learning design
Readings, resources, and projects if you want to learn graphic design
For books, look to Bibliographic: 100 Classic Graphic Design Books by Jason Godfrey.
Typography and visual systems are two of the most important areas to learn and master in order to become a communication designer. Most of the resources here apply to these areas.
Typography
Hoefler & Frere-Jones Type Foundry: learn to love typography here.
Bringhurst, Robert. The Elements of Typographic Style.
Adobe’s Open Type Overview
Lupton, Ellen. Thinking with Type.
Spiekermann, Erik. Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works
Squire, Victoria. Getting it Right with Type: The Dos and Dont’s of Typography.
Visual Systems
Wheeler, Alina. Designing Brand Identity.
Budelman, Kevin. Brand Identity Essentials.
Design
Lidwell, Williams et al. Universal Principles of Design.
Lupton, Ellen. Graphic Design Thinking.
—. Design Writing Research.
Project resources
Lupton, Ellen. DIY: Design It Yourself.
—. Indie Publishing: How to Design and Publish Your Own Book.
Glaser, Jessica. The Graphic Design Exercise Book.