10 Books on Graphic Design & Typography You Should Own

This book contains almost everything that someone could need on branding. It is chocked full of vital information for both students and professionals. It is organised logically and sequentially, comprising of great examples and case studies of subjects that are discussed. There is appropriate information for anyone who plays a significant role in the brand identity process. This means marketing teams, communication professionals and graphic designers can all find something of use in Alina Wheeler’s essential guide.

Logo Modernism is a detailed look into logos from 1940 – 1980. The in depth look ranges through various categories, from geometric – angular, circular, typographic – A-Z etc. There are descriptions of both famous designers and case studies of how brands like Fiat are implemented. The design of the book is both clean and impactful.

This book is an unparalleled resource for anyone working in graphic design, advertising or branding, as well as anyone who has a fascination with social and cultural history, as well as the power of effective image and form.

McNiel’s book catalogs major typefaces that have been produced since the emergence of printing with movable type in the fifteenth century to present day. The book is organised chronologically in order to provide the reader context. There are over 320 typefaces exhibited in the structure of their original type specimens or earliest printing. Each typeface has its own brief history as well as its key characteristics of the typeface. A must have for anyone who has an interest or love for typefaces.

Both of these books by Malinic are chock-full of key survival skills in graphic design and branding. Both of his books are full of professional sources of his personal style. These are genuinely useful handbooks for all of the things that graphic design courses do not prepare you for as a freelance graphic designer. The guides serve as incredible material for anyone in design and branding, from beginner to experienced. It is filled with practical advice that can help a creative in their design decisions as well as client engagement.

This guide, also by Malinic, does a brilliant job of simplifying and breaking down the complicated task of branding, into digestible sections. The book guides its reader through planning a project, to pricing it, right through to final delivery. In addition to notable knowledge and industry experience that is conveyed in 256 pages, it is also beautiful to look at. The pages are a branded piece of art in themselves, showcasing the degree of effort and precision in Radim Malinic’s work.

Heller’s book concisely describes basic graphic design precepts and history in a way that sticks with its reader. Heller links a conceptual premise with proven visual example by a celebrated creative thinker known for their expertise ad mastery in typographic design. The book includes Herb Lubalin, Paula Scher and Zuzana Licko.

Kleon’s book is loaded with engaging anecdotes and useful tips dawn from his personal experience of learning to be an independent artist. It includes quotes from big names from people such as Gide and Goethe. The book reminds its readers that being creative should be playful and that you shouldn’t pressure yourself to leave a huge legacy behind you. That being an artist isn’t necessarily about winning the Booker prize, and wishing to be taken seriously; it’s about joy and creativity. Every aspiring and fearful artist should read Kleon’s book.

This manual offers guidelines and regulations for the purpose as well as use for grid systems from 8 to 32 grid fields. Specific directions for using all of the grid systems are shown and provided to the reader, conveying examples of working accurately on a conceptual level. Or, more simply put: a guide from the profession for the profession. Josef’s book is undoubtedly a classic in there of graphic design and layout technique. The reader can get a sense of how a message can be put forward through thoughtful design work. 

In this book, Shaughnessy tackles the anxieties of young creatives in graphic design who want to earn a living by doing meaningful and fulfilling work, steering clear of becoming a design robot who works on soulless projects. Shaughnessy is direct in his writing and conveys to his readers how to establish your design career and offers suggestions – that young creatives aren’t taught at college – for running a successful graphic design business.