Graphic design is an art form that combines creative ideas and technology to create visual content for print, digital, and other media platforms. It is a field that requires an understanding of color theory, typography, and other design principles. Learning graphic design can be an exciting journey for any student. To help students gain knowledge and develop the skills necessary for success, there are a variety of best graphic design books available. These books can provide valuable insight into the principles of design, from color theory to typography and layout, helping students to become well-rounded graphic designers.
Best Graphic Design Books For Students
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Non-Designer’s Design Book, The
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Graphic Design for Architects: A Manual for Visual Communication
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Interior Graphic Standards: Student Edition
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
American Furniture, 1650-1840: Highlights from the Philadelphia Museum of Art
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Thinking with type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
The Graphic Design Idea Book: Inspiration from 50 Masters
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Graphic Design Play Book: An Exploration of Visual Thinking (Logo, Typography, Website, Poster, Web, and Creative Design)
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Design Is Storytelling (COOPER HEWITT)
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Grid systems in graphic design: A visual communication manual for graphic designers, typographers and three dimensional designers (NIGGLI EDITIONS) (German and English Edition)
|
7. 2
|
1. Non-Designer’s Design Book, The
The Non-Designer’s Design Book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to learn more about design. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional designer, Robin Williams’ book offers helpful advice and clear explanations on a wide range of topics, including typography, color, composition, and more. The book is filled with easy-to-follow examples and illustrations, making it simple to understand even complex concepts. Williams also includes helpful exercises throughout the book to help readers practice their design skills. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about design, and it is sure to be a valuable asset to any designer’s library.
- Detailed information on graphic design principles and techniques
- Exercises to help you understand the elements of design
- Guides to help you create new designs
- Tips on choosing the right color palettes, fonts, and images
- Tools and resources for designers
- Easy-to-follow instructions for using design software
- Advice on how to use design to create impactful and engaging content
- Real-world examples of successful design projects
2. Graphic Design for Architects: A Manual for Visual Communication
I recently read Graphic Design for Architects: A Manual for Visual Communication and it was an excellent book. The book dives into the basics of graphic design, providing detailed information on the various principles and techniques used in the design of architectural drawings. It also provides extensive guidance on how to effectively communicate information using various visual tools. The book is written in an easy-to-understand manner and provides plenty of examples that illustrate the concepts discussed. Additionally, the book provides valuable tips for creating effective and attractive designs for architectural projects. All in all, Graphic Design for Architects: A Manual for Visual Communication is an extremely helpful resource for any architect looking to improve their visual communication skills. Highly recommended!
- Provides comprehensive guidance on graphic design principles and processes
- Includes examples and case studies to illustrate design solutions
- Presents detailed guidance on the production of architectural drawings, presentations and exhibition material
- Focuses on the communication of architectural ideas through the visual language
- Explains how to produce effective images for the web and for print
- Provides guidance on the use of digital tools and software for the production of graphics
3. Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards
I recently purchased Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards and I am very impressed with this book. It is an invaluable resource for any landscape architect. It is a comprehensive reference to graphic standards, design principles, and materials for constructing professional landscapes. The book is organized in an easy-to-read format and contains detailed drawings and illustrations. The graphic standards are clear and concise and cover everything from site evaluation to construction details. It also provides an overview of the principles of landscape architecture, including the use of natural materials, native plants, and the design process. The book also includes suggestions for incorporating sustainability into landscape architecture. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive reference to landscape architectural standards.
table format
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scope | Provides comprehensive coverage of contemporary landscape architectural graphic standards. |
| Illustrations | Over 1,000 illustrations in both color and black & white. |
| Content | Includes step-by-step guidance on the design and documentation of landscapes, from conceptual planning to detailing. |
| Format | Presented in both printed and digital formats. |
4. Interior Graphic Standards: Student Edition
…
Interior Graphic Standards: Student Edition is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to learn the basics of interior design. The book is full of helpful diagrams and detailed explanations of different types of materials, finishes, lighting, and furniture. The chapters include a variety of topics related to interior design such as space planning, HVAC, acoustics, fire safety, and more. The book also provides helpful tips on how to create a successful interior design project. The illustrations are very clear and helpful in understanding the concepts. In addition, the book includes checklists and forms to help guide the design process. Overall, Interior Graphic Standards: Student Edition is a great reference book for anyone interested in learning more about interior design.
- Provides comprehensive coverage of graphic standards and design principles for interior design.
- Includes guidelines for color, materials, and finishes, space planning, safety and accessibility, and acoustics.
- The latest standards for interior design, including the 2016 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and the International Building Code (IBC).
- Examples of real-world projects, from residential and commercial spaces to public buildings.
- Incorporates advances in technology and sustainability.
- Presents techniques for creating effective design presentations.
5. American Furniture, 1650-1840: Highlights from the Philadelphia Museum of Art
This book is an absolute must-have for anyone interested in American furniture. It provides an excellent overview of the evolution of American furniture from 1650 to 1840, with detailed images and descriptions of the many amazing pieces in the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collection. From the amazing Chippendale chairs to the ornate inlaid desks, it provides an invaluable resource for the casual reader or the serious collector. The book also includes a glossary and index to help locate specific pieces. Highly recommended!
