Recommended Books For The Graphic Design

[Create This]

Hey everyone, would like to start a thread on books available that you have read, that have been creativily inspirational and you would recommend to other designers.

Or even list books that you have gotten that have been complete duds and you would not recommend to anyone.

One book that i find being a great tool to get your creative juices, is "caffiene for the creative mind." This book has 250 projects that require minimum time that really get you out of the box.

"Creativity for graphic designers" is also a good book. This book focuses on questions to ask clients, and steps to take that will teach you different brainstorming techniques and different ways to view a problem and get a solution if your having a creative block.

"elements of graphic design" is great for any designer. They go over all the elements and principles of design. They have tons of references on each of the principles and helps you learn the design process like a pro. This book takes you back to the basics and helps you get a firm grasp on CRAP Contrast Repetition Alignment and Proximity.

If you want to teach yourself FLASH, "Creating A Website With Flash" is great. This book is basically a 130 page tutorial with all starting files to create a flash site using actionscripting

If your looking for some visual inspiration the "logo lounge" series has a ton i mean ton of logos no text just logos, the book is sectioned by different types of logos and is a great visual reference.

I also recommend Photoshop "Creative magazine" tons of content, CD rom filled with goodies, brushes, styles, etc.. you can find this at any barnes and noble in the states,

So what else is out their anyone can recommend or not recommend???????

[jchilders]

When I need inspiration for logo design, these are my fav's:

http://www.logolounge.com/books.asp

[Create This]

Logo lounge is an absolute favorite of mine as well!! thanks for the link!

Dont forget to vote for me to be on the design team!
http://www.designcontest.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=7505

[resurepus]

Logolounge is great. In fact I am thinking about a subscription to submit the winners of DC contests to their database. We have some excellent designs and I am sure some of them would end up being published in their book.

As for the books, the last one I read is Making and Breaking the Grid by Timothy Samara from Rockport Publishers. There was not much instructional matherials, but I enjoyed the examples of grids provided in the book very much. Good source of inspiration if you work for print.

I can also add that generally books from Rockport Publishers are quite good.

[Create This]

Thanks Res! Thats a great idea to get try and get the winners published in the logo lounge. That is very rewarding for a designer!!

So who would you recommend making and breaking the grid to? beginning - moderate - any/advanced designer?

I am currently reading "becoming a graphic designer withought losing your soul!"
Its a great book for those interested in opening up their own studios, and answers alot of UNanswered questions that come along the way! highly recommended for ANY LEVEL designer!

Dont forget to vote for me to be on the design team!
http://www.designcontest.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=7505

[resurepus]

I would recommend it for beginning-moderate level designers. There are a couple of examples of grids in web design, but still the main topic is grids in print design.

Update: what I would also like to mention is that this books gives some reference to history of graphic design and encourages to do further research.

[Create This]

Hey Res, I will have to check that out! Designing a layout is a very important part of design, if not the most important besides the communication, that we often struggle with. I know I have. Its hard to find ways to step out of the box, and im sure this book will help! Thanks!

[apresico]

A good book that I recommend is Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines (Graphic Artists Guild Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidelines)

Has very good contract examples, everything you need to know for pricing your work fairly (showing average prices), things about kill fees, and just general information on the market for designers and clients. It has info as well on professional ethics and business standards. Its great for freelancers! The new version comes out in the middle of july I believe. Most designers find this to be the best book you can use for ethics, pricing, copyrights, and just about anything you need to know about professionalism.

I also like stuff by Robin Landa such as the non-designers scan and print book.

One that I really enjoy for inspiration is the big book of new design ideas. Its nothing but designs, no words, and there is some very fine work in there

[Create This]

Apresco, great recommendation! This is an important aspect of design you wont learn in school! here is a link to where you can buy that book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...1940935&sr=1-1

if anyone can find it cheaper, feel free to post the link! I know im buying it!!!!

[apresico]

A new one gets added every 2-3 years for updates to the design industry standards because everything is always changing.

[rinaldidesigns]

thats a great price for the book(I paid way more...)

[resurepus]

Apresco, great recommendation! This is an important aspect of design you wont learn in school! here is a link to where you can buy that book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...1940935&sr=1-1

if anyone can find it cheaper, feel free to post the link! I know im buying it!!!!

this edition seems to be cheaper: http://www.biblio.com/books/26092066.html

[Create This]

Res, Thanks for the link. At first i was kind of hesitant posting links (since it took you outside the forum) but since its ok, i will try and update my previous posts and add links to good buys to help our members out!