Before you start: 7 logo design books you must read

Aspiring to be an expert in logo design shouldn’t be restricted to watching tutorials or taking short courses. For the designers cum book worms who’d love to learn in detail about the dos and don’ts of design, cunning tactics and how to excel in the field, here are 7 books which I think can really give you an edge in the field!

1. Logo: The reference guide to symbols and logotypes by Michael Evamy

Google may help you with what you’ve searched for but not further than that. How would you know about the best logo designs when you’re searching for references and what makes them the best? Michael Evamy’s book compiles the best logos from design maestros such as Paul Rand and Saul Bass so all you need to do is turn a few pages and you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for to take guidance and start your journey of becoming the next Paul Rand! Hey, nothing is impossible.

Logo – A book by Michael Evamy

2. How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul by Adrian Shaughnessy

Ever seen some expert designers sulking about how the firm they’ve been working for has killed their creative soul? You don’t want to slip your feet in their shoes and Adrian Shaughnessy’s book can help you there. For the designers who wish to save their creativity from the beginning of their career, this book will get you through, guiding you on how to not enhance your creative design skills and establish your design career. A must read for those who don’t want to end up at the wrong side of the industry. If you know what I mean.

The book by Adrian Shaughnessy – How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul

3. Logo Design love: a guide to creating iconic brand identities by David Airey

If you’re starting from scratch and have literally not the faintest idea of how to put your designer brains to good use, Airey’s Logo Design Love is amidst the simplest and most interesting reads. You won’t find yourself in a frenzy because the phrases are too complicated or it’s just too much to take in: on the contrary this book is so reader-friendly that even clients can take a leaf out of it (literally). So if you’re adamant on pursuing your career as a logo/graphic designer but are standing at the starting line, every chapter of this book will teach you how to go about designing brand identities without giving you a migraine. 

Logo Design love by David Airey

4. Pretty Much Everything by Aaron James Draplin

As the name suggests, this books does have pretty much everything a designer needs to get started with his /her career. The book comprises some of Draplin’s (an American designer) best works along with a witty commentary and the process of each design to assist designers in their own creations. A must read for anyone who wants to know the do’s and don’ts of design, learning and laughing at the same time.

Pretty Much Everything by Aaron James Draplin

5. The elements of graphic design by Alex W. White

This book circulates around White’s four elements of graphic design inclusive of how to use scale, color and positioning to make your design more reader friendly. You don’t need to be a beginner to drink from his cup of knowledge. Speaking about modern design and the significance of negative space, simplicity and a design that is easy to the eyes, White provides inspiration for anyone who wishes to polish their design skills as well as the newbies who want to kick start their design career.

The elements of graphic design book by Alex W. White

6. The Logo Design Toolbox by Alexander Tibelius

As designers we need our own personal toolbox and you can’t buy it from the next general store. As a logo designer you may often cross paths with a client who feels “something is missing” and at times you yourself might say to yourself “not quite there yet”. That’s where Alexander comes with his toolbox: this book that gives designers a field to play their own game. Confused? In simple terminology, the book is a treasure of templates and designs which give designers a framework to come up with their own designs. So when you feel an element is missing, turn a few pages.

The Logo Design Toolbox by Alexander Tibelius

7. The Language of Graphic Design by Richard Poulin

This should have been number one, but I seldom like a chronological order of things: hope artists can relate. Now, before studying in France you need to learn French, right? It’s the same with Graphic Design. You need to be a pro in the terminologies before you can be a pro in designing. Richard Poulin’s book is your Graphic Design Language guide. Don’t worry it’s not a typical dictionary with just words and definitions, the book is a comprehensive compilation of some great works with a thorough analysis for professionals as well as the newbies!

The Language of Graphic Design by Richard Poulin

Read, explore and DESIGN!