Explore a thrilling journey of imagination with the finest graphic design books. They can whisk you away to uncharted creative realms or enlighten you with newfound knowledge. Whether you’re a novice embarking on your graphic design journey or a seasoned professional, dive into our meticulously curated list of 26 indispensable graphic design books for 2023. We’ve meticulously curated a selection of must-have titles that cater to designers of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these handpicked books will inspire and elevate your design game. From foundational principles to cutting-edge techniques, each title offers a unique perspective on graphic design. These books aren’t just resources but potential game-changers for your creative journey. Don’t miss out on the chance to grab these fantastic reads – they also make impeccable gifts for the design enthusiasts in your life!
Mismatch: How Inclusion Shapes Design (Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life)
by John Maeda, Kat Holmes
“Mismatch” takes a deep dive into the world of inclusive design methods, showcasing how these approaches can lead to elegant solutions that benefit all. Kat Holmes not only explores design practices that inadvertently exclude individuals but also champions the power of design to promote inclusivity. Design matters. Sometimes, it can inadvertently exclude users – like a computer mouse for left-handed folks or a payment system favoring English speakers with perfect vision. These mismatches are the seeds of exclusion. In ‘Mismatch,’ Kat Holmes explores how design can perpetuate or rectify this.
She shares stories of pioneers in inclusive design, driven by their own experiences of exclusion. From a gamer reliant on voice recognition to an architect versed in community design failures, their insights are invaluable.
Inclusion is more than just a nice-to-have. Holmes illustrates how it sparks innovation, especially in digital tech. It drives creativity and fuels growth. By fixing mismatches, we open doors for more meaningful contributions to society.
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Analog Algorithm: Source-Related Grid Systems
by Christoph Grünberger
“Analog Algorithm” equips designers with a toolkit for crafting fresh forms, fonts, logos, and patterns, all anchored in the reliable foundation of the grid. This book delves into the art of design, providing invaluable insights for creators looking to push their boundaries. The book’s fluidity, as both workbook and inspiration, allows designers to find analog forms. Christoph Grünberger, the German illustrator and designer born in 1975, introduces “Analog Algorithm” as a versatile toolkit for grid-based design. It empowers creators to forge fresh forms, fonts, logos, and patterns. This concept reimagines design as a process guided by overarching principles far beyond impulsive actions.
Each chapter, illustrated with diverse examples, meticulously guides readers from form analysis to establishing design rules and their practical application. Balancing between a workbook and a wellspring of ideas, this publication equips designers and architects to uncover analytical forms—rooted in analog, algorithmic exploration yet never arbitrary.
These methods open the door to an almost boundless array of possibilities. The designer shifts from inventor to interpreter or curator, evaluating individual forms for logos, fonts, or patterns in real time. This ensures a consistently efficient and purpose-driven design process.
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Extra Bold: A Guide for Graphic Designers
by Ellen Lupton, Jennifer Tobias, Josh Halstead, Leslie Xia, Kaleena Sales, Farah Kafei, Valentina Vergara
“Extra Bold” stands as a potentially pivotal work for graphic designers. Penned by seven seasoned designers, it serves as a comprehensive career guide, delving into theory, history, practical work, and insightful interviews. This book has the potential to profoundly impact the field of graphic design. Extra Bold is a unique blend of textbook, comic book, zine, manifesto, survival guide, and self-help manual. It offers a fresh perspective with stories and insights not typically found in traditional career guides or design resources.
Here’s what sets it apart:
- It delves pragmatically and inquisitively into workplace power dynamics, providing valuable strategies for navigation.
- Through interviews, it provides diverse perspectives from individuals at different stages of their careers.
- Biographical sketches shed light on the experiences of those marginalized by sexism, racism, and ableism.
- Practical guides cover many topics, from starting in the field to addressing wage gaps, coming out at work, crafting effective cover letters, finding mentors, and more.
Innovating the design canon:
- The book starts with critical essays that challenge established design principles, infusing them with feminism, anti-racism, inclusion, and nonbinary perspectives.
- It features contributions from many voices, encompassing various racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, gender identities, and socio-economic positions.
- Incorporating these diverse voices broadens and enriches the prevailing design narrative.
