5 comments about Meggs' History of Graphic Design.

1. SUPER FAST SHIPPING!! book looks brand new not a single scratch or mark on it!!



2. This is a good textbook for giving you the bald facts. When reading it I felt much the same as I felt reading all of my textbooks in college: Bored as hell but just interested enough to keep reading. I did learn quite a bit from this textbook, however. I will say one thing, this text book is an explosion of example pictures. I don't think I would have learned nearly as much had these not been an integral part of the layout. It makes sense when discussing the history of graphic design to use photos to back up your descriptions, but I've definitely read some textbooks that rely heavily on text and not enough on reference pictures and other visual material. That's part of what keeps me going when trying to dredge though textbooks like these. Overall I'd say this ranks higher than most textbooks I've been subjected to.



3. I purchased this for the kindle app on the iPad and was extremely disappointed in the sample images that are included throughout the ebook. They're low resolution, the image where timeline is showed, the text is barely readable.



4. I am using this book for my online classes. It has all the material and references needed for the course.



5. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1FLAD999FRUP4 This book is a must have if you are taking any graphic design courses. If you are already a graphic designer this book is also a must have. My class is long over and I wont sell this book, that says something considering I am a starving student, well maybe not starving.
   
   I bought this for a class and I ended up reading it just because the information presented is both interesting and also very digestible to the average reader. It is a very interesting book that you can keep long after the class is over. One thing is it makes a fantastic coffee table book. It would not be out of place in the lobby of your design firm.
   
   Content (+)
   The content of this book covers from our earliest designs all the way to modern design and the impact it has on our lives. The content of this book does not shy away from the controversial to the mundane.
   
   Images (+)
   I made the video clip so you could see the great artwork in this book. Many full color images are wonderful references that can be used when you are designing. "Good artists copy, great artists steal", Pablo Picasso
   
   Text (+)
   As I was saying this is not just boring text droning on and on. It, in fact is very interesting to those that are into graphic design or art. Any art is graphic design, and all graphic design is art. You really get that feeling after reading this book.
   
   Overall this book is a great value at what I paid for it which is twice what it cost now. Get this BRAND NEW and you will have this book for many years.

5 comments about Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art.

1. i bought this book for my boyfriend who writes and illustrates graphic novels. he LOVES this book! apparently i am the "best girlfriend ever" for getting this book for him. he said McCloud explains so many interesting ways of writing/interpreting comics that it has inspired him to write a new comic.
   
   so, yes! it's as good as everyone says it is!



2. I wish I had read this in high-school. I'm sure I would have pursued creating my own comics much earlier.



3. If you would like to learn more about conceptual, interaction, and interface design of comic books, consider spending some time with Scott McCloud's "Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art." It will be time well spent and you might even want to read some of his other wonderful books.
   
   For more book reviews, please visit: [...]



4. This book is not strictly a graphic novel, but rather a mostly serious, occasionally whimsical analysis of the artistic medium known as "comics", done, naturally, as a comic book. McCloud attempts to define the medium itself (starting from Will Eisner's notion of "sequential art") and then proceeds to define the language of the form, and examine its various facets. Contrary to my expectations, McCloud does not make any assumptions or assertions about the actual content of comics, which to some might seem a major drawback, nor does he try to evaluate the quality of any specific style or product. Clearly, he wants to transcend such notions altogether and define the parameters of what comics could be, rather than what they all-too-often are.
   
   McCloud investigates what there is about the medium that draws us to it, without going into such story-centric concepts as plot or characterization. He really doesn't even try to establish critical standards for this medium so much as just delineate the issues, and point out some of the difficulties inherent in a form that combines both writing and pictures.
   
   While this may sound like a dry textbook, it's really much better than that. I most appreciated those moments (and there were many) where McCloud points out aspects of the medium that I'd always taken for granted (the gutters, for example) making me really think about facets of comics that I never even realized I knew. Maybe this book isn't as much pure fun as the comics we're used to, and certainly some of the middle chapters seemed to drag, but anytime you get the chance to look at an old friend through fresh eyes, it's got to be worth the effort. A must-read for anyone serious about comics, and a virtual bible for those interested in working in the field.



