Adrian Shaughnessy was co-founder of the leading London-based design company Intro. He writes for Print, Eye, Creative Review, Design Week and others.

How to Be a Graphic Designer … was one of the first design books I purchased out of design school. At this time, I was picking up what I thought would help my career — LogoLounge, Made You Look, Paper, and countless Applied Arts mags. The difference between those mentioned and How to Be a Graphic Designer … is that How to Be a Graphic Designer … was full of very informative content instead of award winning visuals. Nothing against showing off professional work, I’d just seen too much of it and dipping into this professional guide was just what I needed. I believe there’s a disconnect between student life and working as a professional designer, and if you were like I was, seeking insight on the situation, this book is for you.

Shaughnessy covers a broad range of topics such as how to find a job and being freelance, running a studio, and client psychology. Also included are interviews with 10 leading designers, including John Warwicker, Neville Brody and Andy Cruz and it’s even introduced by Stefan Sagmeister. The prince of show-and-tell sets the tone perfectly for a book on professional life and ethics.

Here’s a review from Amazon:

New designers want to earn a living by doing expressive, meaningful work, not as hired drones working on soulless projects. Written by a designer for designers, this combination of practical advice with philosophical guidance will help young professionals embark on their careers.

Purchase the book here.