Maybe not a bible for graphic designers, but definitely a prayers book. This book is sort of spiritual go-to-guide for everyone who is seeking guidance on how to start or continue a career in this [sometimes soulless] profession. For all those of you who ask me, “so, how did you guys did it?”, “what do I do now?”, “is there something you recommend I do?” Well, for starters you can buy (and READ) this book, don’t just get it for the fancy cover.

I bought my copy of this book, almost three years ago, right out of college. I started reading on it, and it really helped me take the firsts steps. It helped me through the interviewing process and helped me to really visualize my prospects and what I wanted to get out of this career. Reading though it really got me hyped up, so much that I had to stop on the chapter of “Setting your Studio” I didn’t wanna get too ahead of myself.

A few months back, when Picoso Creative started to take shape, and new challenges arouse, I decided it was time to pick up on where I left off, and I started reading on it again. It again encourage me to not despair and keep my “soul” in place.

The author, Adrian Shaughnessy, does a great job on gathering experiences from different designers on the various subjects discussed in this book. With interviews with famous designers like, Neville Brody, John Warwicker, and a foreword by (the always venerated by young designers) Stefan Sagmeister.

I think that this book is a very good read for us young designers that are in the maturing process, it’s a book for those who really believe that this career is not just a choice but some sort of calling. I helps you understand your place as the designer you want to be and how you set yourself in relation with the world around you (including colleges, clients etc.), and what place your “soul” takes in this interaction.

Definitely a very good read for all young designers, buy it for yourself, or as a gift for someone who is graduating from design school. It will be good book to have around on those soulless moments, it will remind you why you’re doing this, and how to better structure your efforts for a more successful career.

Get the Book!