Friday

64 Must-Read Free eBooks for Web Designers - Design Resources

Although the general attitude towards self-learning has become largely optimistic, all of us have been at one point or another acquainted with those skeptical voices, telling you it can’t be done – ‘You just can’t read a book and expect to master a subject’. Those who like to run you down might even succeed most of the time, partly because they raise some valid concerns. But there are practical answers to all these so-called rhetorical questions. During the last decade at least, there’s been an increasing wave of people who have experienced success with their business and have felt the need to share their way of doing things. Ergo, books and lots of books on the subject. With that thought in mind, I’ve put together for you a compilation of must-read web design resources, broken down into topics and experience that are available online for free.

Design resources must read free ebooks web designers 2 Design Resources: Must Read Free eBooks for Web Designers
Image source

Best Beginner Resources

A Practical Guide to Designing for the Web (HTML + PDF) – Mark Boulton
This would be your go-to design manual for graphic design theory applied to the world wide web. You’ll find it on more than one recommendation lists and the reason is its conciseness and readability. This eBook is available directly online and takes you through the differences of traditional design process versus web design process, after which you’ll learn about the importance of research, typography, color and layout.

Head First HTML and CSS (PDF) – Eric & Elisabeth Freeman
Are you completely new to the HTML game? Then you’re part of the target readership of this fun beginner’s guide that features a FAQ section titled ‘There are no dumb questions‘ almost every time it approaches a specific topic. Also, don’t expect mounds of text and boorish tones. It’s filled with examples, imagery and exercises for you to put in practice.

Learning Web Design (PDF) – Jennifer Niederst Robbins
Another beginner’s guide that covers a lot of ground, starting from what the term web design actually means and how different people could use the term for different sets of skills, ranging from graphic design to programming and detailing further on each of them. The book moves on to teach you about all the stages of website-building, so that you can master the skills to get your design work up and running.

The Principles of Beautiful Web Design (PDF) – Jason Beaird
An in-depth look at the artistic side of web design is what this book’s aiming to offer – and it succeeds. Out of all the design resources out there, how many have you seen actually taking you through the psychology of colour? The book includes chapters on layout, textures, typography and imagery, each with arguments and examples of what to do and how to do it so that the finished product looks appealing and well-crafted.

Design resources must read free ebooks web designers 3 Design Resources: Must Read Free eBooks for Web Designers
Image source

Advanced Web Design & Specific Topics

An Advanced Guide to Web Design (HTML) – Shay Howe
Expanding on the beginner’s guide written by the same author (which you can also check out), this advanced edition is available entirely free online and brings you up to speed with responsive web design, an aspect which came to be increasingly important once people got to know and extensively use mobile platforms. The eBook is easy to read, enriched with illustrated examples and most definitely one to keep in mind.

Dive Into HTML5 (HTML) – Mark Pilgrim
You may have heard of Mark Pilgrim before this introduction, he is a well-known developer and free software advocate with quite a few eccentricities. Back to the topic at hand, he started a project that has been continued by a community of followers regarding HTML 5, its uses and proper integration in the web design process.


The Essential Guide to User Interface – Wilbert O. Galitz: A book that covers both GUI and Web User Interface, with characteristics, comparisons and best design practices for both. It is largely theoretical, but proves useful if you are looking to understand the human elements that need to be taken into accountfor the end result to be an excellent user interface design. This willmore than likely do wonders for the website you may be planning to build.

For more on Java-related insights, you should try reading either Eloquent Java Script (HTML) – Marijn Haverbekeor Java Script Enlightenment (PDF) – Cody Lindley. The first offers an interactive coding environment, as well as a programming language introduction, while the latter isn’t meant for beginners, but for somewhat experienced Java users who want to take themselves to the next level (as the author puts it, รค book to turn a JavaScript library user to a JavaScript developer).
If you’re looking for more resources on typography, we recommend you read The Elements of Typographic Style for the Web (HTML) and Type Classification (PDF). The subject will have been covered if you go through some of the above suggestions, but when you need to review specifics, these two eBooks will come handy.

Design resources must read free ebooks web designers 4 Design Resources: Must Read Free eBooks for Web Designers
Image source

Performance & Creativity

How to Motivate Creative People (Including Yourself) (HTML + PDF) – Mark McGuinness
If you’re an experienced web designer, you know that sometimes you’ll be able to take care of some projects on your own, while in other cases you will have to work with a small team of people. Whatever’s the case, reading this book will help you understand the different types of motivations people experience and how the relationship between motivation and creativity unfolds.

