Why Reading is the Secret to Becoming a Better Designer
Starting a design journey can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time. You have ideas, visuals, and tons of inspiration swirling in your head. But where do you begin? As a self-taught designer, I’ve been there, and I’ll tell you: the secret weapon I found in my growth wasn’t just tutorials or workshops — it was reading.
You might think it’s a bit old-fashioned in the age of YouTube videos and online courses, but reading is one of the most underrated tools in a designer’s arsenal. It helps you develop your thinking, boosts your creativity, and sharpens your problem-solving skills.
Why Reading Matters for Designers
Design is about more than just making things look nice. It’s about creating work that communicates, connects, and solves problems. The best way to train your mind to do that is through reading. Books teach you the principles that form the foundation of great design, introduce new ideas, and deepen your understanding.
When you read, you’re not just absorbing information — you’re training your eye and mind. The vocabulary you pick up will shape your design thinking, your approach to problem-solving, and your overall confidence.
Where to Start: Must-Reads for Beginners
If you’re starting your journey or looking to dive deeper, these books are a great place to begin:
- Thinking with Type by Ellen Lupton
Essential for anyone working with typography. This book will transform the way you think about type in design. - The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman
A brilliant book on usability and function. It teaches you to design products that are not only beautiful but intuitive. - How to Be a Graphic Designer Without Losing Your Soul by Adrian Shaughnessy
Practical advice on managing your career and staying true to your design values while navigating the creative industry. - Logo Design Love by David Airey
A detailed look into the world of logo design and branding. Full of real-world examples. - Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Josef Müller-Brockmann
While technical, this book will help you master layout design and composition.
How to Read with Intention
Reading isn’t just about turning pages — it’s about engaging with the material. Before you open a book, ask yourself: What do I hope to learn from this?
Reading with intention helps you stay focused. Highlight passages that resonate with you, take notes on what challenges you, and reflect on how you can apply these ideas. Keeping a design journal dedicated to insights and sketches is a great way to capture your thoughts.
Don’t Just Read It — Apply It
Theory without practice won’t get you far. The real magic happens when you start applying what you learn. Try putting the rules of grids into your next design or applying a typographic principle you learned in a project. The more you experiment, the deeper your understanding will become.
Prefer Listening? That Works Too
If sitting down with a book doesn’t work for you, try listening to podcasts. Here are some great design podcasts to get you started:
- Design Matters with Debbie Millman
Interviews with some of the world’s top creatives. - Wireframe by Adobe
Insights into UX and tech design. - The Futur with Chris Do
A mix of design, branding, and business strategy.
You can listen while sketching or taking a walk — it’s a flexible way to consume valuable information.
Curate Your Own Reading List
Instead of mindlessly reading whatever comes your way, curate a focused reading list that aligns with your goals. If you want to dive deeper into branding, pick books on that. Want to improve your UI design skills? Look for materials on user experience. Being intentional with your reading will help you move forward faster.
What to Avoid When Learning Through Reading
There are a few common mistakes you should avoid:
- Reading too many books at once and applying none
Focus on one book at a time, and make sure to apply the lessons. - Choosing only trendy books with lots of pictures but little depth
Don’t just go for flashy design books. The classics offer depth and foundational knowledge. - Skipping the fundamentals
The basics like contrast, alignment, and hierarchy are the foundation of good design. Don’t overlook them.
Reading Doesn’t Have to Be Lonely
Learning is richer when shared. Join design communities or share what you’re reading on Instagram. Discussing books with others can offer new perspectives and might even lead to discovering new resources.
Check Yourself: Are You Reading Effectively?
Here are some simple questions to reflect on:
- Do you set an intention before starting a book?
- Do you highlight or take notes?
- Have you applied something you’ve read?
- Do you mix reading with real design practice?
- Do you talk about what you’ve learned with others?
If you answered “yes” to most of these, you’re on the right track.
Shorter Reads That Inspire
Not everything has to be a full book. There are fantastic shorter reads out there that can inspire you in a few minutes:
- Smashing Magazine — Practical tips and deep dives.
- A List Apart — Insightful design thinking.
- Canva Design School — Great for quick wins.
- Designlab Blog — Beginner-friendly and insightful.
- Medium’s Design tag — Fresh ideas from real designers.
Bookmark your favorites and revisit them regularly. A few minutes of reading can reset your mindset for the day.
Final Thoughts: Books Don’t Design for You
Reading is a secret weapon — it won’t design for you, but it will shape the way you see, think, and create. It boosts your confidence, helps you develop your voice, and turns scattered knowledge into solid skill.
Be curious. Be intentional. Keep a notebook nearby. Try something new. Then read a little more and take it with you into your next project. Your creative breakthrough might just be waiting on the next page.
From zero to design hero — keep creating!
by Cris.