Graphic design books are invaluable resources for designers of all skill levels.
Whether you're just starting out in graphic design or are a seasoned pro, graphic design books can:
- Provide guidance
- Teach new skills
- Reveal history
- Deliver inspiration
Here are some of the best graphic design books to add to your collection:
Learning the Fundamentals
For those just beginning their graphic design journey, fundamental graphic design books provide critical guidance in core principles of visual communication and design.
- The Non-Designer's Design Book by Robin Williams - This book expertly covers the basic principles of design, layout, and typography in clear, easy-to-grasp language. It examines the fundamental elements like proximity, alignment, repetition, and contrast. With its common sense approach, it's the ideal starting point for beginners.
- Graphic Design School by David Dabner - Providing a comprehensive introduction to graphic design, this book is packed with detailed explanations about key concepts like color theory, composition, layouts, grids, and the thoughtful integration of text and image. Helpful exercises are included so you can immediately apply your new skills.
- Designing with Type by James Craig - Master the art of typography with this definitive guide. It explores font history, anatomy, expressive use of type, grids, and much more. Ideal for beginners seeking to understand typographic basics.
Gaining Insight and Inspiration
After grasping fundamental concepts, intermediate graphic designers can benefit from books that provide inspiration and insight into design history. Expand perspectives and spark creativity with these titles:
- 100 Ideas that Changed Graphic Design by Steven Heller - This fascinating book highlights the 100 most influential ideas that shaped graphic design history. It profiles game-changing movements like the arts and crafts era, modernism, and postmodernism. Gain appreciation for the ideas that birthed graphic design.
- Logo Design Love by David Airey - Gain an insider's perspective on logo design through 50 enlightening case studies. Airey provides an in-depth look into the processes of esteemed logo designers to reveal their strategies and creative journeys.
- Graphic: Inside the Sketchbooks of the World's Great Graphic Designers by Steven Heller - Find endless inspiration by peeking inside the private sketchbooks and processes of over 100 master graphic designers. See their candid rough work, creative explorations, and finished products.
Handy References
For seasoned designers, graphic design books can provide valuable references for continually honing skills. These titles offer authoritative guidance on design history and theory:
- Meggs' History of Graphic Design by Philip B. Meggs - No graphic designer's library is complete without this book. The authoritative guide to graphic design history, this book covers the evolution of visual communication from prehistoric times to the digital age.
- Making and Breaking the Grid by Timothy Samara - Samara provides an excellent reference guide on the principles of organizing content via layout grids and breaking grids for strategic impact. Understand how to wield grids to create ordered, functional designs.
- Design Elements by Timothy Samara - This comprehensive visual reference illustrates the fundamental elements of graphic design - like point, line, shape, texture, color, and typography. With real world examples of effective use.
The Takeaway
Graphic design books offer immense value for designers of all experience levels seeking to boost their skills and find inspiration.
Fundamental books like The Non-Designer's Design Book and Graphic Design School provide critical guidance for beginners on core design principles.
Intermediate designers can gain insight and inspiration from books like 100 Ideas that Changed Graphic Design and Logo Design Love.
Experienced designers will appreciate handy references like Meggs' History of Graphic Design and Making and Breaking the Grid to sharpen their abilities.
With their wealth of knowledge, graphic design books make perfect additions to any designer's library.
