8 New Graphic Design Books Reshaping the Industry in 2025

Top Graphic Design Books recommended by Daniel Solis, Anton Moller, and Allan Peters, delivering fresh ideas and trends for 2025.

Updated on June 25, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

The Graphic Design landscape changed dramatically in 2024, driven by rapid technological advances and evolving creative demands. Designers now juggle traditional principles with emerging tools like AI, making understanding this dynamic field more crucial than ever. From board game visuals to AI-driven workflows, fresh perspectives are shaping how design communicates and innovates in 2025.

Forward-thinking experts such as Daniel Solis, known for his work in tabletop game design, Anton Moller, who explores AI's impact on creativity, and Allan Peters, a branding veteran for Nike and Patagonia, highlight new directions in the field. Their insights reveal how design adapts to both technological shifts and cultural trends.

While these cutting-edge books provide the latest insights, readers seeking the newest content tailored to their specific Graphic Design goals might consider creating a personalized Graphic Design book that builds on these emerging trends.

Best for game design visual specialists
Board games have evolved into a distinctive art form, demanding graphic design that matches their creative complexity. This book captures the latest thinking by Daniel Solis, who draws from over 20 years crafting visuals in tabletop gaming. It covers everything from typography choices to designing game boards and packaging, with attention to player engagement and retail impact. Whether you're starting out or refining your approach, this guide offers frameworks and examples to help you create compelling, accessible game designs that stand out in today’s market.
2024·302 pages·Design, Graphic Design, Typography, Game Components, Rulebook Design

Daniel Solis brings over two decades of expertise in tabletop game graphic design to this focused guide, exploring how visual elements shape player experience in board games. You’ll find detailed coverage of typography, component design, and retail presentation, enhanced by practical examples and insights from industry professionals. This book doesn’t just touch on aesthetics; it dives into accessibility, semiotics, and common visual challenges unique to board games. Whether you’re new to design or a seasoned creator, Solis offers actionable perspectives to elevate your game’s look and clarity, helping you craft engaging, memorable play experiences.

View on Amazon
Best for design history enthusiasts
This book opens a captivating window onto the vast history of graphic design, presenting 500 influential works that shaped visual culture worldwide. The Phaidon Editors have curated a collection that not only highlights classic and contemporary designs but also contextualizes them through detailed commentary, making it an indispensable guide for anyone interested in the trajectory and impact of graphic design. Whether you are a design professional or an art lover, this volume offers both inspiration and a comprehensive reference to understand how graphic design continues to evolve and influence society.
Graphic Classics book cover

by Phaidon Editors·You?

2024·528 pages·Design, Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Typography, Advertising

Drawing from their extensive editorial experience, the Phaidon Editors compiled this vast anthology showcasing 500 landmark graphic designs spanning over six centuries and five continents. You’ll explore detailed visuals paired with insightful commentary on works ranging from the Gutenberg Bible to iconic album art by Joy Division, learning how design evolved across cultures and eras. The book’s two-part format—large, detailed images followed by rich textual analysis—offers you a nuanced understanding of diverse design disciplines like advertising, information design, and typography. Whether you’re a seasoned design professional or an enthusiast eager to deepen your knowledge of visual communication history, this volume serves as a substantial visual and intellectual resource.

View on Amazon
Best for tailored creative workflows
This AI-created book on graphic design is crafted based on your interests and skill level in AI-driven creativity. You share which aspects of AI innovation and design workflows intrigue you most, along with your goals, so the book focuses on exactly what will help you thrive in the rapidly evolving 2025 design landscape. Personalizing this content means you don't sift through unrelated materials but dive straight into the latest discoveries and techniques that matter to you.
2025·50-300 pages·Graphic Design, AI Innovation, Creative Workflows, Design Trends, Visual Communication

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of graphic design in 2025, focusing on the integration of AI-driven innovation and creative workflows. It examines how emerging technologies reshape design practices and visual communication, offering insights that match your background and specific interests. Highlighting the latest discoveries and trends, the book provides a focused journey through advanced design concepts, creative problem-solving, and cutting-edge tools. By tailoring content to your goals, it fosters a deeper understanding of how AI enhances artistic expression and streamlines design processes. This personalized approach ensures you engage with material that directly supports your growth and exploration within the dynamic field of graphic design.

