I began researching the literature of creative inspiration and graphic design so I could feel more comfortable with how others design. I am typically inspired by any artist who can communicate how they have become successful with their art, from small-scale drawings to skyscraper design. As my studies have deepened, I’ve come to understand that graphic design is not so much about making pretty images as it is about salesmanship and the communication of compelling ideas. I’m also reminded that I have been developing my design and sales skills all along, when I thought that I was “just making signs.”

 

I consider a design book to be a useful resource for the sign industry when many of the lessons already seem somewhat familiar. This tells me that the writing is relevant and that there are undoubtedly new levels to be achieved. A book makes it onto my preferred list when superb communicators are able to create, teach and sell good ideas that are applicable to a variety of applications. The following are quick takes on the very best design and motivation books that are highly relevant to the myriad of situations we encounter every day as sign makers.

 

Style

A History of Graphic Design by Phillip Meggs, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1992.

 

This comprehensive reference is the definitive text that covers all phases of graphic design history of western civilization. Importantly for sign makers, there is much emphasis on the history of type and hand-lettering. 

 

Graphically Speaking: A Visual Lexicon for Achieving Better Designer-Client Communication…So They See It by Lisa Buchanan, How Design Books, 2003.  

 

The author translates common key design words such as “elegant,” “alluring” and “powerful,” into strong visual examples with appropriate colors, fonts and layouts.

 

 The Designer’s Guide to Color Combinations: 500+ Historic and Modern Color Formulas in CMYK by Leslie Cabarga, North Light Books, 1999. 

 

Cabarga outlines a mind-boggling array of color ideas very concisely by period and style in a way that is particularly useful for poster and sign design. I was surprised to learn that he considers CMYK to be the best and most versatile color system of the many available.

 

The Design Literacy Series, Looking Closer, and the Graphic Design Reader: Critical Writings on Graphic Design all by Steven Heller, Allworth Press, 1997-2002. 

 

There are at least seven books of essays in this series by Heller, the archivist of modern graphic design. Scores of interviews and insights into everything from Bauhaus to Pee Wee’s Playhouse art, from Paul Rand (the logo designer) to GI Joe boxes and hand-painted signage, ensures that there is something for everyone. 

 

Business

The Business of Graphic Design: A Sensible Approach to Marketing and Managing a Graphic Design Firm by Ed Gold, Watson-Guptill, 2002.

 

This classic book offers a personal glimpse into the inner workings of the country’s leading designers and their firms. Ed Gold’s laid-back style makes even design superstars seem like regular people with issues to which we can all relate.

 

The Graphic Designer’s Guide to Clients: How to Make Clients Happy and Do Great Work by Ellen Shapiro, Allworth, 2003. 

 

Shapiro is the authority on client/designer relationships thanks to the hundreds of interviews she has done. She specializes in sharing high octane tips from a range of designers. The most memorable tip she quotes: “If you want to have great clients, do great work. Period.” 

 

Inside the Business of Graphic Design: 60 Leaders Share Their Secrets of Success by Catherine Fishel, Allworth, 2003. 

 

Fishel provides a wide overview of the industry, with much wisdom that is applicable for sign makers.

 

Shop

How to Design Trademarks and Logos by John Murphy & Michael Rowe, Northlight, 1988. 

 

An amazing little book that describes the many steps and rationales that make up logo design in a very accessible how-to style. Learn how to analyze and critique logo ideas with surprising authority.

 

The Secret Life of Logos: Behind the Scenes with Top Designers by Leslie Cabarga, How Design Books, 2007. 

 

If you want to go way over your head and stay there, this is the book for you. Cabarga delves into the specific thought processes of really creative logo design that reveals a trove of inspiration and endless ingenuity. 

 

Logo, Font & Lettering Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to the Design, Construction and Usage of Alphabets and Symbols by Leslie Cabarga, How Design, 2004. 

 

The title says it all. The inside jacket is packed with show card and lettering book covers. The text and illustration explains font manipulation techniques that are rarely, if ever, explained to the public.

 

Inspiration

Understanding Design: 175 Reflections on Being a Designer by Kees Dorst, Gingko Press, 2006.

 

Dorst has written an essential and readable guide for every imaginable scenario that can arise for anybody who designs anything. This book has helped me understand when sign-making utilizes my design skills and when it doesn’t.

 

How to Grow as a Graphic Designer by Catherine Fishel, Allworth, 2005.

Fishel provides a thoughtful look into the personal inspiration and sustainability issues of doing creative work through countless interviews.

 

Idea Revolution by Claire Warmke, How Design, 2003. 

 

This energizing guide to brainstorming and idea generation focuses on getting unstuck, unblocked and inspired about projects.

 

MTIV (Making the Invisible Visible) Process: Inspiration and Practice for the New Media Designer by Hillman Curtis, New Riders, 2002.

 

Former wannabe rock ’n’ roll star turned web-master for Rolling Stone magazine writes a book that is a cult-classic for new media design, video art and so much more. Curtis makes my list because he lets you into his high-end creative headspace from beginning to end and his attitude is just plain breathtaking.

 

Ballsy: 99 Ways to Grow a Bigger Pair and Score Extreme Business Success and Gut: How to Think from Your Middle to Get to the Top, both by Karen Salmansohn, How Books, 2006.

 

In these two books, the motivational coach and creativity guru Karen Salmansohn offers breezy tours of the most effective ways to fend for your self in any creative/sales profession. The first few pages alone of Ballsy helped me to survive a demoralizing first and last meeting with an annoying prospect.

 

Salmansohn is very, very good at showing how to realize your full potential as an inspirational force in the world. Even when you already know about this material, she validates and empowers your instincts. Pure gold.

 

Used copies of these books are all readily available very cheaply through Abe books or Amazon.com. There is a great wealth of crucial graphic design knowledge that is waiting for sign makers and others who are seeking to advance their design and sales skills. Publishers such as Allworth Press, How Design, Chronicle and North Light Books can be uses as key words to search for high-quality design titles that provide a limitless source of information. As I often find myself on the lonely frontlines of the on-the-street sign guy, I am reassured that I might just know something about the big bad world of graphic design.