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Know Your Onions: Graphic Design
This book is practical and immediate, without being condescending or overly technical. It is like having a graphic design mentor who will help you come up with ideas, develop your concepts, and implement them in a way that is engaging and humorous. It gives readers the experience and ability that normally comes from years of on-the-job training. All of the essential techniques of graphic design and its digital implementation are covered.
Read this book and gain 25 years of experience in how to think like a creative, act like a businessman and design like a god.
This book is designed like a notebook, with all the authors' tips and knowledge already inside. However, it also includes blank pages that allow the user to personalize this reference book with specific notes that are relevant to his or her studio, suppliers or clients.
Read this book and gain 25 years of experience in how to think like a creative, act like a businessman and design like a god.
This book is designed like a notebook, with all the authors' tips and knowledge already inside. However, it also includes blank pages that allow the user to personalize this reference book with specific notes that are relevant to his or her studio, suppliers or clients.
185 pages, Paperback
First published November 15, 2011
108 people are currently reading
1771 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 19, 2012
First and foremost, this is not a 'learn graphic design' book. This is a 'learn how to be a designer' book. There's a difference.
I teach graphic design (the 'how to' bit), and this book steps in once I've done my part. De Soto does a bang-up job of rounding up all the important practices and contextual knowledge essential for the success of a graphic designer that you ignored when your tutor tried to tell you because you though they were just wandering off into another pointless anecdote about past jobs / clients.
This book is an absolute MUST for any design student stepping over the graduation threshold into the world of work. It's not about imposing arbitrary ways of doing things (which is how this kind of advice is usually perceived during education) - it's about getting the job done creatively, right, first time, on time, every time.
Most importantly it's a reminder that you are providing a service which should not only pay your bills and put food in your family's mouths, but also provide creative satisfaction. It's a tough balance to strike, but it all starts with knowing your onions ...
I teach graphic design (the 'how to' bit), and this book steps in once I've done my part. De Soto does a bang-up job of rounding up all the important practices and contextual knowledge essential for the success of a graphic designer that you ignored when your tutor tried to tell you because you though they were just wandering off into another pointless anecdote about past jobs / clients.
This book is an absolute MUST for any design student stepping over the graduation threshold into the world of work. It's not about imposing arbitrary ways of doing things (which is how this kind of advice is usually perceived during education) - it's about getting the job done creatively, right, first time, on time, every time.
Most importantly it's a reminder that you are providing a service which should not only pay your bills and put food in your family's mouths, but also provide creative satisfaction. It's a tough balance to strike, but it all starts with knowing your onions ...
November 9, 2016
This book is more directed towards print designers rather than digital graphic designers. I was really looking forward to reading this book but, after a couple of chapters, found it a little boring and concentrating too much on type, print and paper.
Nevertheless there were still a few tricks that were new to me and that I will try in the future.
Nevertheless there were still a few tricks that were new to me and that I will try in the future.
June 17, 2018
Useless book full of "dinosaur" style of thinking e.g. "if the client wants it, do it, and do one, two more versions you are satisfied with". It's full of these "wisdoms" without explanations, context and without any consistency and depth - it jumps from one topic to another. Please, avoid it.
July 3, 2013
What a great little book. Written by Drew De Soto who has been a graphic designer for 25 years, this book is a guide for working in the Graphic Design industry.
As he puts it in his Introduction: “After a 25-year career in graphic design, I’ve picked up a few things and turned them into ‘custom settings’. Read this book and save yourself 25 years.”
The first three sections, Thinking, Working and Designing, go through his own technique and systems, and whilst they might not necessarily work for everyone, he has honed his way of working down to a fine art, and there are loads of good tips and ideas in here.
He then goes on to talk about design principles, layout, type and text. Lots of stuff that ends up being in most graphic design books, but explained simply, and also laid out as reminders and ideas rather than pages and pages of theory. He does the same with the next set of chapters, knowledge of paper, colour, reprographics, print and finish, again, full of handy tips, hints and useful bits of knowledge.
