- 1- Art and Visual Perception
Art and visual perception, by Rudolf Arnheim
Why when we see two displaced squares, in which their vertices are joined, we see a three-dimensional cube instead of a two-dimensional hexagon? Rudolf Arnheim’s book tries to answer these kinds of questions, about how our eye perceives the world.
The book begins with the basic principles, slowly, so that we consolidate this knowledge before going into much more complex concepts: space, light, color and movement. In addition, the author himself recognizes the importance of the role that the observer has when creating a work or design.
And although the book can be seen that portrays the world of painting, its knowledge can be applied almost literally to other worlds, such as photography.
- 2- Design Elements: Color Fundamentals
The manual that every designer should have to know the use of color. Aaris Sherin’s book is structured in different sections, each with a brief introduction, with a couple of visual examples of application in real life. At first it may seem that the text content is scarce, the amount of images included makes the analysis and development is performed on them.
A mix of themes such as shape, line, organization, scale, value and intensity, makes our eye train. And we begin to analyze, absorb and enjoy the color palette of the world that surrounds us.
Especially recommended for beginners, it serves as inspiration in concepts such as theory, design or the brand of colors.
- 3- How to be a Graphic Designer, Without Losing Your Soul, by Adrian Shaughnessy
A book that perhaps does not lean so much towards the world of graphic design in the theoretical or training aspect, but enters fully into the complications of working in this profession. It covers plots like self-promotion, how to get, or leave clients, and many other topics that are not normally taken into account during our training.
With a clear and honest style, Adrian Shaughnessy shows the difficulties of working in a company or as a freelance, in addition to having pieces dedicated exclusively to interviews with prestigious designers, who tell their adventures during their career.
In short, real-life experiences, inspiring texts and business references for the graphic design professional are perfectly combined.
