10 books for finding graphic design inspiration

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their top 10 favorite books for visual inspiration, covering diverse styles from punk graphics to modern streetwear. Each book is highlighted for its unique contribution to design, from the chaotic punk aesthetic to the meticulous branding of Brain Dead. The speaker also delves into the works of iconic artists like Andy Warhol and the meticulous designs of Annie Atkins, offering insights into how these inspirations can fuel creativity across various mediums.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video shares the speaker's top 10 favorite books for visual inspiration.
• 🎨 'Punk is Everything' is a collection of punk graphics that inspires the speaker's work in layout, texture, and color.
• 🧢 'Brain Dead' highlights the streetwear brand Brain Dead, known for its graphics, collaborations, and community events.
• 🔊 'Noise Graphics' showcases graphics from the noise music scene of the 80s and 90s, emphasizing black and white designs.
• 🖼️ 'Mini Warhol Book' features Andy Warhol's work, providing insights into his artistic approach and screen prints.
• 🔖 'Logo Modernism' is a must-have for logo design enthusiasts, containing numerous logos and case studies.
• ✍️ 'Pretty Much Everything' by Aaron Draplin offers design work, stories, and career tips from the designer.
• 🎥 'Annie Atkins' showcases detailed period-style designs for film, particularly famous for Wes Anderson movies.
• 🖌️ 'KAWS Book' compiles the work of visual artist KAWS, known for consistent and unique design across various media.
• 🌟 'Gucci Maze Book' features designs by Gucci Maze, a standout in the Y2K and rave aesthetic movement.
• 🎷 'Blue Note Records Book' highlights album cover designs for Blue Note Records, focusing on typography and layout by Reed Miles.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the book 'Punk is Everything'?

The main theme of 'Punk is Everything' is a collection of punk graphics, including flyers, album art, and t-shirts, that inspire the author's work in layout, texture, and color choices.

How does the author suggest combining punk style graphics with traditional graphic design?

The author suggests mixing punk style graphics with traditional graphic design, such as the Swiss type of graphic movement, to create a blend of chaos and order.

What is the focus of the book about Brain Dead streetwear brand?

The book focuses on the graphics, clothing, and the brand's story, as well as the communities involved in Brain Dead, showcasing the brand's consistency and fresh design aesthetics.

What does the author appreciate about the book on Brain Dead streetwear brand?

The author appreciates the book's display of Brain Dead's graphics and clothing, the brand's story, and the credit given to the artists behind each piece of work.

Why does the author find 'Noise Graphics' an inspiring book?

The author finds 'Noise Graphics' inspiring due to its focus on black and white imagery, type, and messaging to create cohesive designs, printed on matte paper that adds texture.

What aspects of Andy Warhol's work does the author admire in the 'Mini Warhol' book?

The author admires Warhol's screen prints, textures, and the blend of old and modern aesthetics in his work, as well as his ability to create grungy and raw designs.

What is the significance of 'Logo Modernism' in the author's design journey?

'Logo Modernism' is significant in the author's design journey as it was one of the first books that inspired them in the field of logo design and brand identity.

What does the book 'Pretty Much Everything' by Aaron Draplin offer to its readers?

The book offers a collection of Aaron Draplin's design work, stories from his childhood and career, and tips for being authentic in the design world.

How does the book by Annie Atkins inspire the author?

The book inspires the author with its showcase of Annie Atkins' detailed period-style designs for film, demonstrating her attention to detail and unique niche in the design world.

What unique aspect of the book by Cause does the author appreciate?

The author appreciates the book's intentional design, such as the mini set of pages stitched into the larger set, and Cause's consistent and unique approach to art and design.

Why is the 'Blue Note Records' book a significant source of inspiration for the author?

The 'Blue Note Records' book is significant for its compilation of album covers and designs by Reed Miles, which demonstrate a mastery of working within a specific style and offer a variety of typographic and layout approaches.