Andre Andreev and Dan Covert from Dress Code recently published a book called Never Sleep: Graduating to Graphic Design, in which they share their journey from high school, design school, graduation, MTV, and starting their own studio. The premise is that, “There is a major disconnect between the life of a design student and the transition to being a design professional.” Not only does the book recount their story and include samples of their work from beginning to present day, but it also includes stories, interviews, and insights from important people along their journey. There is also Q+A from design students to Andre and Dan (some of which can be found on the book’s website) that I found extremely informing and helpful, such as how best to photograph your work and what it’s like finding a job out of post-graduation.

I enjoyed the whole book and was captivated and inspired by their story, but I loved reading about their experiences one year away from their graduation from school (where I am now) to about one year post graduation; which I think is possibly the biggest gray area—the most unplanned and scary time in a designer’s early career. It’s the little details, like being truly honest about how they felt at certain times and their frank feelings about their projects, clients, and experiences that really make this a great read. Not to mention they weren’t afraid to admit that their biggest motto was “fake it until you make it.” And made it, they have.

If you are a design student I urge you to buy this book. It is easily one of the most memorable and relateable reads in my design book collection. It has certainly re-inspired me to design, and be passionate about my future and all the possibilities that lie ahead of me at this time in my design education and career.

Related posts:

1. How to get into Parsons School of Design
2. SPD: Student Portfolio Review
3. 9 Goals in 2009
4. Questions Answered: Do art schools care about your GPA?
5. Classic Typography Vs. Modern Trends