Graphic Design Rants and Raves

by Steven Heller
Graphic Design Rants and Raves cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Essays / Essay Collections
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Technical
  • ID: 8535
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9781621535393
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2017-01-03
  • Reviews: 4

Graphic Design Rants and Raves is a collection of essays by renowned designer Steven Heller, offering a critical and celebratory look at the vast influence of graphic design. Heller examines design as a practice, language, culture, and power, with each essay serving as a self-contained story. Topics range from the history of Hindu-Arabic numerals to the design of food packaging, from political branding to the principles of free expression./n/nThe book delves into the tumultuous relationship between design and sex, revisits iconic designers like Paul Rand, and explores the obsessive use of cuteness. Heller's insights provide a comprehensive exploration of how visual design has evolved and permeated the twenty-first century, making this anthology a must-read for design enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Reviews
Everand · 2025-12-22
mixed 3.00

The book is a collection of essays that provide a comprehensive look at graphic design. It is rated 3 out of 5 stars.

The reviewer notes that Graphic Design Rants and Raves is a collection of essays that offer a comprehensive look at the world of graphic design. They appreciate the book's ability to cover a wide range of topics, from commercial advertising to cultural revolution. However, they found some of the essays to be more relevant than others, leading to a mixed rating of 3 out of 5 stars. The reviewer acknowledges the book's value as a resource for graphic designers but suggests that it may not be as engaging for those new to the field.

Quick quotes

    A compilation of essays that confront the dilemmas and debates within the graphic design industry.

    From commercial advertising to government institutions to cultural revolution.

    From the objects that push design forward to those that seep into the everyday.

Prints4Sure · 2025-12-22
thought-provoking 4.20

The book is commended for its compelling essays that tackle the challenges and debates within graphic design. It is seen as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of the field.

In this review, the book is highlighted for its insightful essays that confront the dilemmas and debates within the design community. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Heller's analysis and the way he presents his views on various aspects of graphic design. They find the book to be a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand the complexities and nuances of the field. The reviewer also notes that the book is suitable for both professionals and students, as it offers a comprehensive overview of the impact of graphic design in different contexts. They particularly enjoy the essays that discuss the role of design in cultural revolution and everyday life, finding them both relevant and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Rounding out this exploration is 'Graphic Design Rants and Raves' by Steven Heller, a compilation of essays that confront the dilemmas and debates within the design community.

    The book is a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of the field.

    The essays discuss the role of design in cultural revolution and everyday life.

Creative Boom · 2022-01-20
essential 4.50

The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage of graphic design, making it a must-read for anyone in the field. It is noted for its engaging and thought-provoking essays.

This review emphasizes the book's importance as a resource for graphic designers. The reviewer appreciates the way Heller explores the vast scope of graphic design, from its commercial applications to its cultural impact. They find the essays to be well-written and engaging, providing valuable insights into the field. The book is recommended for its ability to spark thought and discussion among designers, making it a valuable addition to any design library. The reviewer also highlights the book's relevance to both professionals and students, as it offers a broad perspective on the role of graphic design in society.

Quick quotes

    Design is everywhere, and graphic design enters into everything.

    This is the scope of designer Steven Heller's latest essay anthology.

    The book is a must-read for anyone in the field.

Parkablogs · Teoh Yi Chie · 2017-11-20
insightful 4.00

The book offers a wealth of insights and opinions from Steven Heller, making it an engaging read. It covers a wide range of topics related to graphic design, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.

In this review, the author highlights the book's ability to delve into various aspects of graphic design, from commercial advertising to cultural revolution. They appreciate the depth of Heller's insights and the way he presents his opinions, making the book both informative and thought-provoking. The reviewer also notes that the book is suitable for both professionals and enthusiasts, as it offers a broad perspective on the impact of graphic design in everyday life. They particularly enjoy the essays that discuss the dilemmas and debates within the design community, finding them both relevant and engaging.

Quick quotes

    Overall, the book's an interesting read with plenty of insights and opinions from Steven Heller.

    Design is everywhere, and graphic design enters into everything.

    The essays confront the dilemmas and debates within the design community.

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