I believe those striving to improve their craft—especially the work they care about—must have strong, well-defined perspectives on how they critically and objectively assess what they create. I know I do.
This is why Paul Graham’s essay, “How to Do Great Work” resonated with me. He says great work requires three qualities: natural aptitude, deep interest, and scope for impact. Many, like me, aim for excellence, but it took time to find my path.
Before I became a design maven, I was a photographer. I started photography and videography in 2017, which allowed me to tap into my creative side. Yet, I wanted to explore a deeper expression of my craft and discovered design.
Design, for me, became an extension of my photography, allowing me to relive captured moments through new creations. Combining my past and present—photography, product, and motion design—I found meaning, aptitude, and growth in my work.
Looking back so far in my career, I’ve been a product of applied knowledge and books. And in this article, I will share what my top five books for every designer should be.
1. Steal like an Artist by Austin Kleon (My Current Read)
Who should read this: Upstarts and experienced designers.
My rationale: Steal Like an Artist is such a beautiful book. I started the year with this book because I wanted to find more creative and strategic ways to apply people’s works and influences into my work.
“Creative work” is hard. But what makes it harder is when you create in isolation. The greatest works you know of have influences. Instead of creating from blank canvases, why don’t you try to create from shared canvases—like all the great works coming to life, and the creators coming to lend you a hand. You become a better creator for it.
My key takeaway from the book: The ideas Kleon shares in his book are super practical and relatable; you can apply them to make your work noticeably better.
2. Design is a Job by Mike Monteiro
Who I recommend this book for: Experienced designers.
My rationale: As a creative, when you fall in love with the work to the extent that genius comes easily to you, sometimes it’s difficult to make that “a job.”
It’s like this: today, I’m enjoying being a designer, it’s a hobby for me, and tomorrow, I’m like, “so I have to charge my clients for my services?!”
Many people have a problem with that switch-up. And it’s understandable, too. I used to have that problem; charging—and charging adequately—for my services.
Today, I use a fixed cost guide and collect payment upfront before I work. It saves me from back-and-forths with clients, and that way, you avoid ruining relationships.
Design is a Job is an easy read for anybody who still struggles with this problem. It focuses on the messy side of “being in the business of design.” I definitely recommend it for experienced designers who want to get paid well for the great work they do.
3. Inspired: How to Create Products Customers Love by Marty Cagan
Who I recommend this book for: Experienced designers.
My rationale: My strongest opinion about design is that regardless of your niché—product, UI, web, mobile—you’re in the business of making your creations very user-led.
If you fail to do this, it is likely that your designs will struggle to build any meaningful connections with the people you’re creating for. Chances are that you’ve read my other articles online where I argue this extensively.
Cagan establishes this point strongly—and with the finesse and persuasion of a best-selling author. So, if you struggle to be user-led in your process, why don’t you pause and give this gem a read?
My key takeaway from the book: Creating products that impact users is not about having strong design skills. It’s about understanding the business, knowing your customers, and being acutely aware of the technical feasibility behind it all.
4. Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon
Who I recommend this book for: Design upstarts and newbies.
My rationale: As somebody who had to learn to build in public, Show Your Work is a natural selection for me. Yet, I wish I’d started doing this sooner.
Sharing your work publicly gives you a leg-up in the race. You land opportunities from doing so, not because you are the best at what you do yet, but because it is the best that was shared.
If I could revisit the start of my career, I’d change one thing: I’d share my work more freely, without stressing over whether it was flawless.
That’s why I always tell my mentees to put their work out there, no matter where they are in the process. And if you’re looking for a guide on how to do that, Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon is a fantastic resource.
My key takeaway from the book: Short, practical guide for upstarts looking to build in public and grow through the process. The key is to show up consistently and let others see your progress.
5. Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug
Who I recommend this book for: Design upstarts and newbies.
My rationale: The best designers don’t create design flows and experiences that make customers guess. As a design newbie, you may struggle to land meaningful designs that connect with users, but that’s okay. You will improve.
And this book helps you do so. It helped me too.
It started me down the rabbit hole of being very conscious of how designs shape decisions. At the time I read this book, I was also experimenting with micro-interactions and how to use them in my work.
Today, I’ve learned how they help minimise cases where users have to make unnecessary choices all the time. Your design helps them do that.