A great title from a good writer.

Austin Howe is a writer that was referred to me by Dave Williams, Liquid’s Creative Director in Portland. We were pitching a job for Microsoft, and we needed a writer on the team. Dave suggested Austin, and also told me about Austin’s recent book, “Designers don’t read”…which I bought and started reading immediately.I love this book. It is funny and it hits home. However, I think that Austin gives designers too much credit. Unfortunately, most ‘designers’ that I know live up to this title all too literally - sadly, too many really don’t read. They browse magazines and study the most insignificant details in the tiny pictures that document design projects in magazines like Communication Arts or ID. Occasionally they may read an article hoping to learn some gossip on the latest ‘hot’ design firm…but it is a very rare designer that might read an article about design theory, history…and even less designers will read an article about business.At some point in his career, Marty Neumeier, our Director of Transformation, published a magazine called Critique. This was a beautifully designed publication with lots of pretty pictures…but it was published to start a critical conversation about design. Unfortunately, the magazine is no longer around - a victim of the lack of interest in reading.In my opinion, too many designers treat copy as “the stuff that you need to have in a layout to balance out the visuals”. Half the time they barely read it. It drives me crazy! Well…I hope they will make an exception for this short, inspiring book. A book that is nicely laid out, by the way - but has no pictures. Just smart and funny words that make you think…and will leave you inspired.Check it out on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/yzusazrIf any of you have read it…let me know what you  think.

Author: Alfredo
Category: Brands in general, Reading List