5 comments about Layout Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Building Pages in Graphic Design.

1. When I first got this book, I thought it was going to be more in the layout like a textbook that has a lot of words and few pictures. When I opened it up and read through it, it was quite the opposite. It shows everything visually and minimizes type wherever it can. It really goes into good detail about the design process and the best way to brainstorm and come up with ways to stop artist-block. It shows good solid design across multiple different styles. It mostly focuses on print pieces, but the messaging and intent can be carried across to web design as well. Great examples at the end and helps to break out of the normal art concepts that I come up with. For me, it is more of an inspiration book than a "learn design" book.



2. This was the first book that I bought in Rockport's series of graphic design books. It provides great information for designing layouts and even shows examples from real publications. The only gripe I have is the small font was a bit hard to read in a dimly lit room (but most trendy publications are that way now). But despite that, the book is still readable in good lighting and provides extremely helpful design tips. With its glossy pages and a sophisticated design style, even if you don't actually read the book (although you should!), the style of the book itself provides inspiration for creating a modern, clean and dynamic look.
   
   This book is part of a TERRIFIC series of graphic design books by Rockport. (The series also visually looks great together since the publishers shrewdly designed all the bindings to match and line up together on the shelf.)
   So far there are only 5 (including Layout Workbook), but hopefully they will add more books to the very useful series:
   Logo Design Workbook: A Hands-On Guide to Creating Logos
   
   Typography Workbook: A Real-World Guide to Using Type in Graphic Design
   
   Publication Design Workbook
   
   Color Design Workbook: A Real World Guide to Using Color in Graphic Design



3. You will learn something if you are a novice, but if you have already taken a layout course this book doesn't offer you much.



4. I have only just started to read this book and already its got my imagination running with new ideas. I would highly recommend this book for anyone; getting a basic understanding of layouts and how they effect the interpretation of a design is key point in graphic design. This book demonstrates this perfectly I believe.



5. I highly recommend this book to my Graphics Students all the time. If you are interested in creating professional, yet creative layouts this book is a great creative resource.

3 comments about World War Hulk: Marvel Universe.

1. The only goog part of this World War Hulk tie in, is the x-men part, where Wolverine, colossus, cyclops and juggernaut fight relly good, but all the aditional issues are useless.



2. Compared to Civil War, and more currently Secret Invasion, World War Hulk doesn't feature all that many tie-in's; a majority of which are collected here in World War Hulk: Marvel Universe. Taking up most of the collection here is the World War Hulk: X-Men mini-series, in which Beast and the young New X-Men come head to head with the Hulk. Written by Christos Gage, the story itself isn't that bad, but is hardly anything to write home about either. Also featured here are two issues from Iron Man, taking place after his battle with the Hulk in the beginning of World War Hulk; an issue of Robert Kirkman's highly underrated Irredeemable Ant-Man series; two issues from Dan Slott's Avengers: The Initiative where Rage and some recruits come face to face with Hulk and his Warbound; and a rather boring segment from Daniel Way's run on Ghost Rider to boot. The Avengers: The Initiative, Ant-Man, and Iron Man stories are definitely the best part of what's to be found here, and the various artwork found throughout is pretty good as well. It should also be worth noting that the Punisher's run in with the Hulk (which can be found in Punisher War Jornal: Hunter Hunted) is not collected here, where as the Avengers: The Initiative and Ghost Rider segments can be found in other collections. All in all, for anyone besides the World War Hulk completist, World War Hulk: Marvel Universe is worth a look, but there's nothing essential here in the least.



3. This is a good collection of the crossovers within the marvel universe for the WWH story. Admittedly one of the best stories that year, this collection showcases how futile it is to go up against the Hulk. If you are a big X-Men fan, you might be hurt by their battle, where a young mutant by the name of Darwin who's ability is to "evolve a power" to defend against any situation, gets hit by the hulk so his body evolves the best defense against the Hulk, Be somewhere else. All in all the battles are big, the story is worth while and a definite good companion for the WWH main trade.

5 comments about The Principles of Uncertainty.

1. This isn't really a book for reading, it's a book that you'll dip in and out of, reading the humorous and sometimes touching vignettes at your whim - much like the blog that spawned this book. Some of the illustrations are better than others - I particularly like the historical portraits and full-colour pages. Nonetheless it's a beautiful illustrated book and a sweet gift for someone.



2. This is such a beautiful, unique book. Each time you see a picture or read a section, you think and then think again something altogether different. This is a book not to read, but to experience. Thank you Mrs. Kalman.