The Design Funnel: A Manifesto for Meaningful Design (PDF) – Stephen Hay
You might have noticed how hard it seems to innovate in the world of web design. There are a lot of copy-cats out there and you could say that lack of talent accounts for them. What if it’s not so much talent at fault, but a lack of creativity, induced by unquestioned, repetitive work processes? Stephen Hay expands on this idea and suggests a particular order in which to approach a project so that every finished design product showcases its own spirit, adapted to its purposes.

More Time Now: Time Management Made Simple Again (PDF) – Dave Navarro
A fun read on time-wasting behaviors that each of us needs to acknowledge and quit enabling. Redefine your understanding of time management and start making things happen with a few tweaks added here and there to your work schedule.

What Matters Now (PDF) – Seth Godin
This book doesn’t cover any specific topic, but rather joins a lot of people’s (successful bloggers, entrepreneurs, best-selling authors) thoughts on simple notions such as empathy, productivity, enrichment, vision and so on. You could say it’s an unconventional dictionary, while all of its ‘definitions’ lead back to the creative-business world to some extent. All in all, an essential read that’s likely to leave you thinking.

Design resources must read free ebooks web designers 5 Design Resources: Must Read Free eBooks for Web Designers
Image source

Business & Freelancing

Web Designer’s Success Guide (HTML + PDF)Kevin Airgid
With a straightforward subtitle, namely How to profit from freelance web design, this little gem will take you through freelancing and self-employment step-by-step. There are many details left untouched by most titles covering freelancing, maybe because they seem difficult to pin down in a general form. We’re talking about little things, such as deciding how much to charge for your services, possible mistakes you could make in relation to your clients (case studies), but also a dedicated interest to what your home office should be like in terms of furniture and hardware.
How To Be Creative (PDF) – Hugh MacLeod

A very honest and thus valuable eBook on integrating creativity in the grand scheme of your professional life. Not so much referring to work methods, How To Be Creative discusses which compromises you might have to take in your creative pursuits, as well as those you’ll have to avoid, how you can’t be a professionally creative person without taking responsibility for what you do, why all of us are different and how damaging it is to fail to see that. It’s a personal and professional development book that we undoubtedly recommend, complete with a series of wonderful cartoons drawn by the author himself.

Personal Branding for the Business Professional (PDF) – Chris Brogan
The basics of personal branding are covered in this concise 15-page eBook. Chris has put together more than a few useful points on a topic which some freelancers really struggle with. Promoting yourself may come to you easily, but it’s likely you’re not focused on it, especially if you’re starting out.And this would be the time it matters most –the more established you get, the less you have to invest in your branding strategy.
What are some of your favorite web design eBooks? Have you picked up a specific skill exclusively by using this sort of book and what was it? We would love to hear about your experiences in the comments section below.
About The Author

This blog was created by ELO DESIGNER to share his wealth of knowledge and researches with other designers and design lovers, to give them guidance and inspiration. Comments and suggestions are always appreciated. Thank you. Follow my daily design links on Twitter or Add me on your social network.

If you enjoyed this post, please retweet or stumble to say thanks!

64 comments:

Unknown said...

Great thoughts you got there, believe I may possibly try just some of it throughout my daily life.



Web Design Company India

Unknown said...

This could be one particular of the most useful blogs We have ever arrive across on this subject.
by MGT 521 Week 2 provider

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your post...its usefull and informative.... ByPSY 201 Week 3

SEO Essence said...

I am searching for web design company in India thank for sharing information about Website design India

online competitions said...

Its really nice to see here about this.I have seen lots of other things as well.Its look awesome.Thank you for this.


Beehive Web Design San Diego

Unknown said...

Thanks also for sharing your knowledge by making this blog. It's really a great help for me. I hope you make more blogs like this.
Web Development & Designing Company

Anonymous said...

Web design is creation of designs in the web pages of the web site. Web design constitutes more innovated and technical aspects with huge information. Web designs are the process of modeling, designing, structuring and executing the aspects which are suitable for the web site.

Website design company Sydney

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing knowledge..its a very nice blog.
London Website Design

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing the information. This book will help me a lot in learning HTML and Web designing to design different types of websites.
E-Commerce Web Designers In Miami Beach

Unknown said...

This is an extremely excellent post. I enjoyed reading through your current post. Need to confess that you’re most likely amongst the flex seal reviews leading bloggers I’ve read.
web services peachtree


Hems Jacson said...

Thanks for the astonishing posting! I absolutely adored every bit of it and i additionally accept you book clear-cut to investigation out fresh things in your location.
by MGT 311 Final Exam provider

Unknown said...

