Chip Kidd, Alvin Lustig and Paul Rand Reflections

Chip Kidd is a fantastic speaker and very entertaining. Once you get past the way he interacts with the audience and his clothes, then comes what he is saying and his design. I found it very interested how most of his designs were simples. How do I show the essence of the book in a simple manor.
He also discussed the importance of the designer. *they all (things that are design) need a face.* A book designer, or a designer is the intermediate, or the first step between the book and the reader.

Another important concept is in order not to imply the audience is stupid, never *write apple and show an apple*

We as designers have an important responsibility to the reader, the publisher and to the author. Our designs need to make the reader say *i need to read that.*

I dont feel that i understand why Alvin Lustig's designs are considered good. I didn't find they made me want to read any of the books he designed. I feel that a designer can design the most amazing cover or thing ever, but if the audience doesn't receive the message, then it, in my eyes, is not a success.

In terms of Paul Rand, I found myself taking notes of well done non-computer based designs. I did find some of the book covers requires a large stretch to make it sound like good design, as apposed to it being good design on it's own. I also enjoyed how his concept was strong and was also recognizable in the book covers.

I have a lot to learn and I look forward to it.