Launching the Imagination: A Comprehansive Guide to Two-Dimensional Design

I have been the Core Coordinator at a major public university for nearly 20 years. We have used many Foundation Art books over the years--books by David Lauer, Zelanski and Fisher, Ockvirk et al, Steven Bleicher, Betsy Keonig, and many others. The foundation books by each of these authors have much to recommend, but Mary Stewart's Launching the Imagination is by far the best comprehensive overview on the market. We use it for our classes in 2D, 3D, and 4D. While it would not be appropriate for a course focusing exclusively on Color Theory (for our Color course we currently use Betsy Koenig's "Color Workbook"), it is an excellent foundational reference for beginning art and design students. I am particularly impressed with the sections on 4D (time arts) and Critical Thinking. I have started recommending the section on 4D to upper division students in animation as it provides a broader understanding of time arts via film theory, narrative sequences of all kinds, and book arts. Along with the excellent CD designed by Bonnie Mitchell (a major force in her own right in contemporary computer graphics and animation and a professor at Bowling Green University), this is a great resource for students and faculty alike.

I refer my students to Launching The Imagination as the text I feel gives the broadest, most comprehensive and comprehensible descriptions and definitions of three- dimensional design. From composition to concepts, architecture, sculpture, and a variety of design applications, this text points out major differences and commonalities by means of example and explanations in common sense terms. I absolutely recommend it.

I am the Foundation Coordinator at a four year university, and I have reviewed MANY foundation texts. Most focus on just one aspect of foundation learning: usually 2D design. This book is different: it is a comprehensive text that covers 2D Design, 3D Design, Critical Thinking, and 4D (Time Based) Design. Rather than have students buy three or four texts for different courses, we use this book for all of our foundation courses. What truly sets this book apart, other than it's total foundations approach, is the section on critical thinking. It covers everything from brainstorming to avoiding cliches to different critique strategies & critical thinking. I even use this chapter with my upper division students, who actually thank me for using the section on "how to critique" in particular. The book contains thoughtful reflection questions and summaries at the end of each chapter, along with an excellent glossary and LOTS of color reproductions of both historical and contemporary artworks. If you need ideas for projects, the book comes with lots of supplements, including a website. The Online Learning Center is a goldmine of information, as is the Instructors Manual that can be ordered along with the book. Make sure to order the most recent edition, as the book has been updated with new information. I have been teaching Foundations for nine years, and this is by far the best book out there!

I don't assign a textbook in my Two-Dimensional Design class. Instead I have students compile their own reference guide or text in the form of a sketchbook over the course of the semster. That said, I do use Launching the Imagination as my primary supplemental text and draw many examples and definitions from it for the work we do in class. LTI has laid the foundation upon which many of my projects are structured. If students choose to purchase a book to compliment the course material we cover, I recommend LTI. It's an invaluable resource and I'm grateful for it.

This new edition of Mary Stewart's complete guide to basic design vocabulary, concepts, and principles expands upon the essential coverage of 2D, 3D, and Time design in the first edition. Including more historic and contemporary color examples ranging from traditional masterworks, in painting, drawing, and stone carving, to graphic design, digital art, product design, comics and film stills that bring increasing aid the visual learner. With more attention given to creating memorable works, intelligent problem solving, effective critical thinking and constructing resonant meaning this edition can be the most powerful tool for any beginning art student. Fourteen interviews of artists and designers give insight into contemporary practice and add valuable knowledge of the art world.