Tailored Content
AI Innovation Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for typography and editorial design fans
Herb Lubalin: American Graphic Designer offers a thorough examination of one of the most influential figures in American graphic design, illustrated with hundreds of previously unseen works and photographs. Adrian Shaughnessy’s extensive biographical text, enriched by interviews with prominent designers and Lubalin’s family, captures the essence of Lubalin’s unique typographic style and editorial influence. Produced with the Herb Lubalin Study Center at The Cooper Union, this monograph serves as a definitive resource for those seeking to understand mid-20th century graphic design developments and Lubalin’s lasting contribution to visual culture.
2024·448 pages·Graphic Design, Designers, Typography, Advertising, Editorial Design

Drawing from extensive research and exclusive interviews with key figures like George Lois and Seymour Chwast, Adrian Shaughnessy presents an in-depth look at Herb Lubalin’s impact on American graphic design. You’ll explore Lubalin’s innovative approaches to typography, advertising, and editorial design through hundreds of illustrations, many never before published. The book uncovers how Lubalin’s bold and experimental style shaped visual communication, offering insights into the creative process behind timeless design. If your interest lies in understanding the evolution of graphic design through the lens of a pioneering figure, this detailed monograph provides both inspiration and historical context.

View on Amazon
Best for beginner graphic designers
This book offers a unique resource for those eager to enter the graphic design field on their own terms, emphasizing accessible learning outside traditional education paths. It highlights foundational skills like typography and color, while guiding you through portfolio creation and finding inspiration in real-world projects. The authors address common questions about education, freelancing, and niche discovery, making it a practical companion for aspiring designers, career changers, and educators alike. Its practical approach and focus on community engagement provide a fresh perspective on starting and growing within graphic design.
So! You Want to Become a Graphic Designer book cover

by Carole Maugé-Lewis, Cherie Miller, Gordon Kaye, Linda McCulloch·You?

2024·98 pages·Graphic Design, Design, Designers, Typography, Color Theory

When the authors Carole Maugé-Lewis, Cherie Miller, Gordon Kaye, and Linda McCulloch recognized the growing need for accessible graphic design education beyond formal institutions, they crafted this guide to fill that gap. You’ll learn foundational design principles, including typography, color theory, and layout basics, alongside practical advice on building a portfolio and navigating the design marketplace. The book’s inclusion of student project examples and design briefs offers a hands-on feel for the creative process. Whether you're a self-taught designer or transitioning careers, this resource demystifies the early steps and challenges in graphic design with clarity and realism.

View on Amazon
Best for AI and design innovation explorers
Anton Moller is a leading expert at the crossroads of artificial intelligence and graphic design, bringing years of experience to this exploration of AI’s transformative role in creative work. His numerous industry talks and publications reflect a deep commitment to how technology can elevate design outcomes. This book distills his insights, revealing how AI is not just changing tools but reshaping the very nature of graphic design practice. Moller’s perspective guides you through the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into your creative process.
2024·61 pages·Graphic Design, Artificial Intelligence Design, Artificial Intelligence, Design Automation, Creative Technology

What happens when expertise in artificial intelligence meets graphic design? Anton Moller unpacks this convergence by examining how AI tools and machine learning algorithms are reshaping creative workflows and visual innovation. You’ll explore concrete examples of AI-driven design automation and discover how these technologies can streamline your process while expanding creative horizons. Chapters highlight practical applications, from automated layout generation to enhancing concept development. If you’re seeking to understand how AI can become a collaborator rather than just a tool, this book offers targeted insights, especially valuable if you want to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving design landscape.

View on Amazon
Best for staying ahead creatively
This AI-created book on graphic design trends is tailored to your current skills, interests, and specific role. It focuses on the newest discoveries and emerging trends that matter most to you, making it easier to grasp the future of design. By matching content to what you want to learn, this custom book helps you stay ahead in a fast-changing field without sifting through irrelevant information.
2025·50-300 pages·Graphic Design, Design Trends, Creative Technology, Visual Communication, AI Integration

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of graphic design by focusing on emerging trends and discoveries expected in 2025. It examines innovations in design technology, creative tools, and cultural shifts that influence visual communication. The content matches your design background and specific role, revealing insights that help you stay at the forefront of the field. By concentrating on your interests, it offers a personalized journey through the future of graphic design, encouraging an active engagement with new concepts and techniques. This book invites you to deepen your understanding of upcoming design developments and how they reshape creative practice.

Tailored Content
Trend Forecasting
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for mastering Adobe print workflows
This book stands out in graphic design for its hands-on, project-based approach to mastering Adobe's top design applications: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. It covers the latest integration features across these tools, enabling you to create professional print designs with practical workflows. Tailored to those preparing for careers involving print media, it addresses common industry challenges like file settings, image correction, and layout composition. By working through realistic projects, you develop tangible skills that directly translate to professional graphic design tasks, making it a solid resource for anyone focused on print design within the Adobe ecosystem.
2023·682 pages·Graphic Design, Print Design, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign

After analyzing the evolving demands of print and digital media, Against The Clock developed this project-based guide to help you master Adobe's essential tools: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. You’ll gain concrete skills like customizing interfaces to boost workflow, setting file resolutions for diverse print jobs, and blending images with vector graphics into polished layouts. The book’s hands-on projects simulate real career tasks, so you not only learn software functions but how to apply them effectively in professional contexts. If you’re aiming to build practical graphic design proficiency specifically for print and integrated Adobe workflows, this volume offers a focused, skill-driven approach rather than abstract theory.

