TOP 10 Design Books for Beginners: An Absolute Base

written by Valerie Stone on May 17, 2021

Practice is everything. Knowledge is a foundation without which everything simply can’t exist. It will be scattered each time someone says you are not professional, or your work doesn’t impress. No matter how experienced you are, theory will always come in handy. When nothing works, we always come back to the origins.

Below, we suggest 10 crucial books on design that should get a place on your bookshelf. The writers have different approaches and visions, were self-taught or attended world-known designer schools, old and young. Having read these books, you’ll build a solid foundation for your professional path.

Universal Principles of Design by W. Lidwell

The name says for itself. It is a full encyclopedia on design. Every beginner will find there plenty of useful information. It is written in simple language and is generously illustrated. Each design concept is explained in a friendly and casual manner.

Though such universal books aren’t as specific and exciting as we want them to be, it is a great material to start with.

Unflattening by N. Sousanis

This book is one of the favourite books of designers all over the world. It was published by Harvard University Press which is a sign of a professional academic essay writer‘s participation in its writing. And yet, the editorial team managed to write a book that combines scientific, philosophical and creative approaches to present not very entertaining information.

To say more, as true designers, authors practiced visual thinking and made their book absolutely pleasant to hold and read.

Graphic Design Theory: Readings From The Field by H. Armstrong

It is the best book for graphic designers to create a strong base for their further projects. It suits any level of expertise and any age. Here, you’ll grasp all the technical aspects with ease.

Also, if you get used to listen to big minds, it is a great option for you, too. This book will introduce to you all the respectable design personalities.

100 Ideas That Changed Graphic Design by S. Heller

This manuscript will provide you with inspiration by gathering and presenting to you the most interesting projects in world-wide design. Besides fascinating projects themselves, the book includes explanations on how these projects impacted and changed society’s views that were usual for the certain times.

Interaction Or Color: 50th Anniversary Edition by J. Albers

Here, you’ll find the answers to all the questions related to using colors in designing. It not only explains how to work with colors in your everyday designing routine, but also focuses on modern actual principles, like the illusion of transparency, and many others.

Thinking With Type: A Critical Guide For Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students by E. Lupton

While the other books on typography include information about the theory and history of the subject, this one went further. Here, working with type is presented from the importance of instant visual communication point of view.

Mastering Type: The Essential Guide To Typography For Print and Web Design by D. Bosler

It is kind of a pioneer in its niche. While many books about type see it only as an element of print works, this piece shows its role in web design, too.

It is surprising how few books give this important and topical information. Anyway, this book solved the issue.

Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide For The Whole Branding Team by A. Wheeler

This next item in our list is interdisciplinary. It is a book that has to get home not only at the graphic designer’s book shelf, but also marketer’s. It will be useful for project managers and business owners, as well.

Here, you’ll find a full guide on how to brand successfully and not mess it up. Sure, the huge part of the book is purposed for designers exactly and includes tips and tools to create the most vivid and memorable brand.

Editorial Design: Digital And Print by C. Caldwell

It is a real gold mine for designers who seek professional pieces of advice, design tips and hacks that could be applied in practice right away. This book includes plenty of interesting cases, describes best practices, and keeps you entertained while educating you.

100 Things Every Designer Needs To Know About People by S. Weinschenk

Like any creative professions, designing isn’t about the author, but about the consumer that is supposed to be attracted to the service or product. Thus, designers should know how they think and what they want. Understanding of their needs will make your work truly stand out.

Reading these books will take you two to three months. But the knowledge they will give you will stay with you forever and will help you in all your attempts to create simply amazing designs, and in the end, to succeed.