Graphic Design Books

Enter the fascinating realm of design's persuasive power with How Does Design Make Us Think? Written by Sean Adams, a distinguished figure in graphic design and head of the graphic design department at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, this illuminating tome navigates the intricate ways in which design shapes our cognition, emotions, and behavior. Drawing on a rich tapestry of examples spanning industrial, architectural, graphic, and product design, Adams vividly demonstrates how design can soothe, incite, motivate, entertain, or even infuriate us. Whether you're a seasoned designer, a savvy marketer, or simply intrigued by the nexus of design and human perception, How Does Design Make Us Think? is an indispensable resource that unlocks the secret dynamics of our designed milieu.

Cath Caldwell's Graphic Design For Everyone is an invaluable resource if you've ever wanted to turn your concepts into eye-catching illustrations. This comprehensive book offers helpful advice on how to apply graphic design principles to real-world tasks, in addition to explaining the basics of the field. Caldwell's knowledge and practical approach will improve your design skills regardless of your level of experience, allowing you to produce engaging content that connects with your target audience. Combining theory, practice, and expert advice, this book is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their visual communication skills.

For graphic designers of all levels, Graphic Design Rules: 365 Essential Do's and Don'ts is an invaluable resource that provides professional insight and helpful advice. Written by industry experts such as Tony Seddon and John Foster and published by Princeton Architectural Press in 2020, this 384-page book offers 365 design principles ranging from the use of grids to typeface selection.

Powered by Design: An Introduction to Problem Solving with Graphic Design provides a modern and thorough method for understanding the fundamentals of graphic design. Written by veteran educator and designer Renée Stevens, the book emphasizes the importance of empathy and diversity in design, as well as the changing role designers play in addressing societal issues. Helpful for both beginning and experienced designers, it covers important topics such as typography, visual hierarchy, color theory, and user testing.

Adrian Shaughnessy's How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul (New Expanded Edition) serves as the definitive roadmap for graphic design. Originally published in 2005, this revered handbook has been updated to address today's industry challenges, including ethics and digital culture. Through insightful interviews with renowned designers such as Sara De Bondt and Jonathan Barnbrook, Shaughnessy offers invaluable guidance and inspiring ideas. Widely hailed as an essential resource for designers at all levels, the book's accessible style and profound advice make it an indispensable companion for navigating the dynamic landscape of graphic design while maintaining integrity and originality.

For graphic designers, especially those specializing in branding and logo creation, Michael Evamy's "Logo: The Reference Guide to Symbols and Logotypes" is an indispensable reference. With more than 1,300 symbols and logotypes organized into 75 groups according to visual characteristics, this comprehensive anthology provides an in-depth look at the theory and practice of logo design. With contributions from renowned designers such as Paul Rand and Saul Bass, as well as incisive analysis from Michael Evamy, this guide is an invaluable resource for inspiring creativity, understanding the evolution of design, and honing design skills. Whether you are a student, a seasoned professional, or somewhere in between, this book is a must-have for your design library.

The Art of Color and Design by Graves is a comprehensive guide for artists and designers that deconstructs the fundamental ideas of visual design. Graves provides a thorough and accessible analysis of design elements such as line, texture, color, and proportion through the use of helpful exercises and insightful quotes from well-known artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Johannes Brahms. By emphasizing the universal principles of visual aesthetics, the book helps readers understand and apply complex concepts in a practical way. Coupled with historical perspectives, Graves' methodical approach demystifies art jargon and provides practical resources for both creating and understanding art. As such, it is an invaluable resource for designers, artists, and students alike.

Authors Richard Danne and Bruce Blackburn have created the NASA Graphics Standards Manual, a groundbreaking work that demonstrates how design can revolutionize a preeminent scientific institution. This comprehensive manual, packaged in a special anti-static cover, contains thought-provoking articles, supplementary materials, and original scans that document the evolution of NASA design at a critical time. The manual remains an important document, even in the face of negative feedback and the eventual return to the "meatball" emblem. Reprinted in 2015, it highlights the enduring influence of strategic branding on public image and organizational identity, while preserving NASA's design legacy.

Steven Heller and Veronique Vienne's "100 Ideas That Changed Graphic Design" is a visually stunning and perceptive examination of the ideas that have influenced the field of graphic design over the past century. Organized chronologically, the book covers a wide range of topics, from creative choices such as the use of bold type and white space to technical advances such as overprinting and pixelation. Because each concept is beautifully illustrated, both beginners and professionals will find the information motivating and accessible. With the authors' extensive backgrounds in both design and education, the book is sure to be a useful tool for learning about the history and importance of graphic design.

Creating a Brand Identity: A Guide for Designers by Catharine Slade-Brooking carefully guides the reader through the complex process of creating an effective brand identity. This thorough book combines theory with real-world application, making it useful for branding firms, marketing professionals, and design students alike. It includes hands-on exercises, real-world scenarios, in-depth case studies from a variety of industries, and flowcharts and illustrative images to enhance the learning experience. Because of Slade-Brooking's extensive experience and educational background, the book has an authentic and relatable feel, making it a useful handbook and inspiring mentor for anyone working in the branding industry.