Grid systems in graphic design: A visual communication manual for graphic designers, typographers and three dimensional designers (German and English Edition)

Haha no problem, here are some ideas, if you had an idea of what kind of design they were interested in I could be more specific as well! A gift card to these publishers would also be great as well (Taschen, Phaidon), books of all budgets below Design historyThe History of Graphic DesignGraphic ClassicsGraphic Design A New History LogosLogo ModernismLogos that lastPrinciples of Logo design Typography/GridsVisual History of TypeThe Anatomy of Type: A Graphic Guide to 100 TypefacesThinking with Type: A Critical Guide for Designers, Writers, Editors, and Students (3rd Edition, Revised and Expanded)Grid systems in graphic design

The bible. https://a.co/d/8kNNzHb

Yes. all the time. You should have one even if its a basic 2 column grid with some padding on the sides if that is all you need. I start from the least complex and add a couple of extra columns but never in abundance to the point it just confuses me. If I can't see the layout structure after putting in everything its usually due to not respecting the grid or the grid being too complex for my content Depends, on editorial work I usually set up a grid first. For stuff like posters I usually start with intuition and put in the structure later. I think both approaches work to some degree Pretty strict but I do try to include some element that breaks the grid. Its either to avoid the composition looking to rigid or to draw attention to something. For more formal data heavy layouts I always stick to the grid to the highest degree. But I do adjust the grid based on the content, I would say I almost never end up with the exact same grid I started with. I'm sure you know this book by Brockman: Grid Systems in Graphic DesignIf you are looking into something easier to digest check out this website by Obys: Grids

I was in a similar boat. Went from bartender to full-time art industry out of client demand. Online courses can be a great resource, but you’ll notice that they lack developed explanations since they’re mostly just promoting their Patreons or Gumroads. Try Udemy if you’re set on paid-learning. What really helped my style develop was mastering fundamental concepts. Best way to do that is thru books. These two are my bibles: Grid Systems Thinking with Type