When it comes to valuable insights, books have always been great sources of inspiration. They help people analyse and overcome different situations in both professional and personal aspects of life. 

Books on Female First

Books on Female First

However, since our life is getting faster, we have even less time to read a good book. There is no time for going to a store to pick a book. There is less and less time to dedicate to leisure pastime. 

Even today's students, who are generally those who read the most, have less and less time and energy for reading and researching. 

Trying to strike a balance between huge academic workload and, for example, part-time jobs, they seek assistance from EssayPro and other professional platforms. And even young professionals who do not bother with studies anymore outsource and delegate lots of projects these days.

Indeed, the number of people reading decreases year by year. Yet, for those designers who still find inspiration in spending their evening with a book, this article can be of great interest.

In this article, you will find recommendations on 11 must-read books for designers in 2020. Here they are...

11. Designing Brand Identity by Alina Wheeler

In her book, Alina Wheeler included a deep and comprehensive coverage of social media. She focuses on such aspects as cross channel strategy, SEO, experience branding, crowdsourcing, wayfinding, mobile devices, and placemaking. This book will prove to be fundamental guidance for designers and branding teams as it covers many aspects of brand development and implementation.

10. Graphic Design - The New Basics by Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips

This book is a best-selling introduction to graphic design. It is a great fit for both newbies and experienced professionals. 

The book offers a new and unconventional approach to the fundamentals of graphic design in an easy and clear way that everyone will get the hang of.

9. Logo Modernism by Jens Muller

Published in 2015, this book is still up on many shelves. The author examines around 6,000 trademarks and their logos to connect historic and modern trends.

This book also explains what today's client wants.

8. Dieter Rams: As Little Design As Possible by Sophie Lovell and Jonathan Ive

In their book, the authors analyse the works of one of the greatest and most influential product designers of the 20th century. 

Even if the name Dieter Rams doesn't ring the bell, you are certain to recognise one of the products he designed. 

When through with this book, you will definitely reach some unexpected conclusions related to the profession and the trends.

7. Material by Andreas Uebele

Andreas Uebele is a representative of contemporary German graphic design

In his book, the author comes to surprising conclusions concerning the graphics of Reichstag and other iconic buildings. He also writes about the geniuses of modern European design. These include Matthew Carter, Massimo Vignelli, and Hermann Zapf.

6. Why Fonts Matter by Sarah Hyndman

Sarah Hyndman is a graphic designer and typographer who explores the fonts and their impact on people’s perception of design and the choices they make. The book is a good read for designers who work directly with texts and seek new ways to influence their audience.

5. The Art of Looking Sideways by Alan Fletcher

In this book, the author analyses the expressive use of type, space, color, and imagery in one's own creative way. 

The author does not intend to teach lessons but strives to provide an insight based on design samples collected from around the globe.

4. Typographic Systems by Kimberly Elam

Most designers do not like typography due to the complexity of the field. 

This book offers an alternative approach to complex arrangements of typography. It will help both students and professional designers learn how to organise any text with ease.

3. How To by Michael Beirut

The book is written by one of the world’s most famous and renowned graphic designers. 

It is ambitiously described as the one capable of teaching students and professionals the following:

  • how to use graphic design to sell things, 
  • how to explain things, 
  • how to make things look better, 
  • how to make people laugh and cry;
  • and (every once in a while) change the world.

2. 100 Ideas That Changed Graphic Design by Peter Fiell and Charlotte Fiell

This inspiring book is definitely a must-have for students and experts. It contains creative ideas that have shaped both industrial and product design. 

Indeed, this one is a collection of best examples of modern design. Those are analysed, taking into consideration the history and impact.

1. The Anatomy of Color: The Story of Heritage Paints Pigments by Patrick Baty

In this book, the author reflects on the impact color has on the perception of an object and shape. 

He also writes about distinctive color trends and styles. The book covers many periods and explains the context of each.

Wrapping it up

Even if you spend most of your time drawing and designing, find some time, and spend it reading a couple of useful books. 

They can really boost your motivation and bring many creative ideas required for unconventional design projects.


Tagged in