Reviewed by Stephanie Paine, Assistant Professor, Department of Visual Arts , University of Louisiana at Lafayette on 10/19/19
Comprehensiveness
rating: 4 see less
The text covers a wide-range of topics useful for the introductory-level student; yet the organizational structure of the chapters provides a quick review for intermediate and advanced students. It includes a breadth of vocabulary relevant to basic design principals, file and workflow management, and contemporary digital imaging techniques. The lessons utilized many of the most needed tools in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator while integrating the elements of art and principals of design.
Accuracy
rating: 4
The vocabulary was accurate and relevant to the exercises. Each lesson’s instructions were detailed and the workflow was logical.
Relevance/Longevity
rating: 4
The title of this book indicates that it is most useful for an introductory-level student. As digital imaging becomes more complex, intermediate and advanced students would need a detailed methodology. However, the chapters cover dependable digital techniques and tools.
Clarity
rating: 3
Throughout each lesson, the text integrates key vocabulary words and their definitions. A visual emphasis for these words, such as bolding or including an index, would be helpful in reinforcing the elements and principals of design alongside digital processes. The lesson instructions are clear and succinct.
Consistency
rating: 4
Each chapter offers a brief overview of major art and design movements as it relates to the lesson plan. The text has concise explanations on the methodology of digital imaging, and includes screen shots to supplement instructions. Videos are included in several chapters, but not throughout the entire text.
Modularity
rating: 5
The content of each chapter is clearly outlined. The topics and lesson plans are easily manageable to learn on a daily-basis and organized in a manner supportive of self-study.
Organization/Structure/Flow
rating: 4
The chapters are structured to introduce a significant art and design movement as a foundation to learning a digital imaging technique. Lessons build upon the previous chapter’s topics, but each are separate enough for all levels of experience to browse the chapters as a quick reference or review.
Interface
rating: 3
Reading the layout of the EPUB version in Apple Books can be stymied at times. Most of the text is left aligned, but sometimes it is justified, causing large gaps between words. Additionally, some headers appear at the bottom of the previous page as a disconnected, lone phrase. The online and PDF versions are cohesive, but the traditional lateral format is replaced by a vertical, downward structure that narrows the reader’s angle of view.
Grammatical Errors
rating: 4
No significant grammatical errors were noted.
Cultural Relevance
rating: 4
Given the wide breadth of topics, the text was inclusive.
Comments
This text is written by artist-educators and fills the gap of a much-needed perspective in teaching software within the context of art and design. There is a strong emphasis on establishing proper workflow and file management. The authors were mindful to include historical and contemporary references in the arts, and were inclusive to some photographic methods. Consistent use of the elements and principals of design are a plus.
Reviewed by Moe Folk, Professor, Kuztown University on 5/14/19
Comprehensiveness
rating: 3 see less
While the book covers a great deal and includes some good post-chapter key words, it should include an index with important design words and also sections based on particular applications (e.g., Photoshop, then some of the main things someone might do with it). Also, if the title remains media design, it seems like that would warrant more moving images, which it doesn't cover in as great as detail. I would recommend removing the word from the title.
Accuracy
rating: 5
Very clear throughout.
Relevance/Longevity
rating: 4
It's always hard to pick relevant design example,s but they chose timeless bauhaus ones and also show a penchant for good current designs that will age well.
Clarity
rating: 5
Very well written and accessible, especially considering all the jargon associated with learning software.
Consistency
rating: 4
Some places use bold for steps to follow while others don't. I'd recommend using the bold format.
Modularity
rating: 5
Very well done. And the associated exercise files help as well.
Organization/Structure/Flow
rating: 5
It takes a beginner logically through the process, from finding material and editing/designing it to exporting it for users.
Interface
rating: 4
Some of the images could be clearer (e.g., p. 16 and p. 49).
Grammatical Errors
rating: 4
Very solid for the most part. Unless within double quotation marks, single quotation marks should not be used (ala p. 21).
Some inconsistencies also exist in putting the period inside ending double quotation marks (it should be inside).
Cultural Relevance
rating: 5
They do an excellent job broadening the representative scope from the base of Bauhaus images
Comments
While it says up front it will use Mac commands and provides a "translation" for PC users, the book nonetheless uses features exclusive to the Mac (such as the finder feature, folder naming, etc.) that do not necessarily translate as easy for PC users not familiar with Mac functionality, so some extra help might be needed if used in a class with a dedicated PC lab.
The book is very helpful and provides a very accessible way for students to practice and master a wide variety of design within various Creative Cloud elements.
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