This post is a shout out to all of those graphic designers and typography lovers out there. I consider myself to be equal parts blogger and designer (that is what I went to school for, after all – communication design), so I have an ever-growing library of design and typography books. Here are ten of my very favorites.
1. How to by Michael Bierut – A fascinating discussion on how to use graphic design in the real world. Buy it here. $50
2. Typography Sketchbooks by Steven Heller and Lita Talarico – A fun peek inside the real sketches, doodles, and notes of designers. Get a copy here. $27
3. Fingerprint: The Art of Using Handmade Elements In Graphic Design by Chen Design Associates – A super inspiring look at how designers use handmade lettering, illustrations, etc. to add a personal touch. Get it here. $10+
4. Creative Lettering and Beyond by Gabri Joy Kirkendall – And easy-to-read introduction to hand lettering, and ways to apply it to your own projects. Buy yours here. $13
5. Graphic Design Cookbook by Leonard Koren – If you’re ever stuck, pick up this book. It has hundreds of diagrams that can kickstart your layout if you’re having trouble getting started. Buy it here. $5+
6. 1000 Type Treatments by Wilson Harvey – In the mood for some good old fashioned inspiration? Pick up this one. $20
7. Meggs’ History of Graphic Design by Philip B. Meggs and Alston W. Purvis – This is a great all-encompassing resource, somewhat like a textbook (but filled with all kinds of fun, inspiring images). Buy here. $74
8. Culture + Typography: How Culture Affects Typography by Nikki Villagomez – An interesting way of looking at typography in the real world. Buy your copy here. $24
9. The End of Print: The Grafik Design of David Carson by Lewis Blackwell – If you like to break the (design) rules, this one’s for you. It’s also a great kick starter if you are suffering from designers’ block. Buy here. $22
10. 100 Ideas That Changed Graphic Design by Steven Heller & Veronique Vienne – A fascinating take on the basics of the influential principles of graphic design. Get a copy here. $23
