A good designer is someone who constantly evolves in many directions. This book selection will help you not only master the basics of web design but also learn more about psychology, marketing, and life in general.
1. Andrey Gavrilov “Million-Dollar Web Designer”
This book answers all the questions of someone who is just starting out in web design or is thinking about entering the field.
Andrey Gavrilov, founder of the WAYUP educational platform, talks about the web designer’s work: what it involves, what skills are needed to succeed, how to find clients, and how to build a stable income.
It’s a practical guide based on years of Andrey’s experience. After reading it, you'll see that the dream of working remotely and traveling is achievable for anyone committed to growth and self-improvement.
2. Mike Monteiro “Design Is a Job”
In this book, Mike Monteiro shares his experience and insights from working as a web designer. He talks about setting goals, presenting your work effectively, and the importance of constantly learning, observing, and listening.
The book is full of practical tips on client communication at all project stages. The author explores real-life situations, pointing out strengths and weaknesses on both the client’s and designer’s sides.
This book is for both beginners and experienced web designers—as well as programmers, business owners, and website managers.
3. Andrey Gavrilov “Life’s Work”
This book isn’t about specific web design tools—it’s about the designer’s life as a whole. Here, you’ll find the story of Andrey Gavrilov, founder of WAYUP, and his journey from an ordinary student to a professional web developer.
The author uses his story to show how to build a clear and consistent path to your Life’s Work. Each of us has a passion for something.
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This book is for those ready for change and craving transformation in their lives. Read it, get inspired, take action.
4. Michael Michalko “Cracking Creativity: The Secrets of Creative Genius”
The author earned global recognition for his creative thinking techniques and out-of-the-box approaches.
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In this book, Michael Michalko shares a collection of creative thinking techniques. Isn’t that exactly what every web designer needs?
Through tasks, exercises, games, and puzzles, you’ll learn how to generate original ideas that help not only in your work but in life. You’ll also discover inspiring stories of creative breakthroughs that changed the world.
5. Heather Bradley “Desigñ. Modern Creativity”
Both beginners and seasoned designers will enjoy this book. It's full of humor, practical advice from a working designer, and inspiring stories from top design agencies. The visual design of the book itself is also noteworthy.
Heather presents 42 design principles that will make your projects more fun.
6. Scott McCloud “Understanding Comics”
In this book, American cartoonist Scott McCloud explains how comics work—how they’re created, read, and interpreted. He also dives into various aspects of visual communication.
The knowledge from this book can be applied in any visual field—especially web design.
Naturally, the book is written in comic format. It’s an easy and engaging read.
Experts say that even those who think they know everything about comics should read it. It will completely change how you see them.
7. Aarron Walter “Designing for Emotion”
This book by the lead designer of a major U.S. marketing company is perfect for beginners in web design. It will help you avoid creating dull, cookie-cutter websites that flood the internet.
Aarron Walter shares his years of experience and teaches how to create websites that spark positive emotions in visitors—sites that delight, surprise, and stick in memory. Sites with a strong personality are the best way to stand out and showcase your product.
8. Ethan Marcotte “Responsive Web Design”
Ethan Marcotte’s book usually sits next to the previous one on bookstore shelves. It’s another practical manual—not just for reading, but for applying to create user-friendly websites.
The author stresses the importance of keeping up with the times and adapting websites for small screens, as mobile-only users continue to grow daily.
This book is useful not only for designers, but also for marketers, developers, site owners, and businesspeople. Even experienced pros will find advice to help avoid mistakes in website creation.
9. Luke Wroblewski “Mobile First”
Another book that emphasizes the importance of websites that look great on all devices—from phones to desktops. Luke Wroblewski puts the mobile version first. And that’s fully justified by statistics, as we discuss in the article “Responsive Layout: Why You Need It and How to Do It.”
The author recommends starting the design process with the mobile version. He explains how it differs from traditional layouts, what to eliminate, and what must be included. By following his advice, you’ll create user-friendly interfaces.
10. Steve Krug “Don’t Make Me Think”
A practical, witty, and sensible book. First published in 2000, it remains one of the most recommended books on usability.
The author—Steve Krug—is a usability consultant with over 20 years of experience and a client list including Apple, Lexus, and the IMF.
This book teaches web designers the principles of creating intuitive navigation and information-rich websites.
11. Alan Cooper “About Face: The Essentials of Interaction Design”
First published 20 years ago by Alan Cooper, Robert Reimann, David Cronin, and Christopher Noessel, this book was recently re-released to reflect all the changes in the industry.
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The book argues that digital product development must be human-centered. Most of the focus should go into designing behavior. It’s all about goal-directed design, where attention is centered on the user, their goals, and expectations.
12. Golden Krishna “The Best Interface is No Interface”
With humor and sharp critique of today’s screen-based world, Golden Krishna offers ways to design advanced tech without digital interfaces. He shares ideas and principles for breaking out of the screen and fostering innovation.
This book is great for beginners—it organizes knowledge and provides actionable interface design tips. It’s considered one of the most important works in the field.
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13. Whitney Quesenbery & Kevin Brooks “Storytelling for User Experience”
The authors explore one of the most powerful marketing tools—storytelling—and how it can be used to create meaningful, user-centered design.
Storytelling should be part of every designer’s toolkit.
Anyone working with interfaces and user experience will find ideas and techniques in this book that are useful on a daily basis.
14. Phil Barden “Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy”
Despite its title, this book isn’t just for marketers. Web designers will find its insights valuable too.
Phil Barden explains how we make purchase decisions using big brand examples, what drives us, and what goes on in our minds. He analyzes real campaigns—what worked, what didn’t, and why.
After reading this book, you’ll understand how just a few small changes can alter customer behavior.
Books won’t answer every question, and they won’t teach you everything—because in web design, like any craft, **practice** is what matters. But books do provide the theory you need to build real experience upon.