Continuous training is the key to a successful career as a graphic designer.

If you are studying to be a graphic designer, already working in your specialty, or want to learn the basics of design on your own, our selection will be useful to you.

Top 10 Graphic Design History and Theory Books You Should Read in 2016.

1. Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field

Author: Helen armstrong

It is of course important for every designer to understand the technical aspects of design. This book includes groundbreaking text from the most significant historical and contemporary design thinkers firsthand and is suitable for graphic designers of all ages and levels. From the early 1900s to the present, Graphic Design Theory explores the history of graphic design with illustrations, commentary and cultural immersion.

2. Graphic Design School: The Principles and Practice of Graphic Design

The authors: David Dabner, Sandra Stewart, Eric Zempol

This book is a must-read for beginners and is intended as a preparatory coursebook for graphic designers working in print, imaging and digital media. The Graphic Design School’s design examples from magazines, websites, books, and even mobile devices have been repeatedly noted by reviewers.

3. Universal Principles of Design

The authors: William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, Jill Butler

The book covers the entire spectrum of universal design, from design psychology to an in-depth explanation of the golden ratio. According to the author, it is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary encyclopedia of universal design. Throughout the book, readers will find a wide variety of images and clear explanations of design concepts, complete with visual examples. Regardless of the level, in the Universal Principles of Design, designers will find something that will help in their work.

4. How to

Author: Michael Bierut

The author of the book, Michael Bierut, is a student of design legend Massimo Vignelli and a partner in the international design studio Pentagram. He is one of the brightest graphic designers in history, having worked with a wide variety of clients around the world for Saks Fifth Avenue, Harley-Davidson, Atlantic Monthly, Billboard, Princeton University, New York Jets, Brooklyn Academy of Music and Morgan Library. In the book, Bierut shows and describes more than 35 of his projects, which reveal his philosophy of graphic design: how to use design in advertising, improve the appearance of objects, make people smile and cry, how to change the world. Michael invites readers to immerse themselves in the creative process, its work life, relationships with clients, and tells what any designer has to face when trying to implement innovative ideas.

5.100 Ideas that Changed Graphic Design

The authors: Steven Heller, Veronique Vienne

The book covers the top 100 critical moments throughout the colorful history of graphic design. The authors cover all aspects of design in chronological order, from technical to stylistic. 100 Ideas that Changed Graphic Design discusses how things are continually influenced by graphic design ideas and how design methods have changed over the past century.

6. Unflattening

Author: Nick sousanis

Unflattening turns the traditional educational work of a person upside down, using pictures, collages, comics and other images. Best of all, the book is characterized by the cover and graphics on the inner pages, which combine various forms of design vision, the sources of which are science, art, literature and mythology. Sousanis uses collages, through which he shows that perception is always an active process, re-evaluating different points of view.

7. Graphic Design: The New Basics (Second Edition)

The authors: Ellen Lupton, Jennifer Cole Phillips

This revised and expanded edition covers the basics and best examples of graphic design and is definitely worth the attention of every aspiring designer. FastCo Design has selected Graphic Design: The New Basics as one of the top books every designer should read. And PrintMag added it to their Top 25 Design Books list.

8. Design Elements, Color Fundamentals: A Graphic Style Manual for Understanding How Color Affects Design

Author: Aaris sherin

Basically, this is a guide to color usage for every designer. Design Elements, Color Fundamentals provides essential information on color theory through real world projects. This is a graphic designer’s handbook where everyone will learn how to work with colors correctly and effectively, as well as how to best use them in clients’ projects.

9. Interaction of Color: 50th Anniversary Edition

Author: Josef Albers

The previous book explains how to use color effectively in your work, while Interaction of Color focuses more on human interaction and perception of color. In an enlarged and revised edition of the 1963 cult book, the author reveals a complex of color theory. The book includes a study of the principles of relativity of each color, tk. color perception is influenced by intensity, temperature, order and the illusion of transparency.

10. Patternalia: An Unconventional History of Polka Dots, Stripes, Plaid, Camouflage, & Other Graphic Patterns

Author: Jude stewart

Patterns and prints follow us everywhere: striped vests, polka-dot blouses, wallpaper with flowers, checkered tablecloths. Patternalia delves into the origins of patterns and prints that we love, know or see for the first time. The book is interesting not only for the content, but also for the witty and funny presentation of the author. Patternalia is also listed in the Top 25 Design Books by PrintMag.

Source: studcar.ru