Honest Advice for New Graphic Designers

The video discusses the book “Oh Blank What Now: Honest Advice for New Graphic Designers” by Craig Oldham, emphasizing its unique approach to providing guidance for emerging designers. Unlike typical advice books that rely on text-heavy content, Oldham employs art and design elements to convey key insights. The speaker expresses a deep appreciation for the vibrant colors and innovative style utilized in the book, noting that it not only presents valuable advice but also serves as a mini-lesson in graphic design. This blend of practical tips and aesthetic enjoyment makes it an engaging resource for new graphic designers.

Highlights

🎨 Innovative Approach: The book combines art with advice, making it more engaging than traditional texts.
📚 Valuable Insights: Offers crucial advice specifically tailored for novice graphic designers.
🌈 Vibrant Aesthetics: The use of bright colors enhances the reading experience and attracts the audience.
✏️ Mini-Lessons Included: Provides practical lessons in graphic design through visual communication.
📖 Unique Presentation: Differentiates itself by incorporating design as a means of communication rather than just a backdrop.
🤔 Honest Perspectives: Shares real, honest advice that resonates with the challenges faced by new designers.
🖌️ Artistic Inspiration: Encourages creativity through visual elements alongside textual guidance.

Key Insights

📖 Educational Entertainment: The book cleverly blends educational content with entertainment, making the learning process enjoyable. Using design as a communication tool helps break down complex concepts into easily digestible formats. This is particularly beneficial for new graphic designers who may find traditional textbooks daunting or overly academic.
🎨 Visual Learning: Oldham’s work illustrates the effectiveness of visual learning in design. By incorporating art into the advice-giving process, the book caters to visual learners which is a common trait among creatives. The combination of visual storytelling alongside textual advice inspires readers to engage more deeply with the material.
💡 User-Centric Design: The format reflects a strong understanding of the audience’s needs. By focusing on the challenges faced by new graphic designers, Oldham provides relevant solutions and insights, paving the way for a more user-centered approach to design and communication.
🌈 Color Psychology in Design: The comment on the bright colors in the book suggests an understanding of color psychology and its impact on mood and perception. This insight serves as a reminder for designers to be mindful of color choices in their own work and the emotional responses they may evoke in viewers.
✏️ Practical Application of Principles: The book not only shares theoretical advice but also illustrates how to effectively implement these principles in graphic design projects. This practical approach helps demystify the design process and empowers budding designers to experiment and practice their skills.
🔄 Iterative Learning: Oldham emphasizes the importance of iteration and adaptation in design work. By showing how good design results from trial and error, the book encourages new designers to view challenges as a natural part of their creative journey.
🌍 Accessible Design Education: The blend of advice and aesthetic fully aligns with the current trend toward accessible design education. By focusing on engaging visuals coupled with straightforward advice, Oldham’s book serves as an approachable guide for anyone looking to enter the field of graphic design, regardless of their previous knowledge or experience.

In conclusion, Craig Oldham’s “Oh Blank What Now” sets itself apart from other design advice books through a distinctive approach that integrates art, design, and practical advice into a vibrant and enjoyable reading experience. This not only fosters a love for design but also equips new graphic designers with essential tools to navigate their careers successfully.

Get the book here.

If you want us to use art and design to help you communicate better, get in touch with us.