What Are Good Books On Graphic Design For Beginners?
You are in luck if you have an eye for design. Never in history has graphic design business been more visually and aesthetically oriented, indicating a greater demand for graphic designers than ever before. Whether you are a seasoned designer, a rising star, a side hustler, or someone considering a career shift, developing your designer’s mind is the only way to differentiate yourself and become the greatest graphic designer you can be.
By reading a book, you can maximise your graphic design potential.
Reading is one of the most effective methods to accomplish this, for reasons we will discuss later. It truly assists you in developing into a more creative, perceptive, and critical graphic designer, as well as in realising your potential in a fiercely competitive business. If you do not have the time to go through all the books, check out the online course at Blue Sky Graphics.
What Are Good Books On Graphic Design For Beginners
The classics in graphic design history
Paul Rand’s Design Thoughts
For many, Rand’s Thoughts on Design is the grandfather of design literature. It began as a 1947 article on the same subject and evolved into the book we know today in 1970. Although it is more of a treatise than a workbook, it is a must-read for any designer. In a nutshell, this work is cultural rather than instructive in nature. It is worth reading to have a better understanding of the graphic design industry’s history and key actors.
Josef Albers’ Interaction of Colour
Interaction of Colour, by Josef Albers, was written as a practical guidebook and teaching tool for design and art students interested in delving further into difficult colour theory ideas.
Because it was written with education in mind, it is simple to read and well-explained, with strong examples and difficult tasks. It is required reading on many university reading lists and, as such, should be on yours as well.
In a nutshell, this book was created with the purpose of teaching in mind. It is concise, well-explained, and informative. As a result, it is an excellent pick for anyone looking to increase their interaction with colour.
Grid Systems by Josef Müller-Brockmann
If you have studied graphic design for any length of time, you are likely to have come across grid systems as a method for organising layout and information. Müller-guidebook Brockmann’s is widely regarded as a fundamental work on the subject, yet despite its minute detail and density, it is rather approachable to even unskilled designers.
The wonderful thing about Grid Systems is that it not only teaches what grid systems are and how to use them, but it also demonstrates why one grid choice is superior to another in a specific circumstance. Grid systems are not a design issue that can be avoided, so do yourself a favour and study this as soon as possible.
Thinking With Type by Ellen Lupton
Thinking With Type is the new version of a famous typography book that teaches anybody who works with type — designers, but also writers and editors – how to utilise it effectively across a range of mediums, from print to screen.
Divided into letter, text, and grid parts, the book begins with a theoretical overview of the subject, followed by practical activities that put you to work. Lupton concludes with examples and does not fail to include the portion we all enjoy seeing, the no-nos. They are described in detail in the hope that you will avoid becoming a victim of them once you complete the book.
Why Fonts Matter by Sarah Hyndman
Still dealing with typography, but taking a totally different perspective, Why Typefaces Matter is an examination of how fonts impact emotion, communication, and human behaviour, as well as the most effective ways to alter them for our own goals.
The book is a reissue of The Type Taster: How Fonts Influence You, with a new title and updated information, but with the same pleasant, approachable tone described as ‘democratic’ and ‘casual’. If you have lately read a few too many thick, technical design books, Why Fonts Matter may be the breath of fresh air you need to continue your learning path.
The Big Book of Font Combinations by Douglas N Bonneville
The Big Book of Font Combinations is an entertaining and enlightening read. It does exactly what it says – it juxtaposes pairs of typefaces on the page for your viewing and assessment. Each page is written in the fonts it depicts, allowing you to peruse it and choose if it inspires or stimulates innovation.
Additionally, the book includes rules and frequently asked questions concerning the book’s concepts, as well as fast recommendations for better font pairings. It is not so much a workbook as it is something to inspire and encourage thinking.
In summary, unlike any other book on the subject, The Big Book of Font Combinations includes applications and internet tools that enhance the book’s utility.
Type and Colour: How to Design and Use Multi-coloured Typefaces by Mark van Wageningen
Once you have mastered the fundamentals of type, dive into the wondrous world of multicoloured fonts with Type and Colour: How to Design and Use Multi-coloured Typefaces. Using the book’s stunning cover as a guide, it assists designers in navigating the intersection of colour theory and typography.
The book itself is informative and aesthetically stunning, offering advice on how to put an end to black and white without endangering your customer’s sight. It is a beautiful book to own and peruse, as well as a necessary instructional resource for any designer’s bookshelves.
Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits by Debbie Millman
If you are unfamiliar with Debbie Millman, this book will educate you about her. Contrary to popular belief, Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits is not one of those books that is only a collection of blog articles. It is an enlightening and complicated exchange between her and her interviewee, their views led by the sense of her experienced designer.
In a nutshell, Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits is a collection of conversations with individuals whose perspectives on branding impact the business. To succeed, you must understand what they are saying.
