No comments about The London Cut: Savile Row Bespoke Tailoring.

5 comments about Color Harmony 2: A Guide to Creative Color Combinations.

1. Lots of color samples, but only so,so guidelines for effective use.



2. I didn't buy this as a study in the complex science of the study of color. I am an artist and I don't need this to choose a color scheme for a drawing...

   however...

   When faced with trying to decide what to paint the interior of my house. I bought this book. I was able to choose colors for the wall, ceiling and trim and see how they looked together...and than take the book (which is a fairly small paperback) with me to the paint store. Perhaps painting one room isn't a challenge but trying to manage colors thoughout a house was daunting to me...This book allowed me to visualize them together and apart before I bought the paint.

   I didn't find the text to be especially sophisticated but I didn't buy the book for the text. I bought the book only for the color examples and there are alot of them. The book has held together extreamly well and the pages are heavy and glossy. The binding is intact after several years.

   For the price, for what I bought this for, this was an excellent investment.




3. It's a very useful book to be a stylesh in your life...
   in dress, homeevery thing



4. This book seems to be for "color" ......... Color Harmony 2 is an absurdly shallow and garish overview of one of the most sacred realms in art (and the human sensory experience): color. The author has the arrogance to make ridiculous statements about color--"rules" that we are expected to believe without context or proof. Consider these quotes, "Color combinations using yellow-orange or amber are the most welcoming." What??? And, "Elegant color combinations use only the palest tints" (a statement too absurd for comment). This is a heartless book. Look elsewhere for inspiration!



5. I'm not sure how appropriate this book is for the under-fourteen set. It seems the author had 82 Gremlins, because the drawings are all in marker and the plot has too many twists and turns. While this may seem like a fine how-do-you-do to most, other may see it the other way, or maybe not.

   Color Harmony is bound, it has pages, it has both a back and a front cover, so I have to give it a sterling, or at least a pound, like with a mallet. 5 o'clock shadow is just the sort of thing to make you feel warm, but if your desk is tidy, you might not notice the squid.

   Overall, detournement is humorous and does something, even if its effects don't strike you until much later. Color terrorists and small snails should beware!

5 comments about The Art of Bone.

1. Jeff Smith is one of the greatest comic artists of our times, and it is inevitable that with the end of his epic series Bone, that we would have a one volume art collection of that series. If you're a fan of Bone, you won't be disappointed. Seeing the Bone covers and other color work in a larger size brings them to life. The artwork is amazing. The only reason that I give this four stars instead of five is that a lot of the work in this volume has been printed before, so if you've been following the series from the beginning, you probably already have 90% of the art that is included. This is not necessarily a bad thing since the images are printed in a larger format in this volume, but it would have been nice to see more sketchbook material. Another thing that dropped the rating is that there is hardly any text included other than a few captions. I appreciate that as much space as possible was kept for art, but it would have been nice to read about about the creation process, the origin and development of the Bone story, or Jeff Smith's philosophy on comics. Regardless of these minor quibbles, this is an excellent collection, and would make a wonderful gift to fans of Bone.



2. Bone was a real surprise, many years ago. B&W art was uncommon and the story was magnetic, pulling you into a world where cartoon characters wondered about with humans. From the very first issues thev reader was presented with plots and beasts that seemed like many other universes we know, but with a charm that was totally magic.
   This book presents us with some marvelous art, sketches and behind the scenes info on how these stories came to be, form and style wise.
   If you like to know a bit how Jeff works and structures ideas and styles and how the wonderful mix of Bone was born just don't miss this book.
   There's a few extras as well... but I won't spoil you the surprise.