My two favourite bits of this book are the magic numbers section – a set of numbers for margins, leading etc. that “just work”, and the 10 things section – where clients, art directors, printers ( and more) list the 10 things they wish designers would do. VEry handy. Followed by a brief keyboard shortcut list and glossary – again very handy!
Whilst this book is fairly detailed, and very handy for designers, it is not for a beginner. He tale as though his reader has some knowledge of graphic design. But this makes this a good book to refresh your memory, work out where you are going wrong and as a checklist. Well worth a look.
As he puts it in his Introduction: “After a 25-year career in graphic design, I’ve picked up a few things and turned them into ‘custom settings’. Read this book and save yourself 25 years.”
The first three sections, Thinking, Working and Designing, go through his own technique and systems, and whilst they might not necessarily work for everyone, he has honed his way of working down to a fine art, and there are loads of good tips and ideas in here.
He then goes on to talk about design principles, layout, type and text. Lots of stuff that ends up being in most graphic design books, but explained simply, and also laid out as reminders and ideas rather than pages and pages of theory. He does the same with the next set of chapters, knowledge of paper, colour, reprographics, print and finish, again, full of handy tips, hints and useful bits of knowledge.
My two favourite bits of this book are the magic numbers section – a set of numbers for margins, leading etc. that “just work”, and the 10 things section – where clients, art directors, printers ( and more) list the 10 things they wish designers would do. VEry handy. Followed by a brief keyboard shortcut list and glossary – again very handy!
Whilst this book is fairly detailed, and very handy for designers, it is not for a beginner. He tale as though his reader has some knowledge of graphic design. But this makes this a good book to refresh your memory, work out where you are going wrong and as a checklist. Well worth a look.
February 5, 2014
This is a terrifically fun book focusing on the bits and bobs related to graphic design as a profession. It provides support and guidance for people who are designers but often find themselves directing attention towards the business aspects of the job. Less fun, perhaps, but necessary if you are a self-employed creative and wearing all hats associated with this work.
I have been a designer for longer than I care to admit and I found this refreshing and delightful to read. Reading books like this can spark the old gray matter but I do want to be clear this is not a book meant to teach graphic design and layout.
The tagline claim ‘design like a God’ may be a bit of a stretch, but this book does cover nicely the supportive elements of graphic design, most especially output options and time/client management. Two enthusiastic thumbs up for covering this content with flair and light hearted amusement. This was a delight to read.
I have been a designer for longer than I care to admit and I found this refreshing and delightful to read. Reading books like this can spark the old gray matter but I do want to be clear this is not a book meant to teach graphic design and layout.
The tagline claim ‘design like a God’ may be a bit of a stretch, but this book does cover nicely the supportive elements of graphic design, most especially output options and time/client management. Two enthusiastic thumbs up for covering this content with flair and light hearted amusement. This was a delight to read.
December 31, 2022
Nice book with plenty of usefully information. But a lot of information might not apply to everyone. For me as a design student, who is not going to work in graphic design the book is a bit too centrered on the business side of the story. The information that was relevant to me was presented well!
March 11, 2024
Solid ideas from this bloke
July 25, 2025
this is alright but i don't think a book that spends so long talking about the importance of proofing something before print should have obvious typos in it
September 14, 2020
You certainly won't "save yourself 25 years" of experience but will definitely enjoy this good summary of the main principles of graphic design.
My main take-aways:
1) watch your folders when working on projects.
2) I have no idea about reprographics and print.
My main take-aways:
1) watch your folders when working on projects.
2) I have no idea about reprographics and print.
September 8, 2016
This is a book about the practicalities of being a designer. As such, I think it provides a lot of helpful tips. It is not (which I had secretly hoped it was) a book about the basics of graphic design. I work in publishing, and I have to do bits of design occasionally- usually when our designers are too busy to correct old back-ads, or an author needs a business card with our logo on it. I also have my own blog, which I would like to improve the design of. The book was incredibly useful if it comes to introducing the basics of typography and the little tricks of kerning. There are also some layout tricks about numbers, which I think will prove helpful. However, they are, proportionally, a small part of the book. If are a hobbying or occasional designer like myself rather than a full on professional and you are looking for layout tips, this book on its own is probably not the one to go for. If you are a full on professional designer just starting your career, do please go for it- as a person who works in publishing, I can tell you that we love it when designers follow the tips he suggests.
