The Best 2D Graphic Design Books of All Time

Design better logos and become a more successful, confident graphic designer with Made by James as your guide. *Winner of the 2021 American Graphic Design Award for Book Design from Graphic Design USA*. UK-based graphic designer James Martin shares his wealth of experience, information, and advice with one goal in mind: to help designers of all levels create better work and enjoy the process. James has designed hundreds of logos for a variety of top brands, and shares his unique creative process, from concept to sketches to final design.

Learn how to create outstanding logos, craft and refine your creative process, build great relationships with clients, and become prolific and consistent. Discover how James creates innovative, clever, and memorable logos with his own hands-on, step-by-step process that includes word mapping, rapid prototyping, and sketching ideas on paper. Learn how to become a visual storyteller by understanding the key factors of working with clients and making them a valued part of the process. In addition to the important “hows” of logo design—techniques, ideas, and examples of creating logos and building brands—you will benefit from learning aspects of the business rarely discussed: how to become more disciplined, how to see failures as valuable experiences, and ways to avoid burnout. James shows that design isn’t just about creating images; it’s about building trusting relationships with clients, finding inspiration and using it effectively, and sharing ideas and becoming part of a community. Made by James also includes:. Annotated case studies that follow designs from concept to completion The advantages of a hands-on, human approach to design The value of personal and career growth, and how to enjoy the journey of improvement Effective work habits that can make you more efficient, productive, and satisfied. Learn how to harness your passion and become the designer you’ve always wanted to be.

Encompassing everything from record covers and posters to typography and advertisements, Mid-Century Graphic Design is a stylish guide to the hugely popular graphic style. With their eye-popping palettes, experimental type, and images buzzing with kinetic energy, mid-century graphic design remains innovative and beloved. Packed with hundreds of color illustrations, this stunning volume features work from a wide selection of international and influential artists: Charles and Ray Eames, Paul Rand, Alvin Lustig, Elaine Lustig, Alexey Brodovitch, Jim Flora, Herb Lubalin, Olle Eksell, Miroslav Sasek, and more.

Drawn from advertising, magazine and record covers, textiles, travel posters, and children’s books, the selections show the development of the design style globally. Classic Saul Bass film posters and Lucienne Day textile prints stand alongside lesser-known gems, making this an essential collection for fans of the era.

Get to know your digital drawing board. Adobe Illustrator CC offers a vibrant tool for creating drawings and illustrations in a digital environment. It takes some practice to get a feel for the digital pens, pencils, paintbrushes, and erasers, though. Adobe Illustrator CC For Dummies offers the guidance you need to turn your ideas into real drawings. Written by an Illustrator trainer and expert, this book walks those new to the tool through the basics of drawing, editing, and applying the unique tools found in this popular program.

Create illustrations using simple shapesTouch up images using pen, pencil, and brush toolsImport your illustrations into other graphic appsApply special effects and add typeThis book is essential reading for new and beginning illustrators who are either adopting a digital tool for the first time, switching from an existing tool to Illustrator, or adding Illustrator know-how to existing Adobe knowledge.