Features of American Furniture, 1650-1840: Highlights from the Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Highlights over 250 pieces of furniture from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, ranging from the colonial period to the early nineteenth century
- Features a variety of furniture styles, including English, Dutch, Chinese, French, and American
- Includes detailed history and biography of furniture makers, as well as a survey of materials, designs, and craftsmanship
- Includes full-color images of each piece, with detailed descriptions and measurements
- Features essays on the history and development of furniture making in America from 1650-1840
6. Thinking with type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students
Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students is an essential reference guide for anyone looking to become a better typographer. The book is divided into three sections: the fundamentals of type, type in practice, and typographic form. Through clear explanations and visuals, the book provides an in-depth look at the history, anatomy, and usage of type. It also offers guidance on how to select and combine typefaces, how to design type-based logos, and how to set type for printed documents. For beginners, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of typography. For experienced designers, it offers a valuable reference for expanding their knowledge and practice. This book is a must-have for any designer, writer, editor, or student looking to become a better typographer. Highly recommended!
- Author: Ellen Lupton
- Provides an introduction to the basics of typography
- Covers the history of type from hot metal to digital fonts
- Explains how to select and combine typefaces for maximum effect
- Includes numerous examples of type in visual culture
- Offers guidelines for designing with type on the web
7. The Graphic Design Idea Book: Inspiration from 50 Masters
The Graphic Design Idea Book: Inspiration from 50 Masters is a fantastic resource for graphic designers at any level! The book features interviews with some of the world’s leading graphic designers, with each one offering insight and advice. The book is packed with valuable tips and tricks, as well as inspiration for any designer. It is organized in an easy-to-use format, with each chapter highlighting a different artist’s work and style. I especially liked how the book shows how to apply certain concepts to create stunning graphic design pieces. Overall, this is an essential guide for any graphic designer looking to stay ahead of the game. Highly recommended!
- Features over 50 different graphic design ideas from some of the world’s leading graphic designers.
- Explains the concept behind each design, complete with visuals and captivating anecdotes.
- Filled with full-color photographs and illustrations that provide a visual reference of the design elements.
- Includes essential advice on how to create compelling designs that stand out.
- Provides insights into the creative process behind the work of top graphic designers.
- Organized into three sections that focus on color, typography, and composition.
- Discusses the principles of design and how to apply them to your own work.
8. Graphic Design Play Book: An Exploration of Visual Thinking (Logo, Typography, Website, Poster, Web, and Creative Design)
I recently purchased 8. Graphic Design Play Book: An Exploration of Visual Thinking (Logo, Typography, Website, Poster, Web, and Creative Design). This book is an absolute must-have for anyone interested in visual design, no matter the level of experience. It provides a comprehensive overview of all of the latest trends and techniques in graphic design, along with detailed instructions on how to create stunning visuals. The book covers a broad range of topics, including logo design, typography, website design, poster design, web design, and creative design. Each chapter is filled with practical tips and advice, allowing readers to easily apply the concepts to their own projects. I found the book to be an invaluable resource, and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to take their graphic design skills to the next level.
- A comprehensive exploration of visual thinking, including logo, typography, website, poster, web, and creative design.
- A step-by-step guide to help you get quickly up to speed on the best practices in graphic design.
- In-depth looks at various design principles, aesthetic elements, and tools.
- Examples from real-world projects, allowing you to gain a practical understanding of the concepts.
- Access to additional resources and information, including case studies and portfolio pieces.
- Practical exercises to help you build the skills necessary to create stunning designs.
- Detailed illustrations and diagrams to help guide you through the material.
- Tips, tricks, and guidance to help you create modern, effective designs.
9. Design Is Storytelling (COOPER HEWITT)
Design Is Storytelling at the Cooper Hewitt museum was an eye-opening experience. It showcased the power of design to tell stories in unexpected ways. The exhibition featured works from a variety of renowned designers, each of which told a compelling story of their own. From furniture to fashion, the exhibition highlighted the creative potential of design and its ability to move people. I was especially impressed with the interactive elements of the exhibition, which gave visitors the opportunity to explore the stories behind the designs. It was a thought-provoking experience that really highlighted the impact of design on our lives. Highly recommended!
- Interactive design exploration tool to guide and inspire designers in their work.
- Provides detailed information on the art of story-telling in design.
- Includes resources for designers to quickly access for inspiration, such as galleries of previous story-telling designs.
- Includes educational content on design principles, such as typography and colour theory.
- Features expert advice from renowned practitioners, such as the Cooper Hewitt Design Team.
- Interactive elements to spark creative thinking.
- Offers a wide range of case studies and examples of effective story-telling in design.
- Ability to create and share your own stories.
- Connects to social media to exchange ideas with peers.
10. Grid systems in graphic design: A visual communication manual for graphic designers, typographers and three dimensional designers (NIGGLI EDITIONS) (German and English Edition)
The 10th edition of Grid Systems in Graphic Design: A Visual Communication Manual for Graphic Designers, Typographers and Three Dimensional Designers (NIGGLI EDITIONS) (German and English Edition) is an incredibly informative and detailed text on the topic of grid design. This book provides an in-depth look at the various types of grids, their uses, and how to use them to create beautiful and effective designs. It covers topics from basic grids to more complex grid systems, and covers a wide range of topics including typography, layout, color, photography, and more. The book is filled with diagrams, photographs, and other visual aids that help illustrate the concepts discussed. Additionally, the book is well organized and easy to navigate, making it an ideal resource for anyone interested in grid design. Overall, this book is an essential resource for anyone interested in grid
