You've got your holiday booked, new swimwear on order but what inspirational reads should you squeeze into your suitcase, too? Whether you're looking for guidance on how to get creative or interested in London's 1970s counterculture, check out this list of the newest reads in 2015.
01. Alan Kitching's A-Z of Letterpress: Founts from The Typography Workshop (opens in new tab)
- Hardcover
- Published: 13 Apr 2015
Typographer, designer and letterpress man Alan Kitching had had his work featured on nearly everything you can think of: posters, book covers, billboards – even postage stamps. Here he's joined together with Angus Hyland to create a comprehensive guide, from A-Z, of typographic founts. A must-read for all you typography lovers.
02. The Notebooks (opens in new tab)
- Hardcover
- Published: 26 May 2015
Fan of the 19980s New York scene? Then you'll be familiar with the brilliantly talented Jean-Michel Basquiat. Born in Brooklyn, he was famously part of SAMO, the graffiti group before becoming a talented painter in his own right. Along the way he filled notebooks with his drawings and thoughts, seven of which Larry Walsh has edited into this book for you to understand a little more of what inspired him.
03. The Art of Flying (opens in new tab)
- Published: 7 May 2015
If graphic novels are your thing then you definitely want to pick up a copy of The Art of Flying this summer, winner of the Cape/Observer/Comica graphic short story prize.Originally written in Spanish, it has only just been translated into English and, a detective novel of sorts, tells the tale of one man's attempt to understand his father's suicide.
04. The Writing on the Wall (opens in new tab)
- Paperback
- Published: 27 Apr 2015
If you're interested in 1970s countercultural London then make sure you check out The Writing on the Wall. Last published four decades ago, Roger Perry's collection of photos look behind London's graffiti scene which featured the likes of poet and playwright Heathcote Williams, journalist Neil Lyndon and even some of the guys from ska band Madness.
05. Judge This (opens in new tab)
- Hardcover
- Published: 4 Jun 2015
What does a design need to create a memorable first impression? In the TED series Judge This, Influential designer Chip Kidd documents all of the first impressions he takes in in one day to show what engages us and what doesn't. Check out the other books in the series, too.
06. A Book of Things (opens in new tab)
- Hardcover – Illustrated
- Published: 30 May 2015
How do the objects and things around us in our everyday life affect us? British product and furniture designer Jasper Morrison - part of a group of designers that use technology to work on a global scale - outlines what it means for him. A great read if you're interested in the inspiration behind furniture design.
07. B is for Bauhaus: An A-Z of the Modern World (opens in new tab)
- Paperback
- Published: 26 Mar 2015
Now released in Paperback, Director of the Design Museum Deyan Sudjic has written a compelling analysis of modern design. From the jumbo jet to the development of the humble zip, Sudjic offers an authentic view into absolutely everything, and more.
08. Nimble: Thinking Creatively in the Digital Age (opens in new tab)
- Paperback
- Published: 30 May 2015
Being a great designer isn't always the only thing you need to be, well, a great designer. US Professor Robin Landa shows how being able to think strategic thinking and a strong understanding of communication and digital marketing can help make your designs scaleable.
09. Cultivating Creativity: Daily Rituals for Visual Inspiration (opens in new tab)
- Paperback
- Published: 29 May 2015
Sometimes it's hard to get creative, right? And if you're expected to come up with the big ideas everyday, there's a lot of pressure to get the juices flowing. Author Maria Fabrizio believes that the trick is never to turn the tap off and, in this beautifully illustrated book, shows how you can achieve this.
10. Stik (opens in new tab)
- Published: 13 Aug 2015
London street artist STIK's stick figures have visited more parts of the world than some of the most seasoned travellers. Now, the publishers behind Banksy's infamous Wall and Peace have compiled the first ever collection of STIK's work and the inspiration behind it. Without doubt, one of the most anticipated books of the year.
11. Personalized Digital Advertising: How Data and Technology are Transforming How We Market (opens in new tab)
- Published: 17 Apr 2015
The advertising world has changed considerably over the last few decades, all thanks to technology. Entrepreneur Diaz Nesamoney takes a look at some of the most recent innovations and how they affect how we communicate brand messaging. A heavier read than the rest on the list but interesting all the same.
12. Hunter S Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (opens in new tab)
- Published: 21 Oct 2015
Not technically the summer, but if you're a Hunter S Thompson fan, then you're going to want to know about this upcoming release. In partnership with the Hunter S Thompson Estate, artist Troy Little has turned the crazy tale of Raoul Duke and Dr Gonzo's drug-fuelled road trip into a graphic novel. A must read!
What did we miss? Tell us what's on your reading list this summer in the comments below.
Words: Natalie Brandweiner (opens in new tab)
Main illustration: Maria Fabrizio (opens in new tab)
Natalie Brandweiner is a writer and social media expert, and is currently digital content marketer.
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