Comments on: What’s your favourite graphic design book?

By: David Airey

David Airey — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:56:57 +0000

Hi Bronte,

I have to agree about A Smile in the Mind. Great choice.

By: Bronte

Bronte — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 09:36:25 +0000

I think one of my favourites would have to be “A Smile in the Mind”. It has a great selection of witty and very innovative design solutions. It is more of an “inspiration” type of book which I find more helpful than a catelogue. It also mentions the thought process that the designers went through to come up with these amazing ideas and that is probably the best an most helpful part of the book. I would definatly recommend it!

By: Hannah McCann

Hannah McCann — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:09:21 +0000

Hey, enjoyed the conversation. Had a great talk myself with Mr. Gill last week. He’s a candid guy. Check out the audio file from my blog: http://www.architectmagazine.com/post.asp?BlogId=refwdblog&postid=148621§ionID=1041

Hannah McCann’s last blog post…1st Circuit Appeals Court Salvages Boston Firm’s Copyright Infringement Suit

By: David Airey

David Airey — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 07:01:19 +0000

Mario, Angel,

Thanks very much for your recommendations. I appreciate that.

By: Globulart Diseño

Globulart Diseño — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:44:40 +0000

I had a terrific time reading “tellmewhy”, by karlssonwilker inc.

It’s not a book about the principles and theory of design, it’s the story of two designers that become friends while working in NY and decided to start their own design studio. A great read, full of jokes, fun, ideas, the GREAT design work by these two guys, and personal stories of good and hard times that you will relate to if you’re self-employed.
I came across it in a specialized design & arts bookstore in Madrid while looking for something else, but the cover of “tellmewhy” caught my eye… What a find!

And, you have to see it for yourself, it has the weirdest effects in the pages that contain text… a magenta gradient soooo subtle that leaves you wondering if the pages are dirty or the paper has been affected by the sunlight… nice visual trick.

Highly recommended.

Globulart Diseño’s last blog post..Corporate identity project: COFFEEHOUSE

By: Mario

Mario — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 16:40:01 +0000

Universal Principles of Design is a great book too.

By: David Airey :: Graphic Designer

David Airey :: Graphic Designer — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:43:48 +0000

I’ve seen that one recommended quite a few times, James. It’s about time I had a read.

By: James

James — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:41:33 +0000

The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher

It’s not specifically about design, but it is without a doubt a designer’s book.

By: David Airey :: Graphic Designer

David Airey :: Graphic Designer — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 07:51:23 +0000

Thanks for the message, Cat.

Jeff certainly knows what he’s talking about. I was hoping I could help him out of a fix with a logo case study, but in the end my clients took priority.

Great to get a few of your recommendations, and I’m off to check them out now.

By: Catherine

Catherine — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 04:22:26 +0000

David,

Jeff Fisher has been a long time poster on graphic design forums. One of his classic posts was in response to the often asked question - what are your fav design books?

Later he wrote an article for Creative Latitude that soon became a classic - Design by the Books.

Not only is Jeff an avid reader, but his second book Identity Crisis is due out soon.

Personal plug - I’m in his first book - The Savvy Designer’s Guide To Success: Ideas and Tactics for a Killer Career

I missed being in his second due to a client snafu / crisis. Maybe Jeff’s next book will cover the logos that never were …

My favourite design book? I don’t really have one fav. I have a library filled with great books. A great deal I purchased on Jeff’s advice over the years.

Typography, simple design, brochure / logo / poster / book design, history … ok, if it’s history, then hands down I’ll go with Meggs. Definitely.

Meggs’ History of Graphic Design

He’s no longer with us, but he certainly left a legacy.