Guide to Graphic Design

Guide to Graphic Design is a comprehensive design compendium consisting of five volumes, each exploring a particular subject. The topics of the volumes are: Visual Design, Illustration, Photo + Design, Graphic Element, and Package + Display.

Bijutsu Shuppan-sha published the books between 1960 and 1962. The editorial team consists of design critic and prolific producer of design projects Katsumi Masaru (1909–1983), design historian Tanaka Masaki (1931–2014), graphic design veterans Hara Hiromu (1903–1986) and Yamashiro Ryūichi (1920–1997), and industrial designer Koike Iwatarō (1913–1992). Each of the editors stands out as an authority of their profession, who have all written books on design and lectured at numerous educational institutions during their careers.

Each volume has article contributions by a remarkable list of renowned specialists, including, but not limited to, the great graphic designers Kōno Takashi (1906–1999), Kamekura Yūsaku (1915–1997), Ōchi Hiroshi (1908–1974), and Itō Kenji (1915–2001).

Sugiura Kōhei (b. 1932) designed the cover. He developed a pattern with three layers of slightly displaced squares colored in different shades, giving the composition an appearance of depth. Each cover features a color variation of this pattern, giving the series a cohesive theme while allowing each book a distinct look.

One of the editors, Tanaka Masaki, who began his career as a graphic designer, was responsible for the layout of the first three volumes. Sugiura carried out the layout of the final two volumes.