5 comments about The Best of Business Card Design 6 (The Best of Business Card Design).

1. OK. Let's get one thing straight from the beginning.
   Many of the most creative elements ended up for self use.
   So does that make this volume a practical how-to for real client projects?
   Yes, I think so. We must push the edge of design to remain rut-free and boring.
   So, buy this volume. Be challenged to go beyond the edge of your level of design. Just remember to have a few lesser aggressive designs in your back pocket if clients take a deep breath and say "Well that's interesting".



2. I found this book very useful. It gave great examples of wonderfully designed business cards and letterheads. Great inspirational tool.



3. The stunning collection of cards displayed in this book are inspiring. Just one element in a card can influence the rest of my design and get me on a roll. This book is full of classy, eye popping designs to edgy, out the box designs. It is a sure fire fit for any designer.



4. Such a great source of inspiration for us right brainers! The BEST OF series never disappoints!



5. There are so many awesome designs in here, I come back to it time and time again for inspiration.

5 comments about The LaTeX Companion (Tools and Techniques for Computer Typesetting).

1. This is a compilation of many concisely written topics. I have not enjoyed the writing much, and have found examples more clearly written on many web sites.



2. An up-to-date reference for experienced LaTeX users. This book does NOT contain an introduction to LaTeX. Rather, it assumes that the reader has a working LaTeX system and has written some documents before. The value of the book lies in its breadth of coverage. There is a solution for just about any LaTeX problem I can think of. Mostly, the solutions consist of a recommendation for some third-party LaTeX package (style file) and a short review of its use. But the book also covers some quite esoteric issues in-depth. For example, it contains the only introduction to BiBTeX style file programming that I'm aware of.
   
   An indispensable resource for serious LaTeX writing for those with high standards for their typesetting.



3. If you are going to buy one book on latex this is the one. It covers all the basics of document typesetting with latex. I actually own the first edition of the book but of course, you should always get the latest one. In the book there are sections to cover the following topics:
   
   - Setting-up single or multi-column layouts
   - Typesetting basic headings and text
   - Creating tables using either the "tabular" or the "array" packages
   - How to have tables span multiple pages
   - Working with floating figures
   - How to typeset beautiful math formulas
   - Handling accented characters
   - Basic pictures and graphics import
   - Installing new fonts
   - Creating indexes
   - Adding tables of contents and tables of figures
   - Adding good looking bibliographies with Bibtex
   
   Lots of material is covered. Though there is overlap I also think that the book by Leslie Lamport is a good complement to this book. Leslies book is shorter, more to the point and perhaps a better introduction to latex than this one. But on the down side it covers less material. This is why I consider this book to be the one to get if you get only one.



4. The Latex Companion is my Bible. I am currently writing my PhD thesis in Latex and I always keep this book within easy reach of my desk. However, be warned, this book is not suitable for beginners. The Latex Companion is a reference manual for people who already have an idea of how to use Latex. When I started to use Latex I tried to read this book and I couldn't. Instead, I used a paper (available on the internet) called "The Not So Short Introduction to Latex" to teach myself the basics. Nevertheless, once past the basics, I found this book to be invaluable. It provides detailed descriptions and examples of all of the most commonly used Latex packages, divided into the following chapters:
   
   Chapter 1: Introduction
   Chapter 2: The Structure of a Latex Document (including headings, chapter titles and tables of contents)
   Chapter 3: Basic Formatting Tools (paragraphing, footnotes and lists)
   Chapter 4: The Layout of the Page
   Chapter 5: Tabular Material
   Chapter 6: Mastering Floats
   Chapter 7: Fonts and Encodings
   Chapter 8: Higher Mathematics
   Chapter 9: Latex in a Multilingual Environment
   Chapter 10: Graphics Generation and Manipulation
   Chapter 11: Index Generation
   Chapter 12: Managing Citations
   Chapter 13: Bibliography Generation
   Chapter 14: Latex Package Documentation Tools
   
   This book also contains an accompanying CD-Rom with all of the examples from the book, but I have never used this CD. I find it easier to just copy the examples myself from the text.



5. I found this book to be extremely useful as a reference. One can find things relatively quickly, and a wealth of information is available. It is definitely not an introduction to Latex.

4 comments about Making Books That Fly, Fold, Wrap, Hide, Pop Up, Twist & Turn: Books for Kids to Make.

