Articles

The Graphic Designer’s Gift Guide Part Two

by . December 4th, 2012

There are a lot of awesome items to give (or ask) to graphic designers which is why we are making a series of posts on gift ideas for the coming holidays. Last week we pretty much covered the novelty items and tools for graphic designers, today we are jotting down books, magazines and art prints that will make designers squeal in delight as they tore the gift wrap away and see what is inside.

Let’s get the ball rolling shall we?

INSPIRATION

1. Wassily Kandinsky: 1866-1944 a Revolution in Painting – $9.99

Kandinsky’s diverse art styles and stunning aesthetics made him one of the most notable artists in the 20th century. This 95 pager book contains high quality reproductions of Kandinsky’s work as well as his biography.

(Get it here)


 

2.  James Jean “Rebus” – $44.95

James Jean was known by most people for his beautiful covers of DC’s  Vertigo Fables and Batman War Games. Not only he did comic covers but he was also commissioned by Prada to create an of animation and a series of clothing all bearing his signature artwork.

(Get it here)


 

3.  The Art of Spirited Away (Hardcover) – $23.89

A must have for any Hayao Miyazaki fan! Apart from the stunning images of Spirited Away but the book also includes Kiki’s Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke that will delight the fans and those who are starting to learn Hayao Miyazaki’s genius.

(Get it here)


 

4. Lifestyle Illustration of the 60s – $33.17

From the era that brought us motown music,  Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Andy Warhol, Lifestyle Illustration of the 60s compiles stunning and bold illustrations in magazine that was published during that time. The 1000 beautiful diverse illustration pays homage to one of the most vivid eras in history.

(Get it here)


 

5.  Art Toys – $40.00

With the rising popularity of vinyl toys more and more people are getting into collecting these little critters made of plastic while some customize it to their own liking. Art Toys collects over 100 photographs of wonderful and quirk toys captured by famed art toy photographer Brian McCarty.

(Get it here)


 

6. Type. A Visual History of Typefaces & Graphic Styles 1628-1900 – $59.99

Isn’t it interesting and inspiring to see designs that were made back in the olden days where computers are a thing of the future. Type explores the vast specimens of typefaces, ornaments, initial letters and decorations and how all of this graphical elements were made and used.

(Get it here)


 

7. The Package Design Book 2 – $59.99

Designers are suckers for a beautifully packaged product (admit it!).  Like architecture, packaging demands the utmost attention in details, design and use of materials when creating. The Package Design Book 2 rounds up the most intuitive works of packaging from beverages to luxury products made by different artist around the world.

(Get it here)


 

8.  75 Years of DC Comics. The Art of Modern Myth Making – $200

This behemoth of a book celebrates DC Comics’ it’s 75 years of success in the industry and how everything started from repositories in newspapers strips to what has become of today. Containing 2000 images from covers to the inside contents, to the original artworks and of course the limited edition issues which is why blowing $200 is not a bad deal specially for hardcore Superman fans.

(Get it here)


 

9.  Damn Good Advice – $9.95

One of America’s celebrated creative heads along with Bill Bernbach who spear headed the creative revolution back in the 60s. The book offers must read lessons, in-your-face practical advice, anecdotes and inspiration. Accompanying George’s advice is his amazing body of work.

(Get it here)


 

10.  Avedon Fashion 1944-2000 – $62.37

Richard Avedon’s work is nothing short of stunning, in fact many regarded his photographs genius and a must see for everyone. Avedon Fashion compiles most of Avedon’s greatest work from different magazine from Harper’s Bazaar to The New Yorker.

(Get it here)


 

11. LogoLounge 7: 2,000 International Identities by Leading Designers – $31.50

Compiling some of the world’s most amazing and inspiring logo design work  into one solid book. From the world’s top designers to those who are starting to make a name in the design world this book will keep you fueled and craving for more. Aside from the huge collection of logos they also featured ten top designers and showcasing their amazing campaigns.

(Get it here)


 

 

INSTRUCTIONAL/REFERENCE BOOKS

1. Basics  Design 07: Grids – $25.00

Grids is an indispensable tool for graphic designers since it helps a lot when working on the placement of elements. This book not only shows how to construct a grid for different uses but it also features inspiring print and online layouts that used a grid system.