3. My son became "addicted" to the Bone series about a year and a half ago. I've never been a fan of comics but when my non-reader decided these books were what he wanted to read I was on a quest. He started by reading the color re-releases of the first few books and when Old Man's Cave had not come out yet I bought him the all-in-one book with 1000+ pages. My non-reader finished it in a short amount of time and was left with wanting more. When I came across "The Art of Bone" I was thrilled. It talked about how Jeff Smith created the characters when he was 9 years old. My son turned 9 last month so I got it for his birthday. As he was going to bed and talking about the day (which included 9 friends and The Reptile Guy) he said his favorite part was receiving "The Art of Bone"! THAT made MY day! It is a beautiful book and is very informative. I would recommend it highly to anyone interested in this series, beautiful comic book art or looking for inspiration.



4. Jeff Smith truly has lived the American Dream...he found one thing he liked to do and he's done it for his entire life. OK, that may be simplifying things a bit. But even as a child, Smith knew he wanted to be a cartoonist. In fact, inside this fantastic book you'll get to see one of the very first Bone comics, drawn by Smith when he was just ten years old. The characters had yet to be refined in terms of their look and personalities, but the spirit is still there. Bone is really one of the great comics and one of the great comics success stories of the modern era. A wacky and wise-cracking strip that is one part Walt Kelly, one part J.R.R. Tolkien, and the rest all Smith. Smith took a chance on his creations, and self-published them. While most self-publishers fail quite quickly, Smith proved that talent rises to the top. Bone soon became a cult-hit on the part of Cerebus the Aardvark.
   
   This volume from Dark Horse Books is chock full of 200 pages of rare Jeff Smith Bone art. Some of it unpublished, some of it pencil versions, alternate covers, etc. You get a little bit of everything in this book: Finished panel pages, completed, full color covers, unfinished panel sequences, rare sketches, pencil versions of completed covers, often side-by-side with the finished product, and so much more. The editors are along to provide captions to the art at the bottom of the page, often noting Smith's influences such as the valley scene from Bone #1 and its comparison to a similar scene from one of Joe Kubert's Tarzan pages. Not that it is a copy of the Kubert scene, but rather how smith uses perspective in the scene, dwarfing the characters by the sheer expanse of the area that Bone is looking over.
   
   The book also reprints perhaps the seminal page in Bone's history. Bone is being chased by two of the fearsome Rat creatures that are ever after him. He leaps to a tiny branch thinking he is safe as the two large predators could not possibly fit on the same branch, and would be stupid to try. When they are both on the branch, Bone screams the immortal words, "Stupid, Stupid Rat Creatures!" This phrase has even been included in Random House's Cyberspeak dictionary.
   
   The book introduces the reader to all of the main characters including Fone Bone (the star), scheming Phoney Bone, dim-witted Smiley Bone, Thorn (bone's human love interest), Gran'ma Ben, and Lucius who runs the local tavern. With heroes you need villains and we can't leave them out...they include The Lord of the Locusts, The Hooded One, and Kingdok, who rules the Rat Creatures.
   
   Bone is so rich in its story and scope that it really humbles comics that have been put out by the "larger companies". Even if you haven't read the comics you're sure to be dazzled by the art in this book. Smith is without a doubt one of the best cartoonists and best storytellers of the past twenty years. And if you are a Bone fan then the book will provide a lot of interesting anecdotes to many of the stories that you've enjoyed over the years. The good thing is that even though the series ended in 2004, Scholastic Books is reprinting the series in collected editions and in full color. This book gets my highest possible rating. Get it...NOW!
   
   
   REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON



5. (from an extended article, copyright 2007 Michael F. Hopkins)
   
   For those who have come to treasure the Sequential masterpiece known
   as BONE, this coffee-table volume will be an extra-special treat. For those who have never heard of the phenomenal epic which established storyteller Jeff Smith as a prime mover in the fields of Comics and Children's Literature, THE ART OF BONE will serve as an eye-popping introduction to one of the finest authors in any field.
   The latest hardcover project from Dark Horse Comics, THE ART OF
   BONE is a feast of information. Detailing why and how Smith became
   a cartoonist, the book showcases his interest from schooldays to professional practice decades later.
   
