All the following books are
listed you should to read as a graphic designer.
So, the first book I
would recommend is: Graphic design a concise history, by Richard Hollis. So,
this is the best introduction to the history of graphic design I have read. This
was one of the recommended books on my reading list at university. Now I would
say that this book is by no means a casual read. This book covers a lot of
ground going into quite some depth of the cultural and technological
developments of graphic design across various parts of the world. If you're
interested in the history of design, I recommend this book because after
reading you will get a good understanding of the evolution of design, the
various design movements that occurred in history and an appreciation of what
design has become today. This book is well organized by country and date and
it's full of amazing visual examples to observe and reflect on.
So, the next book is:
Graphic design school - A foundation course for graphic designers, working in
print moving image and digital media, by David Dabner and Sandra Stewart. So,
this is a great introduction and guide to the principles and practice of graphic
design. This book is organized into two main sections. Principles and practice.
The first section deals with the fundamentals of design such as composition,
hierarchy, layout, typography grid structure, color and so on. The second
section put these basics into practice and gives information about studio
techniques and production issues relevant to a number of different graphic
design disciplines. At the end of this book it even goes as far as to provide
an overview of some of the different career choices open to students entering
into the graphic design field. So, I would really recommend this book if you're
a beginner or student aspiring to be a graphic designer. This book is packed
with vital information. After reading this book you will have a good working
knowledge of design with a broader view of the field of graphic design.
So, my next book is:
Graphic design rules, 365 essential design dos and don’ts, by Stefan G. Bucher.
So, this is a great book for beginners packed with practical advice with
accurate and information rules 365 to be exact. I recommend this one because
it's in an easy to read format. A good read of this book will quickly bring you
up to speed with some common applications of graphic design. You can pick this
one up and put it down quickly and refer back to it easily.
So, my next book is:
Color design work book, a real-world guide to using color in graphic design, by
Adams Morioka. So, this is a great book for beginners to think about and
explore color and get a good introduction to color theory. Besides being a very
well-designed book it's full of reference and inspiration with lots of case
studies supported with in depth commentary. This book has lots to offer. So, my
next book is: Making and breaking the grid, by Timothy Samara. This book is an
analysis of the construction and deconstruction of grid-based design. For a
beginner this is an interesting look at two concepts that will make you think
about structure and how to break the rules. As quoted on the back the book, in
order to effectively break the rules of grid-based design, one must first
understand those rules and see them applied to real world projects. This book
introduces you to the idea of the grid and how to use it with lots of examples
across several decades with detailed information. Later in the book you're
introduced to the notion or freedom in design without the grid.
So, my next book is:
Thinking with type, a critical guide for designers, second revised edition, by
Ellen Lupton. This is a great book for beginners and students who are
interested in learning more about practical uses a typography across web and
print. This book showcases many typographic layouts from both modern and
classical designs which provide helpful lessons. I would recommend this one
because it's an easy read. You will learn a little about the history of letter
forms and there are many examples illustrating some essential dos and don'ts.
So, my next book is:
Logo design love, by David Airey. This is a great book for beginners who are
interested in logo creation and brand development. This book showcases in depth
design process with to the point practical tips and contains plenty of example
logos with some analysis of how they were made. This book will make you think
more about the smaller details when creating your logos and observing those
made by others. I found this one an interesting and inspirational read.
So, my next book is: The
graphic design exercise book, creative briefs to enhance your skills and
develop your portfolio, by Carolyn Knight and Jessica Glaser. If you are looking
to build your portfolio with some interesting projects, I would highly
recommend this book. This book provides a series of challenging design briefs
that encourage your creativity across a range of genres including logos,
packaging, branding, identity, promotion, publication design, music graphics
and web design. Each brief lists the required materials and equipment so you
can pick and choose. This book offers useful information packed with examples
and things to take into consideration when working on a brief. So, a great book
here to get you started creating your own work.
So, my next book is:
It's not how good you are, it’s how good you want to be, by Paul Arden. So,
this book is not really about graphic design it's about creative thinking and challenges
the orthodox approach to work and established ideas. Written by Paul Arden who
has been an advertising executive for decades, in this book he offers up some
really interesting creative insights and motivational ideas and ways of
thinking. I recommend this book because it's a shot of inspiration. This is a
great little book you will find yourself reading over and over again. A must
for any creative collection.
So, the next book is:
Hegarty on creativity, there are no rules, by John Hegarty. So, my last book is
again not a graphic design book but another source of motivation inspiration
and creative wisdom. The writer, another great mind in advertising states that
creativity isn't an occupation it's a preoccupation. It is at the very core of
what makes us human. In this book John talks about the ideas that lie at the
heart of creative thinking. His message is always crystal clear and promotes
the benefits of simplifying, thinking boldly and being undaunted by challenges.
This book is a sharp and insightful reference about being creative, definitely
worth a read. So those are just a few of the books I would recommend you read. They
definitely helped me get a good grasp of design and inspired me creatively. In fact,
I've only read some of those books quite recently. As a designer you can never
stop learning about your craft.
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