Graphic Design School: The Principles and Practice of Graphic Design, 7th Edition
by David Dabner, Sandra Stewart, Abbie Vickress
“Graphic Design School” presents contemporary visual design principles in an accessible manner tailored for students. It covers design theory comprehensively, providing practical, up-to-date examples to illustrate key concepts. This book is an invaluable resource for those entering the world of graphic design. The Seventh Edition of Graphic Design School equips design students with a comprehensive understanding of graphic design, from foundational principles to advanced concepts. It covers the basics and guides students in applying these principles to emerging media platforms. This edition introduces fresh examples from various mediums like the web, apps, social media, magazines, and print, offering a well-rounded view of the visual communications field.
Furthermore, this updated edition incorporates the latest graphic design software and revisits traditional printing techniques like risograph and screen printing. The text emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and collaboration among design specialists, highlighting influential figures from the past and present in graphic design.
Key topics addressed encompass color theory, typography, coding essentials, information architecture, digital file management, web and mobile design, app development, content management systems, social media design, and SEO strategies. Throughout the book, readers will find vibrant illustrations, case studies, designer profiles, and assignments for hands-on practice.
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Logo Modernism (Design)
by Jens Müller, Julius Wiedemann, R. Roger Remington
In his book, Jens Müller compiles around 6,000 modernist trademarks dating from 1940 to 1980. Through this collection, he explores how modernist ideologies and priorities were pivotal in shaping corporate identity during this era. Modernist principles have left an indelible mark on architecture, art, and product design. We often recognize their influence in sleek glass structures and minimalist artwork, emblematic of an era of incredible technological progress. This period affirmed humanity’s ability to shape its environment, breaking free from past conventions. Yet, the distillation of modernism in graphic design remains a lesser-known but equally captivating facet.
In this groundbreaking TASCHEN publication, authored by Jens Müller, we are presented with an extraordinary compilation of approximately 6,000 trademarks spanning the years 1940–1980. It meticulously explores how modernist ideals and objectives gave rise to the concept of corporate identity. Encompassing a wide array of industries—from media to retail, airlines to art institutions—the survey is expertly organized into three design-centric chapters: Geometric, Effect, and Typographic. Each chapter is further subdivided into sections focusing on form and style elements like alphabet, overlay, dots, and squares.
Beyond this comprehensive catalog, the book offers readers valuable context. Jens Müller provides an insightful introduction to the history of logos, while R. Roger Remington contributes an illuminating essay on the intersection of modernism and graphic design. Including eight designer profiles and instructive case studies, it offers a deep dive into the lives and works of luminaries such as Paul Rand, Yusaku Kamekura, and Anton Stankowski. It highlights significant projects like Fiat, The Daiei Inc., and the 1968 Mexico Olympic Games.
A peerless resource for graphic designers, advertisers, and branding specialists, Logo Modernism also captivates those intrigued by social, cultural, and corporate history. It speaks to the profound persuasive power embedded within image and form.
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Typographic Systems of Design
by by Kimberly Elam
Typography is a multifaceted discipline, demanding designers to carefully navigate various conflicting elements. Kim Elam delves into eight significant structural frameworks beyond traditional grids in her book. Typography’s organization has always been a nuanced endeavor involving many factors like hierarchy, reading flow, legibility, and contrast. In “Typographic Systems,” Kim Elam, acclaimed author of bestsellers “Geometry of Design” and “Grid Systems,” delves into eight significant structural frameworks beyond the traditional grid. These encompass random, radial, modular, and bilateral systems. Elam provides diverse design solutions through exercises, student work, and professional examples.
Once designers grasp these foundational visual organization systems, they can seamlessly arrange words or images within a chosen framework or its variations. Each system is thoroughly elucidated and explored from the structured axis to the nonhierarchical radial array, offering readers a deeper understanding of these intricate arrangements. “Typographic Systems” is the seventh installment in our highly successful Design Briefs series, which has garnered over 100,000 copies in sales worldwide.
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CAPS LOCK: How Capitalism Took Hold of Graphic Design, and How to Escape From It
by Ruber Pater
CAPS LOCK unravels the inherent connection between graphic design and capitalism. Through in-depth case studies, it illustrates the relationship between designed objects and capitalism while delving into innovative design endeavors that challenge capitalistic ideologies. Graphic designers have played a crucial role in shaping our current economic system, creating number systems, currency, documents, advertisements, interfaces, typefaces, and information graphics. Even speculative and social design have their roles in driving this economic engine. While capitalism has generated immense wealth, it has also led to staggering income disparities and environmental degradation, burdening future generations. The question arises: Can ethical graphic design thrive in such a framework?