5. The first time I encountered this book was in a painting class. Not only did it completely change the way I thought about comics, it also changed the way I think about the visual arts in general. McCleod's examples are clear, interesting, and funny. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys comics, wants to write them, or wants to create stimulating visual art in any medium.

5 comments about Graphic Design: The New Basics.

1. Buying used books makes sense. This book arrived in a timely manner and in good condition at a fraction of the cost.



2. I was very disappointed in this book. Given the title, I expected more cohesive guidelines and analysis on assembling the "New Basics" into my designs. To me, it was primarily a showcase of work done by the authors' students, some of which I enjoyed, but I didn't find it very helpful or insightful. In fact, I returned it for a refund.
   
   Also, I found some of the type so small as to be unreadable, which for experienced designers, I found surprising. Not high on my list, obviously. I expect a title and/or subtitle to deliver on its implied promise. Perhaps I totally misunderstood the intent of the book, but I expected something that would weave these so-called new basics into a whole, provide direction, and help me produce better designs. Maybe that happens over the course of time in class, but I didn't see that happening in the book.
   
   If you're looking for guidance and direction, I don't think this is the book for you. It wasn't for me.



3. This is an excellent text book for beginning design and art students. Easy to read with strong examples this book fills a need in the arts community.



4. It came fast and on time through standard shipping. It was exactly in the condition I ordered it in and was carefully packaged so that no damage occurred during shipping. Thank you so much!! I really prefer buying from Amazon than private sellers.



5. This book is very helpful. It has a lot to offer to beginning students or just someone trying on their own. Its not so organized as a text book would be which keeps it fresh and fun to still look at. But it definitely has a lot to offer.

5 comments about Making and Breaking the Grid: A Graphic Design Layout Workshop.

1. A colleague of mine had this book and I decided to check it out. I've been a designer for over 15 years and have never been so bored reading about what I do for a living. The author chooses to abuse "design speak" rather than communicate simple design concepts.
   
   Example: "In all of these compositions the designers have relied on their senses of placement, scale, movement, and color to intuitively orchestrate visual qualities within the respective formats."
   
   If I ever say "intuitively orchestrate visual qualities" in a sentence you have permission to drag me into the street and beat my ass with a tire iron.
   
   If you are interested in design and want a book that is written in an accessible way I suggest this: http://www.amazon.com/Systems-Graphic-Systeme-Visuele-Gestaltung/dp/3721201450



2. I purchased this book because I wanted a good introduction and basic education on grids. How to make them, how to work them. But this book, seems to just talk about grids, a documentation on grids, the history, lots of examples and things of that nature. The book is hard to read. The text is in grey for some reason. This book is good for someone who already is familiar with grids and wants to study lots of example of grid work. But if you want to learn to make and use grids, this book does not serve that purpose, Grid Systems in Graphic Design by Niggli does that.



3. Bear in mind that this is the first (and only so far) book that I've read on this topic. I bought this because I was looking for a text to 1. Introduce me to the principles of grid design and 2. Provide examples of good grid work as well as an explanation of WHY it is good grid work.
   
   Having said that, this book gave me pretty much exactly what I was looking for. The first part goes over the history of grids and includes some comments on typography and it's importance. A bit classroom style but easily skipped if you get bored. The second section of the text quickly and effectively describes the main grid formats and the elements involved in grid layout. Great, concise, and effective. The demo section is broken again into two sections. The first focuses on examples following grid laws, and the second focuses on breaking grid laws. I've honestly got more than enough inspiration from the first section alone and the best thing about their examples is that them seem easy to replicate and adapt to my own work. I've used their templates for some recent projects and the results came out great. For the price I'd seriously recommend this just based on the samples provided.
   
   In summary:
   - A quick read
   - Straightforward sections and explanations
   - Good collection of examples
   - Good Source of inspiration (especially for those just starting out)
   - Reasonable price considering the other points.



