Know Your Onions: Graphic Design: How to Think Like a Creative, Act Like a Businessman and Design Like a God

I learned so much myself while proofing before gifting - however, I gave to an experienced graphic designer, he loved the sentiment and was super happy to add to his collection. MY BAD buying for someone who has this knowledge already. SOOOO just a heads up! Great book - love the printing of it and the content. As does the friend it was gifted to. Pheeeew. He loves reading and loves a break from online learning.

“How to think like a creative, act like a businessman and design like a God” – Although I can’t claim to have acquired a resulting godlike design prowess, I have to give this beautifully designed and bound publication an unreserved thumbs up. I figured that given its bold claims, great reviews, Drew de Soto’s 25 years of experience in the industry and the fact that it is an object of desire in itself, I just had to buy this book. I was not disappointed. Benefitting from a wealth of colour illustrations and a robust thread sewn binding, this is a handbook you can actually keep at hand and use year after year. While it may be that the more seasoned of us will learn less, about the principles of design, than the newly graduated; few readers will fail to gain some nuggets of valuable design advice. For my part, I found the information on typography invaluable. It is also very useful to have all such essential information in one place and I have already used its illustrations to help explain certain aspects of the trade to clients. I doubt whether there are any designers who would not benefit from at least some of de Soto’s business advice. There are none of the usual “we are all in the business of business” platitudes. It simply offers practical and straightforward advice on how to proceed, as a designer, in a manner more conducive to a profitable outcome.

I loved reading this book. For starters it is designed beautifully (as you'd hope for a book on this subject to be) - it's a pleasing size and if you're a stationary nerd you'll enjoy the materials its been made from. I'm not a qualified graphic designer, I'm self taught in the Adobe Creative Suite packages, I dabble in illustration and love picking out fonts. Reading this book has inspired me to finally go and get a graphic design qualification. Even the bits that aren't yet relevant to my day to day work, like the ins and outs of printing were interesting. I liked the author's sense of humour and turn of phrase - it wasn't patronising or too jargon heavy. I would imagine this is a handy book to have around even if you are a qualified graphic designer with a few years experience under your belt. It never hurts to read for inspiration or a new point of view. One tip - maybe don't read this on the beach like I did - the cover tends to absorb sun cream (-

This book is excellent! I should start this by saying I barely ever write reviews, but this book deserves one. As someone seeking to learn graphic design skills in large part through books like this, I can say that so far this has been the best to read. When I compare it to the 10+ other books I've read on the subject this one leads them all. The information it contains has condensed everything else I've found into one gloriously written manual, which has little jumps of witty writing amongst the more educational stuff. This book (at least to me) is funny, which is so appropriate if you think that design is all about making the mundane magical! If you want to learn some graphic design skills I would highly recommend this. The only reason I haven't given it 5 stars is because at times the writing is quite vague and the lessons don't come across clearly, but these instances are in the minority and overall this book has been wonderful to read - highly recommended to any budding designers. The web design 'Know Your Onions' book looks fantastic too, but I've only skimmed through that so I can't say for sure.

This book is a must have for every graphic designer out there, whether you're just starting out or you're at the top of your career. This book provides a wealth if knowledge for the reader, whilst taking you through processes step by step. There are handy hints, a glossary of terms (very useful!), and also little sketches along the way to further illustrate points. This book is written by someone who knows and who understands how the creative mind works, and rather being a guide on how to be a designer, this book offers something more; a first hand, original, witty and thought provoking document full of advice that will help you grow and develop as a designer. Having bought this book I would definitely recommend it to anyone out there who works in a design field. I can't wait to read the rest of his work.

I'm a damn fine stand-up comedian, not a graphic designer. Drew is a damn fine graphic designer, and it turns out a damn fine comedian. If only you knew the truth. I had an idea for a book and had used various online sites to try and turn my idea into a reality. They only took me so far. Drew and his book took me further. His insider knowledge on the industry as well as his thorough knowledge of graphic design and running a graphic design business is outstanding and laid out extremely clearly in his book. Plus he made me laugh. Once out loud on the tube. Heads turned to see what funny book I was reading. A book on graphic design? Who would have thought it? The biggest thing is realising the stuff that you see looks good on a page but don't know why. Drew explains it all and how to do it. So, hopefully, my book, because of Drew's, may find its way into the big wide world.

I brought this book because I am currently writing my own and know nothing about typography, layout or what way to present my thoughts. I found everything about 'know your onions' helpful. From how it's has been designed to how the simple to follow formulas are presented, I can now move forward with my own project. I know I won't feel so stupid when finally handing my book to my designers and hopefully should save me some money in the amount of time they will need to do my layout properly. A great book for anyone with a current project or just a love of good design!

A great little book that differs from all the 'know how' books out there. Reading this book you feel that the author is talking 'to you' on a personal level rather than the sterile, formal 'school text book' approach that so many books use. The author reminds me of a favourite school teacher that always made learning fun, so you always looked forward to their lessons. The same principle works reading this book with the turn of each page and there is the odd bit of humor thrown in here and there which works really well. To sum up it's a great read filled with a plethora of hints, tips and secrets to add to your arsenal for anyone that is either currently working in or considering working in the design industry.

This is a book for those who are already working as a graphic designer but want to know about their field better. It will definitely help newbies. If you are a self-taught graphic designer then you must buy this book.

Love, love, love this book. Have used it as reference material for a little bit now. The awesome mixture of humor and very appropriate tips results in a very informative yet entertaining read. He knows his stuff.

It’s pretty outdated as it talks about CDs etc.

There's a time in every designer's life when they've amassed enough experience to "go pro." You know, when your work surpasses "nephew art" and can command real clients at respectable rates. It's at this moment you need to read this book. Too early and some concepts may go over your head, too far down the road and you'll say "I already knew this..." But for folks at that 2-3yr window, THIS BOOK IS LIKE GOLD. Concepts discussed are mature and time-tested, and de Soto will certainly help you run a better design business. In fact, I'd argue that even many experienced folks oughta read this one - our industry is riddled with bad design created by people who think they're above revisiting basics. I really like how he cuts right to the chase - "there are many ways to tackle [ABC], but if you do [XYZ] it's gonna work." That's real-world, applicable advice - the kind we're all starving for. It's really damn good. As a side - the actual design of this book is terrific. The cover doesn't really do it justice (although I dig that, too). Funny as it is, I was surprised the first time I cracked it open to find full-color images. It's beautiful and easy to read. I love holding it, thumbing through and feeling the pages. I especially like the elastic band that has helped me keep my place. Kudos to both the author (Drew de Soto) and the publisher (BIS Publishers) - this is a solid accomplishment and you should be proud of the work.

Loved the book - the author shares invaluable insight on how to be a good designer.