Current Reads, Resources and Inspiration

Current Reads, Resources and Inspiration

 

I was asked via Facebook for suggestions on reading and listening material. As I started collecting links and things I realized that I should probably make a new post about it. Here are my Current Reads, Resources and Inspiration.

First off, I really like this weekly series by John McWade. It’s not software specific. He covers layout, typography, color and walks through building something new every week. If you enjoy this one, he has many other courses available that are equally fantastic.
Graphic Design Tips and Tricks – John McWade
https://www.lynda.com/Color-tutorials/Graphic-Design-Tips-Tricks/365959-2.html

This is more of a personal one, I started watching this during my winter slump and the little tidbits of happiness and time management. This weekly series has benefited my personal happiness, and that of my family.
Happiness Tips – Chris Croft
https://www.lynda.com/Business-Skills-tutorials/Happiness-Tips/426767-2.html

Especially for you web designers/developers, anything from Morten Rand-Hendriksen is fantastic.
Morten Rand-Hendriksen
https://www.lynda.com/Morten-Rand-Hendriksen/725535-1.html

This course is more about branding and self promotion for your design business. Sean is very insightful and gives tips for getting and maintaining clients, getting published and staying relevant.
Running a Design Business – Sean Adams
https://www.lynda.com/Design-Business-tutorials/Running-Design-Business-Self-Promotion/432563-2.html

Another weekly series, I listen to web career clinic every week where Lauren interviews a new designers.
Web Career Clinic – Lauren Bacon
https://www.lynda.com/Web-Design-tutorials/Web-Career-Clinic/432037-2.html

I just started listening to this but, I caught up with all of them within the first day (I think we’re only on 6 weeks or something). They just kind of talk about a different design challenge every week.
The Honest Designer – Ian Barnard, Lisa Glanz and Dustin Lee
https://www.designcuts.com/tutorials/honest-designers-podcast-ep-1-developing-your-style/

Creative Workshop – David Sherwin
Creative Workshop – David Sherwin

To be honest, I only did one exercise out of either of these exercise books. They’re time consuming but, fantastic I’d imagine if you’ve got nothing to work on or need pieces for a portfolio or stuff for a blog post.

Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers – Crawford & Doman Bruck, Graphic Artists Guild
Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers – Crawford & Doman Bruck, Graphic Artists Guild

An absolute must have, anytime you’re in need of a form open this book and find an example of a form already being used. It includes a disk with all of them on it if you’re in a hurry but, personally I just build my own version of what I need.

Print Magazine https://www.printmag.com/
Print Magazine

I just like these, they’re full of inspiration and entertainment.

 

How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul – Adrian Shaughnessy
How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul – Adrian Shaughnessy

This book is fantastic, Debbie interviews a handful of fantastic successful designers and helps put some of the issues that we all face into perspective. A must read if you’re going through a slump or something.

 

Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidlines – Graphic Artists Guild
Handbook of Pricing and Ethical Guidlines – Graphic Artists Guild

This is a resource, it’s full of information. I doubt I’ll ever read it cover to cover, and I don’t think it’s meant to be but, for any new designer pick up this book. It’ll prove invaluable as you start facing new challenges.

The Graphic Design Exercise Book – Carolynn Knight & Jessica Glaser
The Graphic Design Exercise Book – Carolynn Knight & Jessica Glaser

Another exercise book. Maybe I’m just terrible at them or something. I’ve only worked through one of these exercises as well. However, if you’re just starting out, or just want to make things. I’d imagine this is a great resource.

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