5 comments about The Art of 3-D Computer Animation and Effects, Third Edition.

1. Very instructive and well laid out. I'm using this book in an animation class and we aren't reading it cover to cover. But what I have read for class has impressed me enough that I will give this thing a thorough read-through before the class is over with.



2. Reading this before getting immersed in a specific software package will give the reader much deeper insight and understanding of whats going on under the hood of any 3D tool set.
   
   This book is plain and simple, the best resource I have found to teach beginning students the overall concepts of 3D and the history behind them. I purchased the first edition years ago when I began my journey as an FX artist and it has served me many times beyond its cover price. Remember, this is not a software manual. If you are looking for application specific info look to the myriad of specialized titles.
   
   However, f you're interested in learning how CG works as a concept, an art form, a craft and as an industry this book is aces. It starts with 3D basics and history, moves though all the major concepts used in modern CG and Effects. Deeply complex and abstract concepts, paradigms and theory are boiled down and made simple and relevant with friendly illustrations and real world examples from productions you'll recognize from movies, games and pop culture.



3. This book is very cool and good ilustrated overall look at 3D computer graphics. I found usefull to step out of one 3d package and take a wide overall look at this amazing animation craft (I myself use 3ds max). Book is systematically organized and ilustrated good, there are many "behind the scenes", production type pictures. Why not 5 stars? This is subjective - there was sometimes strange confusion about author's selection of movies to take pictures from to show 3d graphics evolution
   4 stars - I like it! Time from time look for references, review terminalogy. Worth buying
   What not expect from book - application specific tutorials, book originaly isn't intendet to cover this stuff



4. This book was a required textbook for my begining Maya class, but be warned, it's more a book about concepts and 3D animation history than it is about instruction. If you need this book for a 3D animation class, I highly recomend getting another book with instuction specifically for whichever program you're using, because you're not going to find it in this one.



5. I've only glanced through the book so far but it looks amazing, I can tell this'll be a great compliment to my studies at the Academy of Art in San Francisco! Thanks!

5 comments about The Art of Spirited Away.

1. I purchased this book thinking that it would include detailed sketches and concepts for the creation of Spirited Away. While, the book did have these elements it had far fewer than one might suspect from the cover. In fact most of the art work were stills from the movie.
   
   
   Which, to me came as a great disappointment. If I wanted to see the final art of the movie I would watch the movie. Buy this book if you really love the quality of the animated scenes. Don't buy this if you feel you can gain great insight into how it was made.



2. This book is beyond amazing! I love the "Spirited Away" movie and the art in this book is gorgeous and the screen clips are beautiful. Once I decided to purchase this I also picked up the "Spirited Away" soundtrack. This is a must have if you are a true Miyazaki film fan or even just a big fan of the movie itself!



3. It's Hayao Miyazaki again. What can I say. One of the most amazing animated film ever. And book explores so much of the movie. Amazing learning and reference book. Every animation/comic lover must have it.



4. The reson why I purchased this book is because of the art inside. It brought me back to the movie Spirited Away.. I ordered the book with a hardcover.. That's nice to have. The product is such fine quality. I am proud to have it and share the Art of Miyazaki with others. I know more about Miyazaki after purchasing this book.



5. i dont know what to say aside from the fact that miyazakisan is an incredible artist/storyboard creator. and bravo to everyone at studio ghibli

5 comments about The Pastel Book.

1. You'll love this book if you want to know just about everything there is to know about all the types & brands of pastels available to you and if you would like to know what artists are using out there and what can be achieved with all these products. It's all here for you to explore for yourself through Mr. Creevy's thorough "walk-through" of materials, supports & tools. The excitement comes from his step by step demonstrations using many products, such as soft pastels, hard pastels, and oil pastels of many types, and the effects achieved with mixed media. If this book doesn't get you motivated, nothing will! I carried this book around with me for weeks and I am still referring to it. I enjoyed Mr. Creevy's "out of the box" techniques and subject matter. His knowledge & talent are obvious and we are fortunate that he chose to share with us.



2. Very good technical details but the book need to be updated with current materials. There is no coverage of Unison or Ludwig pastel sets and paper coverage is outdated.
   
   If I had to buy just one book on pastels it would NOT be this book.



3. I recently took a pastel workshop and this book was recommended. It is thorough and offers advice that you can easily impliment. It is a good reference when I have a trouble spot. The author's solutions are worth remembering.



4. Very very helpful book to browse if you are getting started. It helps one better understand which types of pastels do what, oil, soft, hard etc.



5. I found this book to be a terrific reference for any artist beginning to explore pastels. There are lots of charming paintings by the author, and demo photos of how the paintings came into being. There is also a WONDERFUL section on supplies: what and where to get them, how they're priced, and if they're worth it. Yet, I do wish that the author had spent a little more time on showing and explaining works that were JUST done in pastels and less on mixed media with pastels. But that's just my opinion. It's a great book and worth buying, regardless of how much of a purist you may be.

