Are you aiming to brush up your graphic design theory? Thinking to continue with the quest for most efficacious designs or accomplished designers? Don’t worry! When you have numerous Best Graphic Design Books out there, packed with inspiration, ideas and advice. You can pretty much find all your answers in them.
These graphic design books can teach you the history of design. At the same time they can help you to design your future. Isn’t that interesting?
Graphic Design is the method of visual representation and problem-solving by means of typography, illustration and photography. It is indeed rewarding and charges your creative spirit. Additionally, this field of study can offer a very lucrative career as well.
So, indulging yourself into the best graphic design books can prove both beneficial and helpful. Therefore, we have handpicked a few Graphic Design books for you to explore and get inspired.
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BEST GRAPHIC DESIGN BOOKS: A MUST READ
1. GRAPHIC DESIGN 02: 1960-TODAY
By Julius Wiedemann and Jens Muller
This book is the most extensive exploration of graphic design till date. Second in the series, the book covers years from 1960 to 2017 with 3500 images, and 80 key pieces with detailed analyses. Not only this, it has about 118 biographies of the era’s most prominent designers. Furthermore, each decade has a short introduction then an illustrated timeline spread, followed by the graphics.
No doubt, this book is indeed a comprehensive tool for any graphic designer or student.
2. THE VISUAL HISTORY OF TYPE
By Paul McNeil
An in-depth and splendid illustration of the evolution and developments of typeface design, over two centuries. In addition, it offers chronological arrangement of more than 320 typefaces in the form of their original type specimens. It is an awesome book for anyone with an interest in type and graphic arts history.
Beautifully designed and printed, this book surely deserves a place on every graphic designer’s bookshelf.
3. DRAPLIN DESIGN CO.: PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING
By Aaron James Draplin
An insightful and captivating book on Draplin’s journey of becoming who he is today. This graphic design book covers his branding work and gives a glimpse into his working practices. Moreover, Draplin also offers valuable advice and pointed observations on the contemporary design scene in a hilarious manner.
Overall, this book is an extensive package for the new generation of designers.
4. BOOK OF IDEAS- A JOURNAL OF CREATIVE DIRECTION AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
By Radim Malinic
A superb compilation of the portfolio and the experiences of a creative designer, in the incredibly fascinating world of creative industry. The book is a true inspiration and offers advice across three areas: Work, Creativity and Mind.
This one definitely holds a strong place in the famous graphic design books. In fact, this is truly an invaluable resource for creative people at any stage in their career.
5. HOW TO BE A GRAPHIC DESIGNER, WITHOUT LOSING YOUR SOUL
By Adrian Shaughnessy
A book written by a designer for designers. This integrates practical advice with logical guidance to help young professionals to kick off their career. Besides, the book also includes interviews with ten leading designers.
Hence, you can refer this graphic design book as an imperative guide for young professionals and freelancers.
6. KNOW YOUR ONIONS: GRAPHIC DESIGN
By Drew de Soto
A practical, insightful and an almost perfect design book. It covers all the essential techniques of graphic design and its digital application. Moreover, it gives readers the knowledge and skills that generally comes from years of training and experience.
So, this is a must have for any student or graphic designer looking for practicable design tips and advice.
7. THE NON-DESIGNER’S DESIGN BOOK
By Robin Williams
A book that introduces the reader to the four basic principles in design: contrast, repetition, alignment, and proximity. It teaches how to make the design look professional using these surprisingly simple principles. Further, the book offers practical design advice, quizzes and exercises to train your designer eye. Apart from this, the book also gives tips on designing newsletters, brochures, flyers, etc. and other projects.
Graphic Design Books List: Add ons
Likewise, here are a few more popular graphic design books that deserve a place on your reading list:
- Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team by Alina Wheeler, Debbie Millman
- Graphic: 500 Designs that Matter by Phaidon Editors
- The Elements of Typographic Style by Robert Bringhurst
- Elements of Graphic Design by Alex White
- 100 Ideas that Changed Graphic Design by Steven Heller, Veronique Vienne.
Graphic Design Books: Soon to release editions
Some soon to be released Best Graphic Design Books are:
- Graphic Design: A New History, Third Edition by Stephen J Eskilson 6 May 2019
- Queer X Design: 50 Years of Signs, Symbols, Banners, Logos, and Graphic Art of LGBTQ by Andy Campbell 30 May 2019
- The Best of Graphic Design by How & Print Editors 31 July 2019
- Central Saint Martins Foundation in Art and Design by Lucy Alexander and Timothy Meara 5 Sep 2019
The list just goes on and on…
But, these selective graphic design books shall certainly prove to be a great read and inspiration for you. Also, if you are an animator, you may also like our compilation of best animation books.
Are you a technology freak as well? If yes, don’t forget to explore some of the Best Technology Books . This way, you can definitely expand your knowledge bank or have an impressive design library.
So, what are you waiting for? Just pick the Graphic Design Book which best suits your needs. Also, do share with us which of these best graphic design books just made its way to your bookshelf? And, how was your experience reading it? In short, you can connect with us via our comments section.
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That’s a nice list! A graphic designer impresses us with beautiful designs. And, these books strengthen their skills and knowledge.