Best Books For Reference

For question one I have one suggestion: Logo Savvy: Top Brand Design Firms Share their Naming and Identity Strategies

Before & After Magazine sounds like exactly what you are looking for. You can get a PDF or printed copy of the magazine. They also publish some great books.

http://www.bamagazine.com

http://www.amazon.com/Graphic-Design-That-Works-Successful/dp/1592530842
Even though it has had a bad review, because the type is set way too small (5pt?). I still find this to be a good reference. A lot design books focus on graphics that are 'over designed' and not so practical. Where as this book has a classic logo reference which is often overlooked in other publications.
e.g. The target Logo. http://www.target.com/
Two circles . . brilliant.
This book is worth a look, but make sure you have your spectacles with you.

Check out one of my old threads:

http://creativebits.org/graphic_design_book_recommendations

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www.jhousedesign.com
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"Did I really try to find an "undo" button on a vending machine?"

There are many good books out there, I have two large shelves full myself (I'm self-taught too).

To get you started I would recommend;

Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Muller-Brockman. This book contains a wealth of information on how to 'lay the foundations' of a good piece of design i.e. the design grid. Including information on the Golden Section / Ratio. This book will really speed you up with composition.

Then two books from the great Paul Arden, It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want To Be and Whatever You Think, Think The Opposite. Both are indispensable when it comes to creativity. Paul Arden was one of the most creative minds to date (in my opinion) and these two small books will have you thinking very differently within the space of three hours.

Then for the fundamentals, the basic understandings of the different areas of graphic design I would recommend a series of books called 'Basics Design'. They have plenty to choose from, each specialising on a different area. Part 1: Format. Part 2: Layout. Part 3: Typography. Part 4: Image. Part 5: Colour. Part 6: Print & Finish... All very good reference books.

I've been in the industry for nearly eleven years now and still reference all of the above frequently.

One final recommendation. Keep your eyes on this forum, it's a wealth of knowledge and is full of great contributors. Another community to check out is Accidental Creative. Join as a paying member (it's very cheap) and includes plenty of podcasts specialising on creativity and idea generation.

Steve

Evolution in Progress
The Design Agency
Just Add Water

Learn from the masters, composition, color, light - all that is in your local library for free. Don't forget the late 19th and early 20th century illustrators. Many of today's designers are missing the formal foundation of art history. It will help set you apart.

... But they don't mention Paint '09! What's up with that?

http://fakesteveballmer.blogspot.com

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The Design Essentials series from Jim Krause is excellent.
http://jimkrausedesign.com/

- thanks

The Elements of Typographic Style
http://www.webtypography.net/

Anything by Ellen Lupton is great and simplified for someone just starting out!