Shillington Book Club: How to Be a Graphic Designer without Losing Your Soul by Adrian Shaughnessy

George Simkin, Part-time Teacher, London
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How to Be a Graphic Designer without Losing Your Soul
Author/Publisher: Adrian Shaughnessy/Laurence King Publishing

The book was first published when I graduated in 2005 and it came at the perfect time for me. I had decided to move from Cork, Ireland to the big city of London to start my design career. To say I was terrified, would be an understatement. And it was Adrian Shuaghnessy’s book that was my introduction into the industry. My course in University was extremely conceptual, but had very little in the way of the working industry. As I applied for jobs, this book gave me everything I needed to know, what to do, and more importantly, what not to do.

With chapters like ‘How to find a job, Self-promotion, Being freelance’ etc, its provided tremendously honest and calming advice.

I’m going to sound like an old man here, but you have to remember this was 2005, you had websites, but nothing like what students have now with regards to advice via blogs, websites etc—so this book was everything to me. I have read many many books on graphic design, but this has a personal significance that no other book will have. And even now, and the last few years, with chapters like ‘Setting up a studio, running a studio, winning new work’.

I have referred to it my whole design career, it must be a great book because, 13 years later, I’m still here doing what I love, being a designer with a soul.

Buy a copy here!