Design Basics

Back in college, two decades ago, one of my art professors required this book for every single one of his classes. He even offered to personally repay students who could not afford to keep their copy, if they promised not to sell it back to the bookstore. He told us that the best thing we could do for our careers in art was to keep this book. He was right. I've had my 2nd edition copy for twenty years, and no other book I've seen discusses visual theory so simply, logically and completely. The text is clear and straightforward and the examples are perfect, but it is Lauer's ability to organize a very complex subject into very specific, clearly-understood categories that makes this book remarkable.

Design Basics is well organized, the chapters are clearly written, and the graphics illustrate the text very effectively. This is the best general introduction to graphic design that I've seen.

The best review of basic design principles I've seen -- especially helpful to artists studying composition.

Basic Design is a must for any art student who is serious about his/her talent. This book was offered as a suggested reading source in my Color Theory class and I have cherished it for years since. Design Basics is very thorough in it's explaination of every kind of art form. You would be greatly benefited to purchase this book!

I have had my highschool art students use Design Basics in conjunction with my highschool introductory art courses for over ten years. It is a staple in my students' art theory reading. The book focuses on the elements and principles of design and organizes it's chapters as such. All information is correlated with artwork examples that run throughout the ages of art, from the prehistoric to the modern day. Many colour illustrations make for artistic "eye candy".