4. For all his expertise in typography, the author fails one of the biggest tests: readable type. Gray type on a gray background makes for a tedious struggle and creates unnecessary eyestrain. This is a huge negative that only points out that all too often designers either don't read or don't care about communicating ideas through words. The layout of the book is fabulous, but I'm sorely disappointed in the typography. Bummer!



5. Filled with sample layouts from different media (brochures, books, etc.), this book reveals various layout grid designs (both applied and broken). It's definitely a helpful guide if your looking for ideas in layout options.

5 comments about Wall and Piece.

1. It was a quick read of course, but the pictures and ideas in it will keep my mind running for a long time. Had to get it shipped from the UK since you'd be pressed to find it in the US surprisingly. Dunno why you can't find it anywhere here, especially since some his art has been in New York and in the US. Anyway, loved the book. It gave me a better look into why Banksy does what he does and I got a clearer idea of his messages. The tips in the back gave me some good ideas too.



2. This was an excellent purchase. If you are a fan of Banksy and would like a little more insight into the artist, this book is perfect.



3. I've been following Banksy for quite some time now, mostly through his own website but when I received this book it had much more in it then I had seen before.
   
   My favourite part is a summary (with pictures) of al the museums he's been to, where he tried to put up some of his own art.
   
   The book is mainly pictures, with some quotes and short stories, for anybody who knows Banksy, it really is worth while! If you don't know Banksy but like rebelious art, it is worth your while!



4. Unique genius. Underground art culture from a new perspective. Metaphorical- yet playful, stencil art. Banksy, is simply the best ever at this particular realm of artistry.



5. Well, I too say "every wall, a potential museum!" However, only with quality: "Write or draw anything you want, just so it's better than the blank page or bare wall." (A criterion whitsch few today will value, respect...) In these regard, I think that Bansky, is one who "has not lived in vein." (Like Garry Trudeau of Donesbury. Like Deb Tannen of books on human communication. Heck, like the very best graffiti artists world wide.)
   
   What animates him? What perhaps-immature pulsion? (Propulsion; compulsion?) But "sublimation" is useful (foundation of civilization said Freud). His wild stallion sublimmitated to a workhorse of social utility? No matter, I'm just glad he did all this, and got it photographed also. An "indispensable small tessera in the big Mosaic of artistry" so to speek.
   
   Is it social criticism, via satire? (Satire = the "mocking and ridiculing of human vices and follies.") But somebody said, for good satire you need high criteria, a worthy target, your own fiery outrage--but also a touch of like wit, whee, sprezzatura, elan, insuechiance, artistic tork, like that. Otherwise it's mere "complaining." I buy that and with Bansky do you get both slam and also suave? Seems-like.
   
   Oh also, true "style," as somebody else defined as "attainment and restraint." (Again, a standard whitsch few today will even comprehend...) Like it sure does Get There, but then stops short of excess. True in morals, art¡ athletics! Does Banksky's subtle tones of wry, achieve this, elevate his work from mere splat-in-public-face? It can for me. Car karkass painted zebra-striped. Kid dangelling from a McDonalds balloon. Less mere dumb wham, than lite-touche whee.
   
   His verbal explications do seem to reflect a facile rebelliousness, social criticism on steroids? His verbal is less than his visual thus? Maybe "just an excuse"? (Like when the big Gilbert & George retrospective came to the Milwaukee Public Museum, I was sardonically amused to hear the "docents" there stumbelling over them selves, trying to legitimize, justify, validate what I at least see as G. & G.'s facile self-pleasing experimental sneaky sensationalist careerism. (They mouth "art for all, liberation," etc.--but then draw trendie skatologie and etc.) True, at least a dozen valid artistries from the 500 pages of their retrospective book. How much of Bansky will remane indispensable after all?
   
   Well, what are your Bansky faves? Oh my best is that slamming juxtaposition of Ronald McDonald, Mickie Mouse, but in the center, the nude crying girl running from the Mei Lie massacre. Other items have the acerbic byte also. But I do like the whimsie. That zebra car-cass--gentle touche. An ATM spewing out faik Princess Dy money, in a trump l'oeuil affect on the wall--a dance of sort's. So many other stencils of people on the wall. I can say: "Yes, an attempt was made, this peopelizes the urban terrain so, why not." Let other's do as well--in their own wais of koarse...
   
