This is a list of four great graphic design books that I have personally read and can highly recommend. They cover a wide range of graphic design topics such has how to create a brand identity, the best ways to run a creative business and the fundamentals of editorial design.
Identity Designed: The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding
By David Airey
The first book on my list is Identity Designed, this is a must-have for not only designers but for entrepreneurs who want to expand their understanding of effective design in business. It is written by best-selling writer and renowned designer David Airey, teaching you a range of methods on how to conduct research, define a strategy, generate ideas and how to future-proof your designs. The book includes projects by Fedoriv, Freytag Anderson, Robot Food, Together Design, Jack Renwick Studio and Lundgren+Lindqvist.
Book of Ideas: a journal of creative direction and graphic design – Volume 2
By Radim Malinic
The second book on my list is volume two of Radim Malinic’s Book of Ideas series. It’s a great book for art and design students, freelancers, art directors, graphic designers and all other creatives looking to grow their career. The book is broken down into easy to follow chapters, covering Radim’s learnings and stories from the day-to-day running of a creative business. The book won’t show you how to design, but guide you on how you can be a more thoughtful designer and thinker.
Editorial Design: Digital and Print
By Cath Caldwell and Yolanda Zappaterra
The third book on my list is for anyone looking to gain the traditional and digital skills they need for a future career in visual journalism today. Covering the design for magazines and newspapers for a wide range of markets. It explains the fundamentals of editorial design and layout, covering how to handle copy and images and how to create layouts. It also includes case studies, examples of best practise and profiles of designers such as Mark Porter and Janet Froelich.
Creating a Brand Identity: A Guide for Designers
By Catharine Slade-Brooking
The final book on my list is a practical handbook that gives a comprehensive introduction in how to create a brand identity. Covering the steps a brand designer takes to design a successful brand identity. These key steps include defining the audience, research and analyzing competitors, creating mood boards, designing logos, presenting to clients and launching the new identity. There are case studies spread throughout the book with brand identities from a wide range of industries such as advertising, packaging and retail.
Summary
This is just a small selection of graphic design books available. You can find these books available to purchase on Counter Print Books and Amazon. We are a graphic design studio based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire that specialises in graphic design. Please feel free to get in touch via our contact page.
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