Book Review: A Smile In The Mind

Introduction

A smile in the mind is a book that advances the idea of witty thinking which is essentially being playful with ideas, words and images which constitutes clever thinking and not just irrational drawing. It is written by two authors, Beryl McAlhone who has an intense interest in design and David Stuart, the co-founder of the partners, an international design company.

A review of a smile in the mind

According to Heller (2002), a good graphic design should do more than just attract attention. It should not only entice the reader to notice it but to also take note of it or rather remember it. A smile in the mind is a book that advances the use of witty thinking to make graphic designs not only noticeable but also memorable. Its authors define and explain how the concept of wit works in a clear and easy to understand language.This book presents a refreshing collection of ideas by top designers. The design works presented in this book and which span over several decades helps the reader to understand and appreciate what design is all about. It is an engaging read for any individual interested in the art of graphic design.The clearly brought out types of visual wit might be particularly helpful as well as invaluable to any designer who might find it worth to communicate through wit.

Its pretty pictures are inspiring but one gets to get its full impact once they read it as its clear explanations on the ideas and concept behind the graphics is very helpful.The book also has interviews at the end that may be very helpful to any designer who may feel he needs more insight into the various aspects of designing as well as the use of visual wit. Its analysis of the process of thought that goes into the production of the images is interesting as is its collection of interesting graphics that is highly commendable and stimulates the reader’s creativity. This book is written in a humorous way and this gives the reader a refreshing read as well as a range of ideas to think ofHowever, a lot of the designed works in this book are a little bit outdated with designs from the 70’s and 80’s and maybe a rejuvenation of the same may be long overdue. In addition to that, this book may not be interesting at all to any serious designer who may not find the use of wit interesting.

Conclusion

For every designer or even those seriously considering to go into designing, this is a must have book. The ideas and works presented in this book are the blue print for future design works and hence for any designer who wants to think outside the box and considers humor as well as visual wit interesting, then ‘a smile in the mind’ is a book that will not disappoint.

References

Heller, S. (2002). Design humor: the art of graphic wit. Allworth Communications, Inc

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