   Some Banksy stuff is just suave. "Designated riot area"--that's rye! "Register before committing graffiti" on a subway car--that's an eye-wink! "Mind the crap" outside off a museum or pareil--thats a tork of the British "mind the step" meening "dont tripe on the stareway." And "Polite Line, Don¡¦t Get Cross"--thats less kornie nice-nice, than style-ish mockerie deservedly. In a painting of Monets, "lillie pond with bridge," shopping karts lie a skew half-submerged--thats the social criticism salved by the sauce of deft. Oh, and the sharks fins apparently floating in an urban park pond. Less intrusive via in-your-faice Social Crit or pareil, than just "wow look but then float easy I get it what is it." Also the traffik koans. First, artfully-reformed ones and thats saying "art anywhere and why not"(think Japanese minimal garnishes in the quotidian diurnal mundane...) Then, a koan on top of hedd of statute in the park, like a dunces cap. Again "Y knott." No, art does not always have to be like Matisse famous paragraph "an easy chair for tired businessman at end of day" like. But I like "subversive whimsy" as my own cartoons show (70-p. book). As in on a wall, stencil of a mouse-hole with two rats in tuxxeedoes gaitkeapers. And one says, "Well why not and cheers and whee and elan and have a happi day."¨
   
   Diskloasure. Near the end of this (gasp) librarys kopi of the book, I (1) inscribed a cartoon-face "my-style" reacting to his statement, and (2) shall insert in that (shudder) publically-owed property, a kopi of this review befoar returning it. Oh how rong, immateur, and etc. However autem pero par contre--such extra-vagant reciprokaiting seems like the meta- or mimetic- right thing to do. To cooperate-salute (not to co-opt) indeed saltate with, this versive artist? He show's us that Yes We Kan can, and Right, Here-Now!

5 comments about Green Eyes and Black Rifles: Warriors Guide to the Combat Carbine.

1. Don't buy this book looking for a literary masterpiece. Kyle Lamb is a modern day warrior and writes this book from a warriors perspective. He covers real world techniques to keep your carbine running and goes over training drills that will make anyone a better shooter if done correctly. Great book for the veteran and beginner alike.



2. This book stands out from the rest that talk about AR-15's and shooting in general. Mr. Lamb definitely knows his weaponcraft! I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about or shoot the AR-platform rifles and wants to learn how to wring every bit of use out of the rifle. This is a must read for LEO & anyone serving in the military. Every basic rifle marksmanship class in the military should adopt Mr. Lamb's training.



3. I recently purchased an AR-15 mainly for recreation and home defense. This book will teach you everything there is to know about your AR. It will make you very familiar with the anatomy of the rifle and inform you how to properly maintain it. Lamb goes into great detail about every popular addition you may want to add to your rifle and tells you his opinion as to wether or not its worth your money. After he makes you very familiar and comfortable with the design and features, he provides you with all the proper shooting techniques. He also provides you with some great drills that will help you become more proficient in your shooting and handling of you weapon so you'll know how to preform in a high stress situation.
   This is a great book and I highly recommend it to everyone who owns an AR-15. Even if you think you know it all like I did, there will still be lots of new bits of information that you can learn from this book. There are great illustrations on almost every page to give you a great visual reference to what he's talking about. After reading it cover to cover a few times, I still keep it in my shooting bag as it makes a great reference.



4. as a serving US Army soldier this book is a must for anyone who really wants to master his m4. Msgt. Lamb gives easy to follow step by step instruction on every step necessary to become proficient.