   Rich in Smith's probing, versatile illustrations, the volume
   pinpoints the essential and unique balancing act which the
   Sequential author must play between narrative and visualizing.
   In an era where too many throw all their logs on one fire,
   showboating without focus or meaning, the success of a skillful talespinner with much to say and share with all is as refreshing
   as it is encouraging.
   A stirring, insightful whimsy worthy of Walt Kelly (Pogo) and
   Charles Schulz (Peanuts) is complemented by reflective pathos and
   intense character interplay that Will Eisner (Sundiata, The Spirit)
   could take great pride in.
   In Jeff Smith's aesthetic, a tale can cross all boundaries, whether through animated cunning or larger-than-life Fantasy, and bring its points effectively home.
   
   Whether lost in the wilderness, or deep in the throes of a life-shaping
   quest, the imperative of journey informs the heart Smith's work. THE
   ART OF BONE is a delightful look into the way of that path, and how much fun using one's head can be.
   Very uplifting, in fact, for the heart and soul.
   
   Give it a read.
   Give it several.

4 comments about Get Real Greetings: Creating Cards for Your Sassiest Sentiments.

1. Great ideas and very new! My only criticism is that they may be TOO sassy or TOO bold for many people. Know your audience before you make some of these cards. They may offend rather than uplift!



2. Some of the cards were funny but most I found insulting. My college age daughter even thought they were over the line. My good friends deserve better cards and there are many books out there that deliver. I will be returning my copy.



3. I just got this book, and I can't get enough of the sassy humor! The instructions for card designs are great, but the real catch is that the sample cards themselves are really clever and funny! Plus, there are pages of more "sassy sentiments" that you can incorporate into your own cards. I think the best thing about this book is that it shows you new ways to bond with (or make fun of) your girlfriends through homemade greeting cards. If you enjoy laughing with, or at, your girlfriends, this new book is a must-have!



4. No more standing in line at Hallmark trying to find just the right card! You can make one yourself with this witty guide. Get Real Greetings is packed full of inspiring and clever card ideas for the REAL moments in life. Some suggested themes include cards for your friend who was just dumped, your mother entering menopause, your friends who just bought their first fixer-upper, a co-worker who got fired, your sister with raging PMS...all WITHOUT sugary sweet sentiments, butterflies, and sad puppy eyes. Get Real Greetings encourages us to use our own "voice" and humor to express our feelings with cards- even when that voice is sarcastic!
   The quick tips for basic card making are easy to follow and the suggestions that go with each card are easy to incorporate into your own creations, whatever your own style is. The book offers many funny captions, which will inspire you to make your own unique cards, suited to your friendships.

No comments about Print Reading for Architecture & Construction (Thomson Delmar Learning Blueprint Reading).

5 comments about Looking Good in Print, Fifth Edition.

1. Once you've covered first base with the "Non-Designers Design Book" you are well equipped to start reading this book. Since this book also covers the basics (though not as well I find), you could also decide to skip ahead and go directly to second base.
   
   Here you'll also learn about managing grid systems, white space management, basic text composition and the effective use of fonts and illustration. The last sections of the book applies your new found knowledge to the design of various types of documents. Finally, in the last section is a hoge-poge of trap to avoid (the counter examples if you like).
   
   A book well worth the money (all books are cheap compared to IT books ;-)



2. Are you discovering the challenges of desktop publishing? If you are, then this book is for you! Author Roger C Parker, has done an outstanding job of writing the sixth edition of a book that has been in print for 16 years, which is for those who want to make the most of their publishing investment.
   
   Parker, begins by exploring the organizational tools you'll use in creating your published projects. Then, the author discusses in some detail the rules you must follow when selecting and arranging type. Next, the author explores the graphic page elements that are used in conjunction with type, to highlight and enhance the printed word. The author then shows you how to choose graphic elements and position them on the page for maximum effect. He continues by focusing on the techniques of designing a range of documents from newsletters to business communications to coupons. Then, the author discusses planning and design techniques that are important for any larger project. He then lists and illustrates the most common errors that sabotage otherwise effective designs. Finally, the author takes a look at some sample documents that are riddled with errors, while others are teetering on the brink of success; and, shows you how they can be improved, through the application of basic design concepts and a smattering of common sense.
   
