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5 Graphic Design Books That Every Web Designer Should Read

September 21st, 2008

This is the first post in a two-part series aimed at getting web designers and graphic designers to better understand how to work together. I personally come from a web and print background. When I’m a designing a website, I strive to take the techniques of both mediums and craft them into a positive experience for my clients. Below is a list of Graphic Design books that every web designer should read.

Grid Systems in Graphic Design

by Josef Muller-Brockmann

Grid Systems in graphic design is the holy grail when it comes to learning how to build and use a grid in your layouts. There are several grid techniques and rules that you can apply to your website designs within this book.

A History of Graphic Design

by Philip B. Meggs

A History of Graphic Design is a great book if you are inexperienced in graphic design theory. The book traces the history of Graphic Design from cave wall writings, all the way up to modern day techniques. It is a great reference point to see how graphic design has evolved over the years.

The Elements of Typographic Style

by Robert Bringhurst

Okay, I will not lie, this is not an easy read. It is down right boring at points. However, there is still much to be learned from this book. It will definitely give you an appreciation for typography and why your print counter-parts take it so seriously. There are many simple rules that you can take to the web from this book to improve your type online.

Interaction of Color

by Josef Albers

New to color theory? Curious on how colors work together? If you want to take your web design skills to the next level and really learn how color works, this book is a must read. Bonus points for only being 81 pages in length for the casual reader.

The End of Print

by David Carson

Some designers might think this choice is out of place or out of date. However, this book was one of the last real revolutions there has been in graphic design and if you are a web designer and unaware of this book, you should definitely check it out. I still feel it has much to offer when it comes to layout and composition.

I hope this post has been helpful. If any graphic designers out there think I have missed a critical book, please post a comment below. The second part of this two-part series will feature 5 web design book that every graphic designer needs to read. Don’t worry, I’m not playing favorites.

Tags: book, graphic-design, Web Design