Book Description

"This unique book documents the brief yet exciting history of the computer in graphic design and goes on to examine the work and working practices of designers who are leading the way in the use of this technology. As an alternative to design annuals, Ronald Labuz's The Computer in Graphic Design offers a serious examination of the nature of computer-generated graphic design and suggests to design professionals and students the unlimited possibilities this technology permits." "The book charts four distinct ways in which graphic designers have used computers over the past 15 years, including two visible methods ("primitive" and "sophisticated") and two invisible methods ("hidden" and "allusive"). The international group of graphic designers and design firms whose work is vividly and colorfully highlighted in the book reflect these differing philosophies. This original format allows for comparisons and contrasts and helps to frame the ongoing debate as to where computer graphic design is headed." "After an opening chapter on the evolution of computer design style. The Computer in Graphic Design focuses on those designers whose work has obviously been created by the computer, including such "new primitives" as Rudy VanderLans, Max Kisman, John Hersey, and Zuzana Licko. In the next section, the book details the work of designers who see technology as a participatory vehicle in high art and design. Topics here include the hybrid imagery of April Greiman, and the relationship of color value to the computer as mirrored in the work of Kazumasa Nagai." "Juxtaposed with these two related movements are those designers whose use of the computer is far less obvious. Members of one group, which includes such prominent designers as Nancy Skolos, Kenneth Hiebert, and Lance Hidy, take advantage of the computer's speed and control while forging individual styles that are not compromised by a reliance on new technology. The final group also uses the computer but, for individual reasons, does not allow it to visually emerge. Among the individuals and firms whose work is profiled here are Johnee Bee, Michael Weymouth Design, and IIT/Institute of Design." "The final section of The Computer in Graphic Design takes a look at today's typography and type design and the computer's impact on these fields, discusses the inevitable conflict between classicists of form and the advocates of primitive type design, and examines the radical changes that may come in the near future." "The Computer in Graphic Design is required reading - and viewing - for every professional and student excited by the possibilities of the collaboration between the graphic designer and the computer. The book will help readers resolve how they will use the computer in their own designs, taking their cue from the work and actual words of the diverse designers presented. This unique volume will also prompt readers to explore for themselves whether technology is little more than a tool to make production easier or faster or whether it will forever change the practice of graphic design."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved