7 New 2D Graphic Design Books That Define 2025

When Presley Sterner set out to write this guide, he aimed to bridge the gap between beginners and seasoned users eager to grasp Adobe Illustrator 2024’s latest features. You’ll learn practical skills like drawing precise shapes, blending colors, and integrating external assets to create polished vector graphics. The book walks you through everything from foundational tools to more intricate techniques, such as crafting complex illustrations and adapting designs for web or print. If you want a straightforward companion to build your confidence and expand your digital art capabilities, this manual offers clear, example-driven instruction without overwhelming jargon.

After years teaching CAD, Randy Shih wrote this book to guide newcomers through AutoCAD 2025's 2D drawing essentials. You learn foundational skills like constructing basic shapes, creating multiview drawings, and mastering commands through hands-on tutorials. The book also integrates video lessons by Luke Jumper, providing clear explanations that help you understand the why behind each tool. If you're upgrading from older AutoCAD versions or starting fresh, this book offers a solid base to build your drafting and design capabilities within computer-aided design.

This personalized book explores the latest developments and insights shaping 2D graphic design in 2025. Tailored to your background and specific interests, it reveals emerging trends, software advances, and innovative techniques transforming the field. By focusing precisely on your goals, the book examines cutting-edge design philosophies and creative workflows that keep you at the forefront of the discipline. It delves into new digital tools and evolving artistic methods, offering a clear path through the rapidly changing landscape. This tailored approach ensures you engage deeply with topics that matter most, accelerating your learning and mastery of contemporary 2D design.

Against The Clock is recognized for its project-based learning approach, which comes through clearly in this Adobe Illustrator 2024 guide. You’ll work on real-world projects ranging from icon and logo design to infographics and packaging, gaining hands-on skills in creating complex vector illustrations and mastering Bézier curves. The book dives into managing layers, artboards, and even Illustrator’s AI tools for generating graphic elements from text prompts, giving you a modern edge. If you want to sharpen your Illustrator skills with practical, portfolio-ready work, this book fits perfectly. However, it’s best suited for those comfortable with design basics looking to elevate their technical abilities rather than complete beginners.

After analyzing the needs of beginner designers and communicators, Jennifer Harder crafted this book to demystify infographic creation using Adobe Illustrator. You learn to leverage basic tools like shapes, pen, and type tools to design clear, effective infographics, understanding how simple elements influence readability and message delivery. The book walks you through creating layouts and logos from sketches, making it suitable for those new to graphic design who want to visualize data or concepts for classrooms, workplaces, or publications. If you seek a solid foundation in infographic design within Illustrator without overwhelming technical jargon, this book offers straightforward guidance.

Drawing from extensive experience in CAD education, Randy Shih and Luke Jumper developed this guide to meet the needs of newcomers to AutoCAD 2024. You’ll learn to navigate essential 2D drawing commands, progressing through twelve hands-on tutorials that move from basic shapes to complex multiview and assembly drawings. The book is paired with over five hours of video instruction, where author Luke Jumper not only demonstrates tools but explains their practical applications, adding depth to your learning. This approach is especially useful if you’re preparing for the AutoCAD Certified User Examination or upgrading from earlier versions. However, if you’re seeking advanced 3D modeling techniques, this foundational focus may feel limited.

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of 2D graphic design by focusing on the latest tools, techniques, and discoveries shaping 2025 and beyond. It examines emerging workflows and software advancements, offering insights that align with your background and design interests. The content is carefully crafted to emphasize staying ahead in this dynamic field through up-to-date knowledge that matches your specific goals. By concentrating on your interests and skill level, this personalized guide reveals how to navigate the future of 2D design with confidence and creativity, making complex new developments accessible and relevant.

Curtis Campbell's extensive hands-on experience with Adobe Illustrator informs this guide, crafted for newcomers eager to master the 2023 update's fresh capabilities. You’ll explore everything from setting up custom workspaces to leveraging the new "Intertwine" effect that dramatically speeds up complex drawings. The book digs into practical skills like understanding GPU performance, managing digital assets, and applying advanced pen and shape tools, making it ideal for those committed to quickly becoming proficient with the latest Illustrator tools. If you want a thorough walkthrough of the program’s evolving interface and features without fluff, this manual is tailored for your creative growth.

Glorified Kathryn takes a fresh look at mastering Adobe Illustrator 2023, focusing on empowering seniors and beginners to navigate its latest features confidently. You’ll learn how to leverage tools like the Shaper, Live Shapes, and dynamic symbols to speed up your workflow, along with practical techniques for creating diverse digital artwork—from logos to responsive web graphics. The book dives into specifics such as using the history panel for managing edits and expanding objects into wireframes, offering clear guidance for those transitioning from other tools or starting fresh. If you want to build solid skills in digital design with Illustrator's newest capabilities, this guide lays out what you need without overwhelming you.