[Closed] Graphic Designers - Your 'Bible?'

My bible? A Pantone PMS / CMYK / RGB swatch.

Other than that your reference field is vast; graphic design is so huge and also so narrow with design for so much media, styles and requirements that one wo/man's bible may be another's tea cup coaster.

There is a lot you can learn, but there's also vast amounts of influence at your finger tips. If I were to recommend one thing it would be to learn about publishing techniques and requirements in the particular field you expect to be working in. This could be pixel count on regular smartphones vs. retina screens, adaptive websites, printing of spot colours or how inks appear on different materials.

A couple of basic books on typography back in the day, but that's it.

Books on graphic design are normally out of date as soon as they’re published, it moves on so quickly.

If you live in the UK you are lucky enough to be constantly surrounded by some of the worlds best graphic design. Just look around you, see what works, then have a think about why it works.

i agree with Jazz about learning about the technical side of things. You wouldn’t believe how many designers haven’t got a clue about actual production

Actually... if you want to learn about composition, then study Cassandre. This book includes his original sketches to show the geometric construction of his beautiful designs. Taught me loads about perspective, composition and proportion.

Google, to be honest. There is so much free content out there you can learn fully for free.

Everyone’s a graphic designer nowadays, aren’t they?

Thanks chaps.  Couldn't find definitive answer on Google hence why I asked on here.  Probably won't be working in the field (well not properly anyway) just fancied learning a bit more about it.

I did recognise Cassandre's stuff, just didn't know the name, will have a look.  Thanks!

Everyone’s a graphic designer nowadays, aren’t they?

get back to your posterize pixel monkey 😉

Back when I worked in print and publishing, the Letraset and Mechanorma catalogues were absolutely essential, plus any collections of logos and typography. A study of the Bauhaus and the work of HC Deiter Rams ought to be on the bookshelf as well.

Typography has expanded enormously though, so it’s so much more difficult to identify a typeface easily these days.

For another study of perfect composition and timeless simplicity, have a look at Saul Bass stuff as well.

And the minimalist genius of Peter Saville

You wouldn’t believe how many designers haven’t got a clue about actual production

And

Typography has expanded enormously though, so it’s so much more difficult to identify a typeface easily these days

and

An understanding of resolution, size and viewing distance.

Everyone’s a graphic designer nowadays, aren’t they?

I think you will find they are photographers, you just need to press a button.