I asked myself the same question around 6 months ago, so I talked to the most talented designer I know and asked him for a list of the most influential books he

I asked myself the same question around 6 months ago, so I talked to the most talented designer I know and asked him for a list of the most influential books he had read whilst developing his skills. Here is the list, in the order he recommended reading them: Creative Process: http://www.amazon.com/Made-Stick-Ideas-Survive-Others/dp/1400064287 http://www.amazon.com/Made-Stick-Ideas-Survive-Others/dp/140... Design Thinking: http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Rand-A-Designer%60s-Art/dp/0300082827/ http://www.amazon.com/Paul-Rand-A-Designer%60s-Art/dp/030008... Typography: http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Type-Designers-Critical-Students/dp/1568984480/ http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Type-Designers-Critical-Stude... Spatial Relationships - Grids: http://www.amazon.com/Making-Breaking-Grid-Graphic-Workshop/dp/1592531253/ http://www.amazon.com/Making-Breaking-Grid-Graphic-Workshop/... Reduction: http://www.amazon.com/Symbol-Steven-Bateman/dp/1856697274/ http://www.amazon.com/Symbol-Steven-Bateman/dp/1856697274/ Color Theory: http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Color-Subjective- http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Color-Subjective- Experience/dp/0471289280/ Branding 101: http://www.amazon.com/Designing-Brand-Identity-Essential-Branding/dp/0470401427/ http://www.amazon.com/Designing-Brand-Identity-Essential-Bra... I've been making my way through the list, and it is amazing how much my approach to design has changed. Before I was winging it and was never really sure if I was making something that would look good, but now I feel like I have a solid foundation to build on.