewing CMS systems for new blogs, and web sites, I made the mistake of trying out Drupal and Joomla. Both programs are miserably complicated -- to the point that clients didn't want to use them. Developers and programmers are scarce and expensive. If you plan on using Drupal, you're going to need help.
- Designing Gestural Interfaces Tap is the New Click -- An internationally known thought leader on design, Saffer covers kinesiology, sensors, ergonomics, physical computing, touchscreen technology, and new interface patterns--all you need to know
- Coding4Fun Dan Fernandez and Bran Peek, help you tackle some cool software and hardware projects, using a range of free Microsoft software. You can code for fun with C#, VB, Lua, ASP.NET, WPF, XNA Game Studio, and Popfly... If you love to tinker but don't have time to figure it all out, this book is for you
Paper Engineering: Design, Cut, Fold, POP
Discover the world of Paper Engineering - design, cut, fold, assemble and pop it up into an amazing statement ... here are videos, books and instructional aids to take you from 2-D paper to 3-D WOW! Design cards that Slide, Dangle, Move, flip and pop! 3D Projects that will deliver your message and become Treasures ... also includes some very cool videos illustrating Paper Engineering: Design, Cut, Fold, POP
Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure
This is one of the books that top our "BEST" list for anyone with a digital camera! In this beautifully illustrated and inspiring new book -- "Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure" -- award-winning photographer and best-selling author Mikkel Aaland gives you a hands-on, guided tour of Lightroom 2.0 Photoshop Lightroom 2 Adventure
The Adobe Type Library Reference Book
George M Engel has always loved fonts... ever since the beginning of digital fonts.
Now, he peeks inside the latest and greatest book for anyone who loves to see and use fonts of all kinds... and it's straight from the fonts people themselves: The Adobe Type Library Reference Book
Start a business now??? Some say yes
These tough economic times have many Americans looking for work -- and looking for more ways to make ends meet. Authors Ed Hess and Charles Goetz have some advice you might not expect to hear right now: Start your own business! The $tart-Up $olution
Why Bad Spending Happens To Good People
Everyone needs good spending habits -- particularly as the economy slows down. In today's over stimulated, over saturated world it's even more important to develop a sharp awareness to where each dollar goes. Noted author Nick Tassler explains some tips to live by and Why Bad Spending Happens To Good People
Back to DESIGN School & Learning
Do you really have to go to school to learn more about design? Yes, it's best... but the next best thing is self-learning -- and here, Fred recommends the best online video training, training/learning books and even a visual extravaganza to help sharpen your creative edges. Free video tutorials, Free chapters, Free advice for those who want to go Back to (Design) School with these topics:
Graphic design, graphics and layout
Typography, and typographic lettering skills
Back to (Design) School
Learning: 7 Point System for Adobe Photoshop CS3
George M Engel takes a look at Scott Kelby's 7-point system for working with digital photos. He says: "I would classify it in the Intermediate to Professional user level... a typical Scott Kelby Photoshop book: Great graphics; Extremely well put together; Comprehensive and well thought out. 7 Point System for Adobe Photoshop CS3
Not to be missed...
Sizzling hot eye-candy titles just in time for summer...
