Working from an application-oriented approach, Effective Graphic Design introduces projects first and covers design concepts and tools as they're needed. The authors draw direct comparisons between a "before" and an "after" version of each project, presenting the weak design along with the first designer's markups. The designer then discusses the flaws and solutions in a brief narrative and offers his or her revised version. Every page includes highlighted key terms that direct students to the book's extended glossary. By highlighting specific flaws, contrasting them alongside their corrections, and focusing on solutions, this unique text helps students readily understand design principles and grasp their applications.

Graphic Arts 20 (2012). Graphic Arts 30 (2012). Information Processing 10, 20, 30. This book presents sample documents and critiques of graphic designs. It identifies what needs to be improved and gives suggestion on how to achieve improvements. The book is not software-specific, making it more widely applicable. The table of contents includes: Design projects (resumes, logo, business cards, and letterheads), Editorial (magazine cover, magazine spreads, newspapers, newsletters, and programs), Marketing/Advertising (poster, brochure, ad, package, and digital). A glossary and explanations section provides information on theories, elements, and design crimes. .