Lately I have been very busy designing and thought I’d use this platform as a way to break away and share things I’m inspired by. I’m thinking I will do 5 of these inspiration logs.
As a designer, I am a huge fan of print and never will go full digital when it comes to the reading experience (I’ve actually tried a Kindle and it doesn’t seem to work, although audio books are great!). Today I’ve decided I’m going to share 5 current and past reads that I’ve gained a lot of value from over the past few months. I’ve included links for more information and links on where to buy some of these as well!
1. Grid Systems in Graphic Design — Josef Muller Brockmann
This book is an essential for anyone learning or practicing graphic design, or any form of design. One of my best friends first introduced this book at university and it has stuck with me for many years. The book introduces and deconstructs a number of grids + grid systems that are extremely important to layouts and composition. It is like it how Brockman says it is on the cover, the ‘…manual for graphic designers, typographers and three dimensional designers. Crazy how timeless this book is. More info on Counter Print Books.
2. BRICK Magazine — Edition 05
As much as it’s nice to have words that you absorb and apply, it’s also nice to have a visual story telling fix. Designed by the team at Catalogue and edited by Hayley Louisa Brown (amazing story over on It’s Nice That about how BRICK started) this magazine is a must have on the shelf for anyone. Beautiful imagery paired with a high end printed finish adds to the overall experience of reading some of the most fascinating and up-close and personal interviews, highlighting the current hip-hop culture/scene both in the UK & US. More info/available to buy on BRICK.
3. The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way To Live Well — Meik Wiking
My sister is a health and wellness guru so she’s to blame for this one. It’s a positive read that explains & demonstrates improvements you can make in your own life and more specifically home, picking up on the ‘hyggge’ lifestyle that the Danish lead. There’s a lot to learn from scandinavian culture, they seem to do everything right. The book talks about how this type of culture can be integrated anywhere you go.
“Hygge is a feeling of belonging and warmth, a moment of comfort and contentment. This beautiful little book will help you to find hygge and embrace it every day. Make a pot of coffee, relax in your favourite chair and discover for yourself how life is better with hygge.”
Learn more about the book here.
4. It’s Not How Good You Are It’s How Good You Want To Be— Paul Arden
This small book has some awesome tips for creatives of all backgrounds. The author describes the book as a ‘pocket bible for the talented and timid to make the unthinkable thinkable and impossible possible.’ Enough said!
5. Computer Arts Issue — 283
This is my favorite pick-up this month. If you are a lover of type you will love this issue with a special cover by Spin Studio!! (off topic — Spin Studio talk from last year’s Nicer Tuesdays is a gem-amazing story about their studio and some of their work). This issue highlights and explores the connection between type and tech. Single issue available to buy from My Favourite Magazines — I would suggest the special cover by SPIN.
Thanks for reading and hope you took away at least something from this post! More inspiration logs to come! New to this platform so have to start somewhere!
