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Hillman Curtis boldly states in the introduction to his book "I want this book to communicate. I want to clearly lay out the main points of graphic design, as I see them, and have you walk away with something. So I've divided the book into three sections. Like a good design, each part will serve a distinct function that will, in combination with the others, create a whole. Beginning with the basics of how we operate at hillmancurtis, inc. and ending with tips on how to become a better designer, this book is as much a textbook as it is an homage to the craft, an exploration of ideas, and an autobiography of myself as an artist in the 21st century." As a reader/reviewer I was anxious to find out whether or not Curtis' statement would, or could, be really followed.

The three sections of the book are Process, Inspiration, and Practice. During each section of the book Curtis discusses each of these topics in detail, siting personal examples from hillmancurtis, inc. In his discussion he uses some of their clients as case studies, going into the details of the entire design process from meetings with the clients through to the finished product.

As I read deeper and deeper into Curtis' book, MTIV, I was amazed to discover that he did follow his bold statement. For instance, when he said, "each part ... will, in combination with the others, create a whole" he, in fact, accomplished this task by creating three separate sections to the book that could each stand alone as a complete work. Then he proceeded to show how taken together these separate sections created an even larger insight into how Process, Inspiration, and Practice mesh in actuality for the New Media designer.

Curtis' book was not only a real mind opener it was easy to read. It kept my attention and I found it hard to put down. Everywhere I went I took the book and would read it whenever I got a chance. I even took it "on vacation" to the Coast! My obsession with the book piqued by wife's curiosity so she began reading it, too. Soon she and I were discussing many ideas we could adopt into our own business practices.

MTIV makes wonderful use of color throughout the book. Some of the color illustrations are for effect and mood such as the headset on pages 54-55, while the majority of the illustrations are examples of the topics being discussed.

In the back of the book there are six great quotes from people such as Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemmingway, and Billy Bragg. Each quote is on it's own black page with white type with a printed "cut" guideline along the left side. Each is intended to be removed from the book, framed, and placed on the wall to be read for Inspiration.

In the Practice section Curtis wrote the chapter New Media Design. The rest of the detailed chapters were written by Hillman's design peers, each an expert in the particular field they covered such as Grids, Color, Type, Web Layout, Web Languages, XML, Usability, Broadcast, and Print.

After reading Curtis' book and being exposed to his design philosophy I won't look at design the same way ever again. For example, I will always be trying to figure out how to target the theme of a project in the way Curtis describes it, making sure it has an emotional epicenter and watching to make sure that all elements of the design serve the theme.

Because the ideas are expressed clearly, it is illustrated extensively, and it logically flows along an instructional pathway, MTIV is a great textbook. As a design reference book I think it should be on every designer's shelf.

If you are a designer you need this book. If you are interested in design you should read it. If you look at design you will enjoy this book. I dare you to read it and not have it change the way you look at design.

MTIV: Process, Inspiration and Practice for the New Media Designer by Hillman Curtis

New Riders Publishing; ISBN: 0735711658 240 pages

List Price: $45.00