1. As a teacher, this book is a great resource for ideas to show students how to write and product there own work of literature. We used the book as the basis for a "Make a Book Night" sponsored by our PTA. Students and their parents attended a night of book making and story writing choosing from one of the many book ideas presented in the book. It was a great experience for one and all. If you love books, like to write poetry, stories or journals I highly recommend purchasing
   
   Making Books That Fly, Fold, Wrap, Hide, Pop Up, Twist & Turn: Books for Kids to Make



2. I recently purchased this book and have found it to be a terrific resource for teaching children how to make beautiful books.The instructions and diagrams are easy to follow and very clear. My favourite is the T.V. book. The children in my class had a blast making these books.



3. Good ideas for books to make with kids, and also some basic ideas to further explore in more complex books.



4. I used several ideas in this book to teach an afterschool bookmaking class for K-3rd graders. The books are eye-catching and pretty simple to make, although I did a bit of prep work for the kids.
   
   It was really wonderful to see how much the children loved their projects. They were extremely creative and innovative too, every child made the book their own by doing something interesting or different with the materials provided. This is in stark contrast to several adult bookmaking classes I've taken, where the adult students want to recreate the teacher's book EXACTLY.
   
   Anyway, I highly recommend this book to anyone is willing to spend some time making books with kids. Children older than 4th grade MIGHT be able to use this book independently, depending on their experience and motivation.
   
   Regardless, I think this book is wonderful for showing kids just how fascinating and rewarding it can be to make their very own books.

5 comments about The French-Inspired Home, with French General.

1. Bring the look of French decorating to your home. I love this book, never having been to France and only seeing limited books on French decorating, I find this to be one of the best, it is kind of a more laid back decorating approach than the more formal French decorating books I have seen, it is well done and gives you some projects you can tackle as a beginner sewer. This book looks at french tickings and uses for them throughout your home, if you have ever come across French tickings and the like, you will find they are so versatile in your home, and you will keep wanting to get more. A 5 star book.



2. A beautiful book--if you like shabby chic, it's for you. Good ideas, but not always practical unless you have access to a lot of estate sales and flea markets where dealers don't price themselves out of the market.



3. I cannot tell you how disappointed I was with this book. Having read the glowing reviews, on receiving the book, there is really nothing in this book of value, creativity or the "oooh" factor. This one will be quickly dispatched to the second hand book store!



4. I read this book from first page to last right after I opened it from the mail. It is filled with inspiration, helpful hints, decorating ideas, and an archive of full colored images that you can scan into your computer and use yourself. I love how she does not force her shop onto the reader, she states that you can find the items that she is explaining at flea markets and antique sales all over the world. I would rate this book 5 stars, for helpful insight into creating a "french inspired home." Cant wait for the next one!!



5. I must say I was disappointed in the book. I thought that it would have been more ideas of what furniture and fabrics to use to create a French inspired looking home.
   I am in the processing of trying to create a French looking kitchen and I had hoped that would be inspiring.
   But unfortunately for me it wasn't.

5 comments about Spectrum 14: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art (Spectrum (Underwood Books)).

1. I have purchased the last five issues of Spectrum and enjoyed this almost as much as Spectrum 12. I have just started puchasing the re-issued original issues and can say that Spectrum 1 may have fewer pages but still is well worth the money. I find myself looking online for the artists that impress me. I just wish there was more information supplied on the art shown. Overall, I would definitely recommend Spectrum 14.



2. This is my second purchase of spectrum books. 13 was the first one I brought. All I can say is this is one of the most stunning art books I have ever owned...that and after going through this one I may have to pick up all the other books. Every page is full of beautiful work from a wide arrange of different styles. I can't say how many times this book has saved me when It came down to me trying to complete a illustration. It constantly inspires me and makes me want to pick up a paintbrush or any drawing tool for that matter and create.
   
   Spectrum deserves all the praise in the world for the great effort that they put into all these books. To top that off most standard art books like this go for itleast double the cost. Love these books!



3. Like Santa Claus, Spectrum only comes around once per year and is always highly anticipated. This annual collection of the world's best contemporary fantasy and Sci-fi art is always a favorite not only due to its sheer size and beautiful production, but also because of its diversity in scope. Spectrum presents the best art from the fields of books, comics, advertising, editorial, concept, and even sculpture into each year's volume.
   
   As always, the book begins with a look at the year in review and the trends in contemporary fantasy art before getting into the opening category of advertising art and presenting the first of its gold and silver annual awards to the best in each category. This year's gold winner in the advertising category went to James Jean for his Retro-hip "Spacerace 2020" painting for Nike. This gorgeous pop-art piece is a tribute to Sci-Fi imagery of the `40s and `50s.
   
   I'm not sure how they could have picked a winner in the book category as there are so many outstanding pieces. While Jon Foster's winning painting for Night Shade books was very good, Luis Royo's offering for his graphic novel, "Dark Labyrinth". Adam Hughes took home the Gold Award in the Comics category for his depiction of the sleek and sexy Scarlet Witch from Upper Deck. As a long-time comic book fan I love seeing the industry's artists getting their just due as the outstanding artists that they are. Other standouts included Gary Giannni's standout art from the Prince Valiant comic strip that is in the best tradition of Hal Foster, and Charles Vess/Mike Kaluta's work from the Vertigo Comics series "1001 Nights of Snowfall".
   
   One of the categories I look forward to most each year is the dimensional chapter featuring the year's best sculptures and models and this year was certainly no disappointment. A. Brent Armstrongs mammoth 54" tall piece featuring King Kong atop the Empire State Building is simply breathtaking! The Alex Ross designed Superman resin sculpt by artist Karen Palinko features the distinctive look of Ross as Clark Kent rips open his shirt to reveal Superman's legendary logo. Shawn Nagle's "Tarzan and the Golden Lion" based on art by longtime Tarzan illustrator, J. Allen St. John, is another winner.
   
   Spectrum never fails to deliver a little something for everyone's taste and Spectrum volume 14 may be the best edition yet. Grade A.



4. I was wondering, who would review this and not like it. Anyway, Whenever I stumbled upon this series I was quite happy. Way back when, one of my favorite books was a compilation of Dragonlance art from the 80's I think. Great pics in this and wonderful works of art.
   
   Fantasy and Sci Fi lovers and art lovers in general will be pleased with this.



5. These annuals seem to be getting bigger every year, yet there's not less quality involved. Great book for reference of what's going on in this field. Great stuff as usual. Digital art is gaining pretty fast these days, but it's still looking good.

5 comments about The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes, Second Edition.

1. Very clear and detailed information, with excellent photo and graphics that illustrate the alternative processes.
   All the processes are historically contextualized.
   Congratulations Christopher James for this great book.



2. 'Tis the most complete alternative processes manual of all times. More beautiful color photograph illustrations than you could think to shake a stick at. To get the most alternative use of this book, one might stitch the pages together to wear as clothes, and alternatively processize to one's heart's content.



3. This book is for artists. It is worth every cent. Remember, you get what you pay for. It contains the details, the history, the examples and the intellect. Very well put together and a pleasure to read. If you are serious about learning "alternative" photographic processes, this is the book.



4. Every learning photographer must have this book. More to photography than photoshop and digital and this book will open up you photographic world.



5. You may not believe it, but this book is actually good bedtime reading for any photographer. Christopher presents the history of each process backed up with examples both historical and contemporary. His sense of humor is evident in much of the writing. If you've never tried any of these processes, step by step instructions are given as well as helpful tips to ensure success and sources for product. More about digital technology is incorporated in this edition- yes it is ok to make digital negatives to use with an old process!

5 comments about The Little Box of Socks.

1. Nifty little collection of sock patterns. I'm always looking for new ones and this fills the bill.



2. Lots of choices, very nice presentation, good instructions. What more could you ask--free yarn? I really like it and am glad I bought it.



3. I just received this great little box of sock patterns and I already have planned a few projects using some of my special single and multi colored hand-dyed stash that I've been hoarding while waiting to find patterns worthy of using it on. There are so many great patterns in this "box" with lots of really interesting textures. I love how each pattern is on a separate folded laminated card which is great for those of us that keep sock projects stashed in our purses for on-the-go knitting.



4. This is a great sock book! 20 laminated patterns in a little box .Perfect for those who like hand dyed yarn., but works well for those who dont.I planned out my next 3 socks One already on the needles the day i got this book!



5. The last thing I need is another sock pattern book, but I just couldn't pass this one up. It has socks for every skill level and gives many, many, many options for working with hand-painted yarns so they don't "puddle" into blobs of color. Those patterns alone are worth the price of the book. There are even more great patterns, though. Lace socks, felted socks, Fair Isle socks, you name it, this box of sock patterns has it. As soon as I got my Little Box of Socks, I found one of the patterns to be just perfect for some very persnicketty sock yarn I have - the pattern will work beautifully with it - and the socks are already cast on. Talk about motivating! Even if you own every sock book there is, this Little Box of Socks is well worth having for its own unique designs.

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 Design Basics Index (Index Series).

1. This book was mis-listed for one of my classes, but after buying it, I found myself taking it everywhere with me and reading it anytime I had spare time. Every time you look through it, you learn something new. As most artistic people are, I'm very visual, and all the examples really enhance the book and help to cement the ideas and rules. Very colorful, helpful and ultimately FUN TO READ! I love this book and recommend it!!



2. If you bought this book your going to be extremely happy. I have 5+ years in design and I'm learning new things as I go through this book. It's teaching me things my teachers in COLLEGE did not even teach. This is hands down one of the strongest books I've ever read and the exercises inside provide so much great hands on experiments for you to play with.
   
   If you already spent the money to buy The non-designers graphic design book you need to buy this! This goes into so much great detail than I would've expected.
   
   All I can say is WOW. Great investment. I've totally changed the way I look at design.



3. This is the book that was missing in college. So what makes the difference between Wow and O.K. Read it, study it, do the excersizes... follow it. I wish every hobbist in the digital scrapbook world would discover this book.
   
   Jim Krause is one of THE BEST teachers of our time.



4. I had to buy this book for school, but I love the way it's laid out. It's very colorful, very informative, and it's small size with a strong plastic cover makes it easy to take with you everywhere or throw in your purse.
   
   I have learned a lot from this book so far.



5. This book covers the basics of graphic design and is great for a beginner. It's also worthwhile for any intermediate or advanced designer to have in their collection for review. It's a small book so it's easy to carry around and not daunting to read.

5 comments about Painter X Creativity: Digital Artist's handbook.

1. A wealth of information that would take you months to acquire otherwise. I worked in the past with Painter 4 & 5 years ago. I would have had trouble wading through all the new information.
   The cost is a bargain.



2. Jeremy has done it again! In this book you can feel his passion about Corel Painter and his desire to teach everyone how to explore their creativity with the software. This is a terrific addition to any digital artist's library, whether they are a novice or advanced professional. Jeremy is extremely generous in sharing his customized brushes and techniques. Great for teachers of Corel Painter!



3. Very helpful book for a novice at Painter, such as myself. Lots of good ideas. The included CD, which contains a number of Jeremy's favorite brushes, is worth the price of the book itself. If you are knowledgeable in creating brushes, this may not be a big deal, but again, I am a beginner in using Painter. Also contains a brief description of each of the brushes included in Painter X.



4. There are lots of books that teach technique. Jeremy's book helps teach Creativity. Not an easy thing to do. Of course it is not be last book on the subject you should read, but this will help you along the way.



5. This book is more like an art class. The author, Jeremy Sutton, teaches the technical aspects of Corel Painter X and then goes beyond that to share his hard-earned tips and expertise for digital art creation and production. His personal secrets are what makes this book stand out among the crowd. The goal of the author is to teach readers both the software and also creativity. Although it still has the same format as previous books, this latest effort not only covers the new Painter X features but has been rewritten with new and better projects.
   
   One of the many features in this book that makes it more like an art class than a book is how the author walks the reader through the setup for their own digital art studio from optimizing their computer and color management to fine tuning the Wacom tablet. Besides this technical stuff, the author discusses his own production tested techniques. I especially liked his Project-Version-Notes folder and file naming convention.
   
   From this point, the author discusses the Painter X tools and interface and then how to customize the palettes and workspace for your own needs. Painter X brushes are the next topic and Sutton includes a nice glossary of sample brush strokes for each of the major brush categories. Next, he discusses how to experiment with different brush variants and how he maintains and organizes his ever increasing list of favorites. This production tip alone will save the reader much wasted time.
   
   The thing that makes any artwork stand out from the crowd is the ability of the artist to go beyond the basics of the software. One way to do this is to create your own brushes, textures and patterns. After discussing the ins-and-outs of these features, Sutton shows you how to use your own customized tools to take your artwork to the next level.
   
   The second part of the book concentrates on several case studies that demonstrate design and composition. Sutton discusses some methods that are only available in a digital environment such as generating several variations of the same artwork as a starting point for a project. Finally, he discusses how creating scripts can be a time saver and a teaching aid.
   
   There were a few things that I have seen covered in books of this type for many years including techniques for creating a digital painting from a photo and digital collage. Although these topics are still popular, I would have preferred that those pages of the book were used to introduce some new ideas.
   
   Readers have come to expect this type of book to have supporting tutorial image files and extra goodies such as brushes and training videos and this book has that. There are some nice extras including custom workspace layouts that the author has built for his own production needs and uses throughout the book. Any artist knows how useful these real world, production proven resources can be compared to the usually list of bland goodies found on a book's CD.
   
   Jeremy Sutton's artwork is collected worldwide and he is the author of several books and video tutorials.