Graphic design For Modernism in this field, where creativity meets technical and visual communication. This is why graphic design books are still a great resource in 2018 for both beginners and professional designers. Walt Disney by Neal Gabler These books are for those interested in learning more about design principles, historical context, or the creative process of some great designers. Read Best Graphic Design Books of All Time. In this post we found the most important books on graphic design that you must read.
Importance
You might be questioning the validity of graphic design books in an era where digital content dominates. These books provide knowledge and wisdom, the real answer behind the charm. Online articles typically highlight trends and techniques, whereas graphic design books explore fundamental topics such as typography, color theory, and grid systems. They give readers a chance to get deep into the subject matter, which supports learning in an organized and considered way.
In addition to advice, graphic design books are a great source of inspiration. Personal examples from industry designers highlight successful niche design projects. A good collection of graphic design books is an essential tool whether you are learning how to improve your craft or trying to find inspiration for your next work.
1. Top Beginner Graphic Design Books
If you are a beginner in graphic design, the books that I am about to share can be life-saving for you. These graphic design books cover the basics that every designer should know.
· “Graphic Design: The New Basics by Ellen Lupton & Jennifer Cole Phillips” ·
This book is a great starting point for beginners learning about Kafka. It explains all fundamentals of design such as composition, hierarchy, and color theory. These ideas are aesthetically presented here by the writers, and their extensive work makes it a lot easier for readers to comprehend what they learn on graphic design fundamentals. Throughout the book, you will also find several visual examples and exercises that reinforce what you have learned.
· Thinking with Type by Ellen Lipton
Everyone designing visuals needs to have a firm grasp of typography; this is one great book on the subject. Design luminary and educator Ellen Lupton provides readers the barest information on typography—typeface, spacing, layout—as well as offers you advice for using it. And since it is an enjoyable book to read and gorgeous in every way, this should be a definite must-read for the serious typographer.
· “The Elements of Graphic Design” by Alex W. White
This is an in-depth introduction to the basic features of graphic design: room, harmony, page structure, and typography. These ideas are laid out with plain language by Alex W. White, in addition to practical examples and diagrams. It is very helpful for someone who aspires to be a firm base in using design principles.
2. Professional graphic design books for hardworking designers
When you are done with the basics, move to advanced. Here is a list — in no particular order of importance or esteem level — of must-read graphic design books to help your (new) designer self-overachieve in the next few months.
· “Grid Systems in Graphic Design” by Josef Müller-Brock Mann ·
Easily considered a classic in the realm of graphic design, this one for sure should be read by any designer who tries to validate grid-based layouts. In the book, Josef Müller-Brackman goes deep into grid systems and how they can be used to make a design feel holistic. For any designer working on editorial design, web work, or other structure-heavy projects this book is a must-have.
· Logo Design Love by David Airey
Logo Design Love is a required reading for those of you who do concept work in the area of re-branding and identity design. Designer David Airey covers everything from talking to clients and doing background research to presenting concepts, signing off designs & dealing with client feedback. It includes case studies, effective logo examples, and practical advice. it is a great resource for anyone who wants to upskill themselves in logo design.
3. Graphic Design Books of Creativity and Inspiration
Graphic design is a very creative profession and these books are insight which contain some exercises to uncloak your creativity as a graphic designer,
“Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon is a manifesto for creative living. In his book, Steven permits you to be influenced by other artists’ work, claim ideas, and ask dumb questions (for inspiration). It’s an easy and inspiring read, with practical advice for designers looking to kick-start a more creative brain.
· Chris Orwig’s “The Creative Fight”
In this episode of The ONE Thing Podcast, our guest Chris Orwig explores less obvious topics like the emotional and psychological dimensions of creativity in his new book “The Creative Fight”. With personal stories, experience-based insights, and hands-on exercises Armin aims to help designer’s battle creative blocks and embrace their voices. This is a fantastic read for anyone looking to rekindle their enthusiasm and love for design.
4. Best Graphic Design Books for Web and Digital Design
Web and digital design are very much part of the graphic design world consequently all this accessibility to media. These books are design focused, and speak to the specific challenges/advantages that digital platforms offer:
· “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug
Every e-commerce site should have an “evergreen”: Steve Krug’s classic kick-started the web usability field. The book gives easy steps to design a user-friendly website that can easily navigate and understand.
· “A Practical Guide to Designing for the Web” by Mark Boulton
This Designing the Web tutorial by Mark Boulton provides an end-to-end resource for web designers moving into print design. The book includes fundamental subjects including typography, color theory, and grid systems all about space design. Boulton has made his mark on these subjects to place in any designer’s library as they are written and full of insights that matter.
5. Books on Graphic Design and Branding
The importance of branding in graphic design cannot be understated, and these books give an inside look at creating a powerful brand:
· “Identity Designed” by David Airey
Identity Designed is a detailed look at the visual identity design process of 21 successful branding and logo image companies. David Airey walks readers through the complete branding process, from research and strategy to design and implementation. The book presents case studies from across the globe and includes work by many leading branding agencies. It is an excellent tool for designers involved in brand projects.
· “Logo Modernism” by Jens Müller
Logo Modernism from the modernist era spanning 1940 — 1980 A visual feast, yes — but also an invaluable overview that provides context and analysis of the logos for designers interested in branding history. Emphasizing Design as a universal Quality that it has become, the book will surely inspire today’s Logo designers.
6. Books on Color Theory for Graphic Design
Color: a small manual to light & color: this book teaches an understanding of color through gray scales as well Step 7.
Color Theory: An Essential Guide to Color from Basic Principles to Practical Applications by Patti Mollica
Another total guide to color harmony which explains everything about basic rules as well as how you can apply this in design is offered by Patti Mollica in her book “Color Theory.” He discusses topics such as color harmony, contrast, and the psychology of colors. Mollica also lays out exercises and examples for readers to play with these concepts in their design field. This book is very helpful to designers who want to improve their color foundation.
· Interaction of Color, Josef Albers
The subject of color theory can be a complicated one, but the book “Interaction of Color” by Josef Albers breaks it down for designers at any level. Exploring the relationships between colors and how they work together aesthetically in various contexts, this book should not be ignored. This book not only identifies seminal principles of color theory but also offers the reader an invaluable tool to be used in their own practice Modern Color Theory by David Horning.
· “The Secret Lives of Color” by Kassia St. Clair
The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair is a mesmerizing walk of color history and why it matters (and you definitely want to know!) The book is arranged by color, each chapter going into the history and meaning of with that specific hue has had on art- design. Color Matters is an informative and captivating book that serves as a perfect start for any designer who would like to dive deeper into the world of color.
Conclusion:
Do you know how graphic design books can spark innovation and inspiration for established designers and beginners? Whether you are a beginner or want to up your game, books can equip us with the right tools and insights that we need. There are books on design principles, typography sets, and color theory to more advanced ones like branding.
One of the best ways to ensure that you always change and continue your studies, as a designer is investing in good books about graphic design. They are a valuable source of inspiration and the only textbooks that give you practical skills to keep motivated at work with your creativity. However, a graphic design book can do just that — allow you to master the basics or unlock your creativity for those more ambitious.
With digital content becoming all too common, holding a perfectly bound book can be refreshing. They help you to dive deeper into the world of graphic design, thus aiding in not just understanding but living and philosophical outlook as a designer. Now that you are on your way to becoming a designer, delve into all the amazing graphic design books Explore. Dive in and find the jewels within those pages.
