What are the Best Design Books for 2024?
As a graphic designer, one of the best ways to level up your design skills is by learning from the greats. And what better way to do that than by diving into some of the best design books out there?
Over the years, I’ve built up quite a collection of books on graphic design, color theory, logo design, and typography books. Some were recommendations from my design professors back in school, others I discovered on my own through trial and error (and a lot of late nights scouring Amazon reviews).
But here’s the thing – not all books on design are created equal. Some are dense academic texts that make you sleep faster than a warm glass of milk. Others are all style, no substance.
The key is finding those gems that strike the perfect balance of inspiration, practical tips for designers, and industry insights. Lucky for you, I’ve done the hard work and compiled my curated list of the best graphic design books here.
Let’s dive in…🌟
- 01. The Power of Typography in Design
- 02. Brand Identity and Logo Design
- 03. Grid Systems in Graphic Design Product Design and User Experience (UX)
- 04. Creative Process in Graphic Design
- 05. Web Design and UI Design: A Digital Perspective
- 06. Print Design: Keeping the Tradition Alive
- 07. Changing the World Through Design
- 08. Knowing Your Onions: Essential Skills for Graphic Designers
- 09. The Interaction of Color in Design
01. The Power of Typography in Design
“The Power of Typography in Design” by Mark Argetsinger is a must-read for any graphic designer looking to elevate their typography skills.
This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of modern book design, from choosing the perfect typeface to mastering composition and layout.
What I Like
With over 425 illustrations and diagrams, “The Power of Typography in Design” is a visual feast that’ll inspire your own creative process. Trust me, whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, this book is an invaluable resource you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again.
If you’re ready to geek out over kerning and leading, definitely add this one to your collection!
02. Brand Identity and Logo Design
“Brand Identity and Logo Design” by Catharine Slade-Brooking is easily one of the best books out there for anyone looking to dive into the world of branding and logo design. As a graphic designer, I’ve found this book to be an incredibly helpful resource in understanding the creative processes behind designing a successful brand identity.
What I Like
One of the things I appreciate most about this book, and what makes it stand out as one of the best books on the subject, is how it breaks down the key activities involved in creating a brand, from defining the audience to analyzing competitors and designing logos. The case studies throughout the book, featuring brands from various industries, provide valuable insights into how these concepts are applied in the real world.
The book’s visual elements, including images of professional design concepts and helpful flow charts, make it an engaging read for designers at any level.
03. Grid Systems in Graphic Design
“Grid Systems in Graphic Design” by Josef Müller-Brockmann is a classic book that every graphic designer should have in their library. It is a comprehensive guide to using grid systems in design, packed with valuable information and insights that have stood the test of time.
What I Like
One of the things I love about this book is how it delves into the history and evolution of grid systems, tracing their origins back to medieval times and exploring how Swiss graphic designers like Müller-Brockmann developed more rigid and coherent systems for page layout. It’s fascinating to see how these early pioneers laid the foundation for the grid-based design principles we still use today.
0.4 Product Design and User Experience (UX)
“Product Design and User Experience (UX)” by Jon Yablonski is a must-read for any designer looking to create more intuitive, human-centered digital experiences. Yablonski explores the intersection of psychology and UX design, providing practical examples of how key psychological principles can be applied to build products that work with the way humans perceive and process the world.
What I Like
I appreciate how this book breaks down complex psychological concepts into digestible chunks, making them accessible to designers without a background in psychology or behavioral science. Yablonski explains how principles like aesthetics, perception, and mental processing can be leveraged to create effective user interfaces and digital products.
The real-world examples from companies like Apple, Google, and Netflix were eye-opening, and have definitely influenced my approach to design projects. Whether you’re a seasoned UX designer or just starting out, this book is essential for creating human-centered digital experiences.
05. Creative Process in Graphic Design
“Creative Process in Graphic Design” by Ellen Lupton is an essential resource for any designer looking to break out of a creative rut. Lupton explores a wide range of techniques that can be applied to any brainstorming scenario, making the creative process accessible to everyone.
What I Like
I love how this book is organized around the three basic phases of design thinking: defining the problem, inventing ideas, and creating form. Lupton provides a mix of informal strategies for quick thinking and more formal research methods, ensuring there’s something for every designer’s style.
Insights from leading experienced designers like Paula Scher and Steven Heller offer a glimpse into how the pros overcome creative blocks.
06. Web Design and UI Design: A Digital Perspective
“Web Design and UI Design: A Digital Perspective” by Karl Blanks and Ben Jesson is a must-read for anyone looking to create profitable websites that customers love. Drawing from their extensive experience growing successful web companies, the authors share a unique methodology for bucking the trend of losing websites.
What I Like
What sets this book apart is its focus on actionable insights and proven solutions. Blanks and Jesson provide a clear roadmap for identifying your website’s biggest opportunities and implementing strategies that have produced impressive results for their clients.
07. Print Design: Keeping the Tradition Alive
“Print Design: Keeping the Tradition Alive” by Charles Conover is a comprehensive guide to creating successful print media projects using the Adobe Creative Suite. This book is a must-have for any designer looking to master the art of print design in the digital age.
What I Like
One of the strengths of this book is its highly visual approach. Packed with hundreds of illustrated examples and real-world design exercises, it provides hands-on practice to help readers achieve strong designs.
The book walks readers through the entire design process, from planning to execution, in the same order that actual projects are implemented.