January 12, 2018
Un buen libro para cualquiera que esté iniciando en el diseño en general y particularmente diseño enfocado a impresión. Los materiales de las portadas tienen un acabado de cartón grueso que le añade una textura y presencia muy interesante pero se lastima fácilmente con el hojeo de páginas. Tratar con cuidado, si usted tiene lo que coloquialmente le dicen manos de gorila o de estómago: agarre este libro con pinzitas.
July 4, 2017
The first couple chapters were very enlightening and offered a different view on the things you encounter everyday as designer.
The second half wasn't as good. It focused heavily on printed design and became more a 'guidebook' than the experiences of a senior designer.
Some things have become a little outdated, but that isn't that surprising.
The second half wasn't as good. It focused heavily on printed design and became more a 'guidebook' than the experiences of a senior designer.
Some things have become a little outdated, but that isn't that surprising.
October 21, 2018
No creí que lo tendría tan pronto en mis manos pero Know your onions ha sido fascinante de leer. La parte más aburrida de leer fue la de las cosas que ya sabía (máquinas y acabados) pero todo lo demás ha sido fascinante, tanto para añadir mis propias notas de cómo hacer algunas cosas más rápido como para sorprenderme por las buenas ideas que esta persona ha compartido con nosotros.
Mucha gente está diciendo lo mismo en los comentarios y estoy de acuerdo: este no es un libro para aprender a diseñar. No te enseña lo que te enseñan en los cursos ni en la universidad (para eso ya están esos) y no hace ningún esfuerzo en ser extenso en todos los detalles técnicos. Para eso existen otros libros y manuales. Son los tips, los "yo lo utilizo para" lo que vale la pena leer.
La gente anda diciendo por ahí que sólo merece la pena leer este libro si vas a ser un Print Designer y yo supongo que sí, chica, vamos a ver. Si quieres ser dibujante, no te compras este libro, o concept artist que suena más molón porque lo dices en inglés. Y aun así, sólo por los primeros capítulos de "cómo organizarte para hacer tu trabajo" creo que merecería la pena que se lo compraran. Al fin y al cabo, parace que mucha gente todavía no entiende la diferencia entre hacer algo porque te gusta y monenitar tu trabajo. Y este señor lo explica mejor que yo.
Desde que lo terminé puedo decir que va a ser el libro central de mi colección y que, con pocos libros más, me hago un diagrama sobre qué método utilizar con qué trabajo. Vamos, que este libro, si no cuelo en la maleta me lo envío a mi casa por correo.
Mucha gente está diciendo lo mismo en los comentarios y estoy de acuerdo: este no es un libro para aprender a diseñar. No te enseña lo que te enseñan en los cursos ni en la universidad (para eso ya están esos) y no hace ningún esfuerzo en ser extenso en todos los detalles técnicos. Para eso existen otros libros y manuales. Son los tips, los "yo lo utilizo para" lo que vale la pena leer.
La gente anda diciendo por ahí que sólo merece la pena leer este libro si vas a ser un Print Designer y yo supongo que sí, chica, vamos a ver. Si quieres ser dibujante, no te compras este libro, o concept artist que suena más molón porque lo dices en inglés. Y aun así, sólo por los primeros capítulos de "cómo organizarte para hacer tu trabajo" creo que merecería la pena que se lo compraran. Al fin y al cabo, parace que mucha gente todavía no entiende la diferencia entre hacer algo porque te gusta y monenitar tu trabajo. Y este señor lo explica mejor que yo.
Desde que lo terminé puedo decir que va a ser el libro central de mi colección y que, con pocos libros más, me hago un diagrama sobre qué método utilizar con qué trabajo. Vamos, que este libro, si no cuelo en la maleta me lo envío a mi casa por correo.
April 19, 2021
A really helpful and insightful book about being on the job of graphic design. As a younger designer, this does feel like slightly dated advice, not to say any of it isn't relevant, but it definitely reads like it's from an experienced designer passing down knowledge, maybe you don't need to take all of it. Personally I found most of this very valuable, and I would recommend this to designers in a similar position to me, in uni or not too long out of uni, and hasn't had the chance to work inside a design studio for a long time yet, because a lot of this pertains to that environment.
