Design books, websites etc..

Hello all,
I just started a job about six weeks ago, one that requires a lot more design work than I'm accustomed to doing.

I'll be the first to admit that my design skills are my weakness, but I want to embrace the challenge and do everything that I can to become a first-rate designer.

My question: Are there any helpful books, websites etc. where I can learn more about design? I spend a lot of time on newspagedesigner.com and on this board, but would love to expand my knowledge as much as possible.

suggestions?

 

Harrower books are the designing Bible ...

 

visualeditors.com

newseum.org

 

Thanks for the quick responses...

I'll bookmark those sites immediately, and am googling harrower as we speak.

 

Search Newspagedesigner and find a few designers at big papers (I say the big paper guys because they usually have been in the business longer and have more experience) and e-mail them. Start a relationship. Pick their brain. Ask how they did something or how they came up with an idea. If one doesn't write back, just try another one.

 

Vince Chiaramonte
The Buffalo News

One of the best.... Hands down

Also, sportsdesigner.com has good stuff almost everyday

Will join the bandwagon on the Harrowers', it is the best.

 

I was going to ask a similar question so I'd also like to thank everybody for the responses.

And Precious Roy, thank you for reminding me of my favorite parts of my freshman year of college.

 

Just trying to help where ever I can

 

Tim Harrower's "Newspaper Designer's Handbook". The new edition is being printed this month; I have it on order at Borders. Can't recommend it enough.

 

Ohhhh, I know what I want now more than Harry Potter

 

Also check out books by Robin P. Williams. Not specific to newspaper design, but it will help you start to think like a designer.