On the hunt for a new good read? We asked 8 Dribbblers to tell us about a favorite book that has changed the game for them as designers. Whether you’re interested in learning more about design basics, getting career advice, or just looking for inspiration, these designers have got you covered. Check out some of their top picks below:
1. The Secret Lives of Color
By Kassia St. Clair
Calling all color enthusiasts! The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair is a great resource if you’re looking to learn more about the history of color, or if you’re looking for inspiration for your next color palette. Check out why this is one of designer Jessie Kay’s favorite reads:
“This book is a collection of stories that tell the unique history of 75 colors. I always find myself referring back to this book when I am stuck in a color rut and am in need of inspiration. It’s different from any color book I have ever read. Each color tells a story, and the design is beautiful. As you read through, each page changes subtly in color and tone. This book will teach you something about color and culture.
2. Studio Handbook: Lettering & Design
By Samuel Welo
This is a beautiful (originally hand-lettered) book that’s a great resource for designers interested in lettering according to designer Shauna Lynn. Read why this is a favorite of hers:
“I came across this book on archive.org and fell in love with it, so much so that I hunted down a vintage copy from 1927 that I keep on my desk at all times and show people at any opportunity that I get. The book itself is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in lettering or typography, and every page was hand-lettered. It contains a multitude of alphabets as well as information on layouts and design. Plus, it’s just beautiful.
“My love of my own copy of this book grew not just because of how beautiful it was, but that when I showed it to a friend of mine and mentioned the original owner’s name and address was in the front of the book, she said “I know his grandkids. I grew up down the road from that address”. It was such a weird yet amazing moment and from then on I have treasured my copy that much more.
3. 101 Things I Learned in Architecture School
By Matthew Frederick
This book contains a clear and concise explanation for 101 different principles and lessons of architecture design, each accompanied by an illustration. It’s a favorite for students of architecture but also for other designers like Cécile L. Parker:
“I enjoy books that discuss design principles within another discipline, such as architecture or cartooning. This book is one of my favorites. It’s a great source of inspiration and allows me to look at my work with a fresh perspective. Each page presents an architectural concept, a design framework, or a tip to improve your craft or process. The parallels with Product Design are striking, and I find the contents to be generally fascinating. It also increased my appreciation for architecture and urban design.
4. The Doré Bible Illustrations
By Gustave Doré
This book is a collection of illustrations showcasing the 241 plates that Gustave Doré illustrated for the Bible. Each illustration is accompanied by the Bible verse it portrays. This book is particularly meaningful for designer and illustrator Peter Voth:
Peter Voth
Aiming for the Good, the True & the Beautiful through illustrative designwork since 2010.
“I could, of course, name a popular design book that is well known and recognized in the scene, but my honest contribution to a book that has shaped and inspired me in my career would be The Doré Bible Illustrations. Like Doré, I am an autodidact and both the subject and the execution have inspired my work significantly. Much more important than strategies, concepts, degrees and networks is for a designer and illustrator to develop a vision and style for his/her work. The love of detail and the epochal language of his works do more to me than a book full of tips and tricks. Doré has helped me a lot to shape a vision and goal for my work as a designer and illustrator.
5. Cartoon Modern: Style and Design in Fifties Animation
By Amid Amidi
Learn about the evolution of modern animation from classic Disney films to televised cartoons. This is a must-read for illustrator Ann-Sophie De Steur:
“I love this book, it gives such a great overview of the UPA (United Productions of America) style of animation. I currently work with a lot of companies to make explainer videos or advertisements, and the UPA was a master of this in the 50’s. Such a wonderful, clear and quick style. I learned quite a lot from this book.
6. Universal Principles of Design
By William Lidwell, Kristina Holden, and Jill Butler
Universal Principles of Design is a one-stop resource for designers of all disciplines. If you’re looking for a general overview of design theory or want to learn common design concepts that apply across all areas of design, this is a great place to start according to designer Jonathan David Post. Here’s what he had to say about the book:
“This book is a great introduction to design in general and really helps connect the dots between different disciplines. A great read if you’re interested in becoming more interdisciplinary, improving your analysis skills, or just want to know more about the building blocks of design.
7. The Obstacle is The Way
By Ryan Holiday
While this book isn’t specifically about design, it has been extremely influential for Product Designer Daniel Klopper throughout his life and career as a designer. Here’s why:
“I think this book mostly applied to the early parts of my life and career, and reinforced a notion that I could thrive off of negative energy and achieve positive outcomes. The book is a study and reflection on the philosophy of Stoicism, along with stories of great historical figures who realized that problems were merely a chance to grow stronger. I recommend this book as it’s one that targets your growth in your everyday life as well as your profession. It covers three main areas that shape us: Perception, Action and Will. It’s highly inspirational and motivational—not a mundane “follow your dreams” lesson and that’s why I love it. It forces you to realize that success is not a gift of any kind, but a path anyone is allowed to follow.
8. How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer
By Debbie Millman
Many of you may already be familiar with the Debbie Millman. In this book she interviews a handful of great graphic designers such as Milton Glaser, Stefan Sagmeister, and Paula Scher (among many others). Don’t forget to check out the Overtime podcast episode featuring Debbie here! This is designer Do-Hee Kim’s favorite design book of all time:
“This book is a series of interviews of accomplished designers by Debbie Millman. Each interview is a bit different from the other but overall, they dive into the designers’ careers and experiences. What I love about this book is that the interviews are more personal than you might expect and rather than offering didactic, step by step “how-tos” on design (as the title might suggest), it instead offers unexpectedly intimate insights into life, relationships, and the human experience – learnings that can be applied to all aspects of life. It’s not only a beautiful read but reminds me again and again that our role as designers is so much more than the work/end product, and that what makes a good designer is not the pixel pushing, “creative” skills that one might expect, but rather our capacity for empathy and ability to connect with others.
We hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse into what our design community has been reading! Hopefully, you’re inspired to pick up one (or more) of these designer’s favorites whether it be to help you with your design craft, give you some inspiration, or even help build up your career.
Find more Updates stories on our blog Courtside. Have a suggestion? Contact stories@dribbble.com.
