GRAPHIC DESIGN

INDUSTRY GUIDE
Updated June 2015

Small Business Help/ Business Start Up information

Arts Publisher MBP267 (COBRA, November 2013) [available onsite via electronic resources]
Summarises skills required, training available, current market trends and some of the key
trading issues. It also identifies some of the main legislation that must be complied with and
provides sources of further information.
Advertising Agency BOP480 (COBRA, March 2014) [available onsite via electronic resources]
Summarises skills required, training available, current market trends and some of the key
trading issues. It also identifies some of the main legislation that must be complied with and
provides sources of further information.
Becoming a graphic designer: a guide to careers in design (Steven Heller & Teresa Fernandes,
Hoboken, N.J, Wiley ; Chichester, 2010) General Reference Collection YK.2010.a.33037 must
be ordered via electronic catalogue
Examines, via interviews with experienced practitioners, the types of careers available to
aspiring graphic designers, covering web, television, film, publishing, advertising, corporate,
editorial, and other design disciplines.
Copyright to Protect Your Work A Guide to Using BIF218 (COBRA, August 2014) [available
onsite via electronic resources]
Provides an overview of copyright concepts and legislation, covers protecting and licensing
copyright works and provides sources of further information

Sally Jennings

The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business (Cameron S. Foote, W.W
Norton, 2009) [(B) SBH 741.6068 BUS]
Management manual for the graphic design industry; describes best-practice procedures for
firms of various sizes. Includes sections on Organisation, HR, Marketing and Operations, in
addition to template forms and plans, and case studies.
Design Agency BOP470 (COBRA, March 2014) [available onsite via electronic resources]
Summarises skills required, training available, current market trends and some of the key
trading issues. It also identifies some of the main legislation that must be complied with and
provides sources of further information.
The Design Entrepreneur: Turning Graphic Design into Goods That Sell (Steven Heller and Lita
Talarico, Rockport, 2008) General Reference Collection YK.2009.b.8053 - order via electronic
catalogue
Surveying entrepreneurial designers who have developed their designs into to a variety of
product ranges, including books, furniture, clothes, magazines and homeware. Includes a
number of case studies and interviews from the United States and Europe.
The Essential Guide to Business for Artists and Designers (Alison Branagan, A. & C. Black,
2011)[(B) SBH 658.110247 BUS]
Comprehensive book covering business and start-up skills, including start-up practicalities, selfemployment, funding and sponsorship; marketing and promotion; legalities, contracts, finance,
e-commerce, innovation and future trends
Freelance Web Designer/Developer BOP347 (COBRA, December 2012) [available onsite via
electronic resources]
Summarises skills required, training available, current market trends and some of the key
trading issues. It also identifies some of the main legislation that must be complied with and
provides sources of further information.
The Graphic Design Business Book (Tad Crawford, Allworth; Garsington, Windsor, 2005)
General Reference Collection YK.2006.a.19386 order via electronic catalogue
General guide to setting up a graphic design business, including business planning, marketing,
legal requirements, proposals, pricing and contracts.
Graphic Designer BOP035 (COBRA, March 2014) [available onsite via electronic resources]
Summarises skills required, training available, current market trends and some of the key
trading issues. It also identifies some of the main legislation that must be complied with and
provides sources of further information.
Graphic Designer Choosing and Using A BIF013 (COBRA, December 2012) [available onsite
via electronic resources]
Provides information for potential users of graphic design services, including customer criteria,
briefs and costs.
The Graphic Designers Business Survival Guide (Lawrence Daniels, American Management
Association, 2013) [(B) SBH 741.6068 BUS]
General guide to setting up a graphic design business, covering practical aspects, marketing,
management, growth. Includes practical tools and templates.

