Books for designers

As my book will be targeted at designers I decided to conduct research into books already available to that of design students within the library. I felt this to be a key factor as Leeds college of art students would be prime consumers for my product.

Adbusters

The Adbusters Media Foundation is a Canadian-based not-for-profit, anti-consumerist, pro-environment organization.They are concerned about the erosion of our physical and cultural environments by commercial forces. Annual social marketing campaigns like Buy Nothing Day and TV Turnoff Week have made of Adbusters an important activist networking group. Adbusters campaigns involve artists, activists, writers, pranksters, students, educators and entrepreneurs who want to advance the new social activist movement of the information age. The aim is to topple existing power structures and forge a major shift in the way we will live in the 21st century.

So why does this appeal to designers?

First of all it is no surprise that for centuries art has been used as a form of activism, with propaganda posters being used globally in order to tackle social and/or political issues. This magazine tackles global issues focusing upon innovative, fun and thought provoking design-similar to ways in which united colours of benetton have previously undertaken. Not only does this magazine appeal to that of creative advertisers and graphic designers but also anyone who is interested within tackling issues through the medium of art. The design is clean and well thought out, with a clear grid system being used. Text is spaced, with no dense paragraphs being present- a factor in which is not daunting to that of the 8 second attention span consumer.

I used to be a design student 

'I used to be a graphic design student' gives an insight into 50 influential designers student days and professional lives. A piece of their previous college/university work is shown alongside one of their professional pieces in order to express their movement through design. Each designer also offers a key piece of advice and a warning, making this an essential read for anyone embarking on a career in design. This may be applied to design students or designers starting in the business. 

Obvious grid systems have been used alongside that of essentials 'rules' of graphic design, factors in which the target audience will instantly pick up upon. Again although exhibiting a  considerable amount of text, the design does not appear daunting.  

Hate mail

British illustrator 'Mr Bingo' explores a range of his vintage postcards which contain iconic drawings and offensive messages. The inspiration of his book being that of commissioned pieces in which he created for the everyday person in order to develop work in which 'everyone' could afford. 

The book itself contains a small introduction page and then follows the layout of a picture book, allowing the consumer to gather their own ideas surrounding each piece. Although not contextually 'deep' the book explores a range of comical ideas and allows for some beautiful illustrations to be explored. 

So who is the consumer?

Although within the student library I believe that this piece would be targeted at an older audience 35+ as it does not contain any educational aspect other than that of the illustrative style- a factor in which the self teaching youths would find pointless. The price of the book is also £20, a price I believe that the consumer would find expensive as it contains little purpose.

London Deco

Architectural illustrator Thibaud Herem leads you through London's streets with this picture book. The main theme being that of the most beautiful art deco buildings within London's landscape. 

The book itself is very simple with little text being present and the illustrations being the main focus.The book is perfect bound, creating an edge of professionalism.  

So who's the target audience? 

Well although I appreciate the illustrations present within this book, I would not myself (as a graphic design student) buy this book. Purposely because I believe it has no real relevance to my course and I believe I could find a far more interesting book in which could mentally engage me for the same price. 

I believe this would also be the same sentiment in which other young graphic designers would believe. Although this book has a real prominence for individuals in which are intrested within architecture, and London's skyline. 

As price ranges go, this book is pretty expensive a factor in which I believe it to be targeted at a more sophisticated, older audience in which would be more likely to highlight the book within their homes setting.

Savage Messiah 

The main focus of Savage Messiah is that of politics, psychology and pop- cultural past of London. With a large influence being from that of of the capital's property boom and the changing cultures of the time. 

Although containing serious content the book itself is expressed with a zine style, one not familiarly associated with that of political topics. In turn making this book not just an insightful read but also that of an exciting and somewhat intriguing structure. 

So does this book target that of 18-30 year olds?

Yes, most certainly. The zine style is fast and easy to read, making the learner experience insightful. Focusing upon a black and white colour scheme the book is not distracting from text which in turn allows the consumer to gain as much information as possible. It is also commonly recognised that younger people are much more likely to remember information when pictures are present, a factor in which is expressed within this book.

The Doubtful Guest

The Doubtful Guest is a short, illustrated book in which follows the story of a penguin like figure in which coexists with humans within an edwardian period home. First published with 1957, this is a timeless book in which is image heavy. 

The target audience for this book is wide spread as the language is easy to read and thus could be easily consumed by that of a child, but the beautiful illustrative style and comical plot can easily engage an adult of 50 years. 

So would I buy this book?

Yes I would, at the right price. Price is a main factor when presenting design for a younger audience as they are much more likely to buy something if it is cheap yet not essential. Being £5.00 on Amazon I would definitely suggest that my target audience would by this book-if not for its design but for its comical factors.

The motherless oven 

A novel in which explores the concept 'parents don't make children—children make parents', this book is purely that of fiction. A comic book layout is explored, a factor in which may be an influencing factor to that of people interested in the idea of storyboards, most specifically animators and illustrators. Although not specifically focusing upon art I believe that this book would target my audience due to the general style and format of the book, also I believe the colloquial language to appear engaging.

How long have I been dead?

 No front cover is present within this book's design, meaning that the only outer information is that of the spine. This design can be considered two ways:

-Thoughtless. A book cover in which will not engage the consumer audience but will rather discourage them from buying, and will not stand out against other books.

-Engaging, interesting and mysterious. A book cover in which pursues the audience to figure information out themselves-a factor in which would appeal to that of a younger demographic.

The book's purpose is that to explore illustration, developed for a niche audience in which is already interested in the designers work.

So would 18-30 year olds buy this book?

I would suggest yes, as the book deisgn itself is very interesting. Although containing limited information, the style and fast pace of this book would consume the audience. I will definitely consider a cover similar to this, as I believe this approach is well designed and suiting to the content and consumer.