AIGA Baltimore

Design + Books = Love

All designers need inspiration, but where do you go to get it? While the web is full of great finds, design books often have just as much insight, not to mention beautiful paper and spreads to spark any designer’s imagination. Last night, Converse attendees shared together the design books that inspire them the most during a meet up at Zen West Roadside Cantina and they came up with quite a list! Make sure you add a few of these to your wish list and don’t forget to drop some hints to friends and family!

  • 10 Commandments of Typography by Paul Felton- Felton presents the rules of typography then tells you how to break them.

 

  • Interaction of Color by Josef Alber (iPad Edition)- This book was originally published in 1963 as a limited edition boxed set with paper samples to help explore color pairing. Now, it’s been re-envisioned as an app for interactive learning via iPad.

 

  • A Smile in the Mind by Beryl McAlhone- Learn how to capture your audience with wit and suffuse your designs with substance. This is a required read for the Creative Concepts course with Ed Gold (a former AIGA Baltimore chapter president!) at University of Baltimore.

 

  • Stylepedia: A Guide to Graphic Design Mannerisms, Quirks, and Conceits by Steven Heller- A great reference for all things design.

 

  • The Business Side of Creativity by Cameron S. Foote- Foote provides invaluable insight for anyone working for themselves, including pricing guides, advice on how to hire, and more.

 

  • The Standard by Sappi- This series published by paper manufacture Sappi uses paper samples, varnishes, folio, and other finishes to beautifully illustrate print production techniques.

 

  • Don’t Make Me Think (Second Edition) by Steve Krug- Learn how to refine your design thinking for the web. Krug will show you how to focus on your message without cluttering it.

 

  • Just My Type by Simon Garfield- “Comic Sans is not at fault is not at fault… it’s the people who use it.”

 

  • Readymade by Shoshana Berger- This compilation of hands-on projects will inspire you to get away from the computer.

 

  • Idea Selling by Sam Harrison-  Harrison provides daily digestible tips on how to successfully pitch your creative ideas to decision makers.

 

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