Resources for branding and logo making

Hello friends. I was just compiling a list of great sites that talk about current branding strategies and recently updated logos. I found the search quite inspiring, and so I thought I’d share. They aren’t all free, and some of them are books about logos, but all are definitely worth the time and the look. 

On the left of this page, you’ll see a link to a Debbie Millman talk “Why We Buy, Why We Brand.”
Here, Jason Smith, a professor of mine, discusses recent logos and their success or demise in the ad world.
I don’t know if you’re familiar with Brand New, but it is a fantastic site about all things branding. They also have a great recommended books list.
AIGA has some related publications.
I hope you find something useful here. Searching for an answer for you has certainly inspired me!

Never Sleep

This is the book I’m reading - but Never Sleep could could easily have been the title for most of the past four years of my life. I knew this was the book for me with one glance at the back cover:

THERE IS A MAJOR DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE LIFE OF A DESIGN STUDENT AND THE TRANSITION TO BEING A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL.

I almost cried.

Admittedly, I was highly intimidated by the obvious skill and talent of the two designers, Dan & Andre, whose stories are told in this book. However, they are most humble in their writings, and reading about their challenges and failures during their college experiences have encouraged and inspired me. Not only do these two young designers describe their personal, educational, and artistic journeys, but they also have included short interviews and essays by noted design professors and professors. These additional pages provide a wealth of wisdom, experience, and advice to the young designers who take the time to read this book. Both relatable and encouraging, this is a must read for every young designer. Seriously. go buy it.