Books to Help You Self-Study Graphic Design

Self-studying graphic design has never been easier with the help of specialized books. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced person, you can find inspiration and knowledge from good books about design. In this article, sadesign will introduce useful books to help you improve your graphic design skills, from basic theory to advanced principles.

1. Why should you learn graphic design through books?

Learning graphic design through books has many important benefits, especially for beginners or those who want to improve their professional knowledge. Books provide a solid theoretical foundation, helping you understand the fundamentals such as composition, color, and typography, thereby building a systematic design thinking. In addition, books are often written by leading experts in the industry, providing practical experiences and insights that you can hardly find in other sources. 

Learning through books also allows you to adjust your learning speed, easily review important concepts and apply them to real work. Moreover, this is a cost-effective learning method but still ensures high efficiency, especially when combined with practical exercises. Therefore, learning graphic design through books not only helps you develop skills but also opens up opportunities to become a professional designer.

1.1. Books are systematic and reliable sources of information.

Graphic design books are written by experts in the field, helping you approach knowledge in a systematic way. Unlike online documents, books are carefully edited, in-depth and organized, helping you learn systematically from basic to advanced.

Convenient and flexible:

Books allow you to study anytime, anywhere, to fit your personal schedule.

You can learn at your own pace, stopping to ponder or review parts you don't understand.

1.2. Flexible and distraction-free learning

Unlike learning through videos or online courses, books help you focus completely on the content, avoiding distractions. You can read and take notes at your own pace, practice when needed, without being limited by time.

Learning graphic design through books brings many significant benefits, especially the flexibility in acquiring knowledge. Learners can be autonomous in their learning time and speed, easily adjusting to their personal schedule. Moreover, learning through books helps minimize distractions from the external environment, creating conditions for high concentration to grasp design principles, techniques and creative ideas. Books are also often compiled systematically, providing in-depth and reliable sources of documents, helping learners build a solid foundation in the field of graphic design.

1.3. Cost savings compared to expensive courses

Many graphic design books are affordable but provide a huge amount of knowledge. Compared to spending millions of dong on courses, investing in books is an economical choice that still brings high efficiency.

Learning graphic design through books is a smart and effective choice, especially for those who want to save money compared to attending expensive courses. Books provide a rich source of knowledge, from basic to advanced, helping learners master design principles, software techniques and how to develop creative thinking. Moreover, learning through books allows you to be in control of your time and learning speed and can easily refer back to it when needed. This is a flexible and economical approach, suitable for both beginners and designers who want to improve their skills.

2. Why should you learn graphic design through books?

Self-studying graphic design through books is an effective and flexible method, helping you approach knowledge systematically and cost-effectively. Books are often written by experts in the field, providing not only the fundamentals but also advanced techniques, helping you build a solid foundation. 

In addition, learning through books allows you to adjust your own learning speed to suit yourself, easily reviewing the parts you have not mastered. This is also a way to practice self-learning thinking and independent research ability, skills that are essential in the field of graphic design that is constantly changing and developing.

Low cost:

Compared to online or in-person courses, books are a much more cost-effective option.

You only need to invest once in the book and can use it for a long time.

Rich and diverse source of knowledge:

The book provides knowledge from basic to advanced, covering many design areas such as typography, color, layout, etc.

You can find books on different design styles, from classic to modern.

Developing critical thinking:

Reading books helps you develop analytical, evaluative and problem-solving thinking.

You will learn to look at design works objectively and with depth.

Practice self-study:

Self-study is an important skill that helps you proactively acquire knowledge and develop yourself.

You will learn how to manage your time, search for information and solve problems independently.

3. Books to help you learn graphic design by yourself

Books on design principles are an important resource for self-study and systematic development of graphic design skills. These books often focus on providing fundamental knowledge about composition, color, shape, and how to use design elements to create visually appealing products. 

In addition, they also help you understand the basic rules to apply creatively and effectively in real work. Choosing reputable books that are suitable for your level will be an important first step to building a solid foundation in the field of graphic design.

3.1. Books on design principles

“The Elements of Graphic Design” – Alex W. White
One of the useful books to help you learn and grasp the basic principles of graphic design is “The Elements of Graphic Design” by Alex W. White. This book not only presents the essential elements of design in detail but also provides practical instructions to help readers better understand how to apply them to creative projects. This is an important document for those who want to build a solid foundation and develop aesthetic thinking in the field of graphic design.

This book is a foundational text that helps students understand the basic elements of graphic design such as composition, balance, rhythm, color, and typography. In particular, the author delves into the use of white space and how to arrange design elements in a harmonious and effective way.

“Graphic Design: The New Basics” – Ellen Lupton & Jennifer Cole Phillips
This book helps you master the basic but extremely important design principles, from shape, texture, to contrast and repetition. In addition to the theory, the book also has many visual examples to help readers easily apply them in practice.

This book focuses on presenting the fundamentals of design, from the use of color, shape, to composition and space. With easy-to-understand explanations, intuitive illustrations and highly applicable content, this is the ideal document to help you build a solid foundation and develop creative thinking in the field of graphic design.

3.2. Books on color in design

“Interaction of Color” – Josef Albers
This book is considered a classic on color in design. Josef Albers analyzes how colors influence each other and how they can be used to create powerful visual effects. This is a must-read if you want to master the art of color.

This is a classic work, providing fundamental and in-depth knowledge of how colors interact with each other, affect visual perception and create balance in design. The book is not only theoretical but also comes with practical exercises, helping readers immediately apply the principles learned in practice. For those who are looking to develop in the field of graphic design, this is definitely a document not to be missed.

“Color Design Workbook” – Sean Adams
A great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about how to apply color to design. The book provides many practical examples, detailed instructions on how to choose a color palette, and how to use color to effectively convey a message.

This book focuses on the exploitation and application of color in design, helping you better understand color theory, how to coordinate colors professionally and create impressive design products. With detailed content and vivid illustrations, this is an indispensable resource for beginners as well as designers who want to improve their skills.

2.3. Books on Typography

“Thinking with Type” – Ellen Lupton
Typography is an important element in graphic design, and this book helps you understand how to use letters professionally. The book not only guides you on how to choose fonts, but also helps you understand spacing, arrangement of letters so that they are reasonable and easy to read.

This book not only provides basic knowledge about how to use letters but also guides creative thinking and applying design principles into practice. With scientific and easy-to-understand content, this is an indispensable document for those who want to improve their design skills and develop aesthetic taste in the field of graphics.

“The Anatomy of Type” – Stephen Coles
This is a suitable book for those who want to dig deeper into font design. The author analyzes in detail the structure of each typeface, how to choose and combine fonts for the most effective use in graphic design.

This book provides an in-depth look at the structure, shape, and use of different typefaces, helping readers better understand the role of Typography in design. This is an indispensable document for those who wish to improve their skills and expertise in this field.

2.4. Books on layout and page layout

“Grid Systems in Graphic Design” – Josef Müller-Brockmann
Grid systems play an important role in creating balance and aesthetics in graphic design. This book helps you understand how to use grid systems to build tighter, more professional layouts.

This book not only provides basic knowledge about grid systems in design but also guides how to apply them effectively to create harmonious and professional layouts. This is an important reference to help you build a solid foundation in the field of graphic design.

“Making and Breaking the Grid” – Timothy Samara
One of the useful books to help you learn graphic design on your own, especially in the field of layout and page layout, is “Making and Breaking the Grid” by Timothy Samara. This book not only provides basic knowledge about organization and layout but also encourages creativity by breaking traditional rules. With clear presentation, visual illustrations and in-depth content, this is an important document for those who want to improve their design skills and develop aesthetic thinking in the field of graphics.

2.5. Books on brand design

“Logo Design Love” – David Airey
If you are looking for materials to self-study graphic design, especially in the field of brand design, the book "Logo Design Love" by author David Airey is a choice worth considering. The book not only provides basic and in-depth knowledge about logo design but also shares practical experiences, helping you better understand the creative process and how to build a strong brand. This is a useful document for those who want to develop graphic design skills and create highly professional products.

This book helps you better understand the professional logo design process, from brand research, idea generation, to how to fine-tune a perfect logo.

“Identity Designed” – David Airey
One of the remarkable books that helps you learn graphic design by yourself, especially in the field of brand design, is “Identity Designed” by author David Airey. This book not only provides basic knowledge about building and developing brands but also shares practical examples and case studies from successful projects around the world. With clear, in-depth presentation and intuitive illustrations, this is a useful document for both beginners and professional designers who want to improve their skills in this field.

2.6. Books on interface design (UI/UX)

“Don’t Make Me Think” – Steve Krug
This is a classic book on UX (user experience), helping you understand how to design interfaces that are intuitive, easy to use, and optimize the user experience.

“Refactoring UI” – Adam Wathan & Steve Schoger
If you are a designer but not too familiar with UI, this book will help you understand how to improve the interface properly without too much knowledge of code.

3. How to read books effectively to learn graphic design

3.1. Combining theory and practice

When reading design books, you should practice as you read to apply the knowledge immediately. For example, if you are learning about color, you can try mixing colors in design software to better understand how color works.

3.2. Take notes of important knowledge

Taking notes not only helps you remember things, but also helps you organize important information. Create a design notebook to record principles, tips, and useful lessons from books.

3.3. Experiment with different design styles

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles when learning design. This will help you expand your creative thinking and find the style that works best for you.

4. Conclusion

Self-studying graphic design through books is an effective way to build a solid foundation and improve your skills systematically. With the list of recommended books above, you can start your learning journey systematically. Choose a suitable book for yourself and start learning today!