Hello.

For a while now, I've had a keen interest in design in all its graphic forms, and I feel it's time to delve deeper into the subject.

However, I'm unsure where to start and how to navigate without getting lost.

Specifically, I'm interested in the following aspects:

- Can you recommend any books that cover the fundamental principles of text layout?
- I'm also looking for beginner-friendly resources on fonts, preferably something that explains font families and related concepts.
- Additionally, I'd like to learn about the rules and guidelines for text layout and interface design.
- It would be great to gain a better understanding of the general concepts of graphic design.
- Lastly, I'd appreciate guidance on setting up documents in Photoshop and Illustrator for web and print purposes.

I've already read "New Typography" by Chikhold, but I must admit that I didn't grasp much from it. I've also explored modular grids, which made more sense to me. However, I need to organize and structure this information in my mind.

If you are just beginning, I suggest reading a captivating book called "Design for non-designers." It provides a concise introduction to the fundamental principles of design.

Apart from that, it's important to remember that practice is crucial in mastering any skill. So, be sure to apply what you learn from the book and continually hone your design abilities through hands-on experience. It's through practical application that you truly internalize and develop a deep understanding of design.

To start with, I recommend diving into Lebedev's "Art" for a comprehensive understanding. Moving on, there are a few books that I highly recommend. "Live Typography" by Alexander Korolkov serves as an almost classic handbook, providing valuable insights into fonts specifically tailored for beginners. For layout enthusiasts, "The Look of the Book" by Jan Chehold is an excellent choice. Lastly, "100 Main Design Principles" by Susan Weinshank serves as a great resource for both web and general design principles. These books are not only informative but also inspiring, allowing readers to explore the endless possibilities within the realm of design.


Remember, reading is just the first step. It is crucial to apply the knowledge gained from these books into practice, experiment, and develop your unique style. Happy designing!

I would like to add to the list of cited literature with the following titles:

1. "Fundamentals of Style in Typography" by Robert Bringhurst.
2. "Typography in Terms and Images" by Vladimir Krichevsky.
3. "Typography" by Emil Ruder.

These books provide valuable insights into the world of typography and are highly recommended for further reading.

In addition to these, I also recommend watching lectures on typography by Gayane Baghdasaryan and Tagir Safayev, which can be found on YouTube. These lectures offer a comprehensive understanding of the subject and can be a great resource for those interested in delving deeper into typography.

Lastly, I suggest reading "Ved-design. Developer's Guide" by Jason Byrd. This book not only covers the fundamentals of typography in a lively and understandable language, but it also provides visual examples and guides readers through the entire process of creating a web interface. It is an extremely useful resource for anyone looking to enhance their design skills in the digital realm.

For fundamental principles of text layout, I recommend "Thinking with Type" by Ellen Lupton. It breaks down the basics of typography in a very accessible way. Another potential read is "The Elements of Typographic Style" by Robert Bringhurst, which, while a bit advanced, offers an in-depth look at typography that can really enhance your understanding.

When it comes to fonts, "Type Matters!" by Jim Williams is a simple and engaging introduction. It helps with understanding font families and how to effectively use different typefaces in design. "Just My Type" by Simon Garfield is another enjoyable read, mixing history with practical advice about fonts.

For guidelines on text layout and interface design, "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug is a great resource. It focuses on usability and provides practical design principles. Additionally, "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman offers insights into how design plays a crucial role in user experience.

To grasp graphic design concepts, you can look into "Graphic Design: The New Basics" by Ellen Lupton and Jennifer Cole Phillips. This book provides a strong foundation in design principles with examples, which can help you organize what you've learned about modular grids and other design elements.

For setting up documents in Photoshop and Illustrator for web and print, "Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book" is a fantastic way to learn the software efficiently. For Illustrator, "Adobe Illustrator Classroom in a Book" serves a similar purpose. Both books offer step-by-step instructions which are quite helpful and practical.
Don't forget to practice as you learn. Create mock projects based on what you're studying.