5 comments about How to Draw and Paint Fairies: From Finding Inspiration to Capturing Diaphanous Detail, a Step-by-Step Guide to Fairy Art.

1. I was looking for a drawing guide for my daughter's 11th birthday and was hoping this book would be the key. We flipped through it at the craft store and it looked like a great instructional guide. The only hesitation I have and reason I did not purchase the book is the last few pages. There are some ill-clad fairies exposing more than I want my daughter to be drawing or her younger brothers to be seeing. I know it is common to have fairies naked even, so I was grateful there was only a few pages of what I would consider suggestive fairies. But, I wanted to share this review for other "carefully modest" parents who would rather not expose their children.



2. The best How to draw Fairies book for beginners available.
   Filled with valuable drawing and paint tips, along with beautiful fairy prints for inspiration.



3. This book was not only wonderful to look at, it was very instructive also. A fantastic way to spend a rainy day!



4. this is a nice little book. but i don't think the fairy faces are very pretty. it gives you good ideas for the poses. but you'll have to have some knowledge of how you like pretty fairy faces to look cause the artists depictions are not that pretty.
   you could draw inspiration in some of the scenes and poses though. also when you do the -search inside this books pages option- the pics they show are the best pictures in the book. theres probably a more visually stimulating fairy book out there but this book does give some good instruction and i do not regret purchasing it as a gift for my niece.



5. I saw this book at my local craft store at full price, but waited till I got home to order it, since I had to place a order though Amazon - and with the reduced price and the free shipping is was a great deal. I only had a moment to look the book over in the store, so I was pleasantly surprised when I got my copy, as to how well made the book was. It's a glue/sewn binding - very sturdy. The paper is also of good weight - and the illustrations are high quality and breathtaking.
   
   Unlike the one negative review here, I was pleased to see the the first chapter contained basic information on supplies and color theory. I am no stranger to drawing and painting - but I am self taught so it was very informative to read a up-to-date book, (as most of my books are of the hand me down variety, and are at least two times older than I am!)
   
   The in between chapters cover everything from drawing to painting techniques that I have puzzled over in my favorite fairy art. It was wonderful to see everything laid out step by step. The final chapter contains a collection of fairy art of different styles and talent levels, and just like the rest of the book I was inspired by looking over the different pieces.
   
   My only minor complaint about the book is on page 21 which covers paper stretching. I believe they make a mistake and list the steps out of order. I had to go online and look it up to figure it out. First gather your supplies, paper, gummed tape, board, water and wet the paper, THEN wet the tape and tape the paper to the board. Also the online instructions said to leave the paper on the board WHILE you do the art - which makes perfect sense to me now that I think of it. But the book said nothing either way, and I thought that I had to remove the paper after it was dry. Although the illustrations do show the tape removed from the paper after the paper was dry.
   
   Overall I am thrilled to own this book!

5 comments about The Golden Age of Couture: Paris and London 1947 - 1957.

1. I purchased two of these books, one for my daughter who will be entering Fashion Design school in the fall and one as a gift for her beloved teacher who retired this year.
   
   The book is a beautiful coffee table book for anyone interesed in fashion particularly Paris and London during the years 1947-1957. The classic designs of this era and their designers are featured along with gorgeous photos. There is even a photo of a Dior gown as it was originally on a model. This same gown in later years was shortened and altered to suit the time and is on display in the Dior exhibit. Seeing it as it was intended by Dior is priceless!
   
   A must for all interested in classic fashion!



2. La belle epoque. Very glamorous book. Lovely story of the golden years of high couture. Finesse. Elegance. Absolument tout.



3. I attended the Golden Age of Couture display at the Victoria & Albert Museum last October. It was sensational, but as I was travelling back to Australia was unable to purchase the book at the time. The book is exquisitely presented and provides images and words to almost transport one there. I highly recommend it to any fashionistas.



4. Haute couture and fashion enthusiasts have had a very bad time try to get hold of this wonderful book, but I have to say it's worth the wait for those of you impatient and desirous of owning your own copy. This 224 page book has color photographs, black and white illustrations and in depth descriptions of what exactly the New Look was, how it was created and how it was developed. Aside from Dior and Balenciaga, Jean Desses, Jacques Fath, and Norman Hartnell (and a section dedicated to London couture) are also discussed and beautiful photographs of their work are displayed.
   
   This is a must have for New Look enthusiasts and fashionistas alike.



5. I own this lovely book. The photography is stunning and the oversize format allows one to see the details of the exquisite clothing from this iconic era.

3 comments about Fashion Illustration by Fashion Designers.

1. To all the aspiring fashion designers, illustrators, and hipsters... this is a beautiful book to own. I love it so much, it is such a great look at how fashion designers see their creations. Art can be anything, even a sketch of what you think people should wear. I highly approve of this purchase, along with a new pair of shoes.



