We had fun compiling this last year so we thought we’d pull together a new summer reading list of great graphic design books for 2019. Enjoy!
A Smile in the Mind: Witty Thinking in Graphic Design
The examples Beryl McAlhone and David Stuart use in this playful book show the thinking behind creative processes and case studies used to create some of the best work out there. There’s a chapter devoted to holiday cards showing what amazing work can be created if a graphic designer and a copywriter work together.
Good design, like good storytelling, brings ideas to life. Design Is Storytelling by Ellen Lupton is a playbook for creative thinking, showing designers how to use storytelling techniques to create satisfying graphics, products, services and experiences.
Kassia St. Clair’s The Secret Lives of Color tells the unusual stories of 75 fascinating shades, dyes and hues. From the brown that changed the way battles were fought to the white that protected against the plague and Picasso’s blue period to to imperial purple, these surprising stories run like a bright thread throughout history.
If font pairings overwhelm you, let Douglas Bonneville’s expansive collection of combinations inspire you. You can use the examples straight out the book for your next project or as a springboard for your own creativity. If you love typography and typefaces, you will love this book.
Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team
Whether you’re the project manager for your company’s rebrand or you need to educate your staff about brand fundamentals, Designing Brand Identity is the quintessential resource. Alina Wheeler’s book covers topics such as research to brand strategy to design execution, launch, and governance, along with best practices for inspiration.
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