Top 5 graphic design books to read!

Graphic design has an important role to play in the modern marketing environment and other industries. This has led to a steadily growing demand for candidates who understand the nuances of the field. 

Upgrading your skills with the relevant resources is the best way to stay relevant in a competitive environment. 

Here are the top 5 graphic design books you should consider reading! 

The best graphic design books in the market offer insightful stories, knowledge, and inspiration for designers across all levels. Increasing your knowledge with the right books can be beneficial; from introductions to graphic design theory to collections of ideas and tributes to individual designers.

Here are some titles to start with-

Alina Wheeler – Designing Brand Identity 

• Among Alina Wheeler’s best graphic design books, “Designing Brand Identity” is considered a classic in the industry. The book has been updated five times to help you develop a perspective relevant to the field. 
• The book is divided into three sections, which are as follows: 
  • Brand fundamentals 
  • Process basics 
  • Case studies 

• Each section of the book provides in-depth guidance, aimed at individual designers and branding teams. 
• You will be guided on the universal five-stage brand implementation and development process. 
• The latest version of the book covers various topics. The topics are placemaking, wayfinding, mobile devices, experience banking, SEO, crowdsourcing, and channel synergy.

Michael Beirut – Graphic Design Fundamentals: How To 

• A protege of the design legend Massimo Vignelli, Michael Beirut brought forth the best graphic design books in the world. 
• This book is considered a must-read for all aspiring graphic designers and covers the philosophy behind the art. 
• You will learn how to use graphic design to sell, explain, and make things look better. It helps make people laugh, cry, and change the world. 
• The book features Beirut’s creative processes and relationships faced with clients. Allowing you to get an excellent glimpse into how the professional industry operates. 
• This is among the graphic design books that are replete with rejected ideas and rough sketches sitting alongside pictures of finished work, making this a must-have for all aspiring designers.  

Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Philips – Graphic Design: The New Basics 

• The latest version of this graphic design book explains the key concepts and fundamentals of visual language that for the basis for any design. 
• This title is considered among the best foundational graphic design books that have been written to help you successfully complete any design project (from simple logos and letterheads to complex website designs).

• The recent edition of the book includes 16 new pages. Covering a wide range of industry-relevant topics like designing with color and working with grids. 
•  One of the key aspects of this work is its invaluable introduction to the evolution of the field of graphic design (narrated by two accomplished design educators). 
• A fundamental portion of the book refocuses design learning on a rigorous and critical examination of form foundations (informed by software systems, theory, and modern media). 

Sarah Hyndman – Why Fonts Matter 

• Among the niche graphic design books in the industry, ‘Why Fonts Matter’ is one of the most brilliant explanations of the inherent science that lies behind choosing a typeface. 
• Through this book, you begin developing an understanding of the fact that type choice is not random. 
• Hyndman emphasizes how different styles and fonts evoke associations and particular experiences. 
• The book covers the power that different fonts have with insights.
• With Sarah Hyndman’s brilliant writing style, you begin to understand how audiences respond to fonts emotionally. This helps you choose typefaces aligned with putting your message across as clearly as possible.

Austin Kleon – Inspirational Design Book: Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative 

• As a graphic designer in the industry today, you may recognize the crippling fear associated with not having an original idea. 
• This title is among the graphic design books to hit the New York Times bestseller list, presenting 10 principles to help tap into your inherent creativity. 
• The book emphasizes having reliable core resources that are readily available for you to fall back on. 
• There is a significant emphasis on the work of successful professionals with excellent backup strategies in place to cater to all their responsibilities. 
• This is a book for design students, working designers, and professionals who seek to apply inventive thought patterns to the everyday challenges of creative designing. 

Key Takeaways 

• Graphic design is an industry that continues to grow at a steady pace.
• The graphic design philosophy sees several applications across a myriad of different industries. 
• Pursuing a course from a reputed university is one of the best ways to develop the knowledge and skills required in the industry. 
• It is essential to support your learning with relevant resources. 
• This blog lists 5 of the most popular graphic design books that you should consider reading to build on your talents and skills. 

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FAQs 

Q1. How does graphic design contribute to a brand’s image? 

Answer – Graphic design can communicate trust & credibility. These are the important ways designers can contribute to a brand’s image. 

Q2. What is the key function of graphic design? 

Answer – Simply put, the graphic design communicates information to target audiences in the form of charts, illustrations, images, or reports. 

Q3. Can I become a graphic design strategist with a degree in graphic design? 

Answer – Yes, you have to complete your postgraduation or certification course to develop relevant skills.