5 comments about Identity Crisis: 50 Redesigns That Transformed Stale Identities into Successful Brands.

1. i never leave reviews for books i buy - but i had to for this one - i was so excited to get this & read it - the publisher being a well known source in the design community - "HOW" (company name) - so i thought it would be like all their other stuff - phenom - & the author has incredible credentials - but the selections he chose to review are just awful - he has horrible taste - a waste of money if i must be honest - i read about half of it so far & it is sitting in a pile for when i extremely bored - if i even finish it at all - i wish i could get my money back



2. This book is not only an impeccable resource for brand redesigns, but also a helpful tool for knowing exactly what to do when designing an identity for the first time. Shifting the focus from merely a showcase of the tangibles that were produced from the various campaigns, this title emphasizes the market research and overall branding strategy for the rebranding of the businesses. From considering public image and perception, to company structure, to company history, Identity Crisis! covers the full range of thought processes involved with identity design and rollout. A must-read for any identity designer, Identity Crisis! is a highly approachable title that appropriately covers the vastly important and, unfortunately, oft-ignored mental aspects and processes of logo and identity design.



3. This is a great resource book for those designers who like to see how other designers think. (And how many renditions it takes to get to the end product.) Love the before and after examples. Sample work is shown large. Explanations are informative and interesting. Overall, a well-designed, designer resource.



4. This book did not at all live up to my expectations. The examples, in the form of case studies, were with few exceptions not interesting whatsoever: the graphic identities were weak. Also, the case studies were very shallow: there was nothing to be learned for someone who is in the business.
   
   This book pales in comparison with, for example, Per Mollerup's "Marks of Excellence", which unfortunately is a bit dated.



5. Rare because so many graphic design books rely so heavily on "creampuff" projects--stuff for multi-billion dollar corporations and skateboard park coffee houses. The former have design budgets equal to the GNP of mid-sized countries, the latter award extra points for the pseudo-extreme.
   
   In reality, most graphic designers work with clients who simply want a smart solution at a reasonable price. (I found out early on that most of my clients were not as interested in my quest for self expression as they were their own quest for remaining solvent.) Identity Crisis is a book about real organizations and realistic solutions.
   
   Author Jeff Fisher is a designer who has been in the trenches (if don't believe me, check out his portfolio at jfisherlogomotives.com). In Identity Crisis he presents case studies of organizations with established identities that need refreshing. He tells us the story of each, shows a logo before and after, provides examples of how the new identity is implemented on brochures, web sites, packaging, and so on, and reveals interesting insights and project details about and by both client and designer.
   
   If you are a graphic designer who has real-world clients--I suggest you add this book to your toolbox. If you are a business owner or marketer who wants to see how others make over and leverage their identity--Jeff Fisher's Identity Crisis is a good place to start.

5 comments about Cutting Edge Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks.

1. I didn't think that Memory Makers would be able to top the original book, "Memory Makers Creative Photo Cropping for Scrapbooks", but they did with this book! Instead of presenting the first book with some slight modifications, Memory Makers generated all new cropping ideas and examples. Both of these books will be of value to anyone who scrapbooks. I guarantee that this is not the same old scrapbook publication.



2. So many wonderful and useful cropping ideas. I've tried them and my scrapbook pages are too good to be true. These unusual crops truly made my pages a work of art.



3. What an awesome book for a remarkably awesome price



4. This is a book provides new ideas for cropping to enhance your scrapbooks. The page descriptions are clear and easy to understand. This is a good book for the intermediate scrapbooker.



5. As always with these kinds of books - another great read and guide for scrapbookers!

2 comments about Fifty Years of Fashion: New Look to Now.

1. This book takes us from decade to decade from the 50's to now with an examination of social, cultural, economic, and historical factors both setting the backdrop to and influencing changing fashions. This is an intermediate book in fashion, if you compare it to picture-only books to the other end of the spectrum where text dominates (often no pictures), and we see a treatise on aesthetic theory, anthropological roots, feminist writings, and studies on human sexuality and psychology.
   
   This book is a very light introduction to the type of questions you see in more advanced texts, but will not alienate the dilettante fashionista or costumer. The pictures provide exemplary examples of the styles discussed, and the chapters summarize everything quickly enough to have a solid overview of our recent fashion history. Again, I am sure this book will gain lots of interest, whether for browsing or seriously perusing an interest in a compelling aspect of human history and society. Check Steele's other books as well--she writes with insight, but doesn't overdo it with the dry academic stuff; she also has excellent taste with her picture selection.



