This is a practical approach to the theory of visual language, taking the basics of line, shape, tone, color, texture, form, scale, space, and light and discussing how to use them. The first half of the book talks about how artists can use these elements to create their own visual languages and how these can be applied to develop their own work. The second half of the book is divided into sections, each written by a prominent craftsperson, expounding on how they have developed and used their own visual language.

David Cohen taught at Edinburgh College of Art. His work is exhibited all over the world, and he is a frequent lecturer both in the United Kingdom and North America.

Scott Anderson is a teacher at Cape Cod Community College.