   This most excellent book has grown over the years to become the "Bible" for many students and publishers. More importantly, the best part of this book is that it will encourage you to learn while practicing your craft.



3. If you do anything with print or web media (aka desktop publishing), you probably know how easy it is to make mistakes and produce amateurish results. Looking Good in Print (6th Edition) by Roger C. Parker gives you the background and practical advice you need to start, well... looking good in print.
   
   Contents:
   Part 1 - Elements Of Design: Getting Started; Tools of Organization; The Architecture of Type; Building Blocks of Graphic Design; The Art of Illustration; Working with Photographs
   Part 2 - Putting Your Knowledge To Work: Publications; Advertisements; Sales Material; Business Communication; Response Devices - Forms, Surveys, and Coupons; Designing Large Documents and Publications; Common Pitfalls; Redesign; Designing Documents for Web Distribution
   Appendix; Prepress Tips and Techniques
   Index
   
   Any book that makes it past the 2nd edition is one I usually figure has stood the test of time, and must have something to offer. This book definitely fulfills that. It starts off with the basics of fonts, lines, alignment, and all those things that you probably just take for granted. There's a real science behind it, and Parker does a good job of clearly explaining it. But rather than just dealing in generalities and theory, he applies the knowledge to real areas of writing. Part 2 is valuable both for the explanation of how things should be done, as well as visual examples of how things go wrong. Unless you can see "what's not right", it's often hard to know why something would be considered a good practice. There's an abundance of example layouts and samples to illustrate his points, and you'd be hard pressed to find this much quality information in a single source anywhere else.
   
   This will be a book I'll keep close at hand when I do my writing assignments. I'm normally more focused on content rather than form, but knowing what an editor might do to your work (both good *and* bad) can help you make sure that you come out looking polished, and that your content doesn't get lost in the layout.



4. 'Looking Good in Print' by Roger Parker is an absolute must have for anyone working with print media and how it travels from the production house to the reader/end-user. Now in its 6th Edition, this guide provides essential advice, tips, and tricks from someone in the know who has been working with said topic for over a decade and a half.
   
   Discussion in this book revolves around layouts, design, working with images, text, and how to output content itself in the wisest and slickest way possible.
   
   For anyone that works with the design of laying out information in Print form (live or online), this book is an absolute best buy!!
   
   ***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED



5. The sixth updated edition of Roger C. Parker's LOOKING GOOD IN PRINT tops fifteen years in print with another edition addressing the latest potentials of desktop design. From creating professional-quality letterhead and business cards to learning how to print Internet documents, advice for desktop publishers assume no special program or experience but survey different design pitfalls, how to work with large documents, and how to create designs which 'wow'. Design tips apply to either PC or MAC users alike and are packed with techniques and tips that avoid the common pitfalls.

No comments about Mechanical Drawing: Board and CAD Techniques, Student Edition.

5 comments about Spectrum 13: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art (Spectrum (Underwood Books)).

1. Maybe Im kidding myself...but I bought this book on the basis that this book was supposed to represent the best in fantasy art. Unfortunately, what I'm seeing here is a lack of ideas. Strong technique in any work of art can only go so far. I bought this book because I wanted to be inspired. I didn't get that. What I got was a book where most of the pages are devoted to representing things like gnomes, elves, fairies, dragons, demons, psychopaths, robots, etc.--rather than representing worlds or ideas. This is really for artists working from a design standpoint rather than a creative one.



2. Staggering levels of talent in this arcane collection. Contains every imaginable fantasy style and sub-genre.



3. This is a high-quality volume with a wide variety of science fiction and fantasy art from many talented artists.



4. This book really does live up to expectations. Good quality images. If fantasy art is your thing would recomend this book.