2. This is a useful text for entry level fashion students in that it shows a variety of illustration styles used by independent and established designers and acknowledges the differnt role illustration plays in developing garment concepts.
   The introduction, illustration notes, quotes and illustrations clearly demonstrate diversity in design methodologies across a variety of garment categories and emphasize the 'personal' aproach taken by individuals in initiating the design process.
   From an instructional point of view, I would like to have seen more 'developmental' drawings (if they exist)from the designers who indicate the initial concept illustration diverges from the resolved garment design and possibly a comparison with illustrations created for promotional purposes.
   Evidence of designers 'hand-writing' in the form of concept drawings is difficult to locate and Borelli's effort to document such examples is commendable.



3. An exciting collection of drawings, paintings and illustrations created by international fashion designers showing (once and for all) the tremendous variety of drawing styles one can use to communicate ideas for clothing and accessories design. From the classically trained drawing skills to the uniquely stylized,personal work to a few using the computer.Most of the work looks hand drawn with energy and passion. A welcome change from the many books showcasing cold, high-tech-HACK work with no individuality.
   This is not a How-to-draw-fashion book (and thank god!) for there are far too many of those HACK-books: dreadfully boring, mediocre, unstylish and uninspiring books that never seems to be in touch with ANY kind fashion. This is the kind of book that really inspires a fashion professional or student.
   The cover seems a very odd choice considering all the knock-out art inside. Alot of people have mentioned they would never be attracted to open the book based on the cover.

5 comments about 4000 Flower & Plant Motifs: A Sourcebook.

1. I'm an avid embroiderer, always looking for the perfect design to embellish a cardigan or pillowtop. McCallum's collection offers plenty of ideas and serves as a springboard for some of my own. I imagine this would be an equally essential tool for many other types of hobbyists. This one is nice just to leaf through, too -- it's very well arranged. I'm tempted to order his other books right away, but there's plenty to work with right here.



2. My wife asked for this for her birthday. She absolutely loves it. So much so that we recently purchased 7 more as gifts for her friends in different crafting groups. She insists that 4000 Flower and Plant Motifs has inspired her with tons of quilting/craft ideas. This book is a great gift.
   
   Sam Hendricks, author of "Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comrehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football" and "Fantasy Football Almanac"



3. I love this book for the quilting designs it inspires. If you're stuck for ideas, open McCallum's book and start drawing.



4. I have a collection of books on designs and historical motifs. This is one of the most useful. I'm using it to create designs for decorating pottery.



5. This book has found a permanent spot in my home, namely, on my desk, where I do all my hobbies. It has loads of great ideas that I've already used. Can't wait for the author's next book --apparantly its a sourcebook on animal designs.

5 comments about How to Think Like a Great Graphic Designer.

1. I can't believe only 6 people rated this book. This is such a great book and I had so much fun reading it. I lent it to my program coordinator and it became one of our program's textbooks(graphic design). I totally recommend this to any one interested in design, art or in general, LIFE!
   worth EVERY SINGLE PENNY!



2. This book was informative, insightful and a quick read. A must have for both students and designers alike!



3. Insights into how world-famous graphic designers come up with winning designs make for an outstanding collection of lively interviews revealing best thought and practice in the world of design. Over twenty designers reveal their designs, outlining how a love of design developed, influenced their lives, and how it translated into a passion for producing better graphic design results. Any library covering graphic design simply must have this, whether it be at the college arts level or the general-interest lending library.



4. This book is a must read if only to get a glimpse on how real these great graphic designers are. I enjoyed reading milton glaser's not because he's a favorite but because I found his insights humble and encouraging for the not so great graphic designer like myself. I was also bowled over to find a designer from my country and from my college included here, Lucille Tenazas! Great book!



5. It's always refreshing to learn something new about the creative people that you idolize. This is a great book that will not only inspire you but also answer questions about design that are not quite so easy to articulate. You will read every page without any regret.

5 comments about The Business Side of Creativity: The Complete Guide to Running a Small Graphic Design or Communications Business, Third Updated Edition.

1. Cameron Foote's books and monthly newsletters are truly must-have resources for graphic designers, from the lone freelance to a busy studio. I teach design, and this book is one of about three that I have recommended to every class.



2. A fantastic book full of valuable insights. Most of these "how to run your business" books are drab and full of what amounts to blah blah blah. I have found this book to be revolutionary in the way that I organize my business strategies, developing a more proactive mind set, and restructuring the entire operation of running a creative studio. Amongst the hundreds of design books on my shelf, this is the one that is currently helping me the most. The tone is not pretentious, nor laymen. Designers are demanding individuals, and as a professional designer, this is necessary reading.



3. Very helpful, concise and confidence building resource for information on how to run a small design firm.



4. Cam Foote's book is a complete resource for new freelancers and a great "reality check" for experienced creatives. I have read his material for many years and always found it practical, clear, realistic, and helpful. Although his focus may seem to be almost entirely on graphic designers, as a copywriter I found most of his information applicable to my own business.



5. I read a lot of business books so I tend to think I won't get much out of any one book. That's not the case with this book. I highly recommend the book to anyone who works in any kind of creative/freelance setting.
   
