Learning Graphic Design For Beginners: 45+ Free and Premium Ebooks for Graphic Designers 2021 + Checklists

 • 11 min read
Author Alex Zanutto

Learning Graphic Design For Beginners. Stop looking for a true recipe of success, because it is out in the open. We will share this secret with you only. So keep in mind, all it takes is to choose attractive amusement, study every day all manner of things, learn from craftsmenā€™s experience and practice all day and night.

Learning Graphic Design For Beginners. Simple and clear as ABC!

Bet that you have a stake in graphic design and have a tremendous desire to find out more about? Now you are right more than ever as studying is the most forceful and available method for a new beginning. We live in an era of innovative technologies which allows us to receive new knowledge easy-peasy. This article is created to help you to achieve a cherished success by dint of best graphic design eBooks and Checklists.

Graphic design is a space for free creativity. It is developing by leaps and bounds opening a growing number of possibilities for translation the imagination into action. Regardless, it is necessary to remember some general principles which are significant night and day. Just keep under hat a couple of key insights such as alignment, visual hierarchy, contrast, color, and typography. Abiding these fool-proof moments you will conquer the mysterious world of graphic design.

Here you will become acquainted with Best Free and Premium Graphic Design eBooks and Checklists which will show you the simple truth about this sphere. Read books, expand your knowing in visual design and study new things. And remember that ā€œSuccess is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to doā€. So nowā€™s your chance!

Disclosure: MasterBundles website page may contain advertising materials that may lead to us receiving a commission fee if you purchase a product. However, this does not affect our opinion of the product in any way and we do not receive any bonuses for positive or negative ratings.

Top 10 Graphic Design Books Every Designer Should Read 2021

1. Meggs’ History of Graphic Design 6th Edition, Kindle Edition by Philip B. Meggs and Alston W. Purvis

 

Price: $63.99

A textbook that will help you learn the with no exaggeration exciting history of graphic design. In addition to that, the e-book allows you to highlight passages of text and make digital notes, which are pretty useful features for all the students out there.
Purchase here

2. Graphic Design Solutions 006 Edition, Kindle Edition by Robin Landa

 

Price: $37.14 – $66.99

Robin Landa has written more than twenty books about graphic design and branding and this one is another gem of hers that you need to read. The book will teach you an unconventional approach to such a creative job as design as well as provide you with tons of valuable information and tips and tricks.
Purchase here

3. Graphic Design Theory (Graphic Design in Context) Kindle Edition by Meredith Davis

 

Price: $40

In case you are interested in learning the basic theory, Graphic Design Theory by Meredith Davis is going to be particularly helpful for you. This book will help you learn the essential theory in no time as well as perfectly prepare you for practical tasks. So follow the link below and take a closer look at this one.
Purchase here

4. The Graphic Design Reference & Specification Book Kindle Edition by Poppy Evans, Aaris Sherin, and Irina Lee

 

Price: $11.99

This one is another good e-book that will unveil all the graphic design secrets for you and provide you with priceless knowledge. So do not hesitate, grab this book, and upgrade your skills now.
Purchase here

5. Graphic Design: The New Basics: Second Edition, Revised and Expanded Kindle Edition by Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips

 

Price: $16.99
If you are looking for some up-to-date pro tips, then this very e-book is no doubt a way to go for you. Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips will teach you how to become a professional designer in no time, so go ahead and get this book.
Purchase here

6. FireSigns: A Semiotic Theory for Graphic Design (Design Thinking, Design Theory) Kindle Edition by Steven Skaggs

 

Price: $28.99

Semiotics is a branch of science that studies symbols, their meaning and perception ā€“ the things that are particularly important for graphic designers, especially for UI/UX designers. This e-book will teach you how to utilize the symbols correctly and, as a result, create user-friendly products, which is why reading it is a must for any designer.
Purchase here

7. Introduction to Graphic Design: A Guide to Thinking, Process & Style (Required Reading Range Book 74) 1st Edition, Kindle Edition by Aaris Sherin

 

Price: $31.11

This one is simply perfect for all the beginners out there who want to start working in the field of graphic design. So if you are an enthusiastic beginner who would like to study design, you definitely want to start with this very guide.
Purchase here