Sally Jennings

Greetings Card Maker BOP144 (COBRA, October 2012) [available onsite via electronic
resources]
Summarises skills required, training available, current market trends and some of the key
trading issues. It also identifies some of the main legislation that must be complied with and
provides sources of further information.
How to Start a Creative Business (Doug Richard, Newton Abbott, 2013) [(B) SBH 658.11 BUS]
A guide for creative entrepreneurs, covering market proposition and positioning, industry,
channels, pricing model, partners, competencies and assets, as well as a glossary of key terms.
Illustrator BOP177 (COBRA, August 2013) [available onsite via electronic resources]
Summarises skills required, training available, current market trends and some of the key
trading issues. It also identifies some of the main legislation that must be complied with and
provides sources of further information.
Logo A Guide to Creating A Business BIF266 (COBRA, January 2014) [available onsite via
electronic resources]
Provides information on the design of logos, covering process, intellectual property
considerations, and including links to useful resources.
Make your own luck: a DIY attitude to graphic design & illustration (Kate Moross, Munich: Prestel,
2014) [(B) SBH 741.6023 Business]
Personal take on how to be a graphic designer by acclaimed designer Kate Moross, mixing
business advice with examples of her own work and discussions of her approach
A Pocket Business Guide for Artists and Designers : 100 things you need to know (Alison
Branagan, A. & C. Black, 2011) [(B) SBH 338.7617 BUS]
Short book addressing 100 of the most important questions artists and designers will have
when setting up a business, ranging from How is tax calculated to Are the arts and
commercial worlds for me. Divided into 5 sections: business, promotion, legal, money and last
thoughts.
Registering and Protecting Your Product Designs An Introduction To BIF249 (COBRA,
February 2012) [available onsite via electronic resources]
Covering legislation relating to designs, registering and protecting designs in the UK and
internationally.
Success by design : the essential business reference for designers (David Sherwin, Cincinnati,
Ohio: How Design ; Newton Abbot, 2012) [(B) SBH 745.2068 BUS]
A guide to starting up a design business, covering a variety of elements from invoicing to
company culture. Includes worksheets and charts, as well as thoughts from successful
designers, project managers, studio directors and client service professionals
Talent is Not Enough: Business Secrets for Designers (Shel Perkins, New Riders, c.2010)
General Reference Collection YK.2011.a.12636 - order via electronic catalogue
Guide to setting up a design business, covering job hunting, practical considerations for small
businesses and large firms, project management, legal considerations, pricing, and finance.
Includes template contracts and agreements.

Sally Jennings

Website Designer - Choosing and Using a BIF326 (COBRA, June 2013) [available onsite via
electronic resources]
Provides information on hiring, commissioning and managing a website designer for a website
Wedding Stationery Maker BOP476 (COBRA, January 2015) [available onsite via electronic
resources]
Summarises skills required, training available, current market trends and some of the key
trading issues. It also identifies some of the main legislation that must be complied with and
provides sources of further information.
Writing and Research for Graphic Designers: a Designers Manual to Strategic
Communication and Presentation (Steven Heller, Rockport, 2012) General Reference
Collection YK.2013.b.11224 - order via electronic catalogue
Guide to writing and research for designers. Includes sections on strategic writing, targeting an
audience, pitching a book, editing, database, library, museum research, and using primary and
secondary resources.

