Books and resources on design, and the creative process in general

[Lunatique]

Take classes in industrial/entertainment design?

Or search for instructional books/DVD's especially dealing with industrial/entertainment design. Most books on that subject I've seen are more like showcases of designs instead of instructional. I don't think I've ever seen a good book that actually teaches it.

Design is definitely more than just being able to draw/paint--it involves ergonomics, visual psychology, understanding how mechnical/electronic products work, trends in the market..etc.

I have the same problem you do--I'm from an illustration background, and I try to learn as much about design as I can. Most of it is common sense--I think about if I were to actually use this item that I'm designing, what would I, as a consumer, expect from it in terms of ergonomics and features. Would I be embarrassed to be seen with it (is it visually pleasing or garish)? Is it more style over substance..etc?

[Andre Jackson]

Thanks for the reply. It blows, but I guess school is the only way then. My last experience with formal art classes made me feel very strongly that I didn't want to go that route. Too many goddamn mystics who push a bunch of "eastern philiosphy" and missuse the term "theory" way too much when dealing with what should be a perfectly scientific subject. It's a giant headache, but I'm determined. Once more into the breach or something.

[Lunatique]

That's why you go to a school that's famous to actually teaching you how to draw/paint/design instead of all the pseudo intellectual stuff (if you want that, then take liberal arts classes). The reason a school like the Art Center is so famous is because they really make sure you will graduate as a lean, mean, drawing/painting/design machine.

[Andre Jackson]

You and I come from very different financial backgrounds, I'd wager. I'll have to see what kinds of loans I'm elligible for, but I doubt choosing a famous art school is an option for a guy like me. My GED and 2.7 GPA isn't exactly going to impress the admissions office.

Anyway, this is the program/university you're talking about, right? i'll send for a brochure. http://www.artcenter.edu/accd/programs/undergraduate/entertdesign.jsp

[Lunatique]

Sorry, it was a typo. I mean to say a school that's famous "for" actually teaching you how to draw/paint/design....

You want to basically look at the work of a school's students, and also the work of the faculty. If the faculty consists of people whoes artwork are more suited for displaying in a modern art museum than actual professional commercial art, then it's a very obvious warning sign that you will not learn how to draw/paint/design at such a school.

I've actually never gone to art school. In fact, every single thing I've learned how to do have been self-taught. I'm from the school of hard knocks.

If cost is an issue (Art Center is very expensive), I can also recommend San Jose State University in San Jose, California. They actually have a pretty good industrial design major there. I'm sure there are other non-expensive schools that's got good industrial design majors--google around and see what you can find.

[Andre Jackson]

Thanks, I'll check around.

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