Includes index.

What is design? Making visuals & type play nice in space -- Step away from the computer : for research & brainstorming -- I need to design this today : the works-every-time layout -- Layout sins : 13 amateur errors -- Mini art school : the elements & principles of design -- What is a grid? And when do I need one? -- Layout : where to put your type & visuals for impact -- Type : what you don't know can hurt you -- Color basics : choosing & using color -- Adding visual appeal : working with photos & illustrations -- The scoop on infographics : maximum information in minimum space -- Storyboarding 101 : planning visual storytelling -- Multimedia components : sometimes more is more -- Designing for the web : starring on the small screen -- Fit to print : an overview of papers & printing -- Conclusion : now that you know enough to be dangerous, thanks for stopping by.

An engaging conversational introduction to visual communication, written for the beginner. Golombisky provides a practical graphic design and layout guide that introduces the concepts and practices necessary for producing effective visual communication across a variety of formats.