Like I previously said, a lot of this is about the practical parts of the job, not about the ideology necessarily. I would also say, if you are a digital designer and don't touch print, and don't intend to learn about print, I don't know if most of this is worth your time. Long parts of the middle section are about printers, colours, paper, finishing etc.
A really valuable book, and I agree with something I saw in a previous review, this really is best as something you always have on your desk, it is good to read through it fully one time, to observe that information, but I think the true value will be from remembering things from the book and constantly picking it up and flicking to the relevant points while on the job, using it more like a guidebook to your work flow than a book to read.
Like I previously said, a lot of this is about the practical parts of the job, not about the ideology necessarily. I would also say, if you are a digital designer and don't touch print, and don't intend to learn about print, I don't know if most of this is worth your time. Long parts of the middle section are about printers, colours, paper, finishing etc.
A really valuable book, and I agree with something I saw in a previous review, this really is best as something you always have on your desk, it is good to read through it fully one time, to observe that information, but I think the true value will be from remembering things from the book and constantly picking it up and flicking to the relevant points while on the job, using it more like a guidebook to your work flow than a book to read.
December 21, 2017
A disclaimer first: I'm not a graphic designer and design is a hobby for me. As such, I'm probably not in the book's intended audience.
First of all, I agree with other reviews that this is not a book about how to design, rather on how to be a designer, and it's not aimed at web designers, rather printed designers.
Chapters such as the first one, about how to present your design ideas to clients or organize your files, are only marginally important to me. Nevertheless, if you read between the lines, there is good advice in there that's applicable to anyone who is facing clients (be organized, go the extra mile, work for the client, not for creativity's sake, etc.) and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
All other chapters provide a no-frills, concise explanation of all things design, from magic numbers that provide a reasonably good starting point when laying out objects on a page, to paper characteristics, to colors and inks, to the printing process and everything in between.
Overall, it is a lovely companion to help out on the operational process of getting something to print, concise enough to be a quick reference in case of need.
First of all, I agree with other reviews that this is not a book about how to design, rather on how to be a designer, and it's not aimed at web designers, rather printed designers.
Chapters such as the first one, about how to present your design ideas to clients or organize your files, are only marginally important to me. Nevertheless, if you read between the lines, there is good advice in there that's applicable to anyone who is facing clients (be organized, go the extra mile, work for the client, not for creativity's sake, etc.) and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
All other chapters provide a no-frills, concise explanation of all things design, from magic numbers that provide a reasonably good starting point when laying out objects on a page, to paper characteristics, to colors and inks, to the printing process and everything in between.
Overall, it is a lovely companion to help out on the operational process of getting something to print, concise enough to be a quick reference in case of need.
January 13, 2021
A great overview and a useful book for someone who perhaps is already working as a graphic designer. I think some amount of experience is assumed as often terms are used which de Soto must be assuming one is already familiar with (metal ‘slug’ in foiling anyone??) If we’re being critical here, I’m also becoming more frustrated by the constant cross referencing and ‘see so and so’ with no page number- which renders the cross referencing a bit useless and lazy.
However, saying that, it is a handy book to read and would particularly recommend it as a mini ‘refresher’ course, having graduated 10years ago now.
Would very much recommend to any designer working in print.
However, saying that, it is a handy book to read and would particularly recommend it as a mini ‘refresher’ course, having graduated 10years ago now.
Would very much recommend to any designer working in print.
December 12, 2023
This is a solid design book, and definitely something that young professionals in graphic design should read. It stays more in the realm of print design (helpful for me, in publishing!)
While some bits of information are outdated, and others might be less relevant to your specific field, this book is full of nuggets of wisdom: craft specifics and more generally how to carry yourself in the professional design world. It has plenty of visual examples if you just want to flip through it, but the text has a personable voice and is approachable to read from front to back.
[It’s also cool to have a tape bound book on my shelf. How many of those do you see in the mass market?]