5. This book is a great resource for shooters who employ their carbines in their daily lives (Police, Military). Being a police officer for the last 5 years, and having military experience; I have still walked away with TONS of information from this book. SGM Lamb writes it like he's having a conversation with you, providing you with battle-tested information so you as the reader don't fall into the same pitfalls as he or his team members may have. It goes through everything from weapon/optics selection, defeating many urban legends you may have heard over time (place 28 rounds in your mag, never 30! wrong!) malfunctions and clearing, to what type of ammo is right for you. I can't say enough good things about this book, you just have to read it.

5 comments about Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things.

1. This book is a great way to take new perspectives towards design. I read it about five years ago and I still pick it up when I'm in the creative doldrums. I thought every chapter was interesting and useful until the end when Don starts talking about robots.



2. The subtitle of this book is misleading: "Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things". The last 1/3 of the book deals with how emotions will play a role in robotics. Even in 2009, robots are still behind the scenes. Perhaps Norman's assertion that when robots take on emotional aspects, they will become commonplace but until then, we could all stand better designed 'Everyday things'.
   
   One thing that Norman does predict in this 2005 book is that the video game industry would do well to take a better look at behavioral and reflective design - rather than purely visceral design.
   
   The wild success of the Wii over the Playstation 3 shows Norman to be somewhat of a prophet in this regard. Wii design from a play standpoint focuses nearly entirely on an antithesis of the visceral/visual sense - with players not having limbs and so forth. Controls are also simple rather than complicated. The focus is on personalization and relational aspects; crossing multi-generational lines.
   
   In all, the book would be well served with many more examples of actual everyday things that connect on visceral, behavioral and reflective levels rather than theorize about the future of servant robots.



3. 
   I've been a fan of Donald Norman's "The Design of Everyday Things", (also known as "The Psychology of Everyday Things") for many years, but only recently finally read "Emotional Design"
   
   Norman greatly expands his ideas about design here, breaking it down into visceral, behavioral, and reflective design. Behavioral design includes everything discussed in Everyday Things, visceral design is design that appeals to our most basic instincts, instincts that prefer things like primary colors, sweet tastes, round smooth objects, and smiling faces. Finally, reflective design is design that appeals to us because it's "cool", or because it has a message, or it's clever, or it supports a cause we believe in, or it has prestige.
   
   Norman expertly weaves together his analysis of these three levels of design, including plenty of examples to clarify his points. Of course, the truly great designs often appeal to us in two or all three of these ways. His examples range from teapots to cars to showers to roller coasters to water bottles. In the chapter entitled, "People, Places & Things", Norman offers the best analysis of "always being connected" that I have read, clearly explicating both the positives and the negatives of being in that state.
   
   Finally, the last two chapters discuss machines and robots, whether they should have emotions, and if so, what kind and in what degree.
   
   Overall an excellent book that will really make you think about design in some new ways, regardless of what kind of design you do.



4. I really like this topic, but i found the book a little hard to read because some parts can be boring.
   
   It's a good book



5. I really enjoyed the first part of the book. It is a good read as the Design of everyday things was (which is a must), with great examples and stories.
   
   The concepts in this book are quite simple and the book becomes a bit repetitive after a while. Having said that, I would recommend the book if you are a designer or if you closely work with designers.
   
   (The last quarter of the book is about emotional machines and robots and less about design. These I simply skipped.)

5 comments about Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium.

1. I don't know where to begin praising this book. It is like a candy store of ideas and new things to try.



2. I haven't actually used any of her techniques yet, but the book is beautifully put together with excellent instructions, illustrations and materials lists for each project. As a silk painter who also paints on canvas, I was delighted to see she even had a technique for painting on silk. The spiral-bound book binding is an added plus. I'm really glad I bought the book - it's opened new doors for expression.



3. I didn't know I wanted this book until I had a gift certificate to spend. I am a mixed media painter and always want to add any books to my library on acrylic painting techniques. I really like the ideas in this one, and most of the descriptions and demos are pretty well explained. I was glad to see some information provided on different substrates, and processes as well as the basic techniques!



