If you consider what Mike Stevens did with defining graphics, so that we can describe what works and doesn't with any sign, that's what I want about store entryways. Not just a picture book of pretty fronts, but something with explanations that reveal the patterns of pleasing colors and proportions and textures and such. It wold need to speak about the architecture and the signs and window dressings also. How many of you have this book? Can you tell me its name please?
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Is it, "Mastering Layout,,,The Art of Eye Appeal", writen by Mike Steven's? I have one. it's one of my "Jewels".
Posted by jack wills (Member # 521) on :
It was jaw dropping to watch this person at work...
Posted by Pam Eddy (Member # 1858) on :
I have this book too. Very good information for layout and design.
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
Does it include the Mike Stevens 15% border technique
Posted by Vance Galliher (Member # 581) on :
from what i'm reading in rick's post... (he knows about mike's book).... he's asking is there a book that speaks to color, proportion and texture ?
[ June 09, 2013, 02:50 AM: Message edited by: Vance Galliher ]
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
It appears that my writing is incoherent or everyone is miss reading it.
Posted by Ken Henry (Member # 598) on :
Hi Rick Signs of the Times have a publishing division and probably have the closest type of book that you are inquiring about. Their "Sign Gallery Series" in particular, although they have separate books that touch on the topics you've specified.The earliest 3 editions of that series are probably out of print and are probably also the most relavent to the hand painting craft portion of the trade.
Hopefully you find something there which satisfies your needs.
Edited to add:
Here's another link to a more recent book authored by a Chinese Graphic Designer. Possibly interesting to see how America's Commercial Storefronts are viewed by someone with a different cultural background. It's at : http://www.linksbooks.net/architecture-books/storefronts-usa/
[ June 09, 2013, 10:51 AM: Message edited by: Ken Henry ]
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
It would also be interesting to consider the ergonomics of the storefront. Years ago I had an interesting conversation with a video store owner who read about ergonomics; and employed the concepts in his new store. He was saying that people don't like the corners of a counter, so they use the middle. His store's counters were all 'mitered' for lack of a better term; a square became an 8 sided place. The isles where the videos were displayed were only chest high, so that the store had a more open look. I'm wondering if there are different kinds and sizes of doors that are more appealing. In the typical how to paint landscapes book, they will say to make a country road curve out of sight to invoke the viewer's curiosity, and draw them into the scene. I had someone once tell me that the reason storefront windows were papered completely over when a new business was moving in was to invoke a sense of mystery and curiosity before the grand opening. Just rambling on with what might be relevant thoughts.
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Thank you Mr. Donahue. Your comment re assured me that someone understood my comments. I have the old ST books. They are pictures. I'm thinking about some analytical evaluation and the results of study where there are defined concepts explained. Proportions. Color use. Amount of open window space. I doubt any such book has been written yet.
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
In my travels I have yet to see such a book... although that by no means that there isn't one. Good luck in your search.
-grampa dan
Posted by James Donahue (Member # 3624) on :
I found this: retail , might be a start. I figured people had studied the thing.
Posted by Bill Masters (Member # 851) on :
Rick try some of the old International Correspondence School Books.
Posted by Jean Shimp (Member # 198) on :
Rick, you might enjoy "The Old Way of Seeing" by Jonathan Hale. It's more about architecture but gets into the subject of design which I found extremely interesting. The book was recommended to me by Shane Durnford, whose work we have all admired here in Letterville. I was able to check the book out at the library.
Posted by ScooterX (Member # 2023) on :
Rick I haven't seen such a book, but VM&SD (Visual Merchandising and Store Design magazine) used to run some articles covering research on the topic. It was mostly college-type statistics analysis (data crunching) on how long people stopped to look in a window, or what effect a "sale" sign had, etc. Kind of dry stuff, and not really any digested information that I recall coming out of it. Their published by the same people who publish Signs of the Times as well as Boutique Design.
Steven's book is singular in the design field for prescriptive design advice. That's why it is used as a textbook in many design disciplines; not just for sign design.