8. The Non-Designer’s Design Book (Non-Designerā€™s Design Book) 4th Edition, Kindle Edition by Williams Robin

 

Price: $15.99

Another useful beginner guide for those of you who only start their careers in design. In addition to that, this very e-book is going to be quite interesting and useful for marketing managers, writers, and bloggers who work in design.
Purchase here

9. Graphic Design Handbook Kindle Edition by Radu Frasie

 

Price: $9.99

A handbook that will back you up in any situation and emergency, which means that you definitely need it in your digital library. So what are you still waiting for? Go ahead and download it.
Purchase here

10. Graphic Design Rules:365 Essential Design Dos and Don’ts Kindle Edition by Peter Dawson, John Foster, Tony Seddon, and Sean Adams

 

Price: $14.74

Finally, the very book that will tell you exactly what to do and what not to do. All jokes aside, the book presents quite difficult info in a simple and understandable way, which allows you to easily study some challenging aspects of design. So go ahead and read it, you will not regret it.
Purchase here

Free Graphic Design eBooks

How to Use Instagram: The Definitive Guide ā€“ eBook

Do you want to know how to use Instagram for business or for personal use? Are you asking yourself how Instagram can benefit you and how you can use this powerful app effectively? Instagram has over 150 million active users and this number is growing steadily.

‘How to Use Instagram’ is your ultimate guide for the most effective Instagram experience. A detailed overview of how to set up and use Instagram. Full of everything you want to know including Instagram lingo, how to edit images and videos, Instagram etiquette, and best practices. This guide is the only book you will ever need to become an Instagram master user.

How to Use Instagram: The Definitive Guide

 

How to Make and Sell Stock Vectors and Photos: an All-in-One Guide

Are you looking for a huge base of knowledge and experience of different authors? You will familiarize yourself with the most popular design software and learn the tips and tricks of image сreation, processing and editing. Get acquainted with the main concepts and general practices. Learn more about the main stock agencies and their quality standards. Make your first photos and illustrations, experiment with different tools and settings. Try to calculate your future income and choose the stock website that offers the best conditions. All these things you will be able to do with this comprehensive guide. It can become a very useful tool for someone starting out in commercial photography and illustration.

How to Make and Sell Stock Vectors and Photos: an All-in-One Guide

 

Free eBook: Everything Is In The Fonts ā€“ A Book For Beginners

The best font will always be the most suitable for a particular case. This means that a typeface that looks best and, letā€™s say, occupies not much space, will not necessarily be the right choice. Audience expectations and customer requirements should always be taken into account ā€“ a good start for many projects. Learn to letter and create beautiful designs with this beginner’s guide and workbook! Every page is filled with tips, tricks encouragement and practice space to kickstart your lettering journey.

You will learn how to upgrade your handwriting and learn this amazing and fun form of art.

Free eBook: Pitching as an ART

In todayā€™s fast developing world, elevator pitches have already become one of the most effective ways of ending an investor for a startup. Needless to say, a perfect elevator pitch requires extensive preparation and creativity so as to reach its goal in just 30-40 seconds.

You will be shared the secrets and explanation how you can create presentations and pitches that win hearts, minds, and new business. You will find the dos and donā€™ts and real-world examples to prove the right points. If you make pitches for new business, this is the perfect book for you.

Free eBook: How to Find the Job of Your Dreams?

Finding the perfect job, and then actually securing the perfect job, is not easy. But it is possible with the right guidance. Are you in a job which does not fulfil you, does not show you enough respect, does not give enough career opportunities, or does not pay you enough? Or perhaps you are unemployed and finding it difficult to get onto the job ladder?

Success is merely the natural consequence of consistently applying proven fundamentals to your life. In ā€˜How to Find the Job of Your Dreamsā€™ the author has masterfully taken the seemingly complex and made it simple and doable for the reader.

Upwork Agencies. Interface and Opportunities of the Worldā€™s Leading Freelancing Website [Free eBook]

Upwork, formerly known as oDesk, is one of the best resources around for landing paid freelancing gigs – but most freelancers who use Upwork fail. They compete for bottom-feeding jobs, and do not earn very much money.