In “CAPS LOCK,” the undeniable intertwining of graphic design and capitalism is vividly demonstrated through clear language and visual examples. By showcasing radical design practices that challenge the dominance of the market, the book aims to inspire a different approach to graphic design.
Ruben Pater, born in 1977, is a multifaceted professional trained in graphic design. He engages in journalism, activism, education, and graphic design under the moniker “Untold Stories.” His work has earned numerous international accolades and has been featured in exhibitions worldwide. His debut book, “The Politics of Design” (2016), has inspired design students, artists, and visual communicators across diverse contexts. According to Eye on Design, it stands as essential reading for art school newcomers, alongside the foundational texts by Albers, Berger, Benjamin, and Sontag, providing a contemporary assessment of the landscape modern visual practitioners must navigate.
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How to… Expanded Edition 2021
by Michael Bierut
In this essential graphic design tome, Michael Bierut, a partner at Pentagram, showcases 35 projects that exemplify the diverse landscape of contemporary graphic design. His aim is not to promote a singular ideology but to spotlight the eclectic approach that defines his illustrious career. As a protégé of design icon Massimo Vignelli and a partner at Pentagram’s New York office, Michael Bierut boasts one of the most diverse careers in contemporary graphic design. The projects featured in “How to” exemplify the expansive scope of graphic design today, showcasing Bierut’s passionately eclectic approach that has defined his illustrious career.
In this updated and extended edition of his bestselling monograph, readers gain an in-depth look at over thirty projects from inception to completion. This includes fresh endeavors for prominent clients like Mastercard, The Poetry Foundation, the International Center for Photography, and Bierut’s brand design for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. The book offers valuable insights into the creative process, Bierut’s professional journey, client relationships, and the challenges faced by all creatives in delivering innovative work to the world today. Additionally, it features a new afterword addressing the designer’s role in the post-Covid era.
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The History of Graphic Design Vol 2
Jens Müller
Jens Müller’s “History of Graphic Design” spans from 1890 to the present day, offering a comprehensive overview of 131 years of exceptional graphic design. The book combines year-by-year spreads with detailed features on pivotal projects, profiles of influential figures in the industry, and visual timelines for each decade. With its dynamic fusion of image and concept, graphic design has been an eloquent mirror of each era as it navigates the shifting currents of time. Whether it’s the understated elegance of packaging or the vibrant allure of advertisements, the intelligence behind environmental graphics, or the seamless interfaces we encounter daily, graphic design serves as an informational conduit and a reflection of society’s cultural aspirations and values.
This second volume brings to a close our extensive journey through the landscape of graphic design, spanning from the 1960s to the present day. A rich tapestry of about 3,500 groundbreaking designs worldwide is our visual guide through contemporary history. We witness the emergence of the International Style and the advent of the revolutionary digital age. Detailed analyses dissect approximately 80 pivotal works, accompanied by biographies of 118 of the era’s most influential designers. Among them are luminaries like Massimo Vignelli (known for the New York subway wayfinding system), Otl Aicher (renowned for the Lufthansa identity), Paula Scher (noted for the Citibank brand identity), Neville Brody (iconic for The Face magazine), Kashiwa Sato (celebrated for the Uniqlo brand identity), and Stefan Sagmeister (famous for his handwriting posters).
Author Jens Müller, with his profound expertise, meticulously curates the standout designs for each year, interwoven with a continuous thread of design milestones. Organized chronologically, each decade is prefaced by a concise overview and a striking visual timeline, offering a vivid showcase of the diverse spectrum of graphic production in each era and the global landscape it both portrayed and defined.
This collection of significant graphic works serves as a long-awaited reflection on the evolution of a dynamic field that constantly reinvents itself. These essential pieces serve as navigational points through contemporary history, illuminating the profound impact of graphic design on our daily experiences.
Complemented by Volume One—which traces the field’s origins until 1959—these volumes offer the most exhaustive exploration of graphic design to date.
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The History of Graphic Design Vol 2 1890-1959
by Jens Müller
History is a multifaceted tapestry. It witnesses the rise and fall of fortunes, the ebb and flow of empires, and the impact of sweeping social, political, or technological changes. In this dynamic narrative, graphic design emerges as a vivid, concise fusion of image and idea, encapsulating the essence of each era.
