Follow his tips and guidelines and you will create stuff that will stand out from its rivals. If you have read or leafed through a copy of his Before & After magazine, much of the material in this book will seem familiar to you, but it's convenient to have McWade's most representative work in one place. Many people, myself included, have thought, "well, my project is different. I can't fit it into any formula." McWade shows you that you can, but that your finished design won't look formulaic. His genius lies in his ability to create models and templates that enable you to pick and choose the one that best suits your project, that will provide information--which, after all, is the function of any design project--in an engaging, attractive format. McWade can take the same subject, and by emphasizing different elements, create several pieces that convey the same message but are used in different ways, for example, as a flyer, brochure, poster or booklet.Last summer, I wanted to create a booklet about a local environmental issue, to raise awareness and secure funding for trash removal at the site. It had been so many years since I worked in an art department, I'd forgotten everything I knew. What I'd created was awful. I had great photos and good copy, but it was a mess. So, I ordered "How To Design Cool Stuff," found the right template for the job, and BAM--in three days I had a booklet that was not only informative but truly elegant. I was so pleased. And what he had taught me was so simple! I just didn't see it.I love the way John McWade thinks. Although the scope of all the projects in this book is relatively small, the same principles apply to any design. You've got to crawl before you walk. An excellent beginner's guide, and a good refresher even for senior art department folks who have gotten lost in the weeds.