5. Este libro es realmente una joya. Si estas estudiando ilustracion, arte, o si quieres ampliar tus horizontes, este libro te servira de ventana tanto para inspirarte como para observar como distintos profesionales del mundo aplican su metodologia y resuelven conflictos de composicion, tecnicas, etc. Son solo imagenes, no hay tutoriales de "como lo hizo", si buscas ese tipo de libros esta no es tu opcion... solo te sera util si tienes el deseo de analizar, y observar por cuenta propia. definitivamente una joya, un profesor en casa.

5 comments about Creative Advertising: Ideas and Techniques from the World's Best Campaigns.

1. Finally, a way to beat your caffeine addiction! Creative Advertising. For aspiring and seasoned creatives alike, Creative Advertising is fuel for great ideas. The Kickstart Catalogue is an invaluable resource for getting the creative juices a'flowin. My work noticeably improved after reading this book. I could go on and on, but I don't want to waste your time. Instead of reading this, you should be reading this book. You will not be sorry.



2. I expected this book would contain some cool ads and lots of boring text about advertising. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it is actually full of awesome examples of ads, pretty much from cover to cover.
   
   It also contains a good How To guide to help eliminate 'art directors block', based on methods used by the creators of the ads featured throughout this book.
   
   A very good buy with lots of pages of 'wow'.



3. When you first lay your hands on this book you will realize this book is something special with its elegant appearance. The book speaks directly to two audiences creatives and professionals on the acct mgt/client side. The author chooses over 20 different styles that an ad can use to effectively communicate.
   
   For example before and after is a technique has been used countless times and requires diverse imagery that dramatizes the benefit to the consumer yet intrigues them to look at ad. This book has 7 full color ads and explanations that demonstrate how to effectively use this technique.
   
   You will find the examples are from across the globe using brands from all verticals. Although you can pick up a lot from reading cover to cover, anyone can enjoy viewing the ads in this book as a critiquing exercise.



4. Huge book. Lots of tips. Color photos. Interviews with the pros. An overall great guide to team creativity.



5. This book has become one of my favorite books in my library. Extremely creative ideas and large, colorful photos. I am very pleased to have this book.

3 comments about Prints and Printmaking: An Introduction to the History and Techniques.

1. If you've just started your love affair with fine prints, you're sure to want a better understanding of just what this thing is and how its unique character came about. Griffiths's book would work well as your first guide to the technique and history of printmaking.
   
   The tour starts with the major categories of technique (relief, intaglio, litho, and silkscreen), then discusses the extensions needed for printing in multiple colors, followed by a summary of photo processes applicable to each technique. This isn't a how-to for the aspiring printmaker or an academically meticulous history. Instead, it's just enough to let the new printlover know what the words mean and what the differences are, along with a sketch of the major who and when in printmaking innovation. I fault it only for under-representing the incredible art and technique of the Japanese woodcut masters.
   
   Illustrations abound, demonstrating nearly every point that Griffiths brings up. The bibliography by itself is worth attention - it not only lists sources of information, it categorizes them by areas of interest and adds other comments about each one. Very few bibliographies in any field offer that kind of help to the reader. And, as the beginner might hope, it ends with a list of common abbreviations and a strong glossary. This book is a great way to introduce new printlovers to the object their of affection.
   
   -- wiredweird



2. This is an excellent book for anyone trying to learn more about the various kinds of printmaking techniques. It is very useful for identification of prints. Lots of great pictures and text that explains the techniques and history very well. I highly recommend it.



3. Have you ever tried to explain to an art student what is printmaking? Better. Have you ever tried to explain to an art student why it's still important? You can try to do a very long speech about how it was and still is important for artists. You can say that print was for an artist like Rembrant a way of thinking. And you could even explain how the techniques used by the artists were connected with their subjects. But you can't only talk you must show some pictures. That is exactaly what this book does. The autor was very sucesfully in showing us the value of printmaking since the "unknow masters" to our century. He can explain without being boring how etchings were doing and I believe he could do so because the pictures were sharpily choosen. Without doubt no art teatcher can miss these piece. And it's essential to any print lover.