Designers are quick to tell us about their sources of inspiration, but they are much less willing to reveal such critical matters as how to find wo...
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Aug 30, 2009
Claire
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This book is an excellent resource for freelancers in general. Shaughnessy is a graphic designer by trade, but his insight into what it takes to become a business professional in the creative world is invaluable. I would recommend this book to writers, artists, house-painters... pretty much anyone who works from home.
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Oct 19, 2011
Laura
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I have read this before… when I first became a student. It was on the reading list, and I had heard good things, so I picked it up and read bits and pieces here and there. Now I’m in my second year of freelancing and in the middle of trying to update my website, get more exposure and improve my skills, and I thought it would be a good place to start.
This book is full of gems, that I have found extremely helpful for specific elements of my work and in general. In the first chapter, Shau More...
This book is full of gems, that I have found extremely helpful for specific elements of my work and in general. In the first chapter, Shau More...
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Sep 02, 2009
Caitlin
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Well, this was a brilliant book. I should probably admit that even though I have a postgraduate design degree, I'm not a designer - I'm a classical composer and web interface developer - but in spite of the title, I think this is a fantastic book for anyone who is aiming to work, or trying to set their own business up, in pretty much any creative industry. The advice, while design-centric, can mostly be easily applied to other creative areas, and it gives a really fresh perspective on finding jo
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Apr 20, 2010
Dave
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This was a pretty good book. It covered a lot of the less glamorous areas of becoming a designer: things like actually getting a job and dealing with difficult clients. It also discusses the benefits/downsides of getting a job in a studio, in-house, as a freelancer, or setting up your own studio. I’m still not entirely sure where I plan on heading once I’m done school, I think working for an existing studio would be pretty cool, but I don’t want to rule anything out just yet.
I should More...
I should More...
Oct 07, 2009
Matt
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I picked up this book solely based on its title, which I found to be, disappointingly, misleading. It would be more accurately titled The Practical Aspects of Being a Designer That No One In Art School Bothered To Teach You. It weighs the advantages of working for a firm versus going freelance, talks about the process of finding clients and proposing work, and provides a number of other pragmatic tips for the working designer. These are all unbelievably valuable, but not what I was expecting
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Feb 03, 2012
Danielle
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Fantastic book cover-to-cover. Not only new info, but plenty of reminders about things we all know but don't necessarily do.
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Sep 26, 2011
This book gives practical, from the trenches advice for creative professionals. We read it as a group at The Southern Growth Studio. Everyone could relate. You could simply replace the word "designer" with such terms as writer, actor, etc. ... and make the content relevant for any creative who has to hustle with integrity to make a living.
Jun 26, 2011
James
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A really informative book aimed at students and recent grads. I have little else to say than to tell you to go get it. Full of brilliant information that I feel as if I will take to heart for the rest of my life. One of the only books I own that I have defaced by highlighting some of the contents. Need to read this again.
Feb 09, 2009
Sara
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Engaging read. I especially liked the designer profiles and real-world examples. I met the author last year at a portfolio show and he's truly interested in seeing students become designers great designers... while stressing that fame does not necessarily equate with greatness.
Dec 07, 2008
How to be a graphic designer without losing your soul addresses the concerns of young designers who want to earn a living by doing expressive and meaningful work, and who want to avoid becoming hired drones working on soulless projects.
Read at June 2007 by the Book
Read at June 2007 by the Book
Apr 11, 2010
Greg
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One of the best design books I've seen yet. Adrian isn't dishing out a lot of eye candy here, just enough to keep the reader inspired, but he offers a rich lineup of real-world suggestions for any practicing designer or students looking at surviving in a competitive field.
Mar 05, 2009
Tommy
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Anyone just getting into graphic design (or those of you who might be losing your spark) need to place this book on top of your list. The design of the book in itself is inspirational, and the messages inside are at once humorous and practical.
Aug 21, 2009
See-ming
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This is a fantastic book on how to be a graphic designer in the competitive market. If you reverse its point, it also helps a lot in understanding how to interview designers when piles of portfolios and resumes arrive at your desk.
Dec 17, 2009
Cathy
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contrary to what the title states, this book won't tell you how to be a graphic designer.
it WILL tell you what to do once you've acquired the software skills, graduated from a fine arts school, developed an eye for design, and found a partner with whom to start your own agency. it will tell you "how to be an experienced graphic designer".
so it didn't do that much for me - a lot of common sense advice, a few informative interviews with eminent designers, and a pa More...
it WILL tell you what to do once you've acquired the software skills, graduated from a fine arts school, developed an eye for design, and found a partner with whom to start your own agency. it will tell you "how to be an experienced graphic designer".
so it didn't do that much for me - a lot of common sense advice, a few informative interviews with eminent designers, and a pa More...
Sep 07, 2007
Susie
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i don't remember who recommended this book to me, but i owe them a debt. this inspiring and thought-provoking text is a must-read for any freelancing graphic designer/illustrator/arts professional. reading it before i had started my own business would likely have reduced my confusion and helped me build the confidence, patience, motivation and professionalism i had to learn the hard way instead.
excellent read, excellent advice, excellent philosophies for any working creative pro.
not More...
excellent read, excellent advice, excellent philosophies for any working creative pro.
not More...
Nov 14, 2010
Natalie
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a gift from Meenal. I haven't read it cover to cover, but it had some good insights and testimonials.
Jul 25, 2010
Mike
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If you're a serious graphic designer with aspirations of starting your own firm you MUST read this.
Jan 28, 2011
Xavier
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Un excelente libro para todo aquel que pretenda ser diseñador gráfico.
Sep 10, 2009
Fascinating stories about the how/why/when essentials of a design practice.
Apr 26, 2010
Niki
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Absolute MUST read for anyone involved with design. Especially loved the designer interviews at the end of every chapter.
Feb 07, 2008
Zachary
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For a beginning designer this book has lots of little things to point out that you may not have thought of, but they are the type of things that once they are pointed out they're obvious. The mix of interviews add a nice variety to the opinions of the book, and the advice is sound. It helped bring me up during the time of job hunting.
Overall good book to have when you begin.
It also has points on starting your own business, but since i am not yet attempting that, they were less More...
Overall good book to have when you begin.
It also has points on starting your own business, but since i am not yet attempting that, they were less More...
Jun 11, 2008
Tony
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I read this book several years after completing my BFA in Graphic Design, I wish I would have read it my last year of school. This books gives great insight on the structure of the graphic design world from the perspective of successful working designers. It informs readers about freelancers, small offices, larger ad agencies and corporate in-house in the contemporary work place. A quick read and is definitely helpful for young graphic designers.
Dec 02, 2007
Dyna
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This book was really instrumental in helping me quit my job and start my business. I already had that seed planted in my head, but it was an affirmation of my decision. I decided to post it (even though it's been a while since I've read it) for all you frustrated designers.
Mar 28, 2008
Laura
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This book was recommended to me countless times by professors. I wish it could have inspired me more, but it didn't do much more than bore me. I tried to read it again recently in the midst of a very depressing job search, but it still didn't resonate.
Jun 25, 2008
Katie
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This book had some good advice and practical insight. A quick read, ideal for upcoming/recents college graduates or those wanting to break out and start their own business.Shaughnessy's writing style is casual and easy to identify with.
Mar 03, 2008
Chrissy
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When my boss at work (the VP of marketing) saw this book on my desk at work he said 'gosh, does being a designer really put your soul at risk?' Well, yes. At least our art soul. So for those who are in the designer boat its a good read.