(Get it here)


 

2.  Thinking with Type Second Edition – $15.61

Loaded with information and a wide range of amazing images as a reference and inspiration, up to the latest information on style sheet for print and web design this book makes it a perfect gift specially to graphic design students and those who are studying by themselves.

(Get it here)


 

3. Adobe Photoshop/InDesign/Illustrator CS6 Digital Classroom – $29.48—$31.17

While there is an abundance of tutorials online nothing really beats having a instructional book by your side.  From the very basics down to the advance techniques. Combined with a full-featured DVD this book is a great addition to the shelves for beginners and experts alike.

(Get it here | here | here)


 

4.  A Practical Guide to Designing for the Web – $475.99

This book is a perfect companion for designers who are planning to add web design to their skill set. From the basics down to the layout this book covers pretty much everything that is needed to help people create a fantastic website.

(Get it here)


 

5.  The Production Manual: A Graphic Design Handbook – $36.75

Having a know how to the different design programs is a must but only a few knows how to utilize print production techniques to their advantage. From printing techniques, plate-making and resolution this book explains everything that designers need to know when it comes to printing.

(Get it here)


 

6. Graphic Artist Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines 13th Edition – $23.32

The Graphic Artist Guild Handbook has been considered as a bible for graphic designers and illustrators. Unlike other instructional books that cover design programs, theories and how-tos this book talks about legal rights, how should designers charge for their work and how could the negotiate with clients.

(Get it here)


 

7.  Logo Design Love – $26.38

Creating a logo is one of the toughest design job that graphic designers have to face since they have to encapsulate the personality of a brand in an icon but it doesn’t end after the design, the logo must be able to stand the test of time before it can be considered as a well made logo. This book guides designers and clients to better understand the importance and beauty of a well made logo.

(Get it here)


 

MAGAZINE

1. Juxtapoz – $34.99 1 Year Subscription

Juxtapoz has been curating some of the best and provocative pieces of art in different mediums. From graffiti to modern contemporary pieces, Juxtapoz is made to showcase some of the best and controversial pieces as well as its artists in a very urban and straight-forward way.

(Get it here)


 

2. Computer Arts – $124.99 1 Year Subscription

One of the most popular design magazine in the world this monthly magazine often showcases works, tutorials and interviews of the best as well as up and coming designs. Every issue is jam-packed with necessary bits of information that will help in improving one’s work.

(Get it here)


 

3. IdN Magazine – $150.00 1 Year Subscription

IdN (International designers’ Network) is an international magazine made to serve the needs of creative people. Apart from collecting some of the best works for the readers around the world IdN’s main goal is to unify and communicate designers from all over the world to learn and inspire one another

(Get it here)


 

4. .NET Magazine – $124.99

.Net is one of the world’s best-selling magazine made for web designers and developers. With such diverse subjects, in-depth tutorials and inspiring interviews with the leading persons in shaping the world wide web, .Net Magazine is hailed as one of the most trusted source when it comes to web design and development.

(Get it here)


 

5. Nobrow – $19.95 per issue

Unlike the other magazines mentioned above. Nobrow is  a platform for independent graphic artists. Featuring stunning illustrations by up and coming artists the Nobrow magazine is a little treasure box full of inspiring visual delights. The magazine only runs for a very limited copy making it a highly collectible piece.

(Get it here)


 

6. Print Magazine – $40 1 Year Subscription

Print is a bimonthly magazine that talks about visual culture and design. It covers the field of visual communication,  book design, corporate branding,  motion graphic, posters, street art and exhibition. Print prides to have an engaging and intellectually charged articles to show that there is more to the design than what people see and why it matters.

(Get it here)


 

7. Graphic Design USA – Free for design professionals | $75.00 1 Year Subscription

Graphic Design USA is a free news magazine for graphic designers and other creative professionals living and working in the US. Serving the latest and up to the minute information in terms of trends and as well as insightful articles to keep any hardworking designer in the know.

(Get it here)


 

Personalize your gifts! Download the free postcard templates on our Print Templates page and while you guys are at it, why don’t you check out the rest of the items there and have we mentioned that it’s free.

This concludes the part 2 of our  gift guide series hit the jump to see what have we listed on Part 3! Don’t forget to tune-in next week for the final installment of the Graphic Designer’s Gift Guide.

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