The Power of Reading: Why Design Books are Essential for Emerging Brand Designers + 5 Books to Add to Your Arsenal of Resources
Graphic design is a constantly evolving field, with new technologies and design trends emerging all the time, right before our eyes. Sometimes it can be overwhelming knowing which content to consume, how to learn things fast enough, and how to actually retain that information. We're consuming at a higher-rate than ever, with quick Tik-Tok hacks, short-form Youtube tutorials, and a never-ending Instagram scroll - it can be difficult for our brains to retain this information and hold meaningful, foundational knowledge when we consume this way. There's a time and place for analog methods of learning - and the basic principles of good design remain the same - which is why we believe that picking up a good design book is one of the best ways to learn design principles and build a strong foundation in the field, whether you're a newbie or a beginner. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your skills, here are a few recommendations to get you started.
TO LEARN FROM AN EXPERIENCED DESIGNER
Graphic Design: How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things, Explain Things, Make Things Look Better, Make People Laugh, Make People Cry, and (every Once in a While) Change the World by Michael Bierut
Michael Bierut explores a unique perspective on the evolution of graphic design and its impact on society and culture. The book begins with an introduction to the world of graphic design and the various design disciplines, including advertising, branding, packaging, and digital design. Bierut then goes on to discuss the design process, from researching and conceptualizing to executing and refining, and the role of the designer as problem solver and communicator. Throughout the book, Bierut provides a wealth of examples from his own work, as well as from other design legends, to illustrate the various aspects of design and the impact that design can have in advertising, politics, and popular culture. Bierut's insightful and engaging writing, combined with his extensive experience in the field, make this book a valuable resource for designers, students, and anyone interested in understanding the impact of design on our world. Purchase this book here.
UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS
2. Color: Interaction of Color" by Josef Albers
Color: The Interaction of Color is a groundbreaking book that explores the nature of color and the ways in which colors interact with one another. The book provides an overview of color theory, including the physiological and psychological effects of color, and the ways in which colors can be used to create visual harmony and contrast. Albers uses a series of color exercises and demonstrations to illustrate the various principles of color interaction, including color contrast, color relativity, color temperature, and the impact of background colors on the perception of color. The book also explores the use of color in art, design, and architecture, and provides practical advice for designers on the use of color in their work. "Interaction of Color" is considered a classic in the field of color theory, and is widely used by artists, designers, and students. The book remains relevant and influential today, and is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of color and its role in design. Purchase this book here.
BRANDING AS WHOLE / STRATEGY
3. The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design by Marty Neumeier
The Brand Gap: How to Bridge the Distance Between Business Strategy and Design helps to solve the question many people have a hard time answering - what’s the difference between the strategic & the creative approaching to brand building? This book is super simple and easy to understand, putting words to questions that people in the industry are sometimes unable to explain to their peers. This book will help you to understand how to answer simple questions about your brand - like the definition of a brand, the five disciplines of brand-building, the three most powerful questions to ask when building a new brand, and a glossary to help you out with some of that brand strategy & design industry jargon you might be struggling with. The beauty of this book is that you can use it to uncover things about your own brand OR your clients’ - it’s a multi-tool that works for any brand across any industry. Purchase this book here.
TO DEVELOP YOUR DESIGN SKILLS
4. Type: The Visual History of Type by Paul McNeil
Type: The Visual History of Type by Paul McNeil is a stunning guide to the history of typography and type design, covering the evolution of letterforms from ancient scripts to modern digital fonts. The book provides a visual exploration of the development of type, with more than 500 illustrations that highlight key examples of type design from each period in history.
The book also explores the impact of technological advances on type design, including the development of hot metal type, phototypesetting, and digital typesetting. McNeil discusses the rise of modernist design, the influence of Swiss typography, and the rise of digital typefaces. His insightful and engaging writing, combined with the book's rich illustrations, make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of typography and the evolution of letterforms. Whether you're a designer, historian, or simply interested in the evolution of written communication, this book is sure to provide a wealth of information and inspiration. Purchase this book here.
YOUR DESIGN SKILLS ARE THERE, BUT YOUR FREELANCE SKILLS ARE LACKING
5. Freelance, and Business, and Stuff by Amy Hood & Jennifer Hood
Freelance, and Business, and Stuff by Amy Hood & Jennifer Hood is an absolute must-have for graphic designers looking to take the leap into the world of freelancing. With their quick-witted humor and spunk, Amy & Jennifer make the monotonous parts of running your own business fun, interactive, and easy-to-follow. By offering tips, tricks, resources, and step-by-step instructions for everything from making a budget, pricing and proposals, and branding your business, to making contracts, growing your audience, and understanding taxes - this one truly has it all, and serves as what could be called the 'bible' for a budding freelancer in the design world. If you're looking for an easy-going read chalk full of information about how to start your own business, grow your client base, and promote yourself without selling out or starving, Freelance, and Business, and Stuff is a must have. Purchase this book here.
Reading graphic design books is an essential part of becoming a successful designer. By providing a solid foundation in design principles, offering insights from experienced designers, keeping you up-to-date on design trends, and inspiring your creativity, these books are a valuable resource for any designer looking to improve their skills and advance their careers. So, if you're a new designer, don't hesitate to invest in a few good graphic design books – they'll be a valuable addition to your design library and a valuable investment in your future as a designer.