1 comments about Manga Metamorphosis.

1. I was looking forward to Manga Metamorphosis with great anticipation after getting Manga Messiah (which was amazing!). This book seeks to be true to the Bible just like the first book. It's simplified so that it is a more accessible missionary tool as well as easier to understand for those who have never read scripture. The quality of the entire package, illustrations, text, computer coloring and presentation is top notch. There are other Christian graphic novels, but I don't know of any (in english) which stand up to Manga Messiah and Manga Metamorphosis. I also like that the company sends hundreds of copies to places not as exposed to the Bible in hopes of helping to spread the Word. This is a great book for those who read the Bible regularly and those who have never read it. Get Both BOOKS!

5 comments about Type Rules!: The Designer's Guide to Professional Typography.

1. The author teaches at SVA, where I'm a student. I had hoped the exercises in this book would improve my skills, but it's really for beginners, giving an overview of the basic principles. And the exercises aren't of much benefit without anyone to critique the results. There are better books out there for a general overview (re: typology).



2. The first edition was an incredibly valuable resource, and I referred to it often in my work. I could easily find answers to all kinds questions about type and design. This new edition is even better. It's still as thoughtfully and clearly written as the first edition, and is still filled with great designs to illustrate a point. But it's been completely updated so it's current with the latest versions of software. And it has some new features like "Type Tips," which I'm finding especially enlightening, and exercises at the end of each chapter, which must make this an excellent text for teachers. This is a "must-have" for graphic designers.



3. Type Rules! - geared specifically for teaching at the college level - is one of the best basic typography books I've seen. Ilene Strizver has done a terrific job of breaking down the components of typography into digestable chapters, each complemented by clear, intelligent exercises. The book is replete with illustrations that serve as solid examples of each concept she articulates; and includes guidance for utilizing current design software. I'd recommend this book hands down to any teacher or student of design - as well as to any practicing typographer seeking to hone their skills.



4. This thoughtfully designed and written book works (rules!) on all levels. For someone entirely new to typography the book is approachable while providing a considerable education. For industry professionals who "know everything there is to know" about typography, the book is an excellent creative reference to remind one of a rule or technique long-forgotten or to alarm one with the realization they do not know everything about typography. The visual examples utilized in the book were well-considered and drive home the messages. The Quark tips alone make this book worth purchasing. As a companion to any library of typography or design books, Type Rules! is the designer's "Elements of Style" -- a reference book no one can afford to be without and one that never goes out of style.



5. A thorough, straightforward and clearly understandable guide to the effective use of typography. Bravo. Strizver certainly knows the ins and outs of typography from the essential basics to some very sophisticated fine points but, more importantly, is able to communicate this knowledge in a concise manner that will be useful to a beginner but, might even impart some new tips to the experienced aficionado.

5 comments about Drawing: A Contemporary Approach.

1. not a great "how to" book. boring and was completely non-helpful for a beginner drawing student. most of the things they write about in there have no importance.



2. This book was recommended to me by a professional artist. I am just beginning my journey through and delighted to see the exercises which will help me to master the difficult art of drawing.



3. Well written and containing up to date developments in this field. Illustrations are of a good quality. Altogether a valuable text for the teacher as well as the practitioner.



4. As a lecturer at a California University, I have yet to come across a book more resourceful than this.
   It is the best book on drawing, from an educational standpoint, yet written.
   Every college professor in the Arts the world over should have this book in their reference collection.
   Its that good.



5. There are many great books about drawing in print. This book has some of the greatest elements of them all. It includes no-nonsense instruction for drawing exercises that really help people learn to draw well. It includes a lot of examples of student work and work by masters. It has a special focus on the work of contemporary artists, and I think this is one of the things I find most compelling about the book. The appendices are very helpful, especially the one about keeping a sketchbook. A wide range of approaches and media are discussed.

   I used this lovely book as a text for a college-level beginning drawing course when it first came out about 20 years ago. I used it through the second edition of the text, and then switched to another book. After using two different texts and then no text for a while, I am returning to the Betti/Sale text. ...

No comments about In the Making: Creative Options for Contemporary Art History Classes/Creative Options for Studio Art Classes.

5 comments about Discoveries: Petra: Lost City of the Ancient World (Discoveries (Abrams)).

1. I bought this book for my parents who will be visiting Petra this year. This is a small but extensive book which packs in a lot of information about Petra: the history of the region, a guide to the city and what makes it unique. It is lavishly illustrated (in color throughout) and the pages are glossy and of high quality. It is also compact enough to pack neatly into a handbag or large pocket.
   
