Design Student's Best Tool
599034
As a fashion design student in New York, I use this thing all day long. I listen to music on the bus & subway. I keep my schedule. I take notes (in Memo Pad)- using grafiti for quick notes and the folding keyboard (sold seperately) for long lecture classes. I put my homework assignments in my to-do list. I take pictures of my professors' examples, my own work, or anything that inspires. I even use the camera instead of the photocopier in the library! I have great maps of the city in it so I don't get lost in the fashion district. It amazes me that not only do my classmates not have one, but most of them have never used a palm. It's a definite edge. The only place where it does not adequately replace paper is with quick sketches & diagrams. Sure, you can use Note Pad, but then there's no way (that I know of) to attach that to the relavent notes that go with it in Memo Pad. I'm sure there's some more sophisticated software to be had for this purpose that I haven't investigated & invested in yet. Overall: it's the next best thing to the French curve.
409695
Used by engineering student for simulations and design (Solidworks). Works well but having a second display for doing software is very helpful.
3108635
This product from Punch! is a very comprehensive package.  It has all the tools you need for amateur home design, including 2D and 3D views and walkthroughs.  It runs a lot faster than the competitors, even with the 3D views open and has not crashed yet.  Setup was quick and it is easy and intuitive to use as most of the tools are fairly obvious (Confession - I have used other product like this so I am not starting with a blank slate).
My one quibble is that the 3D objects are somewhat limited (example: rear projection TVs but no flat panels) but you have the ability to create your own.  Overall, for a consumer level design program this rates an A.
4221845
I also bought one [white] about 25 years ago. It one of the best tools I have ever owned.  Wallpapering, hanging pictures, straight edge for marking and cutting mat boards for paintings.  A great invention.  Right up there with the Internet!
2773796
I purchased the Idea Builder 3D40 for my architecture classroom. Overall I really like the 3D40. I had it printing in under 10 minutes of unboxing and it was making great quality prints. The only real print issues I had were when I didn't get a file set up correctly (too little/too many supports). The Autodesk suite of design tools proved very easy to become proficient with, and with a little effort, I was able to master them. The build plate is of a nice size. I was able to print many large student projects of buildings.
There are only a few bits that I found either inconvenient or that just didn't work. First, the small proprietary spools of filament. The Dremel spools are only 0.5 kg, but coast the same as a 1 kg spool from many other reputable filament companies. While I primarily used the Dremel filament, I did purchase and use 3 third-party brand spools for very large projects on which the Dremel spools would not have lasted.
The other main part I had issues with was the black build tape piece. From what I saw, it was intended to be the main build surface that was stuck onto the plate. However, any time I tried printed on it, I had severely warped prints and even times where the model came completely detached from the bed. As a result, I ripped it off of the build plate and just used 2 painters tape. The rest of my prints turned out great.
1622926
As is the case with many designers, I only received this little book after finishing architecture school. This was truly unfortunate since, similarly to Frederick's opinion, a book such as this, would have made my educational journey significantly less painful.

If at first glance this chipboard covered book seems a bit peculiar, don't despair, all your reservations will disappear once you start scanning the pages. Each spread contains a diagram and short description of a concept or technique every designer should know. Starting with "How to draw a line" to "Architects are late bloomers" this book represents a great summary of concepts every design student should learn at least once in their lives.

I have heard some readers critique this publication based on the fact that it is not 'technical' enough. I agree, this little book is not 'technical'. But given the title and the price (less than $12) I suspect the disappointment is largely due to unrealistic expectations rather than to bad content. Given the title, binding and description, it is clear that this was never intended to be a graphic standard , structural manual or code summary. Given the author's introduction I am of the opinion that this little book succeeds splendidly in its intent - providing an overview of 101 Things students learn (and so easily forget) in Architecture School.