Take your art and . . . STICK IT! in a journey into the art form of stickers and street art! ~ Translating Hollywood the design, art and times of movie posters ~ Face Food: The Visual Creativity of Japanese Bento Boxes ~ The Amazing Pixel Popping Paparazzi - Pixel Based Illustration & Design book! ~ The rebirth of Elvis and Jimi Hendrix... and more! See: Eye Candy Books for Summer
For graphic designers and desktop publishers:
Identity Crisis: 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities into Successful Brands * Becoming a Digital Designer: A Guide to Careers in Web, Video, Broadcast, Game and Animation Design * The Non-Designer's Design and Type Book, Deluxe Edition * Illustrator CS3 Bible (Also see George's review of Non-designer's Design)
For InDesign and Quark Desktop Publishing
for Adobe CS3, and QuarkXPress, these books will put you on the professional level GO
PCs, Computing and the iLife
hot stuff including: The iPhone Pocket Guide * GarageBand 2: The Missing Manual * Microsoft Office Excel Programming * Windows Vista * Fonts & Encodings * Teach Yourself VISUALLY Computers * and more... GO
New Web Design books
Web Design for ROI: Turning Browsers into Buyers & Prospects into Leads * Bulletproof Web Design: Improving flexibility and protecting against worst-case scenarios with XHTML and CSS * Adobe Dreamweaver CS3: Video Training Book * Teach Yourself VISUALLY Flash CS3 Professional... Get'em while they're HOT
SEE: Web Design Tutorial: How to build tabbed navigation in CSS
Special Review: Web Design for ROI
Hot new arrivals -- the latest in 3D
includes Learning Autodesk Maya 2008: The Special Effects Handbook * Mastering Revit Architecture 2008 and Mastering AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008... GO
Meggs: Making Graphic Design History
This is the book that gives you a rare look into the life and vision of the late Phillip B. Meggs. Not only does it reveal the person behind The History of Graphic Design, but takes you into the workings of his art, design, teaching, and family. This is our selection for the Book of the Year ... Meggs: Making Graphic Design History
New Vintage Type - Classic Fonts for the Digital Age
a spectacular new book -- nearly 100% eye candy and knock-out visual inspiration -- introduces you to the beauty and utility of fonts from the past! From the Victorian Age, to Woodtype, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and even the Eccentric movement you'll find them all in New Vintage Type
Alex White: Design's Function & Typography
The leading expert on graphic design and typography, Alex White, shares words of wisdom on the function of design and how typography can be the most difficult component of the designer's tool box... A challenge for designers
Editor's Choice: Indie Fonts 3
Here's the 3rd edition of the now famous Indie Fonts, featuring lavishly illustrated samplings of thousands of fonts, and FREE fonts on CD-Rom from 59 participating font and type designers. This is one must-have book for all graphic designers... Indie Fonts 3
Editor's Choice: While you're reading
This book is about everything that happens while you're reading -- that's why it's this month's Editor's Choice, and why we recommend all type designers, typographers and graphic designers make sure they do not miss this book... While you're reading by Gerard Unger
Back to Design School in the Designers' Bookshelf...
Time to catch up! Dive into
Photoshop with: Photoshop CS3 for Nature Photographers * Photoshop CS3 For Dummies * Photoshop CS3 Workflow, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Workflow
* Digital Photography including field guides for the Sony Alpha DSLR-A100, and Canon Speedlite System
* Design & DTP there's an all new Print Production Handbook and the awesome Visual Selling: Capture the Eye and the Customer Will Follow
* Graphics explosion of 3D books for Maya, SolidWorks, Facial Modeling and Visual Effects, and in the
* Business Department we feature How to Start and Operate Your Own Design Firm, Second Edition
Back to Design School: learning made fun...
- Photoshop CS3 Forensics You may watch CSI the popular TV show... well crime scene investgation is very real, and Photoshop is a key tool for Forensics Professionals, law enforcement and legal personnel -- here's the inside story.
- Photoshop CS3 Photographer's Handbook Photoshop CS3 Photographers Handbook is a step-by-step guide that provides a simple and effective workflow for editing photographs in Photoshop
- Dreamweaver CS3: The Missing Manual This one-stop Dreamweaver CS3 resource aims to boost the skills and knowledge of designers at every level, from novices to power users.
- Learning Web Design Learning Web Design - cultivating a beginner's mind for creating beautiful web designs -- Jennifer Niederst Robbins brings you clear, easy-to-grasp text, user-friendly graphics, and hands-on exercises to teach primo design techniques
- Dynamic Learning: Photoshop CS3 clear explanations of how Photoshop CS3 works, easy-to-follow instructions, full-color examples, professional tips and techniques, and something brand new: a DVD with Digital Classroom video tutorials
- Photoshop CS3 Bible Get the book you need to succeed in any Photoshop endeavor -- totally updated edition to the international bestseller, learn how to master every aspect of Photoshop
- Adding Ajax Easy Ways to Rev Up Web Applications -- Shelley Powers skillfully reveals the myriad advantages of adding Ajax
- Beautiful Code How do the experts solve near-impossible software development dilemmas? Renowned computer scientist Henry Warren offers this approach
Made with FontFont: Type for Independent Minds
by Erik Spiekerman & Jan Middendrop is a spectacular book that will thrill anyone involved in the visual arts! I haven't seen a book that is (seriously) this much fun to look at and thrum through since Leslie Cabarga's Logo, Font & Lettering Bible. This is one that no self-respecting graphic designer should be without! Made with FontFont: Type for Independent Minds
Editor's Choice: The Practical Guide to Information Design
This is the definitive, behind-the-scenes guide to mastering information design -- helping graphic designers make the transition into information design for the knowledge age. Another milestone book from Ronnie Lipton... The Practical Guide to Information Design
The Design Box Brochure Design Cards: 50 Graphic Design Layout Ideas
A totally unique collection of brochure designs, in a unique presentation -- individual 5 x 7 cards (heavy card stock) along with tips, tricks and a CD-ROM of templates... Ideas plus CD Templates
Photoshop CS / CS2 WOW Book
Linnea Dayton, Cristen Gillespie bring you the most important Photoshop book on the shelves -- and this edition is the most awesome to date. We've talked about, and promoted the WOW books since they started the tradition back with Photoshop version 2.5, and we continue to rank the Photoshop CS / CS2 WOW Book as the numnber 1 book for Photoshop users.