2. This book has both beautiful photographs and informative text. The only reason I took off one star is that I think more photographs from each designer should have been included. I especially would have liked to have seen a few more photos of clothes from American designers from the 1990s. Throughout the book, the author mostly displays clothes made by European designers. I would not have expected much attention to be focused upon American designers before 1980s or 1990s. Arguably, it was not until the 1990s that American fashion really started to influence Europe, instead of the other way around. Because this reversal of influence was such a change, I would have expected more attention to be paid to it visually. Therefore, the lack of representation in this era makes me think that American designers were somewhat shortchanged in this book. However, I agree that all the designers selected, both European and American, did heavily influence their own time periods.

   This book covers Post War 1940s through 1990s. In each era the author focused on a few key designers. The author chose Balenciaga, Balmain, and Dior to represent the 1940s and 1950s. The author primarily showcased Correges, Yves Saint Laurent, and Quant to represent the 1960s. Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were the focus of the 1970s era. More designers are represented in the 1980s. The book has one or two photos from Chanel, Lacroix, Blass, Herrera, Azzedine Alaia, Armani, Gaultier, Comme des Garcon, and Issey Miyake, among a few others. The 1990s are represented by a photo or two of designs from Versace, Anna Sui, Chanel, Tom Ford for Gucci, Galliano, Donna Karen, Westwood, Calvin Klein, and Prada.

   Just as it is the maxim for fashion in general, so is it for this book in particular...less is more. The photos in this book capture the essence of each era and the text details the stylistic atmosphere to which each designer contributed. I highly reccommend this book. Despite having access to it at the library, I plan on buying it.

3 comments about Medieval Illuminators and Their Methods of Work.

1. Medieval Illuminators has been invaluable to my own studies and construction of illuminated manuscripts. The author presents a timeline of the history of illuminated manuscripts, their layout, methods of construction and their purpose, couched within a socio-cultural context of the eras in which the manuscripts were constructed. I found the large reproductions of key manuscripts extremely helpful in identifying the minute brush strokes of the white work, which is often difficult to discern in smaller reproductions. The enlargements also provided lovely details of designs and images that are not easily observed in non-enlarged reproductions. Lastly, I appreciated the author's discussion of the monastic book lending tradition for the purposes of copying manuscripts to expand a library's holdings on a particular subject and the inclusion of illustrations to demonstrate this practice. This is a must have for anyone pursuing the study of this literary and artistic tradition.



2. This book introduces the reader to the people and processes involved in the production of manuscripts, and is interesting as a resource for methods of book production as much as it is for the insight it gives into the lives of the very real people whose efforts and whose lives went into the production of books by hand. With more than enough information to interest the scholar, this book is at the same time extremely accesible to the average reader interested in the subject. I would reccomend this as a textbook and as a good read, but would suggest that a reader have a good guide, such as Michelle Brown's Understanding Illuminated Manuscripts on hand, in order to best understand every facet of the material being presented. The book is clear and well-written, but a deeper understanding of the finished product adds greatly to the value of reading about their creators. This is a book I am proud to have on my bookshelf, for its readability, its attractiveness, and its value as a source for interesting historical information.



3. whether you are interested in the typical lives, education, training, as well as social status of the people whose work became immortal or in the techniques and tools used to create the magnificent pages.. this is a well written and interesting read. beautiful photographs of works in various levels of completion, numerous countries, schools and eras combined with well researched documentation and critiques makes this book an excellent resource. focusing mainly on the creation of illumination and explaining the lives of those creating the page, covering multiple aspects of training, techniques and changing social status throughout the decades leads to an overall thorough understanding. you will walk away not only being able to understand the illuminated page, its signifigance and constructuion but also those who toiled to creatre it. whether an art history lover, in love with the illuminated page or interested in the lives of people who lived centuries ago this book is a wonderful addition to you personal library. i wish my art history books were this well written.

1 comments about Jean Therapy: Denim Deconstruction for the Conscientious Crafter (Domestic Arts for Crafty Girls).