It is most certainly guaranteed to jump-start design solutions, motivate, and entertain - only three of the possible 101 uses you'll discover for "101 Things".
1896712
It is very easy to use items. It comes in a hard case that doesn't break easily. The models are wonderful especially for college students.
3422831
I'm a college student majoring in interactive media and I bought this book for independent study. My degree courses often deal with specific aspects or applications of design, but I wanted to gain a better understanding of general design principles. I am happy to report that this book is rich with design information that can be utilized by all species of designers!

Each topic is given two pages - one page is more text-heavy and the other has visuals that demonstrate or exemplify the design principle at hand. Despite the seemingly brief dedication to each principle, the book is dense, efficient, and favors minimalism so although you may be able to scan over a principle in seconds, you need to take the time and study the information being presented in order to soak all of it in. Lidwell does a fantastic job at providing a survey of some of the most pertinent design principles. I foresee referencing this book throughout the rest of university studies and beyond.
1065039
This is one of the DESIGN books from Ava Academia's celebrated "Basics" series.

Is it for me?

Ava traditionally focuses on "student" readership which may appear niche in its focus but one should really apply the principle that "all life is learning" and then Ava books have a much wider application than just your traditional student at university or college.

I for one, am a director/owner of a small freelance design agency and I find their Basics range excellent reference books for me and my staff. I have most of their Basics - Design series to hand for quick references, to substantiate current understanding of design terms and standards, and of course to settle any design "arguments". ;)

What it covers:

The principal chapters - The Basics, Techniques, What Images Mean, Using Images, Images in Practice and Mark Making.

Things that stand out for me:

* Brilliant, succinct definitions.
* The book itself is testament to exquisite high quality print production and design.
* The sample artwork used to illustrate the various definitions, processes and design concepts are from cutting edge design agencies.

Why would I recommend this book?

* Very useful for interns and juniors to get up to speed with agency lingo and technical processes in graphic design and production.
* A excellent aid to use when illustrating different printing options to clients.
* And like with many of the collaborative publishing efforts from Gavin Ambrose and Paul Harris this book is full of artistic inspiration.

Is it value for money?

Yes! As always with Ava Publishing this book is definitely worth your pennies.

What next?

On my wish list - Basics Design 05 - COLOUR, not to mention the more advanced reader of the series - The Production Manual - A Graphic Design Handbook.
3807357
I recently purchased the Cricut Explore and had not had the chance to try out the new setting to cut all different types of material. This set is perfect for trying to figure out the machine and how to cut vinyl. The sheets come in a convenient 12x12 size. I used the vinyl sheets on the cricut 12x12 cutting mat and set it to vinyl. The sheets cut beautifully. It's best to have tool to easily remove unneeded vinyl. The vinyl sticks on glass and does not seem like its going to easily be removed. Perfect to use as labels or decals for car/truck windows.
Below is the item description which I found to be accurate:
Enjoy your creativity and choose what's best for you
Your creativity is unlimited and your designs vary a lot. They're large and small, simple and bold or fine and intricate. They're tone-on-tone and multi-colored, in forms such as letters, decor, signs and more. Our vinyl sheets cut, peel and weed easily. So, the best technique depends on your project:
Use with or without a cutting mat.
Use with or without transfer paper.
Try different blade settings, thickness and cutting speed - defaults might not always work out best.
Create multicolored designs
Go beyond single-color designs! Our bright, vivid colors combine well: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, dark blue, purple, white, black, gray, gold, and silver. Actual colors might vary slightly from what are shown on your monitor.
Design to last
V-Neal permanent self-adhesive vinyl is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It can last several years indoors, depending on the target object, material and use. For outdoors it can last a few years, depending on weather conditions. On kitchenware it generally sustains many washes, depending on the detergent, cycle and temperature used.
Never worry about making a mistake! Enjoy the freedom to experiment!
We have you covered. With 36 sheets in 12 colors and multiple sheets per color, you'll have lots of freedom to perfect your design.
Help your children do well in school
Help your kids be unique and make school fun. Use our vinyl sheets
* I purchased this product at discount in exchange for my honest review.
4945193
This book is never far from my reach. I get asked lots of basic design questions to which I'd like to provide accurate answers. When I'm at a loss for how to explain a design principle, I just reach for this handy guide. I have a Bachelors degree in fine art, so flipping through this book is like a college refresher course. If you're new to design or want to learn the basics, this book is an excellent place to start. It's also worth keeping handy as a reference.

