10 must-read design books to inspire you.
I’m always buying a new book. My favorites include graphic design, color theory, home decor and organization, wellness and self-development. Many of the books I own haven’t even been opened yet! (I tend to get easily distracted.)
I wanted to share some of my must read design books to help inspire creativity, build confidence and bring more joy to your business.
Why does design matter?
Design is everywhere—on the websites we browse, the brands we love, and even the coffee cup we grab in the morning. But great design isn’t just about making things look pretty—it’s about storytelling, problem-solving, and making people feel something. If you’re a designer, business owner, or just someone who loves creativity, the right books can level up your skills and fuel your inspiration. So, grab a comfy spot, maybe a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into 10 must-read design books that will change the way you see the world around you.
From the psychology of color and branding, to the strategy behind how great brands connect with people, these are some of my favorite must-read design books. They will elevate your skills and inspire new ideas.
Ready to get inspired and build your design library? Let’s dive in!
COLOR
1. My Life in Color – Brittany Watson Jepsen
This beautifully designed color keepsake journal explores how color influences your life. It begins with questions about color preferences, memories, and associations. It includes inspiring quotes and insights about color psychology. It’s perfect for collecting memories, dreaming up a vision board or planning for the future. It includes pages for keepsake photos and ephemera. It engages your senses by reflecting on how you experience color.
2. Joyful – Ingrid Fettell Lee
This book is on my repeat read list. It explores the joy in the everyday. It introduces the aesthetics of joy and the tangible qualities in the world around us. It looks into objects, environments, people and activities that bring us joy. This book shares tips to help create environments that bring us more joy.
3. The Little Book of Color – Karen Haller
This book takes you on a colorful adventure through history, psychology, and even your own personality! You’ll discover how different shades can influence your mood, style, home, workspace, and even your relationships. Packed with practical tips, it’s your guide to using color to brighten, refresh, and transform your life!
BRAND DESIGN
4. How to Style Your Brand – Fiona Humberstone
This is my go-to book when I need some design inspiration. It explores styling, planning, creating your vision and bringing all of your brand elements together. It is a must read for any business owner looking to create a distinctive brand identity.
5. Brand Brilliance – Fiona Humberstone
This provides insights into how to elevate your brand. It guides you through communicating your unique point of view and defining your place in the market. This will help you bring more clarity, focus and confidence to your brand.
BRAND STRATEGY
Without a clear strategy, you risk blending in, confusing your audience, or constantly reinventing yourself without real traction. A strong brand strategy gives you direction, consistency, and the ability to attract the right people—because when your brand feels intentional and cohesive, it becomes magnetic.
6. The Brand Gap – Marty Neumeier
The Brand Gap explores how the best brands are able to combine strategy and creativity. It examines how successful brands connect with customers on an emotional level. This book gives insights into creating a brand identity that resonates.
7. Building a Story Brand – Donald Miller
People connect with stories, and building a story-driven brand strengthens your messaging and marketing. It provides a framework to help you shift your perspective, positioning your customers as the hero of the story. By using storytelling effectively, you can enhance your messaging, improve website performance, and grow your business.
8. Start with Why – Simon Sinek
In Start with Why, Simon Sinek outlines what it means to start with why. Organizations are more successful when they start with the why behind their business. The why is their purpose, cause or belief. His golden circle shows how starting with the why helps guide your business. From how you think, act and communicate. This is a great read to help you discover the deeper purpose behind why you do what you do.
ART
Tapping into your artistic voice is what makes your work unmistakably yours. It’s not about following trends or mimicking what’s popular. It’s about embracing your unique perspective. When you lean into your authentic style, your work resonates on a deeper level. This draws in the right people who connect with your vision. The more you trust your voice, the stronger it becomes. This turns your creativity into something that stands out. Originality isn’t about being the loudest—it’s about being real.
9. Steal Like an Artist – Austin Kleon
Steal Like an Artist makes you re-think everything you know about art and design. Austin Kleon shows you how creativity is about embracing influence. Then taking it and remixing ideas to make them your own. It encourages you to explore your creativity and find your unique voice.
10. Find Your Artistic Voice – Lisa Congdon
In Find Your Artistic Voice, Lisa Congdon guides you through the process of artistic self-discovery. She interviews well-known artists, illustrators and creatives. She guides you on how to overcome fear and insecurity. She helps you explore your own unique visual identity and create your own creative magic.
If you’re looking for a dose of creative inspiration, this list of must-read design books is the perfect place to start! Covering everything from color theory and branding to artistic self-discovery, these books will help you tap into your creativity, build confidence, and bring more joy to your work. Whether you’re a designer, business owner, or simply love beautiful things, you’ll find insights on how color shapes emotions, how great brands tell compelling stories, and how to embrace your unique artistic voice. So grab a cozy spot and get ready to add some fresh ideas—and a few gorgeous books—to your collection!
Hi, I'm Cindy. I'm a branding expert who is passionate about health and wellness.
I’m here to help you build a strategic brand that speaks to the hearts and minds of your ideal clients.