Your blog is very nice. I have really learnt a lot from this blog thanks web design baton rouge

Unknown said...

Looks good. i have been thinking of change the web site style for my Toronto business. i feel a freshman look would attract a lot of customers.Hopefully this can build web site style somewhat a lot of accessible to the final public. it's wonderful however versatile laptop programs will be.Very Nice Post. i actually appreciate together with your web log. All advertizing Service net planning, web site Development Company, Web Design style Company, net style Company.

Unknown said...

Hi….Thanks for sharing this knowledgeable article about Web Design. Your article is really very helpful for me. Keep sharing more…..

Unknown said...

A debt of gratitude is in order regarding the amazing posting! I totally loved all of it and i furthermore acknowledge you book obvious to examination out new things in your area.


website design uk//Apps And Webs Development

Richa said...

yaaaro.com it is a nice website. check it out. and you want ur company website please call us contact number: 022-66154433 and 8655118008
www.yaaaro.com
www.bluesuninfo.com

Deepika said...

At Placement Mumbai, we always stand by our clients 100%. Many companies offer recruitment and placement services but due to our teams’ efficiency & dedication we are among the top most placement agency in Mumbai. We believe that no other placement agency can offers the level of service and support that we give to our each and every client.
www.placementmumbai.com
www.bluesuninfo.com

Hetal said...

yes, i agree...yaaaro.com it is a very nice website. if any one wants to make a website please contact us 022-66154433 and 8655118008.
www.yaaaro.com
www.bluesuninfo.com

Ruchita said...

Placement Mumbai:
At Placement Mumbai, we always stand by our clients 100%. Many companies offer recruitment and placement services but due to our teams’ efficiency & dedication we are among the top most placement agency in Mumbai. We believe that no other placement agency can offers the level of service and support that we give to our each and every client.
www.placementmumbai.com
www.bluesuninfo.com

Jayesh said...

“Yaaaro Website and software Designing - Development” is sub division of web designing servicesBlue Sun Info. Which is in to Designing – Development of Website and software. Blue Sun Info deals in to various sectors there are Outsourcing & Consultancy (BPO and Call Centers) since 2003, Telecommunication (VOIP wholesale and retail) since 2004, software (VOIP Software) & Website Designing since 2007. Blue Sun Info works with Client Company to identify Client needs and provide best solutions that will enable Blue Sun Info Clients to gain a competitive edge in their industry.
www.yaaaro.com

Unknown said...

The blog was very useful and informative information that you have shared.
Responsive Design Companies | Responsive Web Design Companies

Unknown said...

Quite nice post thanks for share.........
Online resources

Free SEO Tools said...

it is informative post for human.This post publish new important news about web design .This post article is important and helpful for web design.Thanks a lot for share your great post.

Unknown said...

The Essential Guide to User Interface – Wilbert O. Galitz: A book that covers both GUI and Web User Interface, with characteristics, comparisons and best design practices for both.
osiz technologies madurai complaints |
osiz technologies complaints

Bangaloreweb guru said...

To get eye cache able websites by optimizing better color schemes for a website is more important.



Website Developers Bangalore | Web Designing Companies Bangalore

Unknown said...

Really Excellent e-books are listed in above blog.Thanks to listed such a nice e-book list.A leading affordable web design in portland maine, ME. We are offering creative Website graphics Design, SEO Services, Mobile App Development at reasonable Cost.

vcom infotechindia said...

The blog was some thing very interested to see ans looks great to see.
Best Ecommerce Service Provider | Best Web Site Developer

Unknown said...

Latest updates are discussed in this blog according to designing, HTML5 is using in all types of latest web development because it is easy to used. website design and development combines make your website highly efficient.

vcom infotechindia said...

VCOM has invested high quality time and effort for a decade specializing only in E-Commerce development.
Online Shopping in Coimbatore | Ecommerce Website Development in Trichy

Unknown said...

I'm searching for a book that explains the fundamentals of user interfaces and user experiences
web design

Unknown said...

Thank You, excellent tips and practical advise

Web Design

Unknown said...

These websites deal with interface design, user experience, user-centered design, and usability,

web design

Unknown said...

Very nice information that you have shared and thanks for sharing the information with us.
Web Design company in Coimbatore | Web Designing Companies Coimbatore

Unknown said...

I am glad to read this post, its an interesting one. I am always searching for quality posts and articles and this is what I found here, I hope you will be adding more in future. Thanks..

Unknown said...

For a Business website is very very must.In website the designing part is very very important.
Web Design Company in Coimbatore | Best IT Company in Coimbatore

Unknown said...

I’ll be signing up for your enhance and even I accomplishment you accessibility constantly fast.

Wordpress Developers in Bangalore | Wordpress Development Bangalore

Best Web Experts said...

Great one.. I hope you will be adding more in future. Thanks..

Unknown said...

The post is very informative and interesting. I appreciate work of the author. Thanks for sharing wonderful information.
Responsive Web Design Indore | Responsive Web Design Company

Unknown said...

Nicely written, really informative
Web Development Pakistan

Zinavo-Web Design | Web Development | SEO | Mobile Apps | ERP/CRM said...

The great bog if you went best affordable website designing and development click here.Web Design Company Bangalore | Website Design Bangalore

Bangaloreweb guru said...

These provided information was really so nice,thanks for giving that post and the more skills to develop after refer that post. Your articles really impressed for me,because of all information so nice.
Website Design Company | Bangalore Web Design Companies

jaya said...

The competition and nature of the corporate world makes it crucial for web design & development to enhance its presence on a global basis.
Strength Based Recruitment in india | Respect Dignity Hope

Stepherd said...

Really nice thing. And actually this will be included with whatever they have to involve in particular actions and all. Nice and also i am expecting much more posts from you.
Recruitment Consultancy in Bangalore

Unknown said...

hi! thanks for it.it's very interesting this blog....
Miss India 2017 Winner

Yasir Jamal said...

Great! Thanks for sharing the information. That is very helpful for increasing my knowledge in this field.

Yasir Jamal

Medical Value Travel India said...

Amazing amount of great, actionable advice. I will keep coming back to this Post....

Nadkaar Agency said...

I have analyzed your post. Excellent details you did here. I enjoyed reading your blog, and it is both instructional and enjoyable. Share this most interesting post in other sites like Nadkaar - Branding Dubai

Prostate Cancer Treatment in India said...

Thanks for sharing post – much appreciated and now following you! Looking forward to your Post....

Health Blog India said...

its very cute. thanks too share.....

prostate cancer surgery india said...

Thank you, that was just an awesome post!!!.....

Tips and Tricks blog said...

I love that idea. Awesome Post..

Dr. IPS Kochar said...

Thanks for sharing that. It was fun reading it. :-)

Best Web Design Company in Coimbatore said...

Keep it up.
Amazing Post! I am impressed by the quantity of information.
Website Design Company in coimbatore | Website Development in Coimbatore

Unknown said...

Your posts are always source of new information for me. Thanks for sharing great posts with us.
SEO Dubai

Alston clayden said...

Thanks for creating this wonderful blog. Whenever I visited this site I get to learn useful information from here. Keep posting good articles.
Public Relation company in Dubai

Mohit Dhiman said...

Thanks for sharing awesome information that is great information about me because i fresher in web design filed thanks and appreciate your works

OrugantiConsultancy said...

We provide best web designing services in Hyderabad. We have provide Best Job Consultant Company in Hyderabad

Recruitment Consultants said...

Thanks for sharing with us, keep up the good work!

Recruitment Firm | Recruitment Consultants | RAMSOL

Village Talkies said...

Great information!!! Thanks for your wonderful informative blog.
Village Talkies a top-quality professional corporate video production company in Bangalore and also best explainer video company in Bangalore & animation video makers in Bangalore, Chennai, India & Maryland, Baltimore, USA provides Corporate & Brand films, Promotional, Marketing videos & Training videos, Product demo videos, Employee videos, Product video explainers, eLearning videos, 2d Animation, 3d Animation, Motion Graphics, Whiteboard Explainer videos Client Testimonial Videos, Video Presentation and more for all start-ups, industries, and corporate companies. From scripting to corporate video production services, explainer & 3d, 2d animation video production , our solutions are customized to your budget, timeline, and to meet the company goals and objectives.
As a best video production company in Bangalore, we produce quality and creative videos to our clients.

Mike said...

I really appreciate this types of blogs which contain best knowledge for Digital marketing like Web Design Company in Dubai also get it at cost-effective price.

GreenfieldCoimbatore said...

Hey! You Done Good Job, Keep on posting!
Plots in Coimbatore
Lands in Coimbatore

Tessa said...

Thanks for sharing this post.
rummybaazi apk
88 fortunes slot review
best slots to play in las vegas
best jackpot prediction site
bingo clash code
suncoast bingo cash ball

CristaAlex said...

Thank you so much for sharing this post. Know about Bitwissend, website design company in cochin.

Aleena James said...

Thanks for sharing this post. Know about Kidnageth Enterprises, steel windows in pathanamthitta.

Post a Comment