1. If you enjoy doing your own thing - wearing clothes or accessories that are outside the traditional box - well, if you do, this book is for you.
   First, hardcovered spiral - opens flat - nice paper stock - includes some patterns (on regular tissue type paper - not my kind of working patterns, but nice that they're included) - well, a great start.
   Next, this book includes information on needed tools and techniques (basic things like sceissors and seam ripper, etc - but also heavyweight steel pins, type of thread, and hand/machine needle requirements), as well as detailed information on measuring, including an ease chart and an international size chart (USA: size 6 = UK: size 8 = Europe: size 36 = Japan: size 9).
   Their patterns are sized small (US 6-8), medium (US 10-12), large (US 14-16) - won't fit everyone, but they do include info on adjusting patterns to fit. If you have a little experience, you should not have any problem altering these patterns to your size.
   Many techniques for altering the denim fabric are included (bleaching, dyeing, applique, beading, distressing, adding other fabrics, and so on). There is an entire section called "Denim Butchery" - lots of fun.
   There are a wide range of projects, including: necklace, wrist cuffs, tank top, bustier, halter top, a tote and a purse, several skirts (you can't make just one), a hooded vest, a kimono jacket, and more.
   Tips are interspersed throughout (for instance: "The chemical structure of the indogo dye"... - talking about the wearing process, and "cutting open a double-fold seam"..., and "If a seam is too bulky to place under the presser foot,"...).
   A stitch Glossary is included, each with an illustration (applique stitch, satin stitch, chain stitch, Lazy Daisy stitch, and more).
   Finally, what is my overal impression of this book... Well, eye-candy at first glance, then inspiration takes over, then pure satisfaction for having made this purchase. I've re-purpossed jeans from my own imagination for several years, so was very excited to find myself wonderfully impressed - this book takes it to another level.
   Yes, this is beautifully unconventional and wonderfully outside the box, and not for the meek or timid - these projects are meant to be seen.

5 comments about Developing Digital Short Films (Voices that Matter).

1. I would definately recommend this book to EVERYONE! It is so in-depth about every aspect of digital filmmaking. It has projects and things to think about on every single page. I would have paid $50 bucks for it! In my opinion, it is very cheap for its quality. Also, there are pictures on every page that deponstrate every topic. The pictures really help to open up new ideas in your head. I know they have for me!
   
   Buy it now!



2. It seemed like there was double the actual pages there was in the book. Everypage has tons of information about everything there is in making short films. I wish the book went into each aspect with more depth because reading this book seemed like a club of information just kept pounding me over the head. It jumps from each technique and tip so fast that it made me want either more examples or more explanation.
   With that said, this is definitely for anyone who is interested in making films, even for those who think they know it all. I thought I knew a lot about making films until I read this.



3. If you know any teenagers who are dying to learn how to make films, get them this book. While it is pretty scant on information (most of it being recycled from giants like Murch and McKee), it is motivational and has lots of fun exercises...and the graphic design is first rate.
   
   Recommended for beginners only.



4. Purchased this book to polish a 24-minute short screenplay. The story structure and content are solid now, and the characters believable. The lists are an AWESOME source of inspiration. Ready to shoot this Spring. Look forward to the DVD series. BTW, haven't made it through the second half of the book yet, but it looks great.



5. Sherri Sheridan takes you in her book Developing Digital Short Films through a very spectacular trip in the most interesting design topics which is about films and animation production industry.
   While moving through this interesting educational trip, you will find Sherri stands out with her tips, proverbs of famous people and exercises, which is the only way to fully digest the content of the book.
   
   This practice opens your eyes widely to see your favorite movies with a new vision. Every part of the film will remind you with a concept or a principle Sherri has mentioned in this book. Then you will realize how much interesting this filed is. And for sure, a dream to create your own movie comes to mind.
   
   As said, " This book will not make you Steven Spielberg, but it is a good step to start with", this book gives you a strong background in the field of animation.
   Not only the people that interest in working in the field of short films who can use this book, but also all who work in the filed of animation, including cartoons and web and digital animation. It will give the key to add a flavor to your animation and create eye-catching ideas with the principles used in film production industry.
   
   This book is divided into three parts that take you step by step to reach by the end of the book to create a complex idea. Enhanced with the exercises after every step. The first part (Digital Storytelling) prepare you to create your own story and develop it to create a story board for your film, in this part you will learn the concepts and principles of creating interesting story and develop it through its stages using its basic elements (Plot, Character, and Theme).
   After writing your story, Sherri takes you to the next step in part two (Visualizing Your Scripts) which converts your story into a storyboard ready for production. In this part, you will learn how to use film elements like cameras and locations to well deliver your story target to the audience. This part is very important to learn the principles of filmmaking and animation. However, it is important for all who works in the animation field.
   The third part (Creating Digital Short Films for Different Production Styles) is about using different techniques to come up with your film into the production phase applying all what you learnt through the book.
   
   This book provides a great experience for all who work in the fields of films production, cartoon and animation.

2 comments about Costume Design.

1. I have Cletus as my design teacher at Carnegie Mellon University this year. I have looked at the book, and it is definitely worth using and referring to regularly. The main thing to know is that Cletus has done everything, knows everything and really, he is the end all source of theatre, costume and artistic information and advice. He got through Yale School of Drama Grad program without ever turning in anything late... think about that. Now why would you choose another book?