This book presents an exhaustive history of graphic design from the late 19th century to the 1950s. It traces the evolution of this creative discipline from its roots in poster design to its expansion into advertising, corporate identity, packaging, and editorial design. The volume, organized chronologically, showcases over 2,500 seminal designs from around the globe. Detailed profiles of 71 designs and biographies of 61 influential figures in the field are included. Among them are visionaries like Alphonse Mucha (known for his chocolate advertisements), Edward Johnston (renowned for the London Underground logo and typeface), El Lissitzky (a pioneer of constructivist graphics), Herbert Matter (noted for his photomontage travel posters from Switzerland), Saul Bass (famous for his animated opening titles), and A. M. Cassandre (celebrated for his art deco posters).
Author Jens Müller, with his comprehensive knowledge, meticulously curates the standout designs for each year, interspersed with significant design milestones. Meanwhile, in his introductory essay, David Jury contextualizes graphic design, tracing its origins in early printing, engraving, and lithography and highlighting creative breakthroughs in the 19th century. Each ensuing decade is prefaced by a concise overview and a captivating visual timeline, offering a vivid display of the diverse range of graphic production in each era and the global landscape it both mirrored and shaped.
As we progress beyond and reflect upon the 20th century, this inaugural volume delves into the bedrock that would influence some of the most rapidly evolving creative fields. When combined with Volume Two—which spans from the 1960s to the present—the two volumes provide the most comprehensive exploration of graphic design to date. They also offer a long-overdue tribute to their immense contributions to economics, politics, social causes, the arts, media, and our world perception.
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100 Ideas That Changed Graphic Design
by Steven Heller
This captivating graphic design volume traces the pivotal concepts that have influenced industrial and product design, spanning from the craft movements of the 19th and early 20th centuries to the transformative impact of mass production. Presented in an easily understandable format, this book vividly showcases how ideas have shaped and delineated the realm of graphic design. With abundant illustrations, it serves as a wellspring of creative inspiration and a compelling chronicle of exemplary graphic design spanning the past century. The entries, broadly organized in chronological sequence, encompass a spectrum from technical aspects (such as overprinting, rub-on designs, and split fountain) to stylistic elements (including swashes on caps, bold typography, and the utilization of white space). Additionally, it delves into objects like dust jackets and design handbooks, as well as methods like paper cut-outs and pixelation.
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Big Type
by Dowling Jon
Big Type is a vibrant tribute to typography-driven design and identity work. Filled with insightful interviews from leading agencies like PORTO ROCHA and comprehensive project descriptions, Big Type is your ultimate source of type inspiration. In “Big Type,” we delve into the realm of graphic design and identity work with a distinct focus on typography. Today’s design landscape is saturated, particularly in the expansive digital domain, making it challenging to carve out a unique presence amidst the cacophony. The featured work in this book provides insights into how designers can create pieces that distinguish themselves and command attention amidst the clamor. It offers a captivating glimpse into a dynamic direction in graphic design, born from the convergence of technology, typography, and emerging trends, resulting in fresh and exhilarating outcomes.
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Design is Storytelling
by Ellen Lupton
Ellen Lupton’s book bridges the gap between design and storytelling, demonstrating how to infuse ideas with life through both mediums. Approaching design from a narrative perspective provides designers with the tools to leverage the narrative potential of their work. This includes techniques to evoke emotions, cultivate empathy, express values, and prompt action through design. Much like compelling storytelling, effective design breathes life into ideas. An acclaimed writer, Ellen Lupton presents her latest book as a guide for creative minds, demonstrating how designers can harness storytelling techniques to craft engaging graphics, products, services, and experiences. Whether shaping a digital app or a content-rich publication, designers beckon people to step into a narrative and explore its depths. Intriguing logos, page layouts, or retail spaces employ elements like line, shape, and form to guide users through dynamic journeys.
“Design Is Storytelling” delves into the psychology of visual perception, approaching it from a narrative perspective. Through a vibrant visual presentation, the book introduces numerous tools and concepts, empowering designers to amplify the narrative impact of their creations. Its guidance aids in evoking emotions, building empathy, expressing values, and inciting action. It also covers constructing narrative arcs, establishing spatial pathways, integrating form and language, evaluating a project’s storytelling prowess, and crafting and delivering compelling narratives.