The step-by-step descriptions and software tips and tricks of print design make it easy to follow along and apply the concepts to your own work.
08. How Design Makes Us Think PB: And Feel and Do Things
“How Design Makes Us Think PB: And Feel and Do Things” by Sean Adams is a fascinating exploration of how design influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
What I Like
What I appreciate most about this book is how it goes beyond the aesthetics of design and digs deeper into the psychological and sociological impacts. Adams uses hundreds of examples across various design principles, from graphic design to architecture, to illustrate how design can inspire, provoke, or even subtly influence our actions.
As a designer, this book has given me a new appreciation for the responsibility we have to create design with the best intentions. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to understand the power of design in shaping our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
09. Knowing Your Onions: Essential Skills for Graphic Designers
“Knowing Your Onions: Essential Skills for Graphic Designers” by Aaron James Draplin is a must-read for any designer looking to combine the power of design, social media, entrepreneurship, and DIY aesthetic to create a successful business and way of life.
What I Like
Draplin’s unique perspective and hilarious commentary make this book stand out. He shares examples of his work for brands like Esquire, Ford Motors, and Burton Snowboards, while providing valuable insights into the design process behind projects like Field Notes and the “Things We Love” State Posters.
As a graphic designer, I appreciate Draplin’s emphasis on loving what you do and making your hobby your life’s work. His passion for design is infectious and inspiring.
“Knowing Your Onions” is a comprehensive guide to the essential skills every graphic designer needs to succeed in today’s competitive industry.
10. The Interaction of Color in Design
“The Interaction of Color in Design” is a comprehensive guide that provides designers with the tools needed to use color effectively in their work. This book goes beyond color theory basics and delves into color’s emotional impact and role in design.
What I Like
This book’s balanced approach to information and case studies sets it apart. It covers essential topics like color theory and combinations while exploring the emotional impact of specific colors and compositional principles unique to color design.
I appreciate the inclusion of color illusions and practical guidance on discussing color with clients and selling color ideas. The case studies offer valuable insights into real-world applications of color in design.
“The Interaction of Color in Design” is an attractively designed book that offers a broad understanding of color’s role in graphic design, making it a valuable resource for designers at all levels.
Conclusion
As a graphic designer, I’ve learned that our journey is one of perpetual learning and evolution. These top design books offer a wealth of knowledge on various aspects of design, from the philosophy behind graphic design thinking to practical tips on sketching, revising, and creating effective products and services.
They help us develop strategic habits and provide an overview of the industry that can elevate our skills in logo design, typography, and color.
Whether you’re just getting into design or are a professional, these books are a gateway to expanding your horizons. As a wise quote once said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know.”
So download these books, absorb the wisdom they offer, and let them guide you in your continuous quest for growth and excellence in design.
Remember, every book you read is a step forward in your journey as a designer. Happy reading! 📚✨
FAQ
Q: What typographic design books do you recommend from 2024?
A: Some excellent reads for typographic design from 2024 include “Designing Type” by Karen Cheng and David Airey’s “Logo Design Love”. These books offer actionable advice and cover everything designers need to know about typographic design.
Q: Where could I find some insights about thinking with type?
A: For insights on thinking with type, “Thinking With Type: A Guide for Designers” is a must-read. Among the best sellers in 2024, this book challenges designers to apply typographic rules in inventive ways.
Q: Can you recommend a book to help me design like a great designer?
A: To design like the greats, the book “How to Be a Graphic Designer without Losing Your Soul” by Adrian Shaughnessy can be of great help. The book’s content is intended to provide inspiration and deep insights about how to triumph in a design studio setting.
Q: What books should I read to understand new basics in design?
A: For understanding new basics in design, Ellen Lupton’s book “Graphic Design: The New Basics” is recommended. This excellent read covers new basics in design, showing good ideas on balancing theory with practical examples.
Q: How can I make things look better in my graphic designs?
A: To learn how to make things look better in your designs, read “How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things” by Michael Bierut, a renowned graphic designer and writer at Pentagram. This book is one of the best design books of 2024, providing practical suggestions for improving visual communication skills.
Q: How can I learn more about designing type in product design?
A: You might want to find “IDEO’s Human-Centered Design Toolkit”. It is a comprehensive guide that presents clear, actionable methods for designing type in product design; hence, it is an excellent read in this area.
Q: I am interested in graphic design. Are there any books you could recommend to help sell things effectively?
A: The book “How to Use Graphic Design to Sell Things” by Michael Bierut perfectly matches your needs. It covers everything a graphic designer needs to know to create designs that look good and sell.
Q: What are some must-read books for non-designers who would like to learn about design like professionals?
A: For non-designers who’d like to learn about design, “The Design of Everyday Things” by Don Norman, an expert on user-friendly design, is a must-read. Also, “Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Entire Branding Team” by Alina Wheeler is another book you cannot miss.
Q: Are there any design books that provide inspiration for designing types in industrial design?
A: Yes, “Designing Type” by Karen Cheng offers advice and guidance on typographic design principles that can be applied in a variety of areas, including industrial design. This book of 2024 will definitely give you great inspiration.
Q: Can you recommend any design books that were popular in 2023 and are still relevant?
A: “Ways of Seeing” by John Berger was a popular book in 2023, and it remains relevant today for its novel perspectives on visual culture. Another book from 2023, “Design as Art” by Bruno Munari, is also an excellent read that designer students and lovers should not miss.
