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

By: Alan Scott

Alan Scott — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 23:48:40 +0000

The Basic Design: series by Gavin Ambrose; Typography, Grids, Layout, Print and Finish, Colour which are all about the nuts and bolts of design plus some newer one’s. They are all really well written and as an ex working designer I can tell they’re informed by experience.

The complete guide to digital graphic design by Bob Gordon is a great book for those started on the design road. Those who are beginners will miss the pearls alas but those of us well traveled will enjoy the in depth coverage or possibly get an insight into areas we’ve not worked in yet.

I have a list I’ve made for my students here (link removed due to use of URL shortener) that I will be glad to add some of the recommendations above (if our library will spring the cash). I’ve included ‘thinking’ and ‘being creative’ books such as Buzzan on mind maps and Edward de Bono as the idea is as much part of design as is the execution.

By: koyas

koyas — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 23:37:58 +0000

just ordered this book, heard a lot of good things about it. pretty excited to read it.

By: Dana

Dana — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 20:54:20 +0000

I like Jim Krause’s stuff: DESIGN BASICS INDEX, IDEA INDEX, LAYOUT INDEX. He’s had a few newer ones in the past 3-4 years that are excellent as well. Great format with small hand held convenience. I also love DESIGN BASICS INDEX, because he takes the time to explain why something doesn’t work and shows examples.

Overstock.com is a great resource for affordable books.

By: Mohammed Deek

Mohammed Deek — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:16:31 +0000

Hey Jon,

i ordered a copy and it costed me 10$ with shipping if you are in US, it may cost you less ;) , and it may seem old , but sure thing it has a great stuff inside :).

Hope you get one ;)

By: jon

jon — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 14:13:54 +0000

Thanks David, Ill let you know how I get on!

By: David Airey

David Airey — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 13:37:52 +0000

Hi jon, If you haven't read any Ed de Bono books, they come highly recommended. Lateral Thinking, in particular, is one of my favourites.

By: jon

jon — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 18:10:44 +0000

David, I have just fished through your blog (which was an inspiration in itself! so thanks for that) and would love a bit of help. Ive spent the last 10 years as a designer being governed my skills in illustrator and photoshop and this has resulted in me loosing my creativity. Well now I want it back! I was looking for a good book to help kickstart the creative part of my brain. Sorry if im asking you to repeat yourself but what is the one book you would recommend. Also can you suggest a good way to get back into creative design and not simply artworking on a mac. I feel like a fraud – not a designer just a mac guy.

Thanks for your help

By: David Airey

David Airey — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:26:40 +0000

You'll find some useful typography books here: Typography tips for graphic design students

By: Mohammed

Mohammed — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:59:26 +0000

Hello David,
i forgot to ask , what do you think i should learn to make a great logos and stuff, i mean books on typography or something like that sketching whatever symbols?

i have the Elements of typographic style and its amazing book but i think its advanced not for the beginners students, so i might get an other book just to learn the basics then move to the advanced i did read the elements and its great so i am in a good direction i think

By: Mohammed

Mohammed — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:52:03 +0000

Hello David,
Thanks alot i purchased it :).

Cheers.