mostly so i can keep track for myself. this is what i’m using for my own crash course in design, typography, color, etc. i’m distinguishing between things i’ve read as physical print and digital because i tend to learn a lot simply from the execution of the book’s layout and design, elements that do not translate into the digital versions.
books
inspired by this reddit thread.
The Design of Everyday Things – Don Norman – revised 2013
Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field – Helen Armstrong (editor) – 2009
Thinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, & Students – Ellen Lupton – revised 2010
The Elements of Typographic Style – Robert Bringhurst – 2012 (4th ed.)
Pantone Guide to Communicating with Color – Leatrice Wiseman – 2000 (available through Queens Public Library)
Designing Brand Identity: A Complete Guide to Creating, Building, and Maintaining Strong Brands – Alina Wheeler – 2003 (I had the older version through the Queens Public Library)
Creative Workshop: 80 Challenges to Sharpen Your Design Skills – David Sherwin – 2010
Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction – Rogers, Sharp, and Preece – 2011 (3rd ed., ‘borrowed’ from live-in partner)
Vintage Illustration: Discovering America’s Calendar Artists 1900-1960 – Rick and Charlotte Martin – 1997 (found for free in friend’s apt building)
Meggs’ History of Graphic Design – Phillip B. Meggs and Alston W. Purvis – 2012 (5th ed.)
Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop – Timothy Samara – 2005
digital versions
Design is a Job – Mike Monteiro – 2012
Thoughts on Design – Paul Rand – 1947
The Elements of Color: A Treatise on the Color System of Johannes Itten – Johannes Itten (ed. Faber Birren, based on Itten’s The Art of Color) – 1970
other
Reddit: r/design, r/typography, r/graphic_design, r/learndesign, r/web_design
Websites: i love typography, creative bloq, design for founders
bonus
i’m also a seamstress/costume maker a couple times a year, but there is some crossover in skills and concepts so i’ll throw in some of my favorite sewing resources too:
Make Your Own Patterns – René Bergh – 2006
Couture Sewing Techniques – Claire B. Shaeffer – 2011
The Basics of Corset Building: A Handbook for Beginners – Linda Sparks – 2009