4. Looking to make the switch from oils to acrylics, I wanted a text that was a kind of "user's manual" for the medium. This book was very useful in this regard. I believe Franz Kafka said, "Art needs craft more than craft needs art." This manual can't make you a great painter... but the simple, reference-style layout and generously illustrated, "how-to" text will strengthen your familiarity with the paint. Some of the example art is a little kitschy, but it serves to illustrate rather than enlighten. Also, the book is spiral-bound within a hard cover, so it is both durable and will lay flat... very handy for reference while at the easel. Anyone starting out in acrylics, looking to see their possibilities and limitations, will gain from having this reference in their library. Experienced acrylic painters, or people looking for inspiration beyond technique, should pass on this book, however.



5. This is a great book focusing on the tools and techniques used in creating acrylic artwork. The techniques are easy to follow and the tools used are simple enough to find. NO obscure or artist-patented colors forcing you to buy into their personally-branded, over-priced products.
   
   I only wish that after each technique is covered,there were some step-by-step projects/lessons to follow along with for trying out the techniques.
   
   An excellent, must-have guide for all aspiring acrylic artists.

5 comments about Gil Elvgren: All His Glamorous American Pin-Ups (Taschen 25th Anniversary Special Editions).

1. This book is a fine example period art. The plates while some could argue that they are too racy, are rather a look at beauty and fashion of the time period represented. The models and the artist both show in most instances, a whimsical, playful innocence that is not availiable in modern art. These plates are high quality and very enjoyable. I would recommend this book to anyone studying art or history.



2. Firstly, I was impressed by the quality of this book-such thickness and vibrant colors! There are nearly 600 images of the most beautiful pin-ups created by Gil Elvgren! Some pages contain big images and some have 4-5 smaller ones. The first couple of pages contain text about the artist and pin-up history, but the rest are all filled with colorful images.I like the liveness of his works, such facial expressions. This book features a great variety of poses and compositions. I was not expecting so much for such a relatively low price, I would've priced this book at a higher value. Smply a must have for ALL artists, sculptors and photographers...this will give you so much inspiration for new ideas.



3. Cheap book with almost every work he has ever done, almost perfect, only flaw is on some of the really old stuff from the 30's and 40's they only had old calendars to
   xerox from so you dont get the detail of the brush strokes and the same clarity as the others, not low quality, still clear and can see everything nicely, but just not as perfect as the others that were actual photos of the original work or high quality copies.



4. I purchased this book as a reference for the Pin-Up photos. It has lots of pics of the artwork in it which I like but I wish it had more.



5. A very good book, docked one star because I would have liked more full page reproductions of the artwork.

5 comments about The Elements of Color.

1. It is too bad that this is practically the only one of the kind. The aim is great, the contents are great, but the author does not know how to write a technical book. The author refers to concepts and terms that are yet to be defined or never defined at all. For example, at the very beginning, the author talks about "violet" and "purple". Am I the only one who did not know "violet" means a color of a single frequency, whereas "purple" is a color of combined frequencies? This is a No-No for mathematicians and scientists. For those of who are already familiar with Color Theory, the book must be a great assurance, articulation or enhancement of their existing knowledge, but for those who are new and try to learn as an artist, this is a nightmare. I am the latter kind. The only reason I could finish it was because I am familiar with fundamental physics and optics already.



2. This book is excellent. Very informative for artists to conquer colour. The service was also fantastic - very very fast. Thank you.



3. If you know nothing about color theory, this is a beautiful introduction to it. I was very interested in illusions and the physiological effects of color, this book taught me what I needed to know. After this book I went on to another book that taught me more specifics but this is a wonderful addition to any artist's or scientist's book collection.



4. This is a fabulous book, making an intellectually rich subject palatable for the more right-brained of us!
   Needs to be read in conjuncion with The Art of Colour. I wish I had realised that when I ordered it.
   However this study provides a reliable and essential foundation for the serious student of colour.



5. as Tellez noted previously, this isn't an easy read. fortunately, the reward is worth the effort. Itten does not dumb down his perspectives for the sake of the reader, rather he puts it all on paper for the devoted color theorist to decipher.
   that said, it is for the most part approachable and relatively short reading. I re-read this book every couple of years to keep my busy mind fresh and focused when working with this most essential component of my work.