How to be a Graphic Designer...2nd edition

After 19 years as a Graphic Designer and Photographer for a management consultancy, I recently grabbed voluntary redundancy. Phew! For the last five or so years I had begun to wonder whether I really enjoyed design or despised it. It was difficult to distinguish whether the problem lay in design, or designing for THAT particular company. So I began reading design again. Adrian Shaughnessy's 'How to be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul' reminded me what a wonderfully exciting and interesting profession it is. He seems to give us a very honest and candid account of one designer's experiences grappling with and growing within the design world; and starting, running and ultimately leaving a design studio to go off on his own again.The book goes way beyond graphic technique and the latest notions of 'cool' - to discuss things like retaining and promoting integrity in the design business, grappling with design BS (client BS as well as how much it might be necessary for you to dish out), some real-life insights into hiring and firing practice of graphic designers (and clients!). Shaughnessy spends some valiant time trying to get beneath the notion of creativity. Regarding design briefs, he offers some good suggestions: take up a role of scepticism and interrogation towards them, be wary of conventional wisdom, rely very much on common sense, and look for what is missing from the brief (which is often the key to unlocking really successful work). And - quite inspiring this - he gives us the green light to rely on our INTUITIONS, without apology. Nice.If you want a book about GRAPHIC DESIGN AS LIFE, this is it.

Great book! I recommend it to every student and beginner in the profession! Very light and enjoyable to read.

This book is another essential to add to the list for any new or experienced designer. It has a lot of information relating to portfolios, presenting yourself, interviews, landing your first job. I haven't given it a full 5 stars as it is a bit long winded in some of it's explanations of things. This didn't stop me from reading it cover to cover though. I have referred back to it several times since finishing it too.

Got this book as a belated birthday gift for my boyfriend who's just finished graphic design and apparently he really liked it.Personally I know nothing about graphic design so it was really risky for me to get this book, however, I checked online 'best graphic design books' just to add something to his graphic design books library so I thought I might as well give it a try and apparently he was one of the best things he's seen. This book includes multiple tips for your further career, such as getting a job etc. and it has many more things that will help you a lot.Can't say much more about it due to the fact that I haven't read it, however, listening to graphic designers perspective it is a good deal!So glad I found this book. If you are in the same situation, with a person who's just settling in in this industry don't hesitate getting this book!

I am not a big reader in fact i pretty much hate reading, however i am a graphic designer an do like books. And this is a book that i am glad i put the effort in and read the first page because by the end of every page i wanted to read the next one and for me that is the sign of a well written book. it is full how grate ideas and ways of thinking and apart from the small out side margin (witch i wish was 5 mill bigger) is beautifully presented.

No matter what edition you have of this title, it’s pages are filled with gold.If you’re a designer, this should already be on your bookshelf!

I can’t comment on the book as it is a gift - I’ve heard it’s a good one for graphic designers. However I’ve received my item and it looks second hand. The spine is all creased and some pages are dogeared. Should have gone to the shops but oh well!

Great book for those looking to get into graphic design. Good advice and genuinely a very decent read (coming from someone who doesn’t read!)

Una lectura obligada para cualquier diseñador que busque emprender o desarrollarse más

Revela detalhes e dilemas do cotidiano do designer. Ótimo para quem está começando essa carreira. Livro de fácil leitura, muito acessível.

The condition of the was good not great, but yeah the content of the book worth the price

Good product

The book seems great (haven't finished it yet) and it's a easy read. However, the quality of the book itself is not good, the cover came with folding marks and some damaged corners. It looks already used...