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A Biography of the Pixel (Leonardo)
by Alvy Ray Smith
Around the turn of the millennium, something quietly groundbreaking happened: all media converged into a universal digital format. The bit became the universal language, and pixels, which are just specific packages of bits, took over the world. Suddenly, nearly every image we encountered, from cell phone photos to video game graphics, was made up of pixels.
In “A Biography of the Pixel,” co-founder of Pixar, Alvy Ray Smith, contends that the pixel is the fundamental building block of modern media. He introduces straightforward yet profound concepts that tie together the diverse world of digital image creation. Smith’s narrative traces the evolution of the pixel, from Fourier waves to Turing machines, culminating in the first digital movies produced by companies like Pixar, DreamWorks, and Blue Sky.
Today, most images we come across are digital, transformed into pixels, and detached from their original medium. Museums and kindergartens are some of the last holdouts of the analog. Based on his extensive experience in the field, Smith eloquently and accessibly explains how these invisible digital elements become visible on our screens. Focusing on digital movies as a representative example of Digital Light (his term for images made of pixels), Smith approaches the subject from various angles, including art, technology, entertainment, business, and history. “A Biography of the Pixel” is a must-read for anyone who’s ever watched a video on their phone, played a video game, or seen a movie. Additionally, the author has provided 400 pages of annotations online, serving as a valuable resource for readers.
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Just My Type: A Book About Fonts
by Simon Garfield
Have you ever wondered about the stories behind the fonts you encounter daily? From the classic Times New Roman to the modern Arial, fonts play a significant role in our visual world. In “Just My Type,” Simon Garfield takes you on a journey through the 560-year history of typefaces.
Learn how Helvetica became a global sensation and why Trajan seems to pop up on so many movie posters. Discover the secrets behind iconic designs like the Beatles logo and how Gotham played a role in Barack Obama’s presidential campaign.
If you’re design-savvy or just curious about the world of fonts, this book is a must-have. With Garfield’s witty take, “Just My Type” is a delightful read for fans of books like “Eats, Shoots & Leaves” and “Schott’s Original Miscellany.” Dive into the fascinating world of typefaces today!
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Why Fonts Matter
by Sarah Hyndman
Fonts can create trust and mistrust, give you confidence, make things seem more manageable, …or even enhance flavor. Sarah Hyndman’s book unveils the science and art behind how fonts wield influence and why they can evoke specific associations. Discover the secret language of fonts! They do more than sit on a page – they shape your perceptions, influence your emotions, and even affect your senses. In “Why Fonts Matter,” graphic designer Sarah Hyndman uncovers the science behind how fonts can sway your every experience.
With two decades of design expertise and insights from experimental psychologists and neuroscientists, Hyndman delves into the fascinating world of type. Learn how fonts can alter your mood, spark memories, and reveal hidden personality traits. It’s time to see fonts in a whole new light!
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Thinking with Type, 2nd revised and expanded edition: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students
by Ellen Lupton
Dive into the world of typography with the revised and expanded second edition of the best-selling “Thinking with Type.” Ellen Lupton offers expert guidance on how to wield letters, words, and paragraphs for effective visual communication. Learn about typefaces, kerning, grids, and more. This edition includes new content on style sheets, ornaments, numerals, and font formats. Packed with exercises and illustrations, it’s a must-have for designers, writers, and anyone working with words. And if you’re a fan, don’t miss Lupton’s latest book, “Extra Bold,” a field guide for inclusive, innovative graphic design.
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What Images Really Tell Us: Visual Rhetoric in Art, Graphic Design, and Advertising
by Massimo Mariani
How do images capture and convey meaning? In this graphic design book by Massimo Mariani, the metaphors, metonymies, hyperboles, and other concepts that underlie our visual language and its impactful purpose are thoroughly explored. Unwrap the secrets of visual communication! Delve into the fascinating world of images with this engaging book. It’s the perfect gift for anyone curious about how visuals convey messages. From ancient times to modern media, explore the language of images in advertising, art, cinema, and more. Learn about metaphors, hyperboles, and other rhetorical tools that shape visual meaning. With insightful examples and expert analysis, you’ll gain the skills to master this captivating language. An excellent present for the curious minds in your life!