Design Thinking
From renowned designer, teacher and author Alex White: Thinking In Type: The Practical Philosophy Of Typography could possibly be one of the best little books on typography anywhere -- at the very least, it is a modern-day classic on designing with typography. The Elements of Graphic Design: Space, Unity, Page Architecture, and Type gives you the ability to look at your work with critical eyes -- what you don't say is more important than what you do say.
BACK TO (DESIGN) SCHOOL...
Here are the latest books that make great self-learning in photography, Photoshop, image editing, multimedia, video, music, DVD, digital photography, web design, CSS, blogging, content management, and more:
An Education in Digital Photography - Get the most from your digital camera with these resources on: * mastering digital SLR photography. * taking beautiful wedding pictures. * exploring travel photography. * getting perfect color every time... includes free downloadable chapters
Photography, Photoshop & Multimedia
Web Design, Concept, Development & Content Management
Roger Parker: Design to Sell
The Dean of Desktop Publishing, Roger C. Parker helps make your publications attention-getting, attractive, and easy to read... this excerpt is all part of Roger's new book Design to Sell
Editor's Choice: New Visual Culture of Modern Iran
New Visual Culture of Modern Iran By Reza Abedini a Hans Wolbers is a stunning visual treat -- a page-turning presentation of some of the most exciting graphics, illustration, calligraphy and photography in the world... pure eye-candy in the 10th degree Visual Culture of Modern Iran
Sybex Celebrates 30 Years
of quality computer book publishing - Whether you're training for your certification, producing world-class 3D graphics, improving your digital photos, or looking to master the latest technology, Sybex has the books. Here are three of the latest Sybex Celebrates 30 Years
Head Rush Ajax
A Caffeinated Learning Guide to the World of Dynamic Web Pages - Ajax -- or Asynchronous JavaScript and XML--lets you build rich internet applications that are more interactive, responsive, and easy to use than ever before. Head Rush Ajax
Editor's Choice: Arabic for Designers
Arabic for Designers by Mourad Boutros is an insightful look at Arab aesthetics... In a time when the eyes of the entire world are focused on the Arab countries -- cultures clash, understanding is lost. This book of graphic design, art, illustration, photography and advertising, provides us with A Profound Bridge Between Cultures...
Stencil Graffiti Capital: Melbourne
Jake Smallman and Carl Nyman transport you to the magical world of Melbourne, Australia where stencil graffiti reaches the ultimate personal expression as street art. Discover this powerful medium with thought provoking text and lavish photo journalism in Melbourn, the Graffiti Capital
Type Rules! is BACK
The Designer's Guide to Professional Typography by Ilene Strizver has made it's 2nd edition! I can quite confidently attest that if Ilene Strizver writes, designs, or talks about typography that it's going to be good. Type Rules! is no exception, you owe it to yourself to grab this latest edition of Type Rules!
Photoshop Photo Effects Cookbook
Editor's Choice: Photoshop Photo Effects Cookbook
Tim Shelbourne presents the most competent Photoshop Effects book we've seen to date! You'll learn so much from this book you won't believe it... from studio effects to environmental effects, textures, lighting, montaging, retouching and more -- including this stunning technique for Converting a Photo into a Pencil Sketch
The Adobe Photoshop Elements Crafts Book
Editor's Choice:
The Adobe Photoshop Elements Crafts Book
... expert designer and artist Elizabeth Bulger will make you a little more creative with your images -- make your software and hardware investment pay off with these wonderful crafts projects using Adobe Photoshop Elements
Book News
Holiday Gift Giving is just around the corner... so, the Design Bookshelf presents a collection of articles, book excerpts and short reviews for the best new books -- including this KILLER LINEUP of Adobe CS2 Books
Editor's Choice:
Basics Design: Typography - This is a wonderful text taking the typography student through a visual journey into looking at type and typography. Authors Ambrose and Harris cover the topic with excellent text and graphic design
A Typographic Workbook - by Kate Clair, Cynthia is a workhorse / workbook ideally suited for teaching the history of letterforms, type and typography. The history is most important -- and hands-on "projects" bring home the important points of each lesson.
