Top Graphic Design books curated by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we have connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favouriteGraphic Design books – and here are the answers.

  • Curated by industry experts
  • Proven learning resources
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Top Graphic Design books recommended by experts
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Fundamentals of Graphic Design

Understanding the concepts of Graphic Design starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

Start Me Up! New Branding for Businesses

Start Me Up! New Branding for Businesses

This work allows for the brands to distinguish themselves from the rest and attract their targed audience's attention. More than ever before, businesses are defining themselves through carefully coordinated communications. Start Me Up! is a comprehensive compendium of innovative corporate design…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Graphic Design Rules: 365 Essential Design Dos and Don'ts

Graphic Design Rules: 365 Essential Design Dos and Don'ts

Packed with practical advice, this spirited collection of design dos and don'ts takes readers through 365 rules like knowing when to use a modular grid-and when to throw the grid out the window.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Oh Sh*t... What Now?

Oh Sh*t... What Now?

Of all the men you’d consider to be insecure, Craig Oldham is not one of them. Having graduated just under a decade ago, he boasts not only an impressive CV, but a joyfully formed reputation for being the most forthright, potty-mouthed speakers around, with the well-informed opinions to back it …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Designing News: Changing the World of Editorial Design and Information Graphics

Designing News: Changing the World of Editorial Design and Information Graphics

Francesco Franchi's perceptive book about the design of media and information graphics. In it, Franchi also envisions the future of news reporting by publishing companies and on the internet. Francesco Franchi is one of the most exceptional talents working in information graphics today.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Mid-Century Modern Graphic Design

Mid-Century Modern Graphic Design

Mid-century modern graphic design has a similar aesthetic to flat design, using geometric shapes, clean lines, bright hues and earthly palettes to create bold, reductive images.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Caps Lock: How Capitalism Took Hold of Graphic Design, and how to Escape it

Caps Lock: How Capitalism Took Hold of Graphic Design, and how to Escape it

CAPS LOCK uses clear language and visual examples to show how graphic design and capitalism are inextricably linked. The book features designed objects, and also examines how the study, work, and professional practice of designers supports the market economy.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Additional Graphic Design Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Graphic Design, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

Princess, Unicorn, Fairy, and Mermaid: Cute Coloring Book For Kids Ages 4-8 (Stocking Stuffers For Kids)

Princess, Unicorn, Fairy, and Mermaid: Cute Coloring Book For Kids Ages 4-8 (Stocking Stuffers For Kids)

Let your kids’ imagination soar as they bring to life charming, easy-to-color illustrations designed to spark creativity and joy.
With This Magical Coloring Book, you will:
Enjoy hours of fun and creative expression.
Each page is single-sided to prevent marker bleed-through.
The desi…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team

Designing Brand Identity: An Essential Guide for the Whole Branding Team

From research and analysis through brand strategy, design development through application design, and identity standards through launch and governance, Designing Brand Identity, Fourth Edition offers brand managers, marketers, and designers a proven, universal five-phase process for creating and…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Grid Systems in Graphic Design

Grid Systems in Graphic Design

In visual design, a grid system helps you align screen elements based on sequenced columns and rows. Like making a map, you apply the column-based structure of a grid system to guide your design, structuring your text, images and functions consistently throughout it so they can appear instantly …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Thinking with Type

Thinking with Type

The best-selling Thinking with Type in a revised and expanded second edition:Thinking with Type is the definitive guide to using typography in visual communication. Ellen Lupton provides clear and focused guidance on how letters, words, and paragraphs should be aligned, spaced, ordered, and shap…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Know Your Onions: Graphic Design

Know Your Onions: Graphic Design

It is like having a graphic design mentor who will help you come up with ideas, develop your concepts, and implement them in a way that is engaging and humorous. It gives readers the experience and ability that normally comes from years of on-the-job training.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

This list is curated by MentorCruise and can include Amazon affiliate links. Have any other suggestions? Add here.

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