   Having said that, a few critiques:
   - The writing is dense and clunky. I don't know for sure if this is the case, but it reads like a poor translation from another language. I notice that the "look inside this book" facility doesn't include any of the actual text and I wonder if this is why. I found it a struggle to read this book. The content is interesting, but the way it is written makes it hard going.
   - The text is also quite small in size - smaller than an average book. Not ideal for older eyes!
   - Finally, the book is heavier than its small size would lead you to expect - presumably due to the high quality paper. It's still light enough to travel with, but it weighs twice as much as you would expect from such a slim volume.
   
   In spite of these shortcomings, I'm still happy with this purchase and my parents were very pleased to receive it. It is a beautiful and high quality book and the photographs are outstanding.



2. My husband and I bought this book before we visited Petra last year. It was a good primmer on the area but in no way can prepare you for what you are about to see.



3. Even though it lacks the details of bigger books such as Udi Levy's "The Lost Civilization of Petra" (a hardback book), it doesn't mean it lacks details altogether! I found this book to be a great source of information while I was travelling since it is small and stocked full of info on Petra, the Nabateans, and more.

   This book is loaded with colorful well-photographed pictures and lithographs, and lively-written text which makes reading it a breeze. I fit this book in my back pocket while in Petra and pulled it out to get details on things like the great cisterns and the waterway through the main siq. The section at the end of the book on modern plans to try and preserve Petra's vulnerable sandstone is very interesting... Electophoresis?!?! Wow!

   The book wraps up everything with a chronology at the end and a list of Nabataea's kings. A very enjoyable and informative read considering its small size... Big things do come in small packages!




4. Semitic name, Reqem or Raqmu, is said to mean 'striped,' or 'multicolored,' a reference to the extraodinary range of colors of its sandstone. Monuments carved into living rock may seem indesructible, yet the site is threatened by natural erosion nd by the neglect of centuries. Today, remedies are being explored to halt this deterioration."(Page 114). What a way to complete the most detailed history of Petra, by indicating the preservation needed to protect Petra for posterity.
   Putting the "cart before the horse" I just have to marvel (before I neglect to mention) that this book includes a helpful chronology of events at the very back of the book.
   "Petra...the name is said to come from the Greek word for stone, or rock, since the city itself was hollowed out of the rock. But it may just as well have come from the Arabic batara, meaning to cut or hew, since the city was actually carved from rock... perhaps this is even the better etymology, since this was a place cut off from the rest of the world. --Nabil Naoum, Le Chateau de la princesse (The Castle of the Princes), from Petra: Le Dit des pierres (Petra: The Stones Speak), edited by Phillippe Cardinal, 1993."(Page 96.)
   The book begins with Petra emerging from obscurity with the first archaeological missions. The book comprises the history of Petras peoples; lengthy revelations of The Nabataeans (and their other cities, too); "location, location, location!"; part of the caravan route and its participation in international trade; nomadic to stationary living; city planning; housing; temples, sanctuaries; and anatomy of forms of architecture. "It is Petra's funerary architecture, most famous in its rock-hewn form, that best reflects this dual cultural identity, Eastern and Hellenistic. Interest has focused on the facades that mark the entry to a funerary chamber excavated directly into the rock. These can be understood as a monumental form of the nefesh, an erect stele that indicates the presence of a deceased, just as a baetyl indicates the presence of a divinity. The facade shows the importance of the deceased and of his or her family..."(Page 84). Such rich architectural fetes are revealed to us within the framework of this work! Do take time to study the water system of Petra.
   "...due to a series of earthquakes, especially one in the 8th century, construction seems to have come to a halt there earlier than it did in regions farther to the north. We know little about Petra between the 7th and 10th centuries. By the Middle Ages, it may have been virtually deserted. We know that in the 12th century, one of the Crusader kings of Jerusalem, Baldwin I or II, built a castle at al-Wu'eira, in the Valley of Moses. Few medieval documents refer to the city, but a confused memory of its ancient rank as the capital of a far-reaching kingdom livd on. Oddly, traces of its old Aramaic and Babataean name, Arken or Reqem, meaning 'the Multi-colored,' survived. In 1217, a German pilgrim named Thetmar passed very close to a place he called 'Archim, formerly the metropolis of the Arabs.' The Arab chronicler Numeiri (1279-1332) gives a short description of the site as it was when the Mamluk Sultan Baybars I of Egypt and Syria saw it is 1276. He mentions the tomb of Aaron, the ruins of a fort, and the 'marvelous' ornate houses cut into the cliffs, but he does not name it. Neither writer says anything of its inhabitants. The Nabataeans themselves, and the Greco-Latin name Petra, remained lost until the rediscovery of the city by the first Western travelers of the 19th century. The enthusiasm aroused by this discovery has not faded, and the work of exploration and recovery is nowhere near to being finished. Nearly two hundred years of research, in fact, have raised more questions than answers. New avenues of investigation emerge daily. Most of the city still remains to be excavated and the civilization of Nabatea finally revealed." (Page 94-95).
   Thank goodness the Jordanian people have someone like Queen Noor who can appreciate the importance of Petra, who as a patron of architecture, thanks to her background in this field, is a proponent to its preservation.
   The staff of The Harry N. Abrams, Inc., publishing house have created a masterpiece in "Petra: lost city of the ancient world." The many books I have read with regard to Biblical architecture/archaeology, have seriously been lacking good arial photography, and the people at Abrams certainly satisfied my ravenousness desire for pictures of Petra!