View on Amazon
Best for branding and logo creators
Allan Peters is the Partner and Chief Creative Officer at Peters Design Company, collaborating with major brands like Nike, Amazon, and Patagonia. His internationally recognized design work, awarded by Clio and Communication Arts among others, informs this book. Drawing from his passion for brand identity systems and vintage logos, Peters offers a unique insider perspective on crafting logos that stand the test of time, making this a valuable resource for anyone serious about visual branding.

Allan Peters's two decades leading Peters Design Company shaped this detailed exploration of logo creation that endures beyond trends. You learn how to transform initial concepts into iconic visual identities through stepwise case studies, including his work for brands like Nike and Patagonia. The book walks you through building client relationships and evolving logos into comprehensive brand systems, making it a solid guide if you want to deepen your practical branding skills. While it focuses heavily on identity design, anyone interested in elevating their logo work and understanding brand consistency will find this a useful reference.

Winner of 2023 American Graphic Design Award for Book Design
View on Amazon
Best for blending design history and modern practice
This book stands apart by merging the rich history of graphic design with its latest trends and tools. It covers foundational topics like Bauhaus and Gestalt alongside modern digital and social media design, making it a vital resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of graphic design’s evolution and current landscape. If you want a guide that not only traces the field’s past but also shows how those lessons apply to today’s creative challenges, this book offers a thoughtful, visually engaging roadmap that benefits both students and seasoned designers alike.
2023·320 pages·Graphic Design, Designers, Design, Typography, Design History

Theo Inglis challenges the conventional wisdom that graphic design must be either purely historical or strictly contemporary. He bridges this divide by presenting 150 years of graphic design evolution alongside modern practices, helping you understand how past movements like Bauhaus inform today's digital aesthetics. The book’s organization around history, theory, typography, and media offers concrete insights, such as Gestalt principles and social protest graphics, giving you a rich foundation for both creative inspiration and critical analysis. Whether you’re refreshing your design approach or building foundational knowledge, this guide offers a thoughtful blend of theory and practical examples that speak directly to your creative process.

View on Amazon

Stay Ahead: Get Your Custom 2025 Design Guide

Stay ahead with the latest strategies and research without reading endless books.

Focused design insights
Tailored skill growth
Updated trend tracking

Forward-thinking experts and thought leaders are at the forefront of this field

The 2025 Design Revolution
Future-Proof Your Design
Graphic Design Trendsetters
Design Implementation Code

Conclusion

This collection of 8 books reveals three clear themes shaping Graphic Design in 2025: the fusion of historical understanding with modern application, the growing role of AI and technology in creative workflows, and the enduring importance of foundational skills like typography and branding.

If you want to stay ahead of trends or the latest research, start with "Designing The Future" for AI insights and "Graphic Design Bible" for a balanced view of past and present. For cutting-edge implementation, combine "Graphic Design Portfolio 2024" and "Logos that Last" to hone practical skills in software and branding.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Graphic Design book to apply the newest strategies and latest research to your specific situation. These books offer the most current 2025 insights and can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "So! You Want to Become a Graphic Designer" if you're new, as it covers fundamentals and practical steps. If you have experience, "Designing The Future" offers fresh perspectives on AI's role in design, helping you stay current.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Graphic Design?

Not at all. "So! You Want to Become a Graphic Designer" is tailored for beginners. Other books like "Graphic Design Bible" provide approachable history and theory, making the list suitable for varied skill levels.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Graphic Classics" and "Herb Lubalin" delve into design history and theory, while "Graphic Design Portfolio 2024" and "Logos that Last" emphasize hands-on skills and real-world branding projects.

Do these books assume I already have experience in Graphic Design?

Some do, especially those focusing on specialized areas like board game design or AI integration. However, titles like "So! You Want to Become a Graphic Designer" provide a solid foundation for newcomers.

Will these 2025 insights still be relevant next year?

Many concepts, especially historical context and foundational skills, remain relevant. Books like "Designing The Future" address rapidly evolving AI trends, so staying updated is beneficial for ongoing relevance.

How can I get focused Graphic Design insights tailored to my goals?

Expert books offer great foundations, but personalized content can match your unique background and objectives. You might consider creating a personalized Graphic Design book to keep pace with your evolving needs and the latest trends.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!