Now, school’s out for summer (not ever, just till September) and I’m already looking forward to my final year’s projects,  meeting the new ‘meat for the mincer’ (or first years as they’re affectionately known) and wondering what could be instore for my dissertation (theme still undecided) or what interesting lectures will be on offer.

Some of you may even be starting some form of graphic design course in September – and to those that are, I wish you the absolute best of luck. You’ve made a wise move.

If you are keen to get ahead of the game and want some summer bed-time reading to help inspire beautifully designed, and neatly type-set dreams, I’ve formulated a list of quintessentially indispensable graphic design and creative thinking books which I strongly recommend on a daily basis to anyone, willing to pretend to care. But even if you are not enrolled graphic design course, and just simply have a passion or keen interest in graphic design & print then you too, are warmly welcome to peruse my virtual bookshelf.  Coincidentally, if you have a book recommendation which isn’t on the list, make it. Get in-touch I’d love to hear from you.

[please note, these books are in no particular order]

Choosing and Using Paper for Great Graphic Design

Choosing and Using Paper for Great Graphic Design

This book is the comprehensive resource for every designer work with paper and stock. Always at hand on my desk and constantly referred to. It showcases some beautiful examples of high quality paper-led designs. The production information from each project is very easy to access, such as type of stock, gsm, printing techniques such as four colour offset litho – any additional finishing techniques such as blind embossing etc. It’s all there. Also, in the back is a small envelope containing 18 sheets of sample stock from 36gsm Bible Paper through to 300gsm 2-sided Artboard. I love this book, definitely one of my favorites.

The Production Manual: A Graphic Design Handbook

The Production Manual: A Graphic Design Handbook

You cannot go wrong with ANYTHING by the Ambrose/Harris combo. There is a whole range written by the duo but this one in terms of production has to be the best, fully illustrated, bursting with information this a definite must have. This gives all the information to take projects from the conceptual into beautiful manifestations of envy. Including basic measurements, paper sizes, half-tones, print quality, die-cutting, laser cutting, UV varnish, process and spot colours, types of binding and folding and so so so much more.

The New Designer’s Handbook

The New Designer's Handbook

This new version of a old classic (originally published in 1984) is small enough to keep around with you. Similar to the Production Manual in terms of content and theme, with technical print information. The industry jargon and terminology is thoroughly explained in this section also and acts like a designers dictionary. This book genuinely feels like a lifetimes worth of industry experience in a handy book, abit like having a print expert to consult whenever needed. The only slight drawback is some illustrations of the examples are distinctively mid-90’s and dare I say it, alittle naff. But it’s about the information being explained rather than the actual style of the example. This is the sort of book your tutor grew up with. And we all know how smart they are.

Design Basics Index

Design Basics Index

This one is available on it’s own, or as part of a set series which I strongly recommend. This teaches the three C’s of design; Composition, Components and Concept. Learn how to get the most out of photos, illustrations, icons, typography, linework, borders, backgrounds. Composition practices combining the components of a design in a visually appealing way with classic design principles, such as placement, grouping, alignment, flow and spacing. Concept utilizes “intangible elements of theme, conotation and style to present and deliver your message in a way that will wow your clients everytime.” – I had this in my bag permanently in the first year. 

Basics Design: Typography

Basics Design: Typography

Ambrose and Harris! – you’ve done it again. Another classic gem, perfect for the typography beginner or just brushing up on skills, all the basics are clearly explained with decent examples.  One of the core fundamentals of graphic design is a firm understanding of Typography and this book certainly sets the standard. Learn about type classification, Kerning, Tracking, Justification, Orphans and Widows. This book also teaches you how to look at type, learn to express emotion with type and convey the message in a succinct and coherent manner. I cannot recommend this book enough.

The Art of Looking Sideways

The Art of Looking Sideways

This is a very heavy, large compendium of Alan Fletcher’s unique and personal collection of visual imagery, design articles, factual and cultural curiosities, ideas, and sketchpads doodles. The scope of this book is a broad is as it is heavy, 72 ‘chapters’ of anecdotes, quotes, images, curious facts and useless information, oddities and serious science…and anything and everything else you can think of. This book teaches visual awareness with very very very many examples. Extremely creative, always engaging.

A Smile in the Mind: Witty Thinking in Graphic Design

A Smile in the Mind: Witty Thinking in Graphic Design

The title says it all, A Smile in the Mind guarantees mental happiness – it explores witty thinking in the most delightful areas of graphic design. It takes the familiar into the surprising and is all about ‘clever thinking not funny drawing’ – If your crap at drawing [I raised my hand just then] it’s doesn’t matter, just as long as you have an idea. A witty idea. Smile in the Mind offers examples of great, simple ideas – This book re-phrases the cliche ‘think outside the box‘ with ‘there is no box to think out of‘.

Problem Solved: A Primer in Design and Communication

Problem Solved: A Primer in Design and Communication (Paperback)

Anyone can follow a tutorial from PSDtuts (no offense, they’re great!) but it doesn’t mean anything unless it communicates a message – [ART and DESIGN are related, but NOT the same. Art is expressive and at times selfish, where as Design is a service, in existence to communicate a message, but the secret is to do it beautifully] Problem Solved is a collection of varying design Problems offered by very real clients – with the Solutions by the designers. An absolute joy to read time and again, this book great if your feeling unsure how to answer a particular brief. Don’t mistake this isn’t the ‘answer book’ but an encouraging way to think laterally to briefs.

Grids: Creative Solutions for Graphic Designers (Design)

Grids - Creative Solutions for Graphic Designers

Sometimes you just don’t know why a poster or web layout is so appealing, well this book reveals all and shows what lies beneath. The examples offer a ‘before and after’ or ‘compare and contrast’ approach so you can see the magic behind the layouts. Magazines, Newspapers, Catalogs, Books, Brochures, Posters, Fliers and Websites are all covered. The book comes with a CD with the grids for you to play about and get creative with but you must have InDesign or QuarkXPress. This is also a good way to learn InDesign, a truly indispensable reference book for all interested in clean and beautiful design.