While some bits of information are outdated, and others might be less relevant to your specific field, this book is full of nuggets of wisdom: craft specifics and more generally how to carry yourself in the professional design world. It has plenty of visual examples if you just want to flip through it, but the text has a personable voice and is approachable to read from front to back.
[It’s also cool to have a tape bound book on my shelf. How many of those do you see in the mass market?]
November 13, 2018
This book is aimed for graphic designers who are already in the field, tells how to do the job based on the aurthor experiences in the field. Not a book to learn graphic design if that was what you're looking for. Which then, wasn't for me. I feel so disappointed since this book was recommended almost everywhere online on learning graphic design and in the end, it didn't help me much on that. It's a read when you already working with the onions to know them better, not when you want to get to know them.
December 16, 2018
Argh. At an overview level, this is really good – de Soto clearly does know his onions in terms of long-term experience of the graphic design industry. But at a fine-grained level there are small factual inaccuracies, badly phrased explanations (that could easily have been resolved if he’d handed his text over to a dedicated copywriter/copy-editor … I’m assuming here that he didn’t) and typos that didn’t even need a proofreader but could have been picked up by a quick run of the spellcheck (‘theor’ for ‘their’, as an example). Hey ho.
July 27, 2020
This is a book that i have ALWAYS on my desk! I have a lot of notes for when i need to search something quick! Besides the fun humour that Drew de Soto has (a feature that you won't find in many technical books), it helped me a lot (and continues to help me today) on my first year as a designer on ''how to be a designer'' in the REAL world. It contains a lot of things that they don't teach at university that is ESSENTIAL to know when you work in a studio, agency or tech company. It's my little 'bible' that that i don't abdicate, it's always with me, in any desk i work (at home or at office).✨
February 17, 2025
This book hasn't aged well, I'm not even sure it was good when it was published. It left me wondering who's the target group. It can't be a person who knows nothing about graphic design as the book thoroughly explains how to work with clients, but it says almost nothing new to people who know anything about design. It's very print oriented and doesn't talk about vector graphics at all. Not to mention that I just don't agree with how the book is designed, not taking into consideration accessible contrast or sustainability (printed grey background on every page).
July 7, 2024
Well I know more than I thought. Also realized I'm pushing closer and closer to 20 years experience, so much of the book wasn't a surprise. I picked it up as a refresher in design now that I'm back in a day job that has quite a bit of design work.
There are entertaining parts, mostly informational which can be tedious to read if you're not into that kind of book. I still don't understand the title or phrase 'know your onions.' could be a UK vs US thing.
There are entertaining parts, mostly informational which can be tedious to read if you're not into that kind of book. I still don't understand the title or phrase 'know your onions.' could be a UK vs US thing.
July 7, 2021
Read this book as part of my degree and to be honest, this book bored me. However, this may be because this book is more orientated to working in the industry rather than graphic design itself. There were some useful hints and tips in here which will resonate with me but other than that, it was hard to stay interested.
April 12, 2018
Quite enjoyed this graphic design book. Lots of reference facts and a really useful section on printing/finishing and dealing with clients. Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in the subject
July 20, 2019
I've recently enrolled on a graphic design degree and wanted the to get an insight into what I was letting myself in for. Everything I got excited about when I was younger is in this book. I have no doubt that I've made the right decision. I've just got to get more creative now!
September 10, 2021
It's a nice book for graphic and digital designers. If you are starting, is a good one to read, you will learn a lot! If you aren't new in this world of design, its a book that's good to consolidate your knowledge.
There is some page with information that needs to be updated, but is a good book.
There is some page with information that needs to be updated, but is a good book.
September 1, 2022
Useful book for graphic design showcasing many tricks, the voice of the author is very interesting but quite informal and sounding cocky at times. Nevertheless there was some punctuation and spelling errors for a graphic design book.
December 28, 2025
A graphic design bible! Really useful tips for junior, but even senior graphic designers, as it is always good to get confirmation on what we believe to be right from someone more experienced. I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in the field.
December 26, 2018
Very useful info for a beginner like myself. Lots of useful information about the graphic design/publishing/printing industry that is interesting to even the man-on-the-Street.
March 28, 2019
A bunch of useful tips!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews