5 comments about Drawing Cutting Edge Anatomy: The Ultimate Reference for Comic Book Artists.

1. Well for one I am a novice artist ... actually I am totally new to drawing anatomy and was expecting both a step by step book and a decent reference book.
   
   Well the good side is I have a ton of reference out of this beauty ... the bad part is there is almost no step by step procedures. The drawings are nice but the very few step by steps are really accelerated ...
   
   All in all this is a nice book to have around for reference and might do wonderfully well for an experienced artist ... but this really isn't the best choice for starters.



2. this book has a lot of instruction and ideas for what to draw is has a lot of instruction for the serious sketch artists. if you are looking for a book on anatomy this is a great buy.



3. The good: For someone who is learning to draw (and can) this will be helpful.
   The bad: observation of human and animal anatomy would be better for the student. Musculature can be picked up from health and body building magazines or online articles. there really isn't anything "cutting edge" about it for anyone who has picked up graphic novels or comics before.
   
   Is it worth it? yeah I guess so... for the inexperienced artist (in ANY discipline, whether painter, sculptor, graphic artist, comic book artist, etc etc) and as a quick reference book. But once you get into high detail artwork, where perhaps you want to show the texture of the muscle tissue underneath the skin (lighting and shading) it won't help. Poses and muscle groups that's about it.



4. This is probably among the top five of Christopher Hart's "How to Draw" books I own. If you're looking for a way to render anatomy in a good style - after having learned the basics, of course - then this is certainly the book for you.
   
   "Drawing Cutting Edge Anatomy" offers a number of exceptionally helpful sections for the artist; be warned however - as is the nature of books of this type, some sections will be wildly helpful, while others you'll just pass by. The most helpful:
   
   1) Early on, some helpful full-body schematics are rovided for both heroic male and female figures' musculature.
   2) There is a helpful page on vein placement
   3) The chapter on the Head and Neck (especially regarding the rendering of female characters' faces)
   4) The chapter on the Chest adn Abs
   5) The chapter on The Pelvis, Legs and Feet (especially on the legs).
   
   Unfortunately, the secions on the arms and hand are not especially helpful (owing mostly to the artist who provide the illustrations).
   
   Overall, however, a great book and a worthy addition to any beginning artist's bookshelf. Enjoy!



5. This is a great reference book. I really like it, BUT for any really REALLY serious people who wish to really improve their drawings, Riven Pheonix "Drawing the Human Figure From Your Mind" lessons are key (google it). It shows you how to draw the whole skeleton - from your mind. Then the muscles - from your mind. The fruits are astounding. I completed all 227 lessons and must admit that reference books are much more helpful when you actually LEARN how EXACTLY mucles and bones look the way they look on people.

2 comments about Piecebook: The Secret Drawings of Graffiti Writers.

1. i myself grew up a graffiti writer and are quite familiar to all those who contributed art work to this book. it was well done the prologue written by sacha jenkins(another graffiti writer) was well spoken an hit home as we who grew up in the early days of this era of graffiti sub culture can relate to. the art was reproduced with colorful visages that brought it all to life again as if it was done a few hours before i bought the book. each page was a look back to yesteryear, reading the messages that were a staple of the times ''fresh,def,and many other phrases we used then bring memories of an earlier time when it was fun to do the graffiti and create styles of your imagining.special thanks to chino villorente (another graffiti writer) who took the time an the love to put this together!! i truly enjoyed this book tremendously and glad i bought it, any graffiti writer should have this book on the shelf next to all the other homage books of the street life growing up.



2. Piecebook: The Secret Drawings of Graffiti Writers has successfully compiled a who's who of writer's writers in a format that looks so legit, you'd swear you could feel the grooves in the pages left by pencils and pens... as authentic and realistic as possible, there are even a few blank sheets to get up yourself! I even tried to peel the sticker off the inside cover!

5 comments about Patternmaking for Fashion Design and DVD Package.

1. I am a fashion design student and this is my favorite book ever for pattern making. I strongly recommend it to anyone serious about pattern making and design.



2. The best book for learning pattern making and as a reference when you are working in the industry!



3. i never received my item because they were sending it to the wrong address and i guess someone took it. They then promised to give me a refund which i haven't recieved yet either but it's only been a couple of days. I hope i at least get that back!



4. I find this book very informative. It contains info on every aspect of making clothing. I do not think that this book is expensive for the info it has in it. I have spend hundredths of dollars on books that where a waste of money, this book is worth every dime. Len



5. This book is just what I was looking for. Now I can design what I want to make and this book can show me how to draft the pattern. I love it.

5 comments about Gothic & Lolita Bible Volume 1.

1. I just recieved my Gothic & Lolita mook through the mail today! I jumped and squealed like a little girly when i saw the package waiting for me just outside my door. Well...i have to say i wasnt disappointed! The glossy cover and huge pages are really awesome-plus all the great articles and amazing pictures!XD Still i hope to see more skirt and blouse patterns instead of accessorie patterns in the future. So yeah-i'm totally in love when this mook! Really recommend it for all lolita lovers out there! :DDD



2. I agree with hikikomorihime's review - I bought this book hoping that there would be patterns for tops and skirts. There were just patterns for accessories. Most of the book is about the fashion and culture which you can find easily on the internet, but it's hard to find patterns on the internet. I plan to send Tokyopop some feedback and hopefully they will add better patterns in later issues. :-D If you sew and were expecting patterns, I suggest you do the same. Be nice though. ;-)
   
   Also, the description mentions that this book covers 4 volumes of the original Gothic & Lolita Bible, so the assumption is that this covers volumes 1 through 4. However it doesn't - it covers volumes 15, 16, 21, and 23. That makes sense since they wouldn't want to give us dated fashion information. I just thought I'd mention that in case you were expecting translations of 1 through 4.



3. Really, my biggest problem is that they condensed so many of the mooks into this one, but only included a few accessory patterns, and none of the "how-to" craft/clothing mod instructions. Really, they wouldn't have to include full patterns, they could easily just dedicate a few pages to printed Japanese words commonly used in Japanese patterns and craft instructions, along with the English definitions. At that point, we could just locate the words, and figure out on our own what to do with our original mooks. Of course... that still wouldn't be of much help to those who just discover it, and want the dress patterns, the aprons, the pinafores, etc. Still, I'm hoping that they'll make that change in a future translated mook, if not at least host something of the sort on their site.



4. Wow! The photos of the girls in their Gothic and Lolita fashions are incredible. It was neat to see how the style varies from individual to individual. I only had a broad idea of what Gothic and Lolita fashion was prior to getting this magazine. Both the photos and interviews with girls gave me a more in depth understanding. I enjoyed the article about Japan rock star Nana Kitade. I also had no idea how cutting edge Japan was in the fashion world. I will definitely be buying them every month!



5. i have been waiting soo long for this to come out in English! i had expected so much but they were all blown away.. thank you soo much.

2 comments about The Packaging and Design Templates Sourcebook (Graphic Design).

1. This book is a must have for any graphic artist. It's beautifully executed with tons of examples to garner inspiration from. Worth every penny.



2. I love this book. The templates are amazing, but easy enough to alter into your own design. Sometimes as a student you need a starting point. My last project turned out amazing and I believe I'll use this book as a reference for along time. I am even interested in other books by this author and Rotovision Publishing. The pictures are great and the design on the packaging a lone is worth it. This book is one of my best if not the best design books I have and more affordable. I honestly would have paid more for this book. My classmates are also looking into buying this book after they viewed my copy. I believe this is a must in a design students library. It gives you inspiration and shows you what good package design is, believe me there are some terrible books out there.

5 comments about Ships of the Line (Star Trek).

1. While ordering this book I was hoping that it would have some layouts of the inside of the ships and details with a lot of cool pictures but I feel like I kind of got cheated. The book has around 180 pages but there's like nearly 86 pictures of just star ships floating around and half of them are very boring shots. The texts are short on every page and I'm pretty sure I can read through the whole book within 15mins. Anyway it looses interests after a few minutes. I wouldn't bother with this book unless you just want something nice to look at once in awhile.



2. Ships of the Line (Star Trek)
   This is a great book, if you want to see what the ships look like. There isn't much in the way of written specs, but the artwork is fabulous.



3. "Ships of the Line" is a handsomely illustrated volume of Star Trek art. Originally presented in the annual Star Trek "Ships of the Line" calendar, this volume adds some history or point of reference to each of the paintings. Some are directly from episodes from the 5 Star Trek TV series or movies, and some extrapolate further into the Star Trek mythos. My biggest complaint, and it kept this from being a 5 star rating, is the size of the book, I own all the calendars that this artwork is from, and the original sizing was 24 x 12 (double page calendar) and they have been reduced to 11 x 7. This can make for some clearer images but it also hides some of the details in the shrinking. I like having the images collected in a book like this. It does add to my sci-fi and fantasy art collection quite nicely.



4. Some of the illustrations look like pre-production art of things that were much different in the various series. Some technical details would have been nice. More of the story behind each illustration would have been wonderful. More views of more ships would have been great. I am afraid that the target was not locked on this one.



5. I've been a fan of the "Ships of the Line" calendars for many years. This book is essentially a compilation of those stunning images, with some explanatory captions added. As such, it's a wonderful volume for any Star Trek fan who enjoys "beauty shots" of the various ships shown in the series. It should be noted, however, that these are pieces of original digital artwork. They are not screen captures of the various series or movies, but unique images created for the calendar series (and now, for this book). It was a great value and an excellent addition to my Star Trek book collection.

5 comments about Prepare to Board! Creating Story and Characters for Animated Features and Shorts.

1. Prepare to Board! Creating Story and Characters for Animated Features and Shorts - does what it says.
   This book will help you create a story and the characters within. I've read other books on storyboarding, but this book should be the one to start with. Then move on to Ron Bluth's - Art of Storyboard & Wendy Tumminello's - Exploring Storyboarding



2. Ms. Beiman's book is exceptional; it not only discusses storyboarding, but also the entire pre-production process, from character design to art direction to using cinematic lighting and camera angles. I'm never boarding without using tonal drawings again!
   
   I'm going to be the Teaching Assistant for the Storyboarding class at UCLA's MFA Animation Workshop in the fall, and I'm going to tell all the newbies to GET THIS BOOK!!!



3. This is a truly wonderful book filled with practical, concrete knowledge about how to plan for an animated production.
   
   In the past, I have seen a few somewhat superficial treatments of similar topics, and I was initially a little bit skeptical of this book. Suffice it to say that my expectations were vastly exceeded. Storyboarding is a central part of animated movie production, and it has finally gotten a definitive treatment in book form. This book is highly entertaining, beautifully illustrated, and really packed with information.
   
   Many readers of my own book Introducing Character Animation with Blender are interested in creating animated movies. I highly recommend that they take a look at this inspiring and informative book to ensure that they get off to a good start.



4. Well written and well organized, "Prepare to Board!" is a wonderful source for learning the ins' and outs of animation boarding.
   
   Nary a step in the process is glossed over or a stone left unturned. I'm quite impressed with the book all around, and have learned a lot about the inner workings of animation.
   
   A definite recommendation.



5. Nancy Beiman's book "Prepare to Board" is a must-have for animators. If you're serious about working in the industry then this book is for you.
   
   The quick little lessons are excellent tools for practice and improving skills. This books helps to increase creativity and really gives great advice. No other animation book has achieved what "Prepare to Board" has.
   
   Nancy Beiman knows the ins and outs of the animation world and you can tell why she's worked on so many great projects - she's the best at what she's talking about. Nancy Beiman is a professional and this book will help you along your path to a career.
   
   If you're not lucky enough to know her and have her as a Professor (or even if you do), then it goes without saying BUY THIS BOOK!

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.

5 comments about Russian Textiles: Printed Cloth for the Bazaars of Central Asia.

1. I wish there was a 6 star rate!
   Love the quality (overall!) of the book! Amazong for inspiration!! This one goes on my special-favorite book rack!!!!



2. As a collector of, and dealer in Central Asian garments, I have long been fascinated by the printed, cotton linings of these garments. Some of the fabrics are so beautiful, that my customers turn the coats inside out, and wear them in reverse. How delightful to find a book on these fabrics. The book shows many different patterns of fabric, as well as a number of coats, turned inside out, to show the wonderful patchwork patterns. Well done.



3. while this extravagantly illustrated compilation of Russian printed fabrics from 1900 to 1950 will be invaluable to both artist and collector, it is a visual delight to the general reader as well. The author skilfully weaves the history of the Cental Asian tribal peoples into the tapestry of mass migration and technology which produced stunning roller and block-printed cotton clothing.



4. This book is stunning in a visual sense. Each print illustrates the creative choices of the Central Asian people and also reflect the influences of the world around them. More than a book reviewing Russian textiles, it records the history of a region of the world that is not commonly explored. So beautifully photographed, one can almost feel the weave of the prints. Cloth is so commonplace we take its history for granted. This book reminds us its importance. Its interesting that a swatch of fabric can weave a story of time and people.



5. This book is not only visually stunning, it is also a fascinating read. This is the first time that these beautiful and unusual fabrics have been given their due recognition both as designs and as an important part of Russian/Soviet history.

5 comments about Disposable: A History of Skateboard Art.

1. Since ive loved skateboarding and art for many years, i was really glad to get my hands on this book. Sean Cliver outdid himself. I loved reading so many artists and skateboarders own views on the evolution of art in the skateboard industry. Definitely a must have.



2. I gave this book to my brother, an avid skateboarder, for Christmas and he loved it. He's not much of a reader, so the majority of it being pictures really appealed to him. If you're looking for a gift for the skateboarder in your family, I would recommend this.



3. This book is jammed packed with great board graphics and interesting stories about the images on the decks and the skaters themselves. LOVE THIS BOOK!



4. Quite simply, this is a book that MUST be seen. The artwork, photographs and story are just perfect. Greatin authoring by Sean Cliver who gives a terribly detailed, painful, humorous and honest look at the behind-the-scenes of the skateboard industry. As a kid growing up and skating in the 80's (I started skating in 1984 when I was 9, this book took me down memory lane and, I must say, enjoyed every step. This book is a no-lose buy and I strongly encourage you purchase.



5. The book could've been a bunch of pictures of skate decks slapped together, but this book presents the images with a behind-the-scenes feel to it. I love how Sean presents the book with an autobiographic feel which leaves you feeling like you're right there with him, working on some of these graphix. But then, Sean takes it to the next level. He presents a first hand account from the riders who rode the deck(s) or from the artist who created the artwork, which gives the reader a better understanding of what was happening behind the scenes. Now I look at some of these skate decks in a whole new level. It's like a book version of ESPN's Behind the Glory.
   Sean, if you're reading this, maybe you should look into that!