Product Description

DESIGN BASICS is a popular introduction to two-dimensional design. Each concept is presented in a full two- or four-page spread, making the text practical and easy for students to refer to while they work. The modular format also gives instructors the utmost flexibility in organizing their course. Visual examples from many periods, peoples, and cultures are provided for all elements and principles of design, and the diversity of illustrations also includes examples from nature and non-art sources, encouraging students to see these principles in the world.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #483367 in Books
• Published on: 2004-02-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Review
"The best thing about DESIGN BASICS is the clarity of the writing. The division of topic areas adds to this clarity. For example, most students can understand a complicated concept like the Golden Rectangle after reading this section in the book. The illustrations clearly describe the concepts discussed in the chapters."

"The material is presented in sections that make relatively complex ideas seem pretty easy."

"The DESIGN BASICS book is wonderful--it was a huge help when I designed my curriculum. Whenever a student misses class, I assign them chapters to read out of this book. It is clear and concise. The strengths of DESIGN BASICS are the voice that it is written in- clear, unpretentious. In places it is lyrically written."

About the Author
David A. Lauer is Emeritus Professor of Art at the College of Alameda.

Stephen Pentak is Emeritus Professor of Art at Ohio State University and recently taught design courses in Cortona, Italy, in association with the University of Georgia. He is coauthor of Color Basics (Wadsworth 2004). He is also a painter with recent exhibitions at Linda Schwartz in Cincinnati, Susan Street in San Diego, and Kathryn Markel in New York. He is also the recipient of an Ohio Arts Council Fellowship for 2002.

Customer Reviews

Satisfied Customer
Product did arrive, although a bit late but that was probably due to the fact that I had it shipped to an APO address which always takes longer. It was in the condition described and the price was reasonable. Would order from this seller again.

Design Basics
This is a good book for Principals of Visual Commmunication classes or just anything design related if you're learning about it.

review of 'Design Basics', 7th ed, Lauer & Pentak
The book is generally well written and profusely illustrated. It is not a coffee table book, or one you read to find out whodunit. It is meant to be a college level text that explains some of the technical details about composition in artwork. As such, it gives the reader a better appreciation when looking at artwork, and some ideas to incorporate in any compositional tasks planned.
My only criticism is the additional study material described as available at the Thompson/Wadsworth Webpage noted in the inner front cover. The access code/password does not work, and when queried, the Thompson people replied once with a 'that does not conform to our usual password format, and so must be invalid'. Whe provided with a scanned image of the information on the cover, they did not deign to reply. Based on their attitude, I would (and will) request that my course instructor seek another text if at all possible.