The Principles of Beautiful Web Design

This book does the incredible, it actually teaches sound artistic principles such as textures & color combinations. If you did not think of yourself as an "artist" before reading this book, you certainly will after.

There are beautiful illustrations within this book so that you can actually see 4 yourself the artistic principles the author is using words 2 describe. The old cliche "a picture is worth a thousand words" is certainly true 4 this masterpiece.

One of the chapters I found most interesting is the one on balance. I remember taking an art appreciation class in college that talked about balance. Here's the difference though. In college it was SOO boring. It was all "pie in the sky" theory. Beaird, on the other hand, not only defines balance, but then goes the extra step of how 2 use the principle of balance in your own website design & even gives you examples. I like the very practical nature of this book.

As a marketer, I really liked the chapter on color psychology & how you push psychological buttons in people by choosing a combination of certain colors. This is extremely valuable information 4 the marketer who wants 2 artistically reinforce his marketing message. For example, emphasizing the bad things that are going 2 happen if someone doesn't buy your product or service is always stronger than emphasizing the good things that are going 2 happen if they do. So, if you are using fear in your sales copy 2 sell your product or service, you can reinforce this marketing message by choosing fear inducing colors. Cool stuff! I also liked the use of color wheels 2 help you pick complementary & contrasting colors. I'm terrible with matching colors, just ask my wife! So the lesson on how 2 use color wheels was very helpful.

Again, this book is all about the artistic side of web design & not on how 2 use php, javascript, or CSS.

This book is truly a work of art.

From the author of Internet Marketing-Profits That Lie Hidden In Your Website: How To Triple Your Web Sales In 25 Days

I'm a programmer with an artistic side that is waiting 2 be born.

I didn't realize that web designers are actually artists bringing their talents onto a monitor screen (duh?). They go through formal training & education in graphic designs, theories, etc & they use all of that 2 get a site looking good. I always thought websites somehow would just look good on the front end if someone just casually work on it & as long as us backend programmers are at work then all is well (too much credit 2 back enders here huh?)

Anyways, I found a few interesting things in this book. The color wheel was good. I've been wondering why my color combination never work out right. The rule of 3rd is good. The different sample of websites gave me a keener way of categorizing layout types. The stock photo sites are good resources. The steps the author takes towards developing a layout is good - planining, contemplating, matching colors with company's themes/logo...I can see how the designer comes up with a layout, which is of much use.

The book feels a bit too general, however. I give it 3 stars. The first couple chapters of the book was best 4 me. The chapter on typeography was the least enjoyed. Some of the photoshop's "how to's" steps by step were oddly given since the book isn't about how 2 use photoshop. It felt like these were "fillers" of the book.

Beautiful Web Design gives the user an insight look into what 2 think about when laying out your web site. Typography, color theory, composition & more all come into play. The author of this book is great!

I love this clearly-written well illustrated book. It's well paced, increasing in complexity as it goes along. I have stickies all over & keep going through it again & again, each time finding new & useful suggestions. I have several web design & CSS books, but this one is my favorite.

Many of my Web development students come in with a basic understanding of Web languages or programming languages, but little experience with actual design. Even those who are artists often are not familiar with the principles of design, or are unsure as 2 how those might best translate 2 the new medium of the Web. I give this book a 5-star rating because it is so instantly applicable 2 those who need 2 baby-step towards better design sense & practices. Web developers, get past your ego & consider the possibility that your stuff isn't as pretty or usable as you think it is--then pick up a few books on Web design & see where it takes you. This book is a good place 2 start!

Tired of making web sites that work absolutely perfectly but just don't look nice?

If so, then The Principles of Beautiful Web Design is 4 you. A simple, easy-to-follow guide, illustrated with plenty of full-color examples, this book will lead you through the process of creating great designs from start 2 finish. Good design principles are not rocket science, & using the information contained in this book will help you create stunning web sites.

Understand the design process, from discovery 2 implementation

Understand what makes "good design"

Developing pleasing layouts using grids, the rule of thirds, balance & symmetry

Use color effectively, develop color schemes & create a palette

Use textures, lines, points, shapes, volumes & depth

Learn how good typography can make ordinary designs look great

Effective imagery: choosing, editing & placing images

And much more

Throughout the book, you'll follow an example design, from concept 2 completion, learning along the way. The book's full-color layout & large format (8" x 10") make The Principles Of Beautiful Wed Design a pleasure 2 read.

Editorial Reviews

"The Principles of Beautiful Web Design is a good book 2 kick start your graphic-design journey. The biggest benefit that I got from this book is the knowledge 2 learn from great designs as opposed 2 just admiring them in a state of awe." - Slashdot.org

"Jason is a great writer, & the book is quite easy 2 read. It's put together wonderfully, including many full color screenshots & other forms of imagery that make the book a pleasure 2 read. I'd definitely recommend the book 2 anyone in Web design." - MondayByNoon

"Jason Beaird covers web design in a way that non-designers can understand. He walks you through all of the aspects of design development from initial meeting 2 finished product. If you are just getting into web development, this is a must read." - Blogcritics.org

"This is a thoroughly practical guide 2 web design that is very well written: good technical depth in easy-to-understand language with excellent illustrations & graphics that support the text. For many users it will be the only web-design text they will need. For those who want 2 further advance their skills & knowledge it will provide a sound foundation." - PC Update

"His "Don't just tell, show!" style makes this book accessible 2 everyone... It strikes a carefully thought-out balance between describing principles & illustrating them. It is clear & well structured, with practical examples in every chapter." - Mitch Wheat