Two Huge Volumes Grab the Tiger
First: Mac OS X Tiger Unleashed - This book is not about cute pictures and cool sounds. This is a monumental book -- the authors have seemingly left nothing about Tiger to the imagination.
Next: Sams Teach Yourself Mac OS X Tiger All in One by Robyn Ness, John Ray -- brings home the practical works of all the cool apps in Tiger! From video to DVD you'll know it all!
Start & Run A Creative Services Business - Susan Kirkland, veteran creative freelancer puts together over 20 years of totally practical experience in starting and operating your own freelance business -- showing you the mistakes you'll make unless you know about them in advance!
A Comprehensive Guide to Digital Photographic Output - AVA's new Digital Photographic Output by Duncan Evans covers digital photography for both beginners and intermediates with clear, succinct writing and thoroughly enjoyable visuals. Some of his tricks are the best we've seen!
Logo Design for Small Business Here are two books that are sure to please the fancy of any graphic designer, illustrator or sign designer -- Dan Antonelli, veteran designer in the graphics and signing industry shows nearly 300 top logo designs he's created for small businesses. You'll learn how to be a success designing logos for your local clients.
Fun with Photoshop Elements 3: Foto Fakery for Everyone - This book is the most fun you'll have with Photoshop Elements 3... covers the quintessential 'tricks' of image editing from switching faces on bodies to digital elastic surgery, to special effects makeup. A treasure at just sixteen bucks!"
Editor's Choice: Quark XPress, InDesign & PageMaker Ideabooks - Here comes an absolutely fabulous trio of books from none other than the legendary Chuck Green of Design Ideas! Each Ideabook includes more than 300 ready-to-go templates for the most sought-after graphic design projects.
U&Ic: Influencing Design & Typography - This stunning new book from John Berry will enlighten the graphic design field with the story and wonderful visuals from the pages of U&lc, the ITC publication that literally changed the face of graphic design as we know it today.
The Photoshop and Painter Artist Tablet Book - At last someone gives special attention to the soul of art rather than the mechanics! This is a spectacular work by Cher Threinen-Pendarvis that will turn your ho-hum computer art into something really special! Creative techniques in digital painting!
Chuck Green is back with a major blockbuster -- his Design-it-yourself GRAPHIC WORKSHOP is a delightful instruction manual for non-designers , and a healthy shot of creative energy for the pros... don't miss it!
Special Events:
- Commercial Photoshop with Bert Monroy - Editor's Choice!
- Photoshop Restoration & Retouching - the ultimate retouching book
Favorites:
- Photoshop 7 Down & Dirty Tricks
- Photoshop 7 Artistry: Mastering the Digital Image
- Photoshop Elements 2 Solutions: The Art of Digital Photography
- Adobe Photoshop 7 One-Click Wow!
- Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 Idea Kit
- Introducing Adobe Photoshop Elements
- Adobe Photoshop Elements: A Visual Introduction to Digital Imaging
- Real World Adobe Photoshop 7
- Photoshop 7 for Windows & Macintosh: Visual QuickStart Guide
- Photoshop Type Effects
- Introducing Adobe Photoshop Elements
- Photoshop Elements Solutions
- Photoshop Type Effects
- Photoshop Elements Solutions
- Design Essentials for Adobe Photoshop 7 and Illustrator 10 (4th Edition)
- Sams Teach Yourself Adobe Photoshop 7 in 24 Hours
- Photoshop 7 Magic
- Photoshop 7 Artistry: Mastering the Digital Image
- Photoshop 7 Classroom in a Book
- Photoshop 7 Studio Techniques
- Photoshop 7 Web Design
- Photoshop Studio with Bert Monroy
- www.photoshop.imageready
- The New Masters of Photoshop (Including a full sample chapter!)
Popular Content Items:
- Photoshop Tutorial: Quick, Easy Photo Montage
- Photoshop Tutorial: Photoshop Pixels to Pencil Drawings
- Shoot-out: Photoshop or Elements? Which is best?
- Photography: Bruce Duncan asks Why Black & White?
Photoshop 911
is where Photoshop users ask questions and get help! It's also a warehouse of excellent Photoshop tips, tricks and tutorials. Check it out in the : Photoshop 911 FAQ department
Participate in your Design Booksehlf
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