Selling more than 100,000 copies in English, with translations in thirteen languages, my design books came about through the generosity of talented contributors, the trust of publishers Peachpit and Rockport, and the invaluable support of good friends in the design profession.
Identity Designed: The Process
Research, Strategy, Design, Implementation
Published in 2024 by Rockport
240 pages, hardback
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Rockport
Reviews
David Airey continues to produce some of the best books on branding. His new book breaks down the process of creating a brand identity into four sections that are accompanied by both current and historic implementation. This digestible read is a perfect addition to the shelves of both upcoming and senior designers as well as anyone interested in working in brand communication and development. It’s definitely one we will be using in the studio.
Matt Lamont, Design Reviewed
Atop superb layout and impeccable exhibits are incisive studies of the processes essential to the success of identity design assignments. I highly recommend Mr Airey’s new book to those interested in corporate identity specifically, and branding generally. I’m certain it will prove as valuable a guide to clients as it is to designers.
Lindon Leader, Leader Creative
Every brand project is a product of trust, relationships, access, ambition and communication. The story of the design solution is only half the story without knowing how something came to be. As someone who is endlessly fascinated by the juicy behind-the-scenes stuff, this new book fulfils all my nosy tendencies! And because it’s David, it’s as beautiful as it is thorough.
Heidi Lightfoot, Creative Advisor
Identity Designed
The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding
Published in 2019 by Rockport
288 pages, hardback
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Reviews
Not just a beautifully designed book, but also beautiful in its depth and detail about the identity design process.
Khoi Vinh, Principal Designer, Adobe
ID is an inspiring and intelligent resource for designers and their clients as they redesign their future. Sixteen global case studies offer an in-depth understanding of all of the considerations that contribute to original and lasting design solutions, and successful partnerships between clients and their consultants.
Alina Wheeler, Author, Designing Brand Identity
Just as every brand designer knows, research is the key to unlocking useful insight and inspiration. Here, David Airey has done just that, speaking with pre-eminent design studios around the world to find out how they carry out a visual identity project. Identity Designed is a brilliant book bursting with revealing discussion and inspirational work.
Luke Tonge, Director, Birmingham Design Festival
Logo Design Love
A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand Identities
Published in 2014 by Peachpit
240 pages, paperback
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Peachpit
Reviews
There are a lot of books out there that show collections of logos. But David Airey’s Logo Design Love is something different: it’s a guide for designers (and clients) who want to understand what this mysterious business is all about. Written in a reader-friendly, concise language, with a minimum of designer jargon, David gives a surprisingly clear explanation of the process, using a wide assortment of real-life examples to support his points. Anyone involved in creating visual identities, or wanting to learn how to go about it, will find this book invaluable.
Tom Geismar, Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv
Small business owners who are just setting up or who want to redesign their logo should use this as an instruction manual to help generate timeless brand recognition. Great read and very clear. If you have any interest in logo design this is the best guide out there.
Jamie Ward, Co-Founder, Hustle
The design world is better off for this book.
Ben Terrett, Royal Designer for Industry
Work for Money, Design for Love
Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Starting and Running a Successful Design Business
Published in 2012 by Peachpit
288 pages, paperback
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Peachpit
Reviews
I established my design firm in 2004 after 20 years of experience with some of the most highly regarded brand identity firms. I wish David had written this back then. It confirmed information that took me years to acquire and provided many useful insights into creating an online presence and moving beyond clients. David blends his own experiences with those of other designers from around the world to hit on every issue one needs to consider in running a design business.
Jerry Kuyper, Jerry Kuyper Partners
Skillfully collated and contextualised, the book is brimming with tips and lessons learned from designers such as Ivan Chermayeff, Simon Manchipp and Mike Dempsey.
Bobby Burrage, Creative Director, The Click
Draws upon the experiences of many established creatives, each willing to share their knowledge so you can improve on yours. I’ve added this book to the required reading list for my students and I thoroughly recommend that you read it, too.
Con Kennedy, School of Art and Design, TU Dublin
Work with me
For anything from a subtle logo refinement to a fully bespoke visual design system, it’ll be a pleasure to talk.
An introductory email with brief details of your business will be most appreciated. Afterward we can arrange a call or if you’re in the area I’ll brew us some tea.
studio@davidairey.com
David Airey
Visual identity design
Studio
64 Beechfield Avenue
Bangor
Northern Ireland
BT19 7ZZ
Contact
studio@davidairey.com
+44 7739 530 457
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