BOOKS
(This site is associated with Amazon.com, if you click on a book link below,
you can purchase it directly from Amazon)
by Deborah Tannen
Written by noted linguist Deborah Tannen, this classic book discusses gender-based differences that define and distinguish male and female communication. I strongly recommend this book to all business owners, as it provides insight and understanding on these gender-differences which in turn can improve how we communicate and negotiate with staff, clients and vendors alike.
by Gordon Mackenzie
This one of a kind, deeply funny book is a must read for any in-house corporate designer or creative manager. Written by Gordon McKenzie, who worked at Hallmark Cards for thirty years, the Giant Hairball refers to “a tangled, impenetrable mass of rules, traditions, and systems - all based on what worked in the past - that exercises an inexorable pull into mediocrity”. In Gordon’s own voice, this book, explains, his own “mode of dreaming, daring and doing above and beyond the rubber-stamp confines of the administrative mind-set.”.
A Sensible Approach to Marketing and Managing a Graphic
Design Firm
by Ed Gold (Watson-Guptill Publications)
I can't say enough about this book, which unfortunately is out of print. However,
I still consider it to be the bible for our industry as it contains “everything
the novice or the experienced professional wants to learn about managing projects,
time, people and money.” This book is an invaluable resource that should
be read and re-read from cover to cover.
by Tad Crawford and Eva Doman Bruck (Allworth Press)
This great book, published by one of the leading publishers for the creative
community (Allworth Press), includes a complete set of business and legal
forms needed to run a successful business. Helpful checklists and additional
information make this book a must-have for any library.
Edited by Tad Crawford (Allworth Press)
This compilation of short essays written by leading designers and related professionals
includes some insightful views and advice on professional practices—including,
but not limited to, management, negotiating, marketing, legal areas (copyright,
permissions, privacy, trademark), contracts and ethics. Don't miss the article
on Payment Strategies and an expanded resource section—both penned
by yours truly!
The Complete Guide for Running a Graphic Design or Communications
Business
by Cameron S. Foote (W. W. Norton & Company)
A compilation of articles previously published in Foote's Creative Business
newsletter that is a good, basic how-to guide. While not as clear and concise
as Ed Gold's book, it includes answers to many issues and questions that effect
our industry. See my review of Creative Business newsletter below.
North Light Books
The Graphic Artists Guild (GAG) is a wonderful organization that all designers
and creative professionals should join. Its handbook, updated annually, surveys
and distills the experience of thousands of “graphic artists,” and
is a compilation of professional business practices and pricing ranges. It
is a good reference book, though I often find the pricing suggestions erratic,
inconsistent and inappropriate for high-profile design firms with national
clients. However, the advice is solid, especially on issues relating to usage/
ownership/copyright.
Finding and Keeping Your Best Clients
by Linda Cooper Bowen (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)
This book introduces a variety of marketing basics to creative professionals
and is a great introduction especially to younger designers. Professionals
with more experience may not be as enlightened, but the book will remind them
of the importance and complexity of marketing. Web sites and email promotions
could be covered in greater depth.
by Tad Crawford (co published with Allworth Press and Graphic Artists Guild)
The author teamed up with eleven of the design industry's leading experts
(including yours truly) to show beginning and seasoned professionals
everything they need to know to start and run a successful business.
Don't miss my own updated article on Payment Strategies!
by Alina Wheeler
“With an easy-to-follow style, step-by-step considerations, and a proven,
universal five-phase process for creating and implementing effective brand
identity, the book offers the tools you need, whether a brand manager, marketer,
or designer, when creating or managing a brand.” Written by my friend
and colleague, Alina Wheeler, this books also includes wonderful case studies,
many of which feature projects created by several of my clients!
by Alice Twemlow
This book “starts by exploring the issues that shape design today” and breaks down the discipline into elements. If your at a loss for words to describe what we do and how we do it, this book is for you. It describes and gives an examples of the range of design services offered by our industry - with clarity and real world examples.
by Ilise Benun
I recommended this book for those that struggle with shyness or lack of confidence with client presentations, negotiations and self-promotion. The author provides simple strategies on how you can become more confident and “be seen as a strong, team player, get the promotions you deserve or the clients you want...”
“STEP inside design explores the impact of design on all facets of our lives and takes readers behind the scenes to meet the creative problem-solvers that make it possible for us to move through the world in brilliant and dynamic ways. Each issue includes profiles of visionary creatives, thoughtful analysis on business issues, and essays and commentaries on design’s most relevant questions.” I’ve become a recent convert to this magazine, and find it features well-written informative articles and lesser-known but very talented creative professionals.
An advertising-free newsletter published 10 times a year
that provides useful business information for creative professionals. While
I don't always agree with the advice, it's definitely an excellent resource
that explores a wide-range of business-related topics specifically targeted
to creative individuals and firms. The Web site also includes downloadable
articles from past issues and a great resource list.
This complementary publication published by Corporate Design
Foundation (sponsored by Potlach Corporation) specifically communicates examples
of how and why design contributes to business success. This first-rate journal
offers great advice to business leaders and business school students—and
you can't beat the price! Visit the on-line version for articles from each
print edition.
“The graphic design community's trust source for creative inspiration, business advice and tools of the trade. How Magazine provides graphic-design professionals with essential business information, features cutting-edge technological advances, profiles renowned and up-and-coming designers, details noteworthy projects, and provides creative inspiration.”
