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Books

Four books on logo and identity design.

Having sold more than 100,000 copies in English, with translations in thirteen languages, my design books were made possible by the generosity of talented contributors, the trust of publishers New Riders and Rockport, and the invaluable support of good friends in the design profession.

Logo Design Love Third Edition

2026 · New Riders · 224 pages, paperback

Logo Design Love

A Guide to Creating Iconic Brand Marks

First published in 2009 and translated into more than ten languages.

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 GeismarChermayeff & 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 WardCo-Founder, Hustle

“The design world is better off for this book.”

Ben TerrettRoyal Designer for Industry

2024 · Rockport · 240 pages, hardback

Identity Designed: The Process

Research, Strategy, Design, Implementation

Guides you through the four fundamental stages of the design process.

Reviews

“Please consider making room on your bookshelves for this absolute beaut from David Airey.”

Matt BaxterBaxter & Bailey

“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 LamontDesign 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 LeaderLeader 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 LightfootCreative Advisor

2019 · Rockport · 288 pages, hardback

Identity Designed

The Definitive Guide to Visual Branding

The process and the benefits of brand identity design, with case studies from leading studios around the world.

Reviews

“Not just a beautifully designed book, but also beautiful in its depth and detail about the identity design process.”

Khoi VinhPrincipal 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 WheelerAuthor, 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 TongeDirector, Birmingham Design Festival

“There are gems of original work throughout this book with insightful analysis about what makes each an effective solution.”

Sagi HavivChermayeff & Geismar & Haviv

2012 · New Riders · 288 pages, paperback

Work for Money, Design for Love

Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Starting and Running a Successful Design Business

Answers to the questions designers ask most about starting and running a design business, drawn from the experience of established creatives.

Reviews

“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 BurrageCreative 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 KennedySchool of Art and Design, TU Dublin

“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 KuyperJerry Kuyper Partners

Companion websites

Logo Design Love and Identity Designed each have a website where I share the kind of work the books cover.

Education

Ask about bulk orders or having me talk with your students. Past talks include Princeton, Tulane, Cardiff Metropolitan, Dundee, and more.

studio@davidairey.com