Guest Blogger :: Emily Potts, Acquisitions Editor | Rockport Publishers
As the acquisitions editor at Rockport Publishers, I have the enviable job of collaborating with many great designers and writer, like Amy Graver, Robynne Raye, Bill Gardner, Richard Poulin, Jason Tselentis, Debbie Millman, John Foster, and Steven Heller, just to name a few. But working on a book can be grueling—just ask any of them. From getting the brief approved, to coming up with an outline, collecting work, writing, then designing the book—it’s a lot of work, but the pay-off is worth it when you see the beautiful artifact and can actually hold it in your hands.
Publishing has been challenging the last few years, with so many stores closing and the proliferation of online content. However, when you rely solely on online resources for your information, you get what you pay for. Here are some must-haves to add to your design bookshelf.
The Graphic Designer’s Electronic-Media Manual by Jason Tselentis
Taking the leap from print to digital design is not as easy as it sounds. Tselentis offers sound advice and information on how to do this gracefully and successfully. The book teaches type and color application, composition, navigation, and customization for digital devices such as the desktop computer, tablet, and smartphone.
Tselentis also writes a column called Nexus for www.rockpaperink.com.
Drawing for Graphic Design by Timothy Samara
When is the last time you stepped away from the computer and just drew on a pad of paper? This book is a reference for designers—both students and professionals—who want to implement drawing as a creative tool for concepting and visual solutions.
Design: Paper, a seductive collection of alluring paper designs by Public School
This luscious book is packed with beautiful designs all crafted with or on paper. But it isn’t merely a collection of inspiring images. It also includes 20 dissections which take a closer look at the design details that make each project so special. You won’t be able to resist this tactile reference.
New Masters of Poster Design, Volume 2 by John Foster
More than 300 opulent posters are featured in this amazing volume with work from some of the best international designers working today, including: The Small Stakes, Paula Troxler, Sonnenzimmer, Young Monster, Zeloot, and many more. In the profiles, Foster is able to capture the personality behind the artist and the inspiration driving them to create prolific, heart-stopping work.
Best Practices for Graphic Designers: Grids and Page Layout by Amy Graver and Ben Jura
This hard-working primer is designed to help all designers have a better understanding of layout principles and working with grids in their designs. Graver and Jura expertly guide readers through the many types of grids, layout techniques, and color and type tips that will make any design stand out, while showing exceptional examples.
All these great design books can be found at www.rockpub.com.