Market Research & Statistics

Advertising Agencies Market Assessment (Keynote, 2014) [available onsite via electronic
resources]
Market Assessment examining the UK advertising industry, with in-depth reviews of the main
marketing sectors: broadcast; print; and the internet as well as other media. Includes PEST
analysis, company profiles and league tables, analysis of future trends, and links to further
sources.
Creative Industries Economic Estimates January 2015 (DCMS, 2014, available online at
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/creative-industries-economic-estimates-january2015)
Official statistics measuring the contribution made by the Creative Industries to the UK Economy,
including Employment, Gross Value Added and Exports of Services. Includes statistics on the Design
sector
Creative Skills that will be in High Demand according to US Professionals, May 2014
(eMarketer, May 2014)
Chart showing the results of a survey of 1,048 US creative professionals
Design Consultancies Benchmarking Report (Keynote, March 2014) [available onsite via
electronic resources]
Report examining the performance of selected leading companies in the design industry over a
3 year period. Gives information on structure, size, appointments, and financial information
(profit and loss statements, balance sheets, etc.)
Design Industry Research 2010 (Design Council, available online at
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/knowledge-resources/report/design-industry-research-2010
This survey covered 2,200 design businesses including in-house design teams, design
consultancies and freelance designers working across communications, digital & multimedia,
interior & exhibition, product & industrial, fashion and service design disciplines. Design
businesses were asked about the profile and size of their businesses, their clients and the
competition they face, their business practices and the education, training and skills of their
employees.
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Design industry predictions for 2015 (Design Week Online Edition, available via EBSCO, May
2015) [available onsite via electronic resources]
Short article presenting business forecast related to the branding, graphics and product design
in the design industry. Topics discussed includes technological innovation in the digital industry,
increased international demand for the British designing, digitalization and genderization of
household appliances
Digital Life and Consumers (Passport, May 2015 updated monthly) [available onsite via
electronic resources]
Article covering the latest consumer digital trends
Digital Printing Benchmarking Report 2015 (Keynote, 2015)
Report focusing on the leading Companies active in the digital printing industry, examining the
performance of these selected companies over a three year period
Global Nostalgia Marketing Strategy Briefing (Passport, August 2012) [available onsite via
electronic resources]
Article examining the trend for nostalgia in design and marketing, demand and supply factors,
consumer psychology, and future outlook
Greetings Cards Market Report (Keynote, January 2014) [available onsite via electronic
resources]
Overview of the Greetings Cards industry, including market size, SWOT analysis, current issues,
forecasts, and company profiles.
Printing Market Report (Keynote, 2014) [available onsite via electronic resources]
Overview of the printing industry, including market size, SWOT analysis, current issues,
forecasts and some company profiles.
Research and Markets; The Global Graphic Design Service Market to Reach US$46.7 Billion
By 2016 (Marketing Weekly News, available via ABI/Inform Global, 2013) [available onsite via
electronic resources]
Short article looking at the growth of the global graphic design market, and the factors that
influence it
Specialised Design Activities Market Digest (Keynote, 2015) [available onsite via electronic
resources]
Brief overview of the specialised design sector, including employment statistics
Stationery (Personal & Office) Market Update (Keynote, 2014) [available onsite via electronic
resources]
Overview of the Stationery industry, including market size, industry background, competitor
analysis, market trends, SWOT analysis, and some company profiles
Upgrading the Ordinary: How are Consumers Responding to Brand Moves to Re-package and
Remarket Consumer Staples? (Passport, April 2013) [available onsite via electronic resources]
Article looking at consumer responses to packaging design, covering key trends and
commercial opportunities

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Worldwide Graphic Design Services Industry (NAICS 54143) (Barnes Reports, available via
EBSCO, 2014) [available onsite via electronic resources]
Market report on the worldwide graphic design industry including estimated industry sales,
number of employees and number of establishments, listed country by country including the
UK.

Trade Magazines & Newsletters

Creative Review magazine (Centaur Communications Ltd, monthly) (via GALE Cengage
Business & Industry, from 1999) [available onsite via electronic resources; or for physical copies
and earlier issues order via online catalogue]
News, commentary, articles and job listings for advertising, design and visual culture
Design Week magazine (Centaur Communications Ltd, monthly) (via GALE Cengage Business
& Industry, from 1999) [available onsite via electronic resources; or for physical copies and
earlier issues order via online catalogue]
News, commentary, articles and job listings for the design industry
Design Management review (John Wiley & Sons, quarterly) (via EBSCO, from 2004, most
recent 1 year not available, or from ProQuest ABI/INFORM Global, 2001 - 2009) [available
onsite via electronic resources]
Leading publication dedicated to design as a strategic business resource
Design Management Journal (Wiley, annual) (via EBSCO, from 2008, most recent 1 year not
available) [available onsite via electronic resoures]
Annually published journal devoted to articles and academic research exploring design in
products, communication, and environments

