This post was co-published at talanhorne.com
I am not someone who regularly watches TED talks.
Which is odd, because I watch a lot of other things on YouTube. I guess there's something about a single speaker walking around on a stage without a podium that makes me think "IT'S ONE OF THOSE HIPSTER SELF-HELP GURUS! RUN! RUN, YOU IDIOTS!"
"You've got to reparadigm the ideation of your self-worthment algorithm to embiggen your gross outcome optimizering potentiality matrix."
But the few TED talks I have stomached have, thankfully, not been like that (though I hear there are a few that fit the bill). And recently, I discovered one that I enjoyed immensely. I was startled and overjoyed by the quality of the presentation, but particularly I was enamored with the subject of the presentation, which was book design.
Who is Chip Kidd?
Book design is not really in the same discipline as writing a book or even illustrating a book. A book designer isn't necessarily an illustrator (though he may work with many illustrators). Rather, what a book designer does is plan out a physical form for a published book to take. The book designer is interested in creating an attractive object for the customer to buy.
I had never heard of Chip Kidd before.
I should have, but I hadn't.
He is the designer responsible for some of the most famous book covers you've ever heard of. And he is particularly remarkable not only because he understands good book design but because he can also teach it. This became apparent to me as I watched his lectures, some of which are published by TED, and some of which aren't.
Perhaps the biggest reason he captured my attention is that I am always looking for practical answers to even the most esoteric subjects. Anyone who can explain a complicated art form in a practical manner has an advantage over me. It's the easiest way to influence my opinion.
And I am so taken with Mr. Kidd's perspective on book design (and without any particularly creative idea for my typical monday blog post) that I decided to simply provide links here to his videos, as they are each worth investigating on your own, and I cannot possibly paraphrase anything he says in a better, more approachable way. Some of them are fairly long, but they are all worth watching.
So, for your viewing edutainment, here are the three Chip Kidd videos that I found to be most useful:
TED talk: The Hilarious Art of Book Design
This video was my introduction to Mr. Kidd, and was enough to give me a favorable impression of him.
It also reveals some of the more famous books he has designed over the years. It gives a good, if incomplete, sense of his career and history.
TED Talk: The Art of First Impressions -- in Design and Life
This one is perhaps less entertaining than the previous video, but it's also informative in ways that the first one isn't. I was blown away by how much creative choice is poured into designing a book cover.MacEwan University Presentation: Chip Kidd Explains his Process
Perhaps the most entertaining video of them all, though it only concerns a single book.My Takeaway
After watching these videos, it's hard for me to consider what I am currently trying to do, which, in case you are new to the blog, is get a novel published.Seeing Mr. Kidd's presentations has impressed upon me the need for a competent book designer. I will be lucky if I get a designer with even a tenth of Mr. Kidd's expertise, chutzpah, and discernment. I ask myself if that's too much to hope for.
I'm lucky to have reached a point in my life where I've mellowed with age, because otherwise this would be the most stressful period in my entire existence. Knowing that so much depends not only on my own competence and aesthetic, but the competence and aesthetic of the people I choose to work with is daunting, even if it's also exciting.
More than anything, I just want to enter that world, be part of the scene, and put good stuff on the market. That I have gained a greater appreciation for the process---everything that happens in the background---from these presentations has made me value them, and I believe you may also find value in them.
@talanhorne,
Wow I think their thoughts are extremely correct! Personally I also like to read books which has nice covers! I feel cover is explaining the content of the book! Yeah I know I am not correct in every time! But I think in most cases we are searching books based on good and attractive cover images!
Cheers~
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@talanhorne i want to see more organic upvotes for you i think your work deserve it. Regards
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Honestly, I have never thought about it this way. But that’s true. Design of the book is perhaps one of the most important things when it comes to publishing new books. Many people judge books or choose books based on its cover. I didn’t know that you are looking for your book publisher first and then you work on book design. There are new things I learn. Even though I’m not a writer, I find it very interesting. With all due respect I watched short part of your first video and I find mistr Kidd very funny, but at the same time very smart.
Resteemed!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Another smart ideas by @talanhorne sir...
It was fun to see some of the inspiration behind Kidd's designs, especially for his book covers, but I think the book totally fails at it's perceived purpose: to illustrate the importance of judgement and first impressions. It spends about 25 pages talking about that subject and the remaining 100 or so delving into his design process. His book covers are undeniably brilliant, don't get me wrong, and it's worth checking out just to get some background info on his thought process in creating them. I just think it's strange that this book of all books would pull a bait and switch like that.
Also, considering how many winks and nudges there are at the reader in this, Chip Kidd plays it completely straight when he talks about what kind of Chips he ate when he was a Kid. I found that odd...
Cheers~~~
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Such a wonderful and interesting article by @talanhorne sir...