Much of the advice you read out there on web forums and blogs about how to make money on Upwork is simply off the mark. Conventional wisdom leads to conventional results. In this book, you will learn how the Upwork system works and how you can stand out and earn real money. Download the eBook for free to learn the hidden truth and become one of those top-earning freelancers on Upwork.

20 Instagram Post Ideas to Overcome Creative Block [Free eBook]

The old way of being successful on social media meant that you had to spend a small fortune to build your following, then light your marketing dollars on fire trying to figure out Facebook ads. The book completely demolishes the old way entrepreneurs were taught to use social media to grow their businesses and shares the coolest Instagram post ideas, so, people could succeed for both personal and business purposes.

This is a fantastic, comprehensive guide for savvy businesses, social media managers and practitioners alike. This book will quickly become your best companion for learning how to properly optimize your efforts on Instagram. It is very well written, easy to follow and is loaded with practical examples.

The Art of Growing Your Presence on Pinterest [Free eBook]

As a marketer, you cannot afford to ignore this amazing platform. Why should you start marketing right now on Pinterest? With 4,000 percent growth in just six months, 17 million + users, and a record for more referral traffic than YouTube, Google+, and LinkedIn combined, Pinterest delivers an unbelievable opportunity for business owners and marketers like you.

Download this complete guide to Pinterest marketing that will teach you how to effectively raise awareness for your brand, product, or service, drive traffic from Pinterest to your website, and connect with current and potential customers. It is for anyone who wants to join the likes of companies like Whole Foods, Gilt, West Elm and others, and harness the marketing power of Pinterest to grow their business.

The Art of Growing Your Presence on Pinterest [Free eBook]

UI Tips for Web Design Enthusiasts (E-Book)

People expect effortless, engaging interaction with desktop and web applications, but producing software that generates enjoyable user experiences is much harder than many companies anticipate.

You will learn how to create an effective design methodology, design and organize screens and web pages that encourage efficient comprehension and execution, and create screen icons and graphics that make displays easier and more comfortable to use. The author gathered the most useful tips and tricks from a dozen of reputable sources and compiled them into a brief guide for novice webmasters and design enthusiasts.

Free Checklists from MasterBundles

Free Checklist: How to Become a Font Designer

Why typography? Turns out that while the importance of typography is often overlooked, it plays a critical role in strengthening your brand, creating interest in your product, and highlighting your central message.

The checklist is based on the experience of successful font designers all over the world. It is absolutely free and easy to understand. These are the small steps that will help you launch a new successful career. They cover learning basic terminology, skills, resources, and key marketing steps. You will begin with the basics and work your way up to more tricky techniques. Do not hesitate to download the checklist and share your result with us later.

How to Become a Stock Photographer: Free Checklist

Stock photography services allow virtually anyone to have their photos viewed by customers looking for images to use in projects. These projects might be websites, online ads, books, or other media. Becoming a stock photographer is easier than you might think. The global stock photography market allows for your photos to be featured on websites, in magazine articles, newspapers, blogs and advertising.
This easy-to-read guide will show you everything you need to know to sell your photos online and make your first money. Get it ā€“ and start the journey to your dream!

FREE Ultimate Checklist: Everything You Need to Become a UI/UX Designer

More and more companies notice the value of well-designed products. Want to be an excellent designer? Looking for the best UI/UX books and resources? Nowhere to go or to gain the right and effective channel for becoming an outstanding UI/UX designer?

Every journey begins with a single stepā€Šā€”ā€Šbecoming UI/UX designer may be a long time process, but it is worth to follow this path. Do not discourage yourself if you will have some difficulties, because every single step forward will bring you lots of satisfaction. This checklist includes the important steps you have to walk to become a UI/UX designer.

How to Become the Best Illustrator in the World (FREE Checklist)

Illustrators create the images used in publications, such as comic books, graphic novels, children’s stories, books, and magazines. In order to design these images, illustrators may use drawing techniques and software programs in their work. This profession can be very competitive, with more illustrators looking for work assignments than there are available jobs.

This checklist is a straight-to-the-point ā€œeverything-you-need-to-knowā€ guide to the world of professional illustration for aspiring artists and recent art-school graduates ā€” not only the technical essentials but industry insights, real-world insider advice, and honest personal development tips from experienced teachers. Get ready to enter the working world of illustration with these tips.

