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Design

What are some good graphic design books for a beginner student?

Hey my fellow Treehousers! I am looking to buy some graphic design books and was wondering if anyone had some recommendations?? Thank you!

12 Answers

Hi Maria

Design is a Job is a great book if you want to learn about freelance work.

Best, Ryan

David Poindexter
PLUS
David Poindexter
Courses Plus Student 1,690 Points

"Design for hackers" by David Kadavy is excellent. He's also a pretty stellar guy, and I was lucky to see him at a conference in Indy. Very good head on his shoulders as far as practical design principles.

http://designforhackers.com/

Thanks for the recommend, it is a book I'd like to keep in mind for later down the road. However, at the moment, I am still in the process of learning graphic design and was hoping for books along the lines of learning the trade. Sorry, I should have been more specific. Thanks for taking the time to respond!

JD Richards
JD Richards
4,601 Points

The Shape of Design by Frank Chimero www.shapeofdesignbook.com

Thanks guys! @JD Richards, I was taking a look at The Shape of Design and was wondering if the version posted online is the full version or just like a teaser to get you to buy the whole thing? http://www.shapeofdesignbook.com/foreword.html. Thanks!

Deleted User

Graphic Designs Solutions by Robin Landa plus a good book on design principles is Design Basics: David A. Lauer, Stephen Pentak

A.b. Martinez
A.b. Martinez
10,460 Points

I just started a book titled "Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming" by Ellen Lupton. Definitely worth a read. Good luck on your journey!

@everyone Thank you so much for all of these recommendations. I certainly have a lot to choose from and will be able to come back to this list whenever I need new books! Hope you all have a wonderful New Year!

Update: I am reading The Shape of Design and just wanted to let people know that it is AMAZING!!

JD Richards
JD Richards
4,601 Points

Wow! I thought http://www.shapeofdesignbook.com/foreword.html was a teaser but I just scrolled through what looked like the whole thing to me.