Actualy I think...Far too short to actually do anything. Hopelessly self-indulgent for the problematic author. Also, rather misleading -- I'm led to think I'm getting a book of musings on the design aesthetics of the everyday items of our lives, but the bulk of the book is just the author telling me how he came up with ideas for the book covers he designs. I really couldn't care less about the forgettable designs of books I've never heard of.
Cheers~~~
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes, first visual impression is very important as Chip Kidd said, but I have never looked at the cover or design of the book with that much of an importance as writing itself. I depend on recommendations, or if I know the author, I know I would be interested in reading this specific book. I know there are people looking at the book design first, perhaps I do it as well if I do not know the author. That’s why these book designers are in demand. I wonder how your book cover or design looks like. Anyway, what he was saying about an apple or trying tests with different designs was very interesting, very interesting to watch. It all makes sense. I have to admit, this guy is not only book designer, he is very good entertainer as well. These people definitely know what they are talking about.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It was interesting to see, Mr. Kidd is a big man in his business, he knows a lot. Thank you for sharing.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks for the valuable article and good writing experience.
Thanks @talanhorne
have a great day
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
if an author wants to impress his readers that it is better than a good cover .. at that moment it is where Mr. TED acts doing the miracle of a beautiful and striking cover.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Yes, after watching the video, I also liked Mr. Kidd, he has been with him since the first minute. Thank you for the information.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You can't do everything by yourself.
Hope you get a competent designer :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I never look at Ted, but it was interesting to know about Mr. Kidd, he seemed to me an interesting person. Thank you for the information.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Your post entered every important things for wanted to starting new bloggers. Better writing to easy understand. Nice comparison video also included @talanhorne.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
it's an impressive writing & informative article of ted talks. @talanhorne
@resteemia
reteemed & upvoted
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Its great blog post you introducing this time @talanhorne. Glad to read and contents and videos.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Very beautiful. books life funny entertainment post to you for thank you very much, and this post a lot like and like post vote and comments and post share, I like this post a total of all see and this post to everyone can vote
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@talanhorne, Better explained video indeed perfect publishing work. I'm totally interested. Perfect instructions to bloggers.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@talanhorne sir...
The beauty of TED talks books are that they're done by experts in whatever field is being discussed. You, the reader, can trust that they know their stuff- I find it comforting. The books, based on the 18 minute presentations, are not so long so that you feel overwhelmed or bored. I find myself branching out and exploring topics that I wouldn't normally be interested in because of their brevity. I'd never put too much thought into product design or labeling and Chip Kidd was just the guy to introduce it to me.
Take the billing on movie posters for example. I never knew that, by union contract, the names had to a certain size on the poster. Or, that there's a clearer font that could be used for improving the clarity of the names so that they can be read from further away, but it's never used. Who knew!
His dissection of the Diet Coke can and ad campaign was another of my favorite moments. Kidd comes off as funny as well as highly knowledgeable- one of the best combinations in my opinion.
Wel done and perfect work sir...
Waiting for ur next post...
Upvoted and resteemed...
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
CHIP KIDD COVERS, 1st time heard this word ever. Useful article.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
One of the best description of CHIP KIDD. Well written & convered all areas well~
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nice comparison video also included @talanhorne.I'm totally interested.Thanks for sharing with us and i waiting for your next post.
Have a greet day
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
really good article indeed,my dear @talanhorne,
interesting very funny post,good luck always yes,i really really love this post,thank you for sharing with us,
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Really outstanding bro
Upvote, follow and resteemed
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hello @talanhorne,
TED (conference) TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a media organization which posts talks online for free distribution, under the slogan "ideas worth spreading".
Extraordinary good article & incredible explanation. Very useful content to all people who want to be a good writers.
~@mywhale
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Fabulous post. I like your post. Thanks for sharing.
Upvote and resteem
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
wow....great post,my dear friend @talanhorne,entertainment is very funny,i like it this post all time,have a nice day, thanks for share,
this post #resteemed and #upvote done,
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This is professional writing experience and great work.
Upvote Resteem
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wow.
Amazing writting dear @talanhorne
And really enjoyable post.I enjoy this.
Thanks for sharing dear.
100% upvote and resteem
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Awesome video, Chip Kidd!!
So Cool!!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Great article my dear thank you for sharing
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I consume books. I love the smell, the texture, the heft, and the different worlds every book propels me towards. Every book Chip Kidd spoke about I have bought and consumed, propelled by the book cover. Yes I will admit that I judge a book by it's cover. I will admit that I resisted an ebook because I could not smell it. But you know what, I love my kindle, I love that I can get a book at 4 in the morning. I even like that they suggest books (though I rarely buy books o their suggestions) I read eclectically. I miss book stores, where I could roam letting books find me. It will be a tragic lose if we lose them completely.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wonderful post sir. Resteem
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Great post sir.😀
You have a great knowledge of various kind of things.🤗💙
I learnt most of things about this platform from your posts.
