Graphic Design Books You Need In Your Library Collection

The saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” doesn’t necessarily work with the graphic design field.  As a designer, you have to be up to date with the latest technology and trends so that you don’t become “an old dog.” A good place to start is on the web by searching articles in the design field, but for anyone that enjoys the more scenic route a book is an “old dogs” best friend.  Below is a list of some best (and most influential) books that any graphic designer should have in their library.

1. Graphic Design: A New History by Stephen J. Eskilson
This book is a given of course.  In order to have a better understanding of graphic design, you need to go back into the past.  This book is a collective history of how graphic design began, who influenced it, and why we still use it today.

2. Thinking with Type: A Primer for Designers by Ellen Lupton

A book about the study of type, Thinking with Type has been a blessing for students and designers alike.  Not only does this book help you have a better understanding of type and how to successfully display it, but it also has little examples/lessons for you to practice with.

3. Creative Workshop: 80 Challenges to Sharpen Your Design Skills by David Sherwin-

Within this book, you’ll find 80 creative challenges that will help designers have a better understanding on how to solve design problems in all media forms within a good time frame. The exercises range from typefaces to wed design. Also, there are solutions that other designers have come up with for these challenges for designers to compare with.

4. Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines

This is the 13^th Edition of the so-called “bible” for graphic artists.  This book has information that artists (and their clients) can utilize to help keep their business booming.

Do you have any books that should be suggested for graphic designers? Leave a comment below along with the title of the book!

Written by: Katherine Harding