Graphic Design books

[sarah_a]

Hey,

So am trying to build up my library of graphic design books, so far i only have a few
does any one know what books are best to have?

thanx sarah

[Pete]

I'd recommend "How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul" by Adrian Shaughnessy. It covers everything from setting up as a freelancer to dealing with difficult clients and keeping your interest in the industry when you have a slew of soul-destroying jobs to do.

Although it's not strictly a design book, if you're a into working with websites I'll also recommend Steve Krug's masterpiece on web usability "Don't Make Me Think".

[Helen]

I check out books in the library first....see if they are suitable, then buy them myself.

[Pixels Ink]

I have the following :

All of the 'index' books by Jim Krause. I find them really good for sparking off ideas.



They have merged 3 of the books into one bigger volume. Mines came as a series of 3 mini versions in a clear plastic box. Looks pretty cool :)




In addition to the 3 you have in the big book (layout / idea / colour) I also have type idea index and design basics index.


The Logo Lounge series is very good for logo inspiration.




A good book for learning to create files for print is Getting It Right In Print

[Steve]

Nice one pixels - few of them I think I will look into getting.

[andyd8]

If you're into advertising campaigns, strategies and creative thinking 'The advertising concept book' is absolutely fantastic. Sparks a million advertising ideas off in your head and gives interesting and helpful insights and facts. Quality book

[Red State Survivor]

How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul
by Adrian Shaughnessy

A Smile in the Mind: Witty Thinking in Graphic Design
by Beryl McAlhone and David Stuart

Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, and Students
by Ellen Lupton

Type and Typography
by Phil Baines and Andrew Haslam

Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type
by Keir Elam

Can you tell I love Typography?

[andyd8]

A book I've wanted to read and am going to next is Wally Olins 'On Brand'. It's had rave reviews everywhere (even in the last book I read 'The Advertising Concept Book') and has been said to be the best branding book released to date.

Wally Olins. On B®and.: Amazon.co.uk: Wally Olins: Books

[Xenonsoft]

Cheers Andy.

I'm tempted to get that book at that price, if you've got any links to reviews at hand then that would be welcome, otherwise I'll scower the net some more tomorrow.

Hard to say no at a tenner!

[andyd8]

I've actually just decided I'm buying it on the way home. Give me a month or so and I'll pop you my own little review, found this one on the Amazon site though (Even though it is a five years old):

"genius., 8 Dec 2003
By Bill Hunt "muddyclay" (London UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wally Olins on B(r)and (Hardcover)
I've followed Wally Olins career over the years and was intrigued when he released 'On Brand'. I bought a copy immediately and my first comment would be in agreement with a comment on the back of the book - this is the only book on branding you ever haver have to buy. Intelligent, insightful, compelling, inspiring. Wally knows the industry inside out and this really comes across in every page of the book. Whatever level you're at - student, academic, seasoned marketeer, you can learn from this book.
I look forward to learning more from his next book.

Buy it - it will change your life."

I'm not gonna lie it does sound a bit like he was orgasming as he wrote this, but I'm sure the book is amazing and can teach alot.