MELOGRAPHICS
Mar 12 min
Updated: Apr 15
Spark creativity and explore art and design through this curated collection of books, full of indispensable instruction, guidance, and inspiration. Whether your a freelance artist looking for actionable advice about making a living from your creative work or a typophile who's fascinated by the ins-and-outs of compositions and typography showcased by top design houses and ad firms - this collection of must-read books is for you. No experience needed, just a curious mind and passion to develop your skills and grow as a creative. Let's explore the world of visual art, graphic design, and living inspired through 23 must-read books for artists and creatives.
Interactive Preview of the Curated Collection
23 Inspirational & Professional Development Books for Creatives
My Top Picks by MELOGRAPHICS
Get Creative - more tools & resources for artists and creators
"Grid Systems: Principles of Organizing Type" by Kimberly Elam
"Extra Bold" by Ellen Lupton, Jennifer Tobias, Josh A. Halstead, Kaleena Sales, Leslie Xia, and Valentina Vergara
"How to Be a Rule-Breaking Letterer" by Martina Flor
"Graphic Design Theory: Readings from the Field" by Helen Armstrong
"Time to Draw Deck" by Sarah Walsh
"Just Enough Design" by Don Norman
"Baseline Shift" by Julie Anixter
"Thoughts on Design" by Paul Rand
"How to Be Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul" by Adrian Shaughnessy
"The Business of Design" by Keith Granet
"Pink Flamingos and Yellow Pages: The Impact of Color on Marketing" by Judy Scott-Kemmis
"Making the Movement: A Practical Guide to Graphic Design Activism" by Bonnie Siegler
"The Senses: Design Beyond Vision" by Ellen Lupton and Andrea Lipps
"Graphic Design Rules: 365 Essential Design Dos and Don'ts" by Peter Dawson, John Foster, and Tony Seddon
"Never Use Futura" by Douglas Thomas
"Printmaking Bible, Revised Edition" by Ann d'Arcy Hughes and Hebe Vernon-Morris
"Creative Business Handbook" by Lisa Congdon
"The Rules We Break" by Steven Heller and Gail Anderson
"New Rules Next Week: A Guide to Future-Proofing Your Design Work" by Stefan Sagmeister
"How Design Makes Us Think: And Feel and Do Things" by Sean Adams
"The Art of Ruth Carter: Costume Design for Film and Television" by Ruth Carter
"Black, Brown + Latinx Design Educators: Conversations on Design and Race" by Kelly Walters
"Type on Screen: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Developers, and Students" by Ellen Lupton
My personal favorites ranging from artistry and personal growth to professional development and all the things I wish I learned in design school.
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