As a professional graphic designer, it is important that you gather knowledge from other designers. Follow their work & take inspiration from them. Reading books is the best way to do so. Here I’m suggesting seven must read books on graphic design that’ll help you to develop your designing sense & enhance your work rate. Good luck.
Thinking with Type
by Ellen Lupton
Imagine a book filled with stunning examples that perfectly illustrate the concepts you’re learning. That’s Thinking with Type! Lupton goes beyond theory, giving you actionable guidance on using letters, words, and paragraphs to create impactful designs.
Whether you’re a design newbie or a seasoned pro, this book is a must-have. It covers all the essentials, from picking the perfect typeface to the nitty-gritty of kerning and tracking. Plus, the design of the book itself is a testament to the power of good typography – it’s a joy to use and learn from.
Now You See It and Other Essays on Design
by Ellen Lupton
Now You See It and Other Essays on Design by Michael Bierut explores design history, practice, and process. He also covers urban design, architecture, and design hoaxes. Pop culture, baseball, and Peggy Noonan are also included. In short, it looks like this book offers a wide-ranging exploration of design, going beyond the typical design topics.
How to Be a Graphic Designer without Losing Your Soul
by Adrian Shaughnessy
Stuck in design limbo? Feeling lost between killer fonts and client feedback? “How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul” (we love that title!) is your lifeline. This recently revamped edition dives deeper than just technical skills. It unlocks the secret sauce of design – the philosophy and heart behind it all. Worried about the ever-evolving digital world? Fear not, this book tackles those hot-button issues alongside social responsibility and ethical considerations. Think of it as your design compass, guiding you not only through the practicalities of freelancing or running a studio, but also reminding you why design matters. Consider it a shield against soul-crushing projects and a map to a fulfilling creative journey.
Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming
by Ellen Lupton
Feeling like your design solutions are stale? Ellen Lupton’s “Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming” is your creativity booster shot. This book dives deeper than just brainstorming, offering a toolbox of techniques to spark fresh ideas and land on killer solutions.
Lupton, a design guru herself, shares insights and case studies to make these techniques clear and actionable. Each approach is explained simply, with visuals and real-world examples to show you exactly how to put them into practice. Consider it your handbook for unlocking innovative design thinking.
Show Your Work!: 10 Ways to Share Your Creativity and Get Discovered
by Austin Kleon
Struggling to get your design work out there? Austin Kleon’s “Show Your Work!” is your secret weapon. This book isn’t just about self-promotion (ugh!), it’s about strategically sharing your work and building your audience.
Kleon drops knowledge bombs on everything from finding your voice to navigating the online world. He’ll teach you how to share your work without being annoying, build a killer online presence, and avoid the pitfalls of the digital age. Think of it as a pep talk meets a practical guide – perfect for any creative who wants to thrive online.
How to
by Michael Bierut
Michael Bierut’s graphic design career has spanned multiple decades. In this retrospective, some of his work is covered for clients such as Saks Fifth Avenue, The New York Times, and the Yale School of Architecture. Bierut showcases 35 of his designs in his book How To, explaining his design philosophy along the way. Throughout his creative process, he discusses his working life, his relationship with clients, and the struggles that any design professional faces in bringing innovative ideas to the world.
Work for Money, Design for Love
by David Airey
If you’re a new freelance designer feeling overwhelmed by the business side of things, “Work for Money, Design for Love” is your new hero. David Airey, the mastermind behind “Logo Design Love,” ditches the boring business jargon and gets real about what it takes to freelance successfully.
Think of it as having coffee with a super experienced designer who spills all the secrets. Airey shares his own journey and throws in stories from other design rockstars to show you the ropes. No more wondering how to find clients, price your work, or deal with tricky situations – this book’s got it all.