Grid Systems In Graphic Design
February 11th, 2008
This weekend I finally picked up Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Müller Brockmann. To say this is a great book would be an understatement. I think it’s one of the most important books on graphic design and every serious designer should put this at the top of their must read list. Brockmann does an exceptional job of explaining why a grid is so valuable to a design, and the important rules of setting type on a grid. This book alone will make me a better designer.
I also picked up Brockmann’s other great book, The Graphic Artist and his Design Problems. I haven’t read it yet but I plan to this week.
I’ve added photos of these books to my Flickr page along with:
We Are The World
Total Design: 40 Years
Braun Design Magazine
An Exhibition In Mono Catalogue
Spin/2: 50 Reading Lists
Hamish M
Great suggestion, Antonio! I’ll check it out.
Antonio
Definitely check it out. I read it in about an hour. I couldn’t put it down.
johno
Definitely one of my favourite books. The first time I saw the cover, I thought…this is going to change my life. This book should be handed out free to all 5-year-olds!
Antonio
I agree! We would all be better people.
David Airey
Thanks for mentioning the book, Antonio. It’s now on my purchase list.
Antonio
Awesome man. You’ll love it.
mrbowlegs
i picked this up while i worked in holland and it re defined my design practice
read it!
Benjamin
This book is fantastic! Josef Müller-Brockmann describes and show, how using grids for page structure can push your layouting to a whole new level. A definate must-read for everyone…
Michael
Just bought these 2 books myself, buy far the best investments ive ever made!!!
buy them now trust me
Pedro Monteiro
This is great. But you should check Karl Gerstner work on a dynamic grid. Mixing 2x2, 3x3, 4x4 and 6x6 divisions of a page. See page 115 of Brockmann book to have a glimpse of this (he does 4x4 mixed with 4x5).
Antonio
Pedro, which book would I find that in?
Pedro Monteiro
You can see it on the pages about CAPITAL magazine. The book is Karl Gerstner Review of 5x10 Years of Graphic Design etc.
I’m also working on this kind of grids to use on magazine layouts.
Enjoy
christian
Just got my copy, I’m so excited.
Talking ’bout grids I also have this *making and breaking the grid* by Timothy Samara which is really interesting.
Antonio
Christian, I have that book as well and it’s a great read.
Mike H
I’ve only read it today thoroughly even though I should have a personal copy ages ago. It’s just one of those things where its really important but you have no money. I wish there was some sort of system where design students could get a sort of bookclub thing and you can buy 20 books for one flat fee.
Hamish M
Mike H
Yeah, I agree. I recently bought a copy for myself, though I payed a pretty penny for it. Of course that’s what you get for a hardcover, large-format, and heck even multilingual book. (The whole thing is in German and English)
iancu
You should also get Typographic Grid by Bosshard, it further explains the grids and shows many examples. It’s best read after reading Brockmann, otherwise his layouts will leave you a bit puzzled
Armando (Caracas, Venezuela)
I bought that book back in 1980 when I started college… and still have it with me.