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The Package Design Book 6
Multilingual Edition by Taschen (Editor), Jennifer Clements (Foreword), Adam Ryan (Introduction)
The packaging designer’s bible: over 650 pages of the world’s finest packaging across food and beverages, luxury, and everywhere else. Get ready to dive into the world of packaging design! Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, packaging is the first thing that catches your eye. It’s a game-changer when it comes to deciding what to buy. And let’s face it: In today’s digital age, unboxing videos are all the rage, packaging design courses are hotter than ever, and companies are going out to make their products look stunning. Packaging isn’t just functional—it’s a marketing powerhouse!
In TASCHEN’s sixth edition of The Package Design Book, you’ll find a treasure trove of over 500 projects from 45+ countries. We’re celebrating the 14th anniversary of the prestigious Pentawards, showcasing the winners from 2019 and 2020. This collection bursts with clever, captivating, and charming packaging concepts, from beverages to luxury goods. It’s a testament to the incredible impact of packaging design on brands and consumers. Take advantage of this dynamic showcase!
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Branding In Five and a Half Steps
by Michael Johnson
In this book, renowned brand designer Michael Johnson deconstructs brands to their fundamental elements, revealing the reasons behind our choices. With the help of case studies and over 1,000 illustrations, Johnson provides a straightforward guide on how to craft compelling brands in five and a half simple steps. As one of the globe’s top graphic designers and brand wizards, he’s the creative force behind iconic rebrands like Virgin Atlantic, Christian Aid, and many more!
In “Branding,” Johnson peels back the layers of everyday brands to reveal their core components. With compelling case studies, he unveils why we choose one product or service over another and how subtle influences can shape our decisions. Discover that it all starts with asking the right question—a market gap waiting to be filled.
But that’s just the beginning! Johnson delves into the hidden elements that make a brand truly shine. From crafting a compelling strapline to wielding typography like a pro, he shows how design and language combine to create something extraordinary.
And guess what? You’ll be treated to over 1,000 vibrant illustrations showcasing some of the world’s most successful corporate identities! Plus, you can even whip up your brand or ad effortlessly with handy templates.
This book isn’t just a read—it’s an experience. Don’t miss out on exploring the magic behind the brands you know and love. It’s a must-have for every designer’s bookshelf!
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How Design Makes Us Think
by Sean Adams
This graphic design book goes beyond surface aesthetics. Adams delves into how design can subtly or overtly influence our thoughts and actions. He provides compelling examples of how design can inspire, provoke, amuse, anger, or reassure us, along with insightful explanations of why it works. Hey design aficionados! Ever stop to think about how design impacts us on a deep, visceral level? It’s not just about looking pretty—it’s about how it makes us feel and influences our actions.
In “How Design Makes Us Think,” the talented Sean Adams, a recipient of the prestigious AIGA award, takes us on a journey through the incredible power of design. From graphic design to industrial design to architecture, Adams shows us how design can stir our emotions, provoke thoughts, and even shape our behavior.
With a treasure trove of examples, Adams unveils how design can inspire, amuse, and even challenge us. Ever wonder why specific techniques make you feel a certain way? This book spills the beans on the sociological, psychological, and historical factors at play.
Whether you’re a designer, marketer, or just someone curious about the design world, this book is a game-changer. It’s time to dive deep and discover how the design world shapes our thoughts, feelings, and actions!
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Paula Scher: Works
by Tony Brook & Adrian Shaughnessy
This comprehensive monograph chronicles the early career of renowned graphic designer Paula Scher, from her days in the music industry as an art director with CBS and Atlantic Records to the establishment of her first studio, Koppel & Scher, and her extensive 25-year tenure with Pentagram. Paula Scher is a true trailblazer in the world of design. This visual chronicle is a testament to her groundbreaking work, from her early days in the music industry to the founding of her own studio and a remarkable 25-year run at Pentagram.
Paula’s influence goes far beyond design; she’s left an indelible mark on the very fabric of New York City. From iconic projects like MoMA to transforming spaces like the High Line and Shake Shack, her innovative approach to environmental graphics and identity design has reshaped the urban landscape.
Her logos for global giants and cultural institutions have solidified her status as an identity design powerhouse. But that’s not all—Paula’s commitment to social and political causes shines through in her posters, New York Times Op-Ed illustrations, and campaigns.
And let’s not forget her mesmerizing hand-painted maps—a unique artistic practice that beautifully complements her ever-expanding graphic legacy.