The great thing about this book is that each principle is explained as its own short, illustrated chapter. Each chapter is a two-page spread so you can quickly learn new principles. The illustrations are simple and assist in making each principle clear and easy to understand. There are 100 principles (or chapters), so there is very little that's not covered in the book.
755085
Everything from packaging to the easy to use instructions.
Attention to detail throughout. For example : Easy push thru paper labeled parts, perfect fit covers to sleeve fit / hide mounting screws. Every part shows close attention to manufacturing process levels. I put this product in a level of high aesthetic and even higher design brilliance.  Overall Exceptional review - Ex Design Engineer
2905674
I bought this X-acto set for cutting matboards and other detailed cut work in my high school Art class. Its already come in handy so many times. Having multiple handles is awesome, and I really like the magnetic traysthe blades pop right in and stay put. The manual is helpful for finding the right blade. Its a great set!
4960733
This book is an ideal tool for anyone who has to write for school, work, or as a hobby.  The easy access tabs and extensive menus help you find what you are looking for quickly and the spiral binding lets you lay the book open while you type.  The coverage of the writing process and argumentative writing really set this book apart.  Anybody can write up grammar rules or documentation standards, but Lunsford's coverage of writing at the start of the book is wonderful.  Buy this book and don't sell it back to the bookstore, this is a keeper.  Also, for the teacher that wants one for every student, try "Easywriter" which is the smaller version of this text that only costs about fifteen bucks.
2325330
A great tool, and a good value. I use this easel almost on a daily basis for my studies, classes, and for many other personal reasons like brainstorming ideas and such.

The knobs on both sides easily adjust to allow you to adjust the height and slide the board up or down.
3005924
In his famous skillfull manner, reknown graphic designer and author Chuck Green helps you tackle real projects from the initial idea to the final printed pieces. But what makes this book so wildly special is the clean, clear way Chuck gives you the inspiration and then guides you through the steps to handle each detail.

Chuck says:

   "Think of it as a cookbook. Instead of discussing the history of the stove and the intricacies of milling flour, I'm going to show you how to bake a cake. And if I've done my job -- following one of my design recipes will result in a logo, letterhead, business card, and newsletter that looks and sells as if it were designed by a pro."

Ideas Galore - a creative shot in the arm

This book is not about making a non-designer a designer -- but it is for everyone. Non-designers will find these designs easy to understand and easy to copy. Professional designers will use them as inspiring and helpful building blocks and idea starters.

The ideas and concepts are thoroughly brainstormed, well designed, and well presented -- in color. With each example comes a design statement, step-by-step plans and highly valuable tips and referrals to the resources you'll need to make your own design creative and effective.

No, it's not a coffee-table book. It's not eye-candy or compilations of 'other' designers work. It's not even one of those hit-and-run "killer tips" or "secrets" books that are so compelling yet leave you cold. It's a shop manual... a workshop. If you were building a house, this would be the blueprints. Mine is already well handled, with an array of post-it notes popping from its edges. It's the kind of book you actually use.

I recommend this book 100% for anyone who designs or publishes anything. I recommend it particularly if you're in the process of creating or updating your business cards, stationery, newsletter and other collateral materials -- even if you have a Madison Avenue design firm -- this book will benefit you greatly!  Buy it. Your money will be well spent.

Fred Showker

The Design-Bookshelf
1257055
This book is a masterpiece in both design and content.  It is timely and applicable to all designers, but especially those studying in a university and/or art school environment.  Each spread is a gem as is the cover.  All aspects of the book are visually intriguing and the book teaches visually about good design while the content combines the need for quality design to be integrated with environmental ethics.  It is a must read for all designers, or those who hope to enlist in the field in the years ahead.  I will be recommending it to all of my students.