   Cameron Foote really gets to the heart of the details of creative business. Most books like this take a 10,000 foot view of all the issues. I end up being frustrated with not really learning tactics, just strategies. With this book, even the generic business issues are dealt with in a way that's relevant to creative/freelance businesses.
   
   When I first got the book I skipped to the chapter on how to go after the right business. I then read the chapters on how to make money in the business. After those chapters I realized there wasn't anything in the book I wanted to skip. I wound up reading the whole book back to back (and for a business book that's a big compliment--at least coming from me).
   
   This may sound like a glowing review--that's because it is. I was very impressed with the level of detail and relevancy the book has to what I wanted to know. I found a few mistakes I was making with the way I was running my own business. I used the tips Foote gave and improved the issues immediately.
   
   One last reason you might consider this book--in the Appendix there's a ton of helpful resources. Not only that, if you log on to the author's website, you can find about two times the forms found in the book. I wound up using 3 forms the author gives away on a daily basis.

5 comments about Collage Techniques: A Guide for Artists and Illustrators.

1. I was very disapointed in this book. I was under the impression that it would not only be instructive but that all of the work in it would be Gerald Brommer's. It was neither.



2. This is a good book for beginner and intermediate collage artists. It contains basic historical and theoretical information, as well as basic application techniques. You may also consider Nita Leland and Virginia Lee Williams' book CREATIVE COLLAGE TECHNIQUES. The techniques are challenging and open ended, so they truly encourage you to be creative.



3. This is the best reference available as at this date on collage. It is also one of the most inspiring art books I have read. I cannot recommend it more highly. The artworks provided as examples are of the highest quaility. Thank you, Gerald Brommer.



4. What I particularly liked was that all the illustrations were of first rate work.So many different approaches. An excellent text and motivational advice on materials and the object of collage as a genuine artistc outlet.



5. Brommer approaches collage from an fine art point of view. Most other books I have looked at tend more toward the scrapbook and/or kitchy altered art genre. He has an excellent section on art paper preparations and basic design.

4 comments about Illusive 2: Contemporary Illustration and Its Context.

1. This is what you would happily expect...a book filled with page after page of astounding work from talented artists from around the world. What you might not expect (if you had not bought the first volume as I have), is that it is organized by style...and covers the gamut of design aesthetics and mediums. (by organized I mean, that there is no section by section titles that I can recall or index of organizing, but as you flip the pages you will witness the ebb and flow of similarities in the art that is displayed and the differences as you continue through the book, on to another style/medium.) I find this book (as I did the last) unique because of (1) the exceeding quality of artists and perhaps more importantly, (2) the relative "Freshness" of th work on display. As is the case with any book of this nature, the work can quickly become dated. I find that the designs and artists on display in this book are ahead of the curve to be sure... In my work, I scour the internet, read many books, sketch and visit galleries to think of styles and design approaches and have found this book (and this short series) to be a good showcase of work from which to draw inspiration from time to time. Hopefully it can do the same for you...



2. I just hope they publish this every year. I know I'd purchase it annually.
   
   It's similar to its previous version. Hardcover book about 300+ pages.
   This isn't a "How To Illustrate" book. It's a "Get Inspired" book. As a broadcast motion graphics designer, this hits most current styles. Each page is like a different mood board to get inspiration from.
   
   It covers collage, vector, traditional and others. And when I say current styles, I don't mean your "mom&pop" small town coupon illustrations. This hits more to the "Out of the Box" big city illustrations. Think clients that might have money and able to risk big (Nike, MTV, Toyota Hybrid, Diesel, etc.)
   
   Awesome buy.



3. This book is totally amazing... Some of the best graphic design work out there today. But not only on paper. Mush of this work is showcased as instillations. Really a true treasure for the graphic design art enthusiast!



4. As the firs one, a must buy for sure, if your are into illustration or like to see illustration, ore are in search of new tendencies for your ad or related, you should buy this book!

5 comments about Great Book of Celtic Patterns: The Ultimate Design Sourcebook for Artists and Crafters.

1. This book is a great book of celtic design. It not only gives the history of design but it also includes a wonderful section on drawing knot work and celtic design. This is the best book I have seen thus far on celtic design and knot work.



2. I gave this book as a gift to an artist-friend, who loves it so much, he takes it and a sketchpad everywhere. I wish all my gifts were as well-received!



3. Not a book for artist beginners. This was really helpful in learning the history of many Celtic designs and if you're interested finding a wonderful tattoo.



4. Interesting and informative book from the beginnings of the creation of the Celtic knot, to applying in artistic venues. Only thing that could have been offered, more ideas on uses for the patterns, not just pencil renditions. Beading, embroidery, stained glass, tole painting.



5. Superbly written. Stunning array of patterns and descriptions. A must have for your craft source library.

1 comments about 1,000 Restaurant Bar and Cafe Graphics: From Signage to Logos and Everything in Between (1000 Series).

1. This 1000 series is wonderful and this is an excellent example. It really stands out in the sea of graphic design annuals that are poorly designed and are questionably juries.