Top 5 Books

01. Graphic Design The New Basics

Author: Ellen Lupton

The latest book from America's best design educator. Lupton sets a foundation for design education through examples and analysis of contemporary design, and chronicles the latest developments in this creative industry including the exciting new area of generative design (a.k.a. code art). This book is a must have for students and all types of creatives looking to stay current.

02. How to be a graphic designer, without losing your soul

Author: Adrian Shaughnessy

This book is an up-to-date resource for career information, advice and practical knowledge about the realities of the professional design world. Shaughnessy provides invaluable advice and insight through his personal narratives and experience as a top-level designer and business owner. This book can be very helpful to anyone who is looking to get a job, start a business, or re-invent themselves as a graphic design "hero."

03. Swiss Graphic Design

Author: Richard Hollis

Everything old is new again. In this current web 2.0 climate of everything-goes graphics and neo-victorian styles, this history of the mid-20th century Swiss International Style offers a framework of order and simplicity. Hollis provides an enlightening historical background supported by countless examples of high modernism. This highly influential and classic period of modern design seems as fresh today as it did half an century ago.

04. D.I.Y. (Design It Yourself)

Author: Ellen Lupton

This book provides inspiration and guidance for do-it-yourself design projects. Lupton offers real-world examples that reflect a hand-drawn/cut-and-paste aesthetic which flies in the face of today's super-slick web 2.0 graphics. This book is an excellent resource for design inspiration with an emphasis on expediency, cost efficiency and home-made hipster charm. You won't find any candy-coated icons or reflective surfaces here, but rather timeless design strategies executed with sincerity.

05. Don't Make Me Think

Author: Steve Krug

The best book that I've found so far on web usability. This is a must read for anyone who has struggled with identifying and satisfying the needs of their web audience. This book is written in very plain English and illustrates web usability examples with common sense and humor. Krug addresses themes of workflow and group dynamics--especially the differences of approach and potential frictions between designers, programmers, marketing people and executives. This book offers a common theme of serving the user's needs rather than the opinions and design philosophies of individual stakeholders.