[.ca] Color Index (ISBN 1581802366)

Look at the pictures, but don't read the copy:
This book provides a designer with a fabulous resource for generating color schemes/combinations quickly and easily. In that respect, it inspires. However, the author provides recipes (CMYK and RGB values) "checked for accuracy", never stating on what media those values may be valid. He then excuses himself by saying that "the potential for error exists". The implication that a set of CMYK values is in any way "accurate" beyond the inks and papers used for this particular publication is so, eh, mid-1990s. A true, but technically more challenging statement of the color values should have been made with device independent Lab values. Then anyone with Adobe Photoshop, for example, could reproduce the samples on his or her own media. This is, in fact, what Pantone does. And aspiring web designers beware! The author clearly has little but old and second-hand knowledge of the facts of color on the web. He describes the anachronistic "browser safe" colors as if most computer users still had old 8-bit (256 color) monitors, and as if there was ever color consistency across them. In those bad old days we fought dithering (the "speckles") in solid fills by choosing from amongst the 216 colors Macs and PC monitors had in common. Those days, except for some dusty intranets here and there, are gone. deceased. expired. However, neither then nor now could we count on consistency on our viewers' monitors--unless we can strongarm our audience into calibrating and profiling them. These particular rants aside (the writer sighs benignly), the color examples are truly wonderful, useful, and inspiring. In short, fabulous for samples, but not for accuracy of data.

Worth the money:
Tasteful use of color can make or break a web or print design, and this book is an invaluable tool in that endeavor. At first glance it might seem overpriced for nothing but a collection of color combinations, but you'll find yourself turning to it again and again for inspiration. The color schemes are organized by category ("Quiet", "Natural", "Restrained Chic", etc.), and each is presented in three different ways - as a set of plain vertical bars, as a homogenous pattern, and used in a simple iconic design. Throughout the book are brief passages on different color techniques ("Unexpected Color", "Muting", etc.), which help stimulate brainstorming and experimentation. The book is well-made, too - it's printed on sturdy paper, conveniently sized, and thoughtfully bound in a waterproof vinyl cover. Stick it in your pocket or backpack and take it anywhere. A great practical purchase (or gift!) for any graphic designer.

Helpful if you're a bit of a dummy when it comes to colour:
I'll admit it. I'm not the best person to set up a colour pallette, so I've found this book to be very useful. It is well organized, espeically with all the swatches printed to the edge of the page for easy reference. As it boasts, it works well for both print and web, and for helping to color manage your monitor. I can't say I'm a fan of the graphics Krause uses as his examples, but that isn't the focal point of the book. The back cover reads: 'An abundance of creativity--at a glance' and I think it is safe to agree with that statement. It sure is one quick reference book; no frills to divert the task at hand...picking the right #@!* colour!

Great color combos for all!:
This is a wonderful book to keep as a reference for any type of graphic design project. The small, but extremely useful, book size allows you to keep the book handy on your desk at all times. Whether you use the book for color inspiration or to pull color combinations (up to 4 colors) from, it's a great tool. The color listings are in CMYK and RGB including a small section of Browser Safe colors in the back of the book.

Not a Professional, but Helped a Lot:
Although not a professional, this guide helped me with understanding color how to deal with printers in that medium. Thanks!