Learning a new piece of software can be tricky, and learning it by reading a dry, stuffy, jargon-heavy manual makes drilling a hole in your head suddenly seem like a good idea. Thankfully, you can save yourself some cranial agony with Ten Ton Books!

Ten Ton produces top-notch step-by-step guides, videos, and articles covering the latest in graphic design, desktop publishing, and web design—and it does so with a conversational, offbeat approach. Each title is packed to the gills with fantastic instruction and practical advice, presented in a wacky, entertaining way. Even technical subjects are broken down and simplified, making topics accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level. Want more? Be sure to check out our books, videos, and articles!

About Geoff Blake

Geoff Blake is a heckuva guy. A sexy man with a flashy smile and twenty-four inch pythons, he’s been a Toronto-based writer, designer, and artist since 1997 or so. With his charm and whit, he’s also taught desktop publishing, web design and graphics courses in both the corporate and post-secondary environments, working closely with some of the largest training providers and colleges in the Toronto and New England areas. See, he’s sorta on this quest to bring graphic knowledge to the masses in the most non-jargony, “normal human being” kinda way.

So not too long ago, Geoff penned Ten Ton Dreamweaver (ISBN: 978-0321374127) with Peachpit Press. Then he hooked up with Total Training outta New York, and started producing highly regarded training videos. To further spread his message of graphical enlightenment, he often contributes articles and tutorials to top design magazines and websites. Geoff continues with his off-beat style through his website, TenTonBooks.com, and his blog, ZapBangBoom.com.

And, as mentioned, he's an artist too...with a bent towards dark and messed up mechanical stuff. Check out his work over at GeoffBlake.com. Oh, and he freakin' loves coffee. And one more thing: when no one's looking, he likes to pretend he's a fill-in drummer for Iron Maiden. Huff...that about covers it. So there's just a little bit about Geoffy. Wanna send him an email? Then click here, bub!

Letters From Readers [ More... ]

Hey Geoff, Just wanted to drop a line and tell you that your Ten Ton book is awesome! I need to build a web page to support message boards, picture uploads, secure logins, and all kinds of other nifty features (as I think of them).  Problem is, I am a champion web page viewer (ebaumsworld, etc.) but have never built a site.  I have gotten through the first three chapters of your book, and dude...can I just say that not only do you make me confident that I can learn this stuff, you make me think the site might actually look good!

I also bought the "Dreamweaver Bible", which is about the size of a yugo and chock-full of all them "hey look here" icons you love oh-so-much. I did take your recommendation of making the book into a helmet...you will be hearing from my lawyer further on that matter (ha ha...just kidding). [ continue... ]

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Reader Reviews [ More... ]

This Is The Way I Learn(From Amazon.ca) Encore! Encore! All I have to say is "GIVE ME MORE!" I just can't wait for his next titles to come out. This is the way I learn! Geoff Blake has this way of laying it out for you in this "no ca ca" way. I love it! I've noticed his site is now available www.tentonbooks.com This is one to watch. —Anonymous

Funny And Informative(From Amazon.com) This title is both original and satisfying. Usually with "How-to" books, you're left in a drab environment, and end up wanting to peel your eyes out from sheer boredom. Geoff does a great job of keeping one's interest with humourous side-panels, cute icons, and a writing style that more or less seems like an actual conversation—a good one at that. I recommend this book to every web designer in the business. You won't regret it. —Timothy B.

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