There are two books under the ID brand. The newest, Identity Designed: The Process, guides you through the four fundamental stages of the design process: research, strategy, design, and implementation. As well as sharing lessons learned from projects I’ve worked on throughout two decades as an independent designer, I also feature compelling case studies from design studios such as Frost*collective, Pentagram, Bond, Bielke&Yang, Manual, DutchScot, and many more. These case studies serve as illuminating examples, showcasing the application of effective identity design principles in everyday contexts.

In others’ words

“David Airey continues to produce some of the best books on branding. His new book breaks down the process of creating a brand identity into four sections that are accompanied by both current and historic implementation. This digestible read is a perfect addition to the shelves of both upcoming and senior designers as well as anyone interested in working in brand communication and development. It’s definitely one we will be using in the studio!”
— Matt Lamont, Design Reviewed

“Atop superb layout and impeccable exhibits are incisive studies of the processes essential to the success of identity design assignments. I highly recommend Mr Airey’s new book to those interested in corporate identity specifically, and branding generally. I’m certain it will prove as valuable a guide to clients as it is to designers.”
— Lindon Leader, Leader Creative

“This book is a gem! Gorgeous and so informative. It will be a great resource for those involved with design and branding.”
— Marina Poropat Joyce, author, Designing for Print

“With Identity Designed: The Process David Airey has pressed his years of masterful brand stewardship into an exceptional gift to the field. Using case studies from some of today’s premier identity masters David illuminates the sequential path of research, strategy, design and implementation. Whether you’re laying the creative groundwork for your own company or are a designer preparing to breathe life into the next great brand, this identity roadmap is a cogent read that deserves your attention.”
— Bill Gardner, Gardner Design

Identity Designed: The Process stays true to what it has always stood for — well-curated pieces of work with exceptional writing that respects the process, appreciates the obstacles, and celebrates the creation. This start-to-end coverage is precious and crucial to proper creative dialogue — something that is getting increasingly scarce nowadays. David has inspired me and everyone at Fable for more than a decade, and again reminds us that well-paced design writing and respectful design discourse still exists in the world.”
— Jiahui Tan, creative director, Fable

“Every brand project is a product of trust, relationships, access, ambition and communication. The story of the design solution is only half the story without knowing how something came to be. As someone who is endlessly fascinated by the juicy behind-the-scenes stuff, this new book fulfils all my nosy tendencies! And because it’s David, it’s as beautiful as it is thorough.”
— Heidi Lightfoot, creative advisor

“Please consider making room on your bookshelves for this absolute beaut from David Airey.”
— Matt Baxter, Baxter & Bailey

Order now

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Waterstones
Barnes & Noble
Quarto (Rockport)

The original book, ID, was published in 2019, and is not only for designers, but also for entrepreneurs who want to improve their work with a greater understanding of how good design is good business. The book will give you an in-depth look at one of the most interesting visual identity projects from each contributing design firm, focusing on workflow aspects from pricing and invoicing to generating ideas and reaching consensus on the strongest direction.

In others’ words

“Not just a beautifully designed book, but also beautiful in its depth and detail about the identity design process.”
— Khoi Vinh, principal designer, Adobe

ID is an inspiring and intelligent resource for designers and their clients as they redesign their future. Sixteen global case studies offer an in-depth understanding of all of the considerations that contribute to original and lasting design solutions, and successful partnerships between clients and their consultants.”
— Alina Wheeler, author, Designing Brand Identity

“David Airey has a keen eye for design around the world and a commitment to design excellence. There are gems of original work throughout this book with insightful analysis about what makes each an effective solution.”
— Sagi Haviv, Chermayeff & Geismar & Haviv

“Just as every brand designer knows, research is the key to unlocking useful insight and inspiration. Here, David Airey has done just that, speaking with preeminent design studios around the world to find out how they carry out a visual identity project. Identity Designed is a brilliant book bursting with revealing discussion and inspirational work.”
— Luke Tonge, director, Birmingham Design Festival

“David Airey has been inspiring designers to do their best for over a decade. His new book continues to build on that legacy. Filled with case studies detailing the ideologies and ideas of many of the most creative studios on the planet, Identity Designed is sure to become an instant classic and an incredible contribution to the design community.”
Bernadette Jiwa, bestselling author and brand strategist

Contributors

Base (Brussels, New York, Geneva)
Bedow (Stockholm)
Believe in (Exeter, Mono)
Fedoriv (Kiev)
Foreign Policy (Singapore)
Freytag Anderson (Glasgow)
ico Design (London)
Jack Renwick (London)
Lantern (London)
Lundgren+Lindqvist (Gothenburg)
OCD (New York)
Pharus (Sao Paulo)
Rice Creative (Ho Chi Minh City)
Robot Food (Leeds)
Together Design (London)
Underline Studio (Toronto)

Order now

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Waterstones
Barnes & Noble
Quarto (Rockport)

Many thanks for your interest.