but i don’t own any logo books, and would probably never buy a “normal” one.with a book (even an informational one) I like it to spark my imagination, and teach me something, and I think one way of doing that for me with logos, would be a page detailing the brief so we know what you’ve got to do, a few pages of sketches, then the finished logo, missing out the middle steps.

the process would be different for many people, but looking at the ideas which form out of a brief would be great, then seeing the finished logo, and having to work out WHY that one was chosen (even finding the sketch it was based on). I think that would help show me how your mind works when you work.

I shall indeed be omitting Illustrator screenshots. A few others have suggested I do so, and I’m in agreement. Thanks very much for your kind words and encouragement.

Dennis,

That’s great to know. There’ll be an upcoming blog post with more definite book contents. If you have time, it’d be good to know what you think once it’s published.

I applaud the idea of your book. I would suggest omitting Illustrator instructions and screenshots – for software manuals are easy to find and often comprehensive. Developing an effective client brief, doing market research, using sketching or other methods to develop concepts and then followthrough with delivery and ongoing communication with clients are amazing skills which I think you are immensely qualified to pass on to young designers.

Thanks for commenting. Since publishing this post I’ve been busy working on a table of contents and contacting some iconic logo designers. So far so good, and I’ll write an update for my blog sometime soon.

As previously mentioned by some people, it’s fine for a quick reference, but for those interested in the nuances of logo design or the ‘behind the screens’, most of these books are fairly unhelpful.

However, if your book is anything like your blog posts, you’ve got one customer in me.
I really do hope you write the book and do it in your current style.

While I don’t particularly mind not being spoon fed, even though I absolutely love it, I’d much rather be enlightened. Which you really do help with when you write your blog posts.

All the best.

The target audience is certainly an important factor. The book is to be aimed at a wide logo audience, from those involved with their design, to those curious about how they’re created (much like the hoped-for audience on Logo Design Love).

Thanks for offering those three possible directions, and you’re right about the design control — Peachpit can set-up a design template based upon a sample chapter I provide them with, which is great.

Ben,

I appreciate you backing me up about the screenshots. I’ll not be using any.

Jason,

I’ll be working with Peachpit on this one, provided they offer me a contract (nothing has been agreed upon as yet). That’ll hopefully avoid those publishing issues you mention.

Cat,

Thanks very much. Writing a book wouldn’t be for any earnings made from the sale, but rather as an extra avenue to educate and promote good design practice. Nikki, at Peachpit, has been great with me so far, and that definitely helps with my decision to use a respected publisher.

Dawn, Nigel, Armin, Dainis, Chaitanya

Good of you all to leave some feedback, thanks very much.

Thomas,

Some great books mentioned there, no doubt. I’ll have to flip through my collection for some inspiration.

James,

First time I’ve heard that actually (about publishing houses black-listing you).

Mark,

All valuable pointers there. I’m sure I can learn a great deal through working with a publisher, especially where editing is concerned. The last time I wrote anything of great length was for my disseration, many years ago, and I didn’t score too highly!

Tony,

That’s an interesting idea, mixing the content up like that. I’ll have to give the layout quite a lot of thought.

Cirilo,

Thanks for your ideas. I’m a big advocate of helping non-profits / local charities, so yours is another factor to give thought to. Cheers buddy.

Shawn,

Having to spend most of my working day reading from a computer screen really helps me appreciate the printed page. Definitely one of my considerations when thinking about a book.

Thanks again for everyone’s continued feedback. Great stuff.