Research - Checking Out Some Killer Literature

Where best to check out uidence and opinion from the people who have been there, done that, and in most cases, lived to tell the tale? In books, where else?

Pam gave us a link to a great piece of literature by one Adrian Shaughnessy, titled "How to Be a Graphic Designer without Losing Your Soul". I took a look at the publication, and actually ended up buying it!


So far I'm only about a third of the way through, but so far I've found it provides a fascinating, and at times brutally harsh look at the graphic design world, and finding your place within it.

I've found that although Adrian loves to name drop and show off a little about all the people he's worked with over the years, (and to be fair, why the hell not, I WOULD!!! Haha!) his insight into the pro's, con's, mistakes and pitfalls prove invaluable. I've learnt things about the business in the short time I've been reading that I never, ever knew, and while it does prove a little daunting at first, his wisdom and experience is something that rings home as stone cold truth. It doesn't so much teach you the tricks and gimmicks, but more like the philosophy of the business of being a commercial artist. It's been a great read so far, and I'm hooked and can't wait to read the rest!

Some other books I've checked out are

Creative, Inc.: The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful Freelance Business - By Joy Deangdeelert Cho, which appeals to a wide range of designers, from illustrators and photographers to graphic makers and animators, focusing on how to build a successful business by doing what you love. Granted, it's much easier said than done, but the book has great tips and hints on everything from creating a standout portfolio to dealing with legal issues and what not of starting a business. Definitely my next purchase, I couldn't put it down at the library, and must have spent a good 3 hours reading through it!

Also on my "TO BUY" list is Talent Is Not Enough: Business Secrets For Designers - By Shel Perkins,  a consise documentation on th ebusiness side of graphic design, something that we, as aspiring artists are all to quick to ignore the in's and outs of. In order to be a success however, it's important to pay close attention to how the business works, and from what I read, this book seems very precise and detailed in it's reflection of the business side of things. If the student loan stretches a tad further, I shall be purchasing this one too in the next week or so.

Maybe I'm getting a little carried away buiying all these resources, but I just wish to know all I can about the industry I hope to be making my living in the near future, and I figure I'd rather have too much informatin than too little!