This monograph is a must-have for anyone passionate about design and its profound impact on our world. Take advantage of this visual journey through Paula Scher’s remarkable career!
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Graphic Design: The New Basics
by Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips
Introducing the Second Edition of “Graphic Design: The New Basics” by Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips!
Unlock the foundational concepts of visual language that underlie all design projects. Whether you’re delving into logos, websites, or letterheads, this book is your comprehensive guide, no matter your design focus.
Explore essential topics like color, texture, balance, and grids through vivid visuals and concise insights. Plus, discover new chapters covering data visualization, typography, and more!
With sixteen extra pages showcasing student and professional work, this revised edition is a go-to choice for graphic design programs. Get ready for an enlightening journey into the world of graphic design!
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Grid systems in graphic design: A visual communication manual for graphic designers, typographers and three-dimensional designers
by Josepf Müller-Brockmann
A grid system is like a designer’s blueprint. It’s a structured framework that helps logically and consistently organize information on a page. Both print and web designers lean on grid systems for balanced and well-structured layouts. While basic versions have been around since medieval times, Swiss graphic designers, inspired by typographical literature, refined it into a more rigid and coherent tool for page design. Müller-Brockmann played a pivotal role in spreading this knowledge worldwide.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find rules and guidelines for using grid systems ranging from 8 to 32 fields applicable to various projects. It even covers the use of three-dimensional grids. You’ll get precise instructions on effectively employing these systems, supported by practical examples. It’s an invaluable resource for designers looking to bring their concepts to life with precision and style.
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Menu Design in Europe: A Visual and Culinary History of Graphic Styles and Design 1800-2000
by Jim Heimann
Jim Heimann’s latest book, “Menu Design in Europe,” serves as a visual feast, showcasing a delectable array of European menus from the early 19th century to the close of the millennium. This book is a delightful treat for both culinary enthusiasts and design lovers, offering a captivating glimpse into the intersection of gastronomy and graphic artistry.
With French cuisine as a cornerstone, European culinary traditions evolved and diversified. As dining establishments burgeoned in the 19th century, so did the need for more formal and visually appealing menus. From the ornate die-cut design of Paris’s Le Grand Vefour in 1891, evoking the vibrant ambiance of the Belle Epoque era, to the spirited Jazz Age vibe of London’s Royal Palace Hotel in 1932, each menu transports readers to a distinct culinary epoch. Meanwhile, the mid-century menu of Lasserre restaurant in Paris exemplifies a beautifully surrealistic simplicity.
“Menu Design in Europe” encompasses a diverse range of artistic styles, from the opulence of Art Nouveau and Art Deco to the graphic sensibilities of the German Democratic Republic. It also features the Michelin-starred restaurants of the celebrity chef era and even rare finds like a German military menu from World War II. More than just lists of dishes, these menus serve as mementos of memorable dining experiences, often presented with the same meticulous care as the meals themselves.
Though we may have yet to have the opportunity to dine at La Tour D’Argent in 1952 and savor their renowned duck dish, Le Caneton Tour d’Argent, the vivid waterfowl-themed illustration on the menu allows us to imagine the experience. Alongside captivating visuals, the book includes an essay by graphic design authority Steven Heller and insightful captions by esteemed ephemerist and antiquarian book dealer Marc Selvaggio. “Menu Design In Europe” is a sumptuous visual banquet and a historical testament to two centuries of culinary heritage, featuring menus from distinguished collectors and institutions.
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Look Both Ways
by Debbie Millman
“Look Both Ways” is a collection of illustrated essays at the crossroads of daily life and design, born from Debbie Millman’s influential podcast “Design Matters” and her rich 25-year career. It explores the realms of life, art, love, design, brands, poetry, and shame and even delves into the world of physics.
“Look Both Ways: Illustrated Essays on the Intersection of Life and Design” is a journey through life, art, love, design, music, brands, poetry, vulnerability, and even the mysteries of physics. It’s the culmination of over 25 years immersed in the design world, a process that began to take shape when I launched my radio show, Design Matters, nearly five years ago.
In this book, I’ve woven together a series of essays that delve into the profound connection between design and our everyday experiences. With every turn of the page, you’ll discover nuggets of inspiration, navigating through insightful reflections that resonate personally and universally. Each essay, beautifully illustrated, unveils the enchantment and marvel of the often-overlooked world that surrounds us. Explore the magic that’s hidden in plain sight!
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