Art Direction for the Web

Art Direction for the Web is a highly acclaimed design book written by British web designer and art director Andy Clarke, published in collaboration with Smashing Magazine in April 2019. The book focuses on how to break away from generic web templates by applying classic art direction principles from print media directly to digital formats. Clarke argues that modern web technologies like CSS Grid, Flexbox, and CSS Shapes finally allow designers to create unique, soulful, and visually engaging editorial layouts on the web. Structure and Key Themes The book is divided into three main sections that guide the reader from theory to practical execution: 1. Historical Context and Meaning: Explores the history of art direction, drawing inspiration from legendary print art directors like Alexey Brodovitch, Bea Feitler, and Neville Brody. It explains why art direction is crucial for emotional conn