Whether you’re just getting started with logo design or you’re deep into your freelance career, learning from the greats is always a smart move. These five books have had a major impact on how I design logos, think about branding, and approach working with clients.
Let’s dive into my top five favorite logo design books — all of which I personally own, love, and recommend.
1. Pretty Much Everything by Aaron Draplin
If you’re even mildly into logo design, you’ve probably heard of Aaron Draplin. This book is more than just a design showcase — it’s a walkthrough of his entire creative journey. Draplin shares how he became the designer he is today and what inspires his bold, iconic style. Expect logos, sketches, commentary, and a whole lot of personality.
2. Logo Design Love by David Airey
This is a classic — and for good reason. David Airey takes you behind the scenes of multiple logo projects, showing real client work from start to finish. You’ll see briefs, sketches, iterations, and final outcomes, all backed by his thought process.
3. Made by James by James Martin
James Martin is known for his expressive logos and ultra-honest advice. This book shares his full process, including how to handle clients, build trust, and stay creative. If you want a guide from someone who’s in the trenches of freelance logo design, this is it.
4. Logos That Last by Allan Peters
Allan Peters’ book focuses on logos that are built to endure. It’s packed with case studies, process breakdowns, and timeless design principles. He walks through some of his most iconic work and shares insights that are both strategic and inspiring.
5. The Big Book of Logos by David E. Carter
Unlike the others, this book is less about process and more about visual inspiration. It’s basically a giant reference library of logos — thousands of them. Some are fantastic, some are… well, less so. But all of them are useful for sparking ideas or understanding trends.
🎁 Bonus: Download My Full Logo Design Book List
Want a quick reference list of all my favorite design reads?
📥 [Grab the list here]
Final Thoughts
Books like these don’t just teach technique — they build perspective. You get to see how successful designers think, work, and communicate — and that’s something no template or tutorial can replace.