Most of my time at home is spent in one of two places. Either in the conservatory (where my books and computer reside), or in my bedroom where my TV shares it’s list of films (along with Xbox games too).

One of my main dislikes about the conservatory is also my greatest loves for it. I despise the natural light when the strength of its shine changes — the clouds create a shade and make everything darker, only to move on and leave me blinded as the brightness returns. This makes it especially hard to read as my eyes must keep adjusting. But there is one huge benefit to this room of windows.

Since I live on a hill, there isn’t much blocking my view north towards Manchester and also the Yorkshire Dales a ‘little’ further. Nothing beats getting inspiration than from a little daydreaming, and the best daydreams come from looking at nature.  I guess a reason for why I love clouds. Turns out not a lot shares the contrast of Marmite, I love and hate a lot of things and I’m sure you do too — clouds aren’t the start or the end, their just another in the pile, but today I do love them.

Pentagram Marks by Pentagram.

Originally in a limited print run of 1000. Laurence King have republished without the bookmark ribbons. I was unable to get one of the limited edition versions, but I have managed to get one from the second run.

Simply put, this is a hand sized book containing 400 logo designs. I gave this basic description since the book is very simple – each page includes a black and white (sometimes grey) inspiring logotype, along with company name, year of design and finally a description of the company. Doesn’t really get any more focused on logos than this. Ordered alphabetically by company, it is easy to find and return to a specific symbol.

One of the greatest things I find about this book is that I can open it randomly to see a little inspiration.

It does have one downside however, maybe not to everyone. But personally, I can’t understand why there are two black pages with white logos. It just leaves two grey lines running along the fore edge – for such a clean book, it makes it a little unbalanced.

The Layout Look Book by Christian Campos.

Not too sure what I was going to say about this book, until Michael Ngo-Tu was scouring through my books and we found something quite different on it’s fore edge:

A ghosted view of the title. And then when you push the pages back:

Ok, so it has the title on the page’s edge – We’ve seen it before with Sagmeister so why blog it? Because when fold it the other way:

It goes on the inverse!

The book is filled with many quirky design from many designers, including Daniel Eatock and Spin. I felt this was a real page bender.

The Truth About Design Agencies by KinoDesign.

I’m not sure if you’d really class this little beauty as a book. It states it’s a guide, but maybe I’d say a booklet.

Either way, The truth about design agencies is one of the best things I had on my bookcase. Written towards the client, I assume it was designed by KinoDesign to send to companies about how they are unique.

I know I’m no client for them, but if it’s any sign of what it is like in their studio, I hope one day I’ll be working there – or at least somewhere similar.

Never forget: ‘Design agencies are like nursery playgroups…’

I’m not sure how you could get hold of a copy, I found mine over on Ebay.

Flaunt by Bryony Gomez-Palacio.

This book was published at the perfect time for me. Earlier this year, I started my portfolio and was looking into different ways that I could present my work. While looking for some inspiration I found that UnderConsideration were releasing their fourth book which happens to be about design portfolios.

Flaunt’s print is beautiful, the cover is all a single colour (metallic purple) with different shades – even with so much information, the hierarchy works amazingly. It has given me a clear example of how hierarchy can make a difference. The book also sticks to a nice clean grid for the case studies, making each easy to read and refer back to. Each portfolio includes; dimensions, typeface, paper stock, retailer, time and cost. The price is a nice touch, since a budget will always play a big part in the production of someone’s portfolio.

Fact and figures:

• 41 Case Studies
• 823 Survey Responses
• 2,856 Photos Taken
• 570 Photos Used
• 17 Professionals Interviewed
• $1,000+ On Shipping Portfolios Across the U.S.

Another helpful section spaced through the book would be the Q&A from respected designers and professionals. Asking different types of queries to those with greater experience and who we’re hoping to show and tell our portfolios to. I know I’m happier I now know what mistakes I should miss out.

This will be a book I keep coming back to while I design my portfolio.