Resources for starting out in brand design, from R/GA

by R/GAResourcesPublished 30th July 2025

Resources

Brand design isn’t just about how things look – it’s about how they make people feel. That’s the mindset behind the work of R/GA’s design team. Here, design director Mario Cesar and senior visual designers Ray Phan and Jeremias Martinez share the digital and physical resources that have shaped their careers. From books and blogs to places and podcasts, these tools are a great starting point for anyone looking to break into brand design.

📚 Books

How to by Michael Bierut
Through essays, case studies and personal stories, one of the most influential figures in the design industry reveals where great design comes from and offers honest lessons about making work that truly connects.
Design Your Life by Vince Frost
This book is about using the power of design to improve your own life. It doesn’t promise to solve your problems, but it will inspire you to design better – and live better while you’re at it.
The History of Graphic Design by Jens Müller
Exploring the legacy and heritage of graphic design, this book is a vital way to understand how the industry has evolved across time and where it’s headed in the future.

💻 Blogs and websites

BrandNew
This blog is the perfect way to stay up to date with all things branding and design. It’s are a great source of exclusive insights from designers and analyses on design projects.
Rebrand
Check out this website for a ton of animated case studies. They not only offer visual inspiration, but also teach you how to craft a narrative that excites clients and users.
OMGLORD
This is a go-to hub of hyperlinks for creatives curated by designer Gabby Lord. It’s accessible, ad-free and has a really wide range of resources.

Rebrand

🎙️Podcasts

A Change of Brand
A valuable resource for designers of all levels, this podcast is about brand evolutions and revolutions. It explores the thought processes of clients and creatives, along with the stories and struggles behind different projects.

📱Social media

The Futur on YouTube
If you're starting your professional journey, The Futur is a great resource. Covering key topics like mindset, marketing, sales and pricing, it offers practical information and strategies to grow and succeed as a designer.

🧑‍🎓 Online courses

BBC Maestro Graphic Design
Led by Paula Scher, a renowned partner at design firm Pentagram, this course is packed with valuable insights that can be applied across all design fields.

🏛️ Physical places

Design Museum
If you’re in London, make sure you visit this place. It’s an essential resource for anyone interested in design, featuring well-curated exhibitions that explore how creativity shapes our world.

Design Museum

R/GA is a Creative Lives in Progress brand partner. Every year, we partner with like-minded brands and agencies to support our initiative and keep Creative Lives a free resource for emerging creatives. See here to find out more about how you can work with us.