You teach us the right ways to grow in this platform.
I really appreciate your work.💚
Thanks @talanhorne sir for sharing this post. 🤗💙
Upvoted + resteemed your post.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Entertainment looking introduction video who have hope to make book, blog in future. Thanks it shared excellent post of educative one.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This guy is a genius. There is no question that he is passionate about what he's talking about. He flows really well, shows no sign or nerves and the audience reacts really well throughout the show.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Good writing you just shared.Writing is very hard.
For your post propagation.
Upvote/Resteem
@talanhorne
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Congratulations @talanhorne
Now you are in the MinnowsPower Loyalty Member List...!!!
Exceptional findings & you covered something that new to Steemians...!!!
100% Upvoted by @MinnowsPower
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks for sharing this, this is cool.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks very much for your sharing to us valuable and usefull article, I have upvote and resteem your post to more than 2000 my followers,-success always for you brother @talanhorne
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Dear @talanhorne, Awesome talk!! I'm fascinated by the energy he has put into his talk. This "seemingly" boring profession seems to be his vocation. And the humorous air with which he has delivered the talk shows how excited he is about his profession. It is truly inspiring and bind-boggling.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
woooow its great article book publication and book design is a an art and evry one is not and artist
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Really great article indeed
Book design is a wonderful thing
I wish you all the best
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
entertainment is very funny, have a nice day
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
a great life, good luck always yes
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
How utterly wonderful that there are people out there that still appreciate the tactile quality of a book....we dinosaurs will preserve the legacy of a book well written and beautifully illustrated. Does anyone remember the feeling of running your fingers on a page where the metal font bit into the paper? The beauty of a ragged edge?
The beauty of an acid free paper with a hand tipped illustration on the page? The beauty of an illustration carefully guarded by a veil of vellum?
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
A debt of gratitude is in order for the profitable article and great written work understanding. Much appreciated @talanhorne
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
That great analysis and yourgreat openion thanks for sharig keep it up
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Fantastic video sharing @talanhorne
Resteem
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hello, I'm pretty new following you I did not know I was trying to publish a book.
My only advice is to search as far as it is impossible and guided by that intuition and previous work of the person you want in addition to the promotion that leads.
But EVERYTHING can be done, you just have to be perseverant.
A hug from Venezuela and I hope you can publish it.
P.D: I have put the videos to see later I'm at work. hahaa !!
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You are really a great writter.Your all writting is awesome.Thanks for sharing your writting with us.Keep it up @talanhorne
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Excellent blog sir. Thank you for sharing a great post sir. Resteem
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Really great post @talanhorne. Upvote and resteem
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
ted talk is all time fevourite on
its so great ..
keep us with great learning
thanks for sharing ted talk
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I agree, the videos give a good, clear overview. It was interesting to see. Thanks for the information.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Just mind blowing... i love it man...😍😍😍
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Really great article indeed
Book design is a wonderful thing
I wish you all the best
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Amazing sir you came up with great blog post,nice to see you again sir.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I am an avid viewer of TED talks and also TEDx talks and here are some great playlists that you can check out when you find the time. I watch TED talks on a wide array of topics such as mental health, productivity, sustainable development, technological innovations, philosophy etc. Keep in mind that the word "interesting" is subjective and what might be interesting to me, might not be quite so interesting to you.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
That great analysis and yourgreat openion thanks for sharig keep it up..dear @talanhorne
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
wow very excellent post Thanks for sharing i will done upvote..
I really like this post
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
great artical & better writting experience @talanhorne
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Wow Excellent video
excellent post ..loving to your blog.thanks for sharing..
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
no doubt ted talks are greatly important,
its so amazing book of presentation.
really great content of great topic.no doubt
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Excellent post dear.Yor post always awesome.
Thanks @talanhorne for sharing.
Have a good day.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
You are a good person to write.your ideas and writing have been fulfilled.
(((((( Resteem service)))))
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Great article and helpful post
thanks for sharing
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
That is article is professional & Excellent writing . so great experience.
Thanks @talanhorne
100% like and resteem
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
This is great publishing and great writing experience.
@talanhorne
Resteem
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I haven't heard of him, just like you.
But, I have the utmost respect for book designers, illustrators, etc.
They've got to be really creative to create something from a book and put it on a papper.
Also, they are not well-known as a book writers.
They got all the fame.
For example, a lot of people know who wrote the Harry Potter.
And not many people know who made the illustrations, designs, etc.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
@talanhorne - Sir people will like your writings & it's better if you can add Chip Kidd philosophy (I mean cover) to your books too Sir... A very helpful article to learn new things about book publishing & writings Sir...
+W+
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
interesting ted talk to see wonderful thanks for sharing :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks for the update buddy ;)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Your article is really nice...It’s a great publishing work... thanks for sharing... keep it up ... have a nice day..
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit