There are an abundance of great books available about graphic design—every subject from logo design and branding to brochure and web site design has been written about. This is an ideal situation for creative professionals, who are always on the look out for the inspiration these publications provide. Where this wealth of resources and information becomes cumbersome, however, is in the educational realm, particularly for educators developing curriculum and assigning required textbooks.

This is exactly the problem that led Ryan Hembree, Indicia Design’s principal/creative director and educator at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), to write his own book on the subject. The Complete Graphic Designer: A Guide to Understanding Graphics and Visual Communication, is published by Rockport Publishers and will be released this October. Pre-orders are being accepted at Amazon.com and other international retailers.

Loosely based on his own course curriculum at UMKC, Hembree’s book provides a broad overview of many aspects of graphic design and visual communication. It addresses not only the theory behind good design, but also dispenses practical advice for issues designers face on a daily basis. Insightful and comprehensible diagrams and full color images throughout showcase examples of the best design from around the world.

Not only is this a perfect resource for design students and educators, it is also an invaluable reference book for practicing professionals. In celebration of its release, there will be an open house this fall at Indicia Design’s new office space. More details to come!