5. This book has been done in a style similar to a National Geographic magazine. It combines a history of the city and its excavations with exquisite photographs and drawings. This book was well researched and does an excellent job describing the ancient city which was carved entirely out of the cliffs which make Petra unique. I reccomend this book to anyone who has an interest in the history of the Fertile Crescent, Jordan, archaelogy, or the 7 wonders of the ancient world (This book asserts that Petra is considered to be an eighth wonder).

5 comments about Legal Guide for the Visual Artist.

1. This is the "Bible" of legal forms and information. Used early 1989 edition quite a bit. Will use this up-dated edition even more.



2. It's not always the most entertaining book to read (who enjoys reading about taxes?), but read through it once. Stick it on your shelf. And then whenever you need it, the book can reference you to certain government documents such as release forms, copyright forms, tax forms, consignment forms, authenticity forms, etc. There's tons of forms in the book for you to work off of when you are writing up your own agreements. Also current on laws for artists. Always keep a current edition of this book handy.



3. Tad Crawford does his as-usual excellent job clarifying a complex area for the working visual artist. Readers will admire his straightforward writing style and many, many practical examples.
   
   A word of warning, though: as Tad himself says, he is not providing legal advice and, while the artist will thank Tad if he or she follows Tad's advice, it does not substitute for appropriate legal consults as needed.



4. This is an excellent resource to define and explain legal issues in the arts. It is a little dry in some parts but far easier to read than books written for the legal profession. I have been using this book as a textbook for a college class at an art school for graphic design students for several years.
   
   The book covers copyright law and touches on legal business issues that pertain to all visual artists. The focus of the book is on fine artists but it is the best resource I have found for graphic designers.



5. Even if you have the luxury of an attorney that speicalizes in art contracts, as I do, this is a great book of forms to keep handy for quick reference. My advice is to get it with his other book: Business & Legal Forms for Fine Artists also by Tad Crawford

5 comments about Stencil Graffiti (Street Graphics / Street Art).

1. it's a cheap book, and it's got cheap information. nothing much to it. i would probably spend a bit more and buy a book that's more in depth with the culture and such of graffiti art. but if you must, like me buy this book to be a part of your growing art book collection, then by all means, no one is stopping you.



2. I like this book. It's a thin book. It's not too much stuff in the book but I think it's a nice book to have in your collection just to have something different. Since I'm not too much into stencil graffiti, this book is just right to have it in my collection. I like it. It has great work of art in it.



3. Its a great book, but Stencil Pirates is better.



4. This book is being reviewed quite heavily these days and after reviewing it myself, I can only conclude that this is because of the Publishers' credentials in publishing books on street art. I found that this book fell short on my expectations, even though much of the material was interesting. While it was enlightening to read the brief articles on the history of stencil graffiti, and how stenciling started back to 22,000 in cave paintings, the book quickly lost steam. Many of the artists featured here are well known, however there are many photos featuring industrial uses of stencils which neither are graffiti art, stencil graffiti or art in any type of form. This really detracted form what I assumed the book was featuring. Most of the interesting features were on European artists such as the "bananensprayer" in Cologne, Germany, or Bansky who mixed political satire with his various works. Although many stencil artists are features from all over Europe, and the United States as well as a whole page spread of works from Morocco, I really missed the interviews which should have accompanied these images. While I would not purchase the book for my personal collection, many of the photos showcased the dizzying array of effects which were possible to achieve with something as simple as a stencil.



5. For someone who is simply interested in seeing full color photos of stencil graffiti then Manco's book would be a great purchase. Manco profiles key artist from around the world as well as touching lightly on stencil and graffiti history (Information which is readily available else where both online and in print.) As an aside, the book does speak briefly on the philosophy of graffiti in the urban landscape.

   Sadly the book is little more than a nice looking coffee table book. Artist looking for a guidebook or text that speaks more about the technical aspects of stencil graffiti should look elsewhere. As it is the book is an interesting (though not too informative) slide show of street art.

   Still, it's a good purchase for fans of the art form or those who are interested in street pop art.