[.ca] Idea Index (ISBN 1581800460)

Grossly Overrated; Not For Professionals:
Given the reputation of Jim Krause and the number of positive reviews praising his booklet 'Idea Index' I did expect a lot. I was greatly disappointed: (1) the text is by far too superficial to even touch upon the real problems hidden behind a given idea, and; what is most unpleasant, (2) the illustrations simply do not play in the pro's leage. Everyone finding inspiration in in 'Idea Index' will equally love the infamous Corel Draw Clipart Collection. The rest of us would get more ideas in any Graphis periodical or simply on a walk in the park.

geezum!:
this is a NICE book. This is book for those who are at least somewhat aquainted with the principals of graphic design (and are maybe too busy to have the time to actually read technical wordy book.. this is a picture book. You see and draw your own conclusions and decide your own methodology) Jim Krause is a brilliant designer... and just seeing all the "variations on a theme" (diffrent ideas for one concept or word) he does all in one organised place; its a beautiful thing. Even on the occassions when I didnt like the design, I usually found it impressive; aside from that.. well... you cant win them all, can you?! ^_~ If you can conceptualize and execute designs, but need a little nudge or a fresh outlook now and again this is a great book; full of "now why didn't *I* think of that?" ideas.

Exactly as Titled... Idea Index!:
Not much more to say than it's exactly what it is and exactly as described. An index of ideas and kickstarts when stuck in a creative block. I was able to thumb through it and use it twice within the first day of owning it, more than paying for itself and saving me when I was in a rut. I am looking forward to using the other index books (Color Index and Layout Index) as well in the same fashion. On a side note, I believe those that are truely disappointed either were expecting too much or expecting something completely different than advertised. I wish I could give it 6 or 7 stars for it's usefulness alone.

Don't be fooled by the size of this Book:
I have to say that when I saw this book at the bookstore I was curious to see what could a tiny plastic cover book can offer. To my surprise: A LOT! To begin with: printing quality is the BEST (full black pages, silver pages, etc) plus the paper that is almost heavy weight paper, and the old look that plastic cover gave it... I can't think of a better way to go. Then, the book is divided into 2 sections: graphic ideas and text ideas. Both of them great inspirational material and also you can learn few nice tricks, so thats a plus. I strongly recomment you take a look at the others "Index" books by Jim Krause. They're a must for GD's. To sum up: this is a Great Tiny Book of Ideas.

A Big Disappointment in a little package:
This isn't one of those books that inspires you to keep coming back time and again for ideas. One you've flipped through its small, poorly bound pages - you're through. Nothing here to make you want to return. The title is misleading - there is no indexing of ideas - just a compilation of fictious projects.