Directories
Art & design licensing source book. (Max Publishing, 2015) [(B) DIR 741.60941 BUS]
Directory of art and design brands advertising their work for licensing, as well as contact details
for agencies and potential licensors
The A List: A guide to whos who in media, marketing and advertising in the UK (Haymarket
Management Publications, 2015) [DIR 659.0922 BUS]
Contains brief biographical profiles of over 300 individuals
Logobook (Ludovic Houplain, Taschen, 2013) [BIPC (B) DIR 741.6 BUS]
Logo design reference guide, featuring approximately 7,000 logos organised alphabetically,
with information about the designers, year of creation, country, brand, and company.
Creative review handbook (Centaur Media, 2011) [(B) DIR 741.60688 BUS]
Directory with details of thousands of photographers, illustrators, designers, ad agencies and
other creative companies

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Internet Sources
ACID (Anti Copying in Design)
Membership organisation raising awareness of intellectual property matters for the creative
industries. Offers mediation services and advice on legal matters.
http://www.acid.eu.com/
Artquest
Provides support for London's visual artists and craftspeople.
http://www.artquest.org.uk/
Artsthread
Online educational tool designed to connect students, graduates, universities and industry,
exclusively within the field of design.
http://www.artsthread.com/
Chartered Society of Designers
The professional body for designers with a royal charter to support professional design practice
http://www.csd.org.uk
Cockpit Arts
Cockpit Arts supports and promote talented designer-makers from all backgrounds through all
stages of their career.
http://www.cockpitarts.com/
Copyright User
Aimed at making UK copyright law accessible to creators and users, with FAQs, videos, and
explanations of UK copyright. Features tailored sections for the creative industries
http://copyrightuser.org/
Creative Choices
Online service providing tools and information for individuals and businesses to develop in the
creative industries and cultural sector
http://www.creative-choices.co.uk
Creative & Cultural Skills
The sector skills Council for advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, literature, music,
performing and the visual arts
http://www.ccskills.org.uk
Creative Finance Network
Website detailing the more common varieties of finance for creative industries alongside
current funding opportunities and where to find them
http://creativefinancenetwork.co.uk/
Creative Review website
Advertising, design and visual culture website, with news, articles, resources and job listings
http://www.creativereview.co.uk
DACS - Design and Artists Copyright Society
Not-for-profit visual arts rights management organisation. Site has details of campaigns and
useful factsheets on aspects of copyright for artists.
http://www.dacs.org.uk/
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D&AD
Educational charity representing the global creative, design and advertising communities
http://www.dandad.org
Design Business Association (DBA)
Trade association for UK design businesses
http://www.dba.org.uk
Design Council
Public body promoting design. Services to the industry plus publications, research, networking
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/
The Design Trust
Resource to help professional designers & craftspeople to create and run businesses
http://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk/
Ideas Tap
Creative sector website with advice, opportunities and jobs, as well as an online community
http://www.ideastap.com/
International Society of Typographic Designers (ISTD)
A professional membership body for typographers, graphic designers and educators.
http://www.istd.org.uk
It's Nice That
Website championing creativity across the art and design world. Updated daily with at least
nine new articles, it attracts an international readership of around 350,000 unique users a
month
http://www.itsnicethat.com/
Own-It
Intellectual property advice and resources for the creative sector
http://www.own-it.org/
See (Formerly Enterprise Centre for the Creative Arts)
Free creative business services including one-to-one advice, resource library, workshops and
events, online factsheets and access to networks.
http://see.arts.ac.uk/
School for Creative Startups
Offers a variety of educational and support programmes, designed by creative entrepreneurs to
teach and empower those with existing creative businesses.
http://schoolforcreativestartups.com/

Note: Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this document,
however some recently acquired items may since have been added to the collection. Please ask for help
at the enquiry desk or check the Catalogue http://explore.bl.uk for more details.
Images Afonso Lima, Jay Lopez, Colin Brough, via sxc.hu.

Sally Jennings