On 20 June, 2002 at the Australian Book Fair in Sydney, Canberra-based graphic designer David Whitbread's book, 'The Design Manual', was announced as a winner of The Australian 2002 Awards for Excellence in Educational Publishing.

The national awards are presented jointly by the Australian Publishers Association and 'The Australian'.

"Design is an increasing aspect of educational endeavour," the judges' notes read, "and 'The Design Manual' provides a reference approach to conceiving, planning and designing for print, web and multimedia production. The judges considered that 'The Design Manual' was an outstanding new contribution to a growing field."

'The Design Manual' won the category for Teacher Reference in Technical and Further Education. It was published in late 2001 by UNSW Press in Sydney and was launched in March 2002 at the National Library of Australia in Canberra. It has already gone to reprint in its first sixth months of release. In fact, its success has encouraged the publisher to investigate demand for the book to be translated into foreign language editions.

The author and designer of 'The Design Manual', David said, "The 300-pages of my book represent about six years of work from its commission, as a companion volume to the Commonwealth 'Style Manual for Authors, Editors and Printers', to its eventual publication by UNSW Press. It is great to have that work recognised by an award like this." He believes 'The Design Manual' is popular because it discusses complex production and design concepts in an easy-to-read way that demystifies the process and gives lots of tips along the way. The book discusses the whys, whats and whens of designing everything from logos and letterheads to web sites, advertising, newsletters and books.

David Whitbread runs his own studio, David Whitbread Design, from Holder in the ACT, and was formerly the Head of Graphic Design at the University of Canberra and the Design Director of the Australian Government Publishing Service. He was awarded the 2001 Industry Award for Excellence at the Canberra Region Graphic Arts Awards. Whitbread is ACT Secretary of the Australian Graphic Design Association and edits 'Agenda', the association's national newsletter. He is also National Secretary of the Design in Education Council Australia.

'The Design Manual' by David Whitbread, published by UNSW Press, Sydney 2001 is available from all good bookstores now.

More information:
David Whitbread
David Whitbread Design
PO Box 3127 Weston Creek ACT 2611
Phone 02 6288 5554
email dwdesign@webone.com.au