If you're a graphic designer, you know that education can only take you so far. While design schools teach you the basics and tools, true creativity comes from exploring and learning beyond the classroom walls. As a designer, you must constantly strive to develop your skills and push your boundaries. That's why we've put together a list of 5 must-read books for graphic designers. These books will inspire and guide you to excel in your field and take your creativity to new heights. So, whether you're just starting out or an experienced professional, these books for graphic designers are essential reads.
The list goes as follow:
- A Win Without Pitching Manifesto
- Creative Strategy and the Business of Design
- The Brand Gap: Revised Edition
- Steal Like an Artist
- The Decision Book: 50 Models for Strategic Thinking
A Win Without Pitching Manifesto by Blair Enns
Blair Enns' book, "A Win Without Pitching Manifesto," is a must-read for all graphic designers. In this book, Enns outlines 12 significant steps that creative and business owners can take to win new clients without competing.
By reading this book, graphic designers can gain valuable knowledge on how to avoid creating long proposals, win new clients with creative ideas, and ultimately win business for their agency.
"A Win Without Pitching Manifesto" serves as an inspiration for graphic designers to win new business without having to go through the traditional pitching process. If you're a graphic designer looking to up your game and win new clients, this book is a must-read.
Creative Strategy and the Business of Design by Douglas Davis
Design schools teach you the basics of designing to become a designer but what they do not teach you is how to become a successful owner of design business?
That's what Douglas Davis tends to share in his book Creative Strategy and the Business of Design fr you to run a successful design agency or business.
Learning the language of business and its key aspects will help you to plan, strategize and execute the projects, understand the client requirements and gain the business for your agency.
The Brand Gap: Revised Edition by Marty Neumeier
If you're a graphic designer looking for a book that combines creative and strategic approaches to building a brand, then The Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier is the perfect read for you. Unlike other books that focus solely on strategies, this book provides a unique fusion of strategy and creativity that can help you work wonders in building a brand that lasts.
With The Brand Gap, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of how to approach brand building from both a creative and strategic perspective. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, this book is a must-read for every graphic designer who wants to take their branding expertise to the next level.
The Steal like an artist (journal) by Austin Kleon
Looking for inspiration to boost your creativity and develop your unique artistic style as a graphic designer? Look no further than "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon. This must-read book for graphic designers, written by a young artist and writer, emphasizes the importance of studying and being yourself to develop your skills and create original work.
Kleon's book is filled with creative exercises, inspirational quotations, and thought-provoking prompts that are sure to get your creative juices flowing. With plenty of space for you to explore your ideas, this book is an exciting opportunity to challenge yourself and get to know yourself better as an artist. So, if you want to take your graphic design skills to the next level, "Steal Like an Artist" is definitely one of the books for graphic designers that you don't want to miss.
The Decision Book: 50 Models for Strategic Thinking by Roman Tschäppeler and Mikael Krogerus
If you're a graphic designer looking to improve your decision-making skills, this book is a must-read. "The Decision Book" by Roman Tschäppeler and Mikael Krogerus presents 50 different strategic models to help you understand the decision-making process.
The book emphasizes the importance of being more creative and visual when it comes to finding solutions and making decisions. Whether you're a new business owner or a seasoned creative artist, this book is an excellent resource to improve your decision-making skills.
So if you want to learn more about yourself, others, and situations and make better decisions, be sure to add "The Decision Book" to your list of must-read books for graphic designers.
Conclusion
These were five books that we could list as one of the best reads as a creative director or artist. But surely, there are many more valuable books to read, out in the space. But surely this list is not bad to start your reading journey. Happy reading!
Share this Post
Share this Post