The 10 Best Branding Books for Beginners
- The Brand Gap - My favourite book on effective branding
- Identify - A great starting point for learning visual identity
- Branding in Five and a Half Steps - What makes a brand successful
- Logo: Revised Edition - A close look at the most iconic logos
- ZAG - Learn the strategy behind high performing brands
- Start with Why - Discover the power of purpose
- Contagious - The science of word-of-mouth and social transmission
- Made to Stick - Why some ideas survive and others die
- Purple Cow - Transform your brand from invisible to remarkable
- Zero to One - One of the best reads on startups and innovation
Understanding branding is crucial to become a well rounded designer.
Brand design isn’t just about making stuff that looks good; it’s about creating designs that deeply resonate with people and perfectly reflect a brand’s identity. That’s where the real magic happens.That’s why I put together this article. I’ve got a list of ten books – a real mix of gems that I think every designer, especially beginners, should read. These aren’t your typical design manuals. They explore everything from design and branding to psychology, business, marketing, and more.
The idea behind this list is to give you a mix with some more visual identity leaning books that focus more on the graphics side, together with books that cover broader and more philosophical or strategic topics related to branding.
By the end of this list, I hope you’ll have a toolbox of fresh perspectives that will help you create designs that are not just pretty, but strategic and meaningful.
Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
1. The Brand Gapby Marty Neumeier
2. Identifyby Chermayeff & Geismar
3. Branding In Five and a Half Stepsby Michael Johnson
“Branding in Five and a Half Steps” by Michael Johnson provides us with a detailed roadmap of the vast and often complex world of branding. Johnson breaks down the intricate process of brand creation into digestible steps, making the journey feel less daunting and more accessible.
The ‘half step‘, an investigation into the client’s world, was a particular game-changer for me. It stressed the importance of truly understanding the client’s business and audience before even starting to think about the design. It’s not just about creating something visually appealing—it’s about making a strategic visual solution that communicates the essence of the brand.
This book encouraged me to look beyond the aesthetic and to delve deeper into the strategy behind successful branding, and I’m sure it will do the same for you. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s something to gain from Johnson’s deep-dive into the branding process.
4. Logo: Revised Editionby Michael Evamy
“Logo: Revised Edition” by Michael Evamy takes us deep into the world of logos, taking you through an eclectic mix of designs that cover all kinds of brands, from global giants to small startups. The wealth of visual references not only serves as a source of inspiration but also as a reminder of how a great logo can encapsulate the identity of a brand in a unique and memorable way.
The book itself has a very appealing and clean aesthetic (previous versions have been known to have printing issues so I would suggest you go for the revised edition).
The most powerful takeaway for me was the enduring power of simplicity in logo design. The most iconic logos aren’t necessarily complex or intricate, but they’re clever and perfectly represent the brand they’re attached to.
Evamy’s book is a testament to the impact a well-thought-out logo can have and provides valuable inspiration for any designer who wants to explore the fascinating world of logos and the stories they tell.
5. Zagby Marty Neumeier
6. Start With Whyby Simon Sinek
7. Contagious: Why Things Catch Onby Jonah Berger
“Contagious” by Jonah Berger isn’t your run-of-the-mill marketing book. It’s a dive into the mechanics of why things catch on, why certain ideas, behaviors, or products become viral.
As I delved into Berger’s STEPPS framework, which outlines the key factors behind virality, I found myself constantly reflecting on how these insights could apply to branding. The idea of ‘Social Currency‘, how the things we share affect our image, got me pondering about how we can create brands that not only appeal to consumers but also elevate their social standing.
Similarly, the concept of ‘Emotion‘, the role strong feelings play in driving people to share, challenged me to think about how we can craft brand narratives that stir powerful emotions.
Reading “Contagious” unlocks a new level of understanding about the dynamics of sharing in our interconnected world. It’s a fascinating guide for anyone keen to create brands that people feel compelled to talk about and share with others.
8. Made to Stickby Dan Heath & Chip Heath
9. Purple Cowby Seth Godin
10. Zero to Oneby Peter Thiel
Closing Thoughts
Reflecting back on these books, it’s hard to overstate their impact, particularly for beginners finding their feet in the expansive world of design and branding. Each book has brought something unique to the table, offering a mixture of practical guidance, theoretical understanding, and a healthy dose of inspiration.
As a fellow learner and design enthusiast, I cannot recommend these books enough. They’ve shaped my understanding, challenged my preconceptions, and helped me to develop a well-rounded perspective on branding. Remember, learning is an ongoing journey. These books are stepping stones to a greater understanding of branding and design. So, delve in, explore these worlds of knowledge and keep that spark of learning alive.
Got any thoughts or other personal favourites? I’d love to hear about them! Also If you found this article useful, please share it with others who might benefit from it. And if you enjoy content like this, go sign up for our newsletter and let’s continue this journey of learning together.
Happy reading!
