Recommended Books for Website Designers

Over the years, I've been asked which books I would recommend for up and coming website designers. This question is an interesting one, for there are thousands of books on website programming, design, search engines, and everything in-between.

Nonetheless, I still have some favourites. I'm not recommending "Dummy" books or "Idiot's" guides, for I truly believe that if you are starting off not knowing anything about website design, you cannot become a serious website designer by reading books like these. The best route for starting out is taking at least a one-year course from an accredited college or other post-secondary institution. Then increase your knowledge through reading books like the ones listed below.

Those of you who are at this point, might still be unclear on a few things regarding website design, even after the educational process, so I will recommend some fantastic books that have helped me get to where I am.

The first book is entitled "How to Start a Home-Based Web Design Business" and is written by Jim Smith. Although the book itself was written a couple of years ago, it contains some invaluable information for all website designers; there is quiz that tells what kind of designer you are, how to promote your business for free, and even includes an actual website design contract at the end of the book. A definite read.

The second book I recommend is "The Non-Designer's Web Book" (second edition) by Robin Williams. I must say, I have never read the first edition of the book (although I hear it's good), but this book provides tips and tricks that all web designers should be aware of. Although it is quite basic, it is a great refresher for when you forget some of the basic principles of design, such as alignment, proximity, repetition, etc.

Also by Robin Williams (and John Tollett) is "Robin Williams Design Workshop". This book has some wonderful illustrations, and real life examples of logos, billboards, letterhead, websites, etc. It's not only an asset in the web industry, but is also highly recommended for work in print. Lots of practical advice, and a great reference book.

Finally, "Professional Web Site Design from Start to Finish" by Anne-Marie Concepcion is a must read for any website professional. The book is not really about programming or design per se, but provides invaluable information about managing websites, presenting websites to clientele, and software that can help you do all of this. At the end of the book is a list of some great websites that are fantastic resources for programming problems, design issues, and search engine questions.

These books have helped me get to where I am now, and I will repeat, are invaluable. They are all written by trusted professionals in the field of website design, so there is no need to question what they say. Enjoy these books as I have.

Just as an extra, I would also highly recommend getting a subscription to "Wired" magazine. This monthly magazine that comes out of the USA, features some out-of-this-world products, information, and things to come. The annual subscription fee to Americans is a mere $12.00 USD, although to Canadians it is about quadruple this price.

<-- Back to Free Website Design Tips, Tricks, and Articles