Premium Graphic Design Books from Amazon

eBook: How to Start Earning More? Successful Designer

Creative Selection: Inside Apple’s Design Process During the Golden Age of Steve Jobs

Adult Coloring Books Good vibes: Dont give up : Motivate your life with Brilliant designs and great

Plants: 2,400 Royalty-Free Illustrations of Flowers, Trees, Fruits and Vegetables (Dover Pictorial Archive)

Ornate Pictorial Calligraphy: Instructions and Over 150 Examples (Lettering, Calligraphy, Typography)

Art Forms in Nature (Dover Pictorial Archive)

Turkish Designs : Gift and creative paper book Vol. 2 (English and Multilingual Edition)

Premium Typography eBooks

Lettering and Modern Calligraphy: A Beginner’s Guide: Learn Hand Lettering and Brush Lettering

The Complete Book of Chalk Lettering: Create and Develop Your Own Style

The Designer’s Dictionary of Type

Plants

In Progress: See Inside a Lettering Artist’s Sketchbook and Process, from Pencil to Vector

The ABC of Custom Lettering: A Practical Guide to Drawing Letters

The Visual History of Type

Design Elements, 2nd Edition: Understanding the rules and knowing when to break them – Updated and Expanded
Design Elements, 2nd Edition: Understanding the rules and knowing when to break them - Updated and Expanded

The Typography Idea Book: Inspiration from 50 Masters
The Typography Idea Book: Inspiration from 50 Masters

Shady Characters: The Secret Life of Punctuation, Symbols, and Other Typographical Marks

Typography Sketchbooks

Calligraphy and Hand Lettering Practice Journal: Alphabet, Dot Grid and Lined Guide Practice Sheets Workbook

Brand Thinking and Other Noble Pursuits

Creative Lettering: Techniques & Tips from Top Artists

Sell Your Graphic Designs. How to Sell Graphic Design?Ā Ā  How to Accept Payments for Your Digital Products?

How to Sell My Graphics

In case you have already read some of these books and started making your products, you might be looking for a trustworthy marketplace to sell those. Well, what about MasterBundles? Yes, you heard it right. You can easily sell you gorgeous fonts, clip art, stock images, WordPress themes, various templates, and many more on the MasterBundles marketplace and receive actual cash for your products. In order to become our vendor, just sign up and upload your first product using the form below.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a good graphic designer takes quite a lot of time as well as requires self-education and constant work on your skills. Luckily, today you have a marvelous opportunity to study from the best by reading their books and guides. Therefore, have a closer look at all these books one more time, select the ones you feel like reading, and start improving your skills today.

Have you already read some of these books? Would you recommend those? Feel free to share in the comments below.

WordPress Blog Themes FAQ

šŸ–„ What exactly do graphic designers do?

Graphic designers develop the layout for such applications as magazines, advertisements, brochures, etc.

šŸ–„ What are the 7 elements of graphic design?

The seven elements of graphic design are the following: color, shape, value, line, space, form, and texture.

šŸ–„ Can I learn graphic design on my own?

Of course, you can and all these books that we mentioned in this article will help you do that. So grab some of these books and start studying today.

šŸ–„ What skills does a graphic designer need?

A decent graphic designer should have such skills as creativity, graphic editors knowledge, time-management, understanding of the latest trends in the industry, and attention to detail.

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Article Sources

Research is one of the most important parts of writing an article simply because you need some relevant data to rely on. Thus, this time my list of references includes:

  1. ā€œ34 must-read graphic design books.ā€ Creative Bloq, August 25, 2020, www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design/books-graphic-designers-11135231. Accessed Oct 29, 2020.
  2. Caldwell, Cath. Graphic Design For Everyone: Understand the Building Blocks so You can Do It Yourself. DK, Illustrated Edition, 2019.
  3. Dabner, David. Graphic Design School: The Principles and Practice of Graphic Design. Wiley, 6th Edition, 2017.
  4. MĆ¼ller, Jens. The History of Graphic Design. Vol. 2, 1960ā€“Today. TASCHEN, 2018.

Disclosure: MasterBundles website page may contain advertising materials that may lead to us receiving a commission fee if you purchase a product. However, this does not affect our opinion of the product in any way and we do not receive any bonuses for positive or negative ratings.