MTIV

Process, Inspiration and Practice for the New Media Designer

by Joyce J Evans

I don't usually do a review on a book until I've finished it but this one is so good I didn't want to hold up the review. I'll share some of what I've already gotten from Hillmans newest book.

The book is divided into 3 major sections, Process, Inspiration and Practice. I've read the Process portion and glanced through the other two. The Practice section includes lessons on some new technoligies but most are more the fundamentals of design. You'll find tutorials written by: Ellen Shapiro on Grids, Leatrice Eiseman on color, Katharine Green on Type, Joseph Lowery on Web Layout and Web Languages, Jeff Southard on XML, Steve Krug on Usability, Scott Smith on Broadcast and the Rooster Design Group on Print.

The book is extremely well written and laid out. I've already shared some of the Process information with others who were having a difficult time with clients. Hillman offers rock solid advice on how to LISTEN and get to the main theme of a project. His process for getting the information he needs and involving the entire team is truly inspirational. I especially liked the tips on how to involve everyone and how to get innovative ideas flowing by asking the correct questions.

You will also get a through understanding of what New Media is. Hillman says this book is an homage to the craft, an exploration of ideas and an autobiography of himself as an artist in the 21st Century.

There are tons of great photographs but they don't dominate the book. This book is very text heavy and contains an awful lot of very useful information. I think the first section alone is more than worth the price of the book. Well I could go on and on but you really do need to pick this one up and read it yourself.

MTIV Process, Inspiration and Practice for the New Media Designer
by Hillman Curtis
New Riders
ISBN: 0735711658
240 pages