Basics of graphic design. Third edition | Алекс В. Вайт

Alex V. White offers a design concept based on the unity and interaction of content elements - the main idea, which is visually expressed, and its surroundings.

In his foreword to the third edition, the author notes that design education often emphasizes combining old and creating new elements of content, but little attention is paid to background spaces and forms, which are critical components of design. He believes that emptiness, when viewed as a full partner in design, becomes dynamic and, together with an original visual idea, defines great design.

Such a comprehensive view opens up a limitless field for experiments, but the author provides a very clear guideline - "communication". He notes that unlike mathematics, where there can be only one "right" answer, in design there are many alternative solutions, and it is up to the designer to find the best among them, focusing on communication.

The exposition of the author's original considerations and approaches is illustrated by various examples from different eras and styles.