2. I have used this book as the text in my Costume Design class for years and find it is the only one to my knowledge that covers both the conceptual aspects of costuming for the theatre as well the craft of rendering and construct. It even addresses historical information briefly. I was saddened to hear that the book was out of print. I am hoping a new edition will be out soon

2 comments about Morocco Style (Icons).

1. Love this little book.
   I first borrow it from the local library as the previous comment make me think.
   But now that I know how it is and I love it I'm going to buy it!
   Is a small book, so you don't need to bring around lots of weight.
   It has "only" pictures so, if you are looking for a book to read then this is not for you.
   But if you are looking for inspiration and great pics go for it.
   I'm a landscape designer and therefore find this little book very useful but I would suggest anyone who is interested in some inspiring pictures from Morocco to get this book as is cheap as chips and offers more than its price!
   Hope you enjoy!



2. Except for a few titles such as the Web Design Collection, Taschen's Icons book series have a very annoying habit of not being comprehensive enough in the material they cover and using a format much too small for a picture book. The low price one pays for them is not worth the expense. I rather spend more in other larger, thicker books Taschen publishes that cover the same subjects.
   
   The Morocco Style book is a tipical example of what I mean, much too many photos of the same residence or two, and a great deal of them having no architectural or photographic interest whatsoever.

5 comments about Fashion Rendering with Color.

1. I have found Bina Abling's books to the most useful of all the different fashion sketching books out there. This book was a supplemental to my Fashion Sketching class, and it has invaluable information on techniques for rendering multitudes of fabric, designs details, etc. in full color.
   
   As noted in other reviews, there was also a lot of black and white images for a book focused on 'rendering in color.' But I have found that a lot of the illustration work I'm now doing will be printed in B&W, so having Abling's examples of how to create color and texture variance in a limited color palette has really helped my art.



2. Would have been useful if 98 % of the book was actually in color, not black & white. Was extremely expensive for such a short book printed in this way.



3. I bought this book because it had such good reviews, but I was very disappointed with the contents. The title is fashion rendering with color, but most of the illustrations are black and white (very misleading). Plus the illustrations don't look very professional in my opinion. If you have no drawing skills but want to become a fashion designer, then this is the right book for you. Otherwise, don't buy it.



4. Bina Abling's Fashion Rendering with Color is a great source of information and consultation for starters on fashion design, and drawing in general. I've just started fashion design lessons, and I do not have many resources regarding this specific subject in my country, so I turned to Amazon.com to find the best, and I did. I've presented a collection of 30 dolls, using some of the styles on this wonderfull book, and I'm doing great, so I recommend this book to anyone who is starting, or just wants to know how to render with markers, and other materials.
   
   I hope you find this review helpful, and have a nice day!



5. Rendering with Fashion by Bina Albing is a very descriptive and helpful illustrated book for all students. This book has proved to be extremly helpful to the new student in drawing and finishing a fashion product. It gives prompt examples to the learning with colorful examples to help one learn. Idealy all students should get this book for future no matter the experience already learned.

3 comments about Egyptian Designs CD-ROM and Book (Dover Electronic Clip Art).

1. As a long-time Egyptian fan I like this package as it comes with a CD ROM making use of the images within easier. It needs to be mentioned however, that this book is a re-issue of the older Dover publication "Ready-to-Use Egyptian Motifs" by Maggie Kate. What Dover has done is clever and inventive in re-issuing older documents while including CD ROMs and re-naming the book, but it is only mentioned inside the cover of "Egyptian Designs" that it came from "Egyptian Motifs". I accidentally bought "Motifs" online not knowing that its image contents were exactly the same as "Designs", which I previously owned. Other publications by Dover in their Electronic Clip Art series is very likely to have been treated the same way. Both books are good quality books and fun, I wish they had more images inside, but be aware if you do not wish to have near-duplicate copies.
   
   Note that the comparison above to "Egyptian Designs" here is NOT the "Egyptian Designs" by Carol Belanger Grafton (also a Dover publication). Her designs are unique and different from either of the books mentioned in this review.



2. I have owned this book and CD-ROM for several years. As a web designer, and someone specializing in Ancient Egypt, I have used this book so many times I have lost count! Filled with many images from turn of the 20th century resources and those from antiquity, it is something I have given to friends and has been met with lots of excited "Oohs!" and "Ahh's!" The copyright free art definitely can add alot to any article, website or project you are doing.



3. Great fun, you find a use. Many illustrations from 19th C. sources. Sphinx, mummies, mourners, chariots, gods, this book's got 'em all! As with the other Dover clip art books/CD-ROMs you can pull them off the CD-ROM without actually importing them onto your HD. This collection is among my favorites, along with Dover's books & reading, food & drink and animals software sets.