3. This is one of the most brilliant books in existance. It has weight to it, and the art & words are thought-provoking & insightful. Most of it feels tinged with a slight melancholy-- that could be just me-- but it doesn't hurt the book by a long shot. If anything, it deepens it. I'm glad i was finally able to buy it, after reading it again & again in bookstores. Definitely recommend this book.



4. i very much enjoy the book, and there was very fast delivery-unfortunately the mail left the box in the rain, so the cover got damp, but beautiful book!



5. I have been a fan of Maira Kalman's children books for some time. As an adult I enjoy them immensely for their whimsy and charm. When I spotted this book in a local bookstore on the travel shelf, of all things, I opened it and couldn't put it back. Everyone I have shown this book to has said she (or he) is going to buy a copy immediately. I think I've personally sold at least 5 of them so far. This is not an easy book to describe - it's better to pick it up, open it and jump right into the fun and enchanting world of Maira Kalman. She takes people watching to a new high - in her hands it becomes art. She finds joy and humor and dignity wherever she looks. And she brings us with her, if we care to follow. To open a hard back book, standard size, and find bright, inviting, paintings and drawings on almost every page starts you out with a bit of a surprise right from the start. The delight of reading this book and entering into Maira's world - full of lovely people, and funny things, and some quite amazing viewpoints - is beyond description. I can't imagine who wouldn't find it wonderful. I also don't think there's anything to "get." It is what it is, and that's as much the beauty of it as any of the paintings and musings.

5 comments about Fingerprint: The Art of Using Hand-Made Elements in Graphic Design.

1. I bought this book as a gift for someone else, but after seeing it in person I'm thinking of buying it for myself! It is a beautiful book!



2. When relying on a computer all day, this book lets you return to how it all began. Get creative! Draw, doodle, color, cut, create and interpret this into your latest computer-aided design.



3. This is a fantastic resource filled with great examples of handmade design masterpieces. There are a few sections of illustrations that are already starting to look very dated, but a lot of the featured designs are timeless in their inginuity and beauty.
   
   Whether you are already using hand-made techniques in your work, or you are searching for some inspiration on how you can get a more hands-on tactile feel with your designs in this age of InDesign, Photoshop and stock graphics, this book is great.



4. If you love handmade and mixed media this book is for you. It is an inspirational collection of graphic design with a handmade look, very creative.



5. This is such a lovely book! Nice layout, easy to follow. Full of fantastic examples.

5 comments about Universal Principles of Design.

1. What's great about this book is it's organization and brevity. The authors articulate the design concepts in clear manner and supply concrete examples (on opposing pages) to add weight and understanding to the written explanation. Furthermore all concepts are linked to the canonical papers from which they come as well as the more modern advances in the field.
   
   It's a book your feel comfortable trusting.
   
   A design book that takes the additional care to give the audience a conceptual table of contents (of concepts grouped by type) *as well as* an alphabetical table of contents is the type of book that is, well...
   
   Well designed.



2. This book is indispensable for anyone looking for a grasp on design fundamentals without going to design school. The organization, examples and presentation are top-drawer. So intuitively done. For the non-designer, a wonderful reference and primer on classic design principals and why they matter. Should be on the desk of any marketer who works with creatives and wants a better understanding and appreciation of great design.



3. Universal Principles of Design is an accessible addition to design understanding. The information has been distilled into a consistent and clear format that allows key design principles to be quickly appreciated. It is the product of a considerable research endeavour; references sources are quoted allowing further exploration of the principles. The graphics and format, as to be expected in a book design of principles, makes delving into this book an enjoyable experience. I just wish I had a copy of this book as a student, many years ago, but you are never too old to learn and experience new ideas and perhaps reinforce design concepts that you have known for a long time.



4. Each of the 100 design guidelines ranging from photography to software design will present an explanation with references to relevant sources accompanied by one or more examples.
   
   With this book you can simply recognize the good rules, not remember you read about them somewhere. ;)



5. This is, without a doubt, the best design book I have ever read. While everything in the Rockport Publishers tends to be wonderful, this book is the greatest. The book is very accessible to the average reader, no matter the level of experience in the field. On top of that, it is one of the most comprehensive guides I have found. The layout of the book is also superb, which helps set the mood for design brainstorming.
   
   I should also add that because each topic is only two pages long, it is very easy to keep on the nightstand and read a few sections before bed each night. Again, this book is extremely accessible.

5 comments about The Animator's Survival Kit.

1. Exactly what I was looking for! The perfect guide for the beginning (and the more experienced)animator.



2. Anyone remotely interested in animation should pick up this book. It is amazing. It is truly the perfect reference book for anyone who wants to animate, and do it well.



3. This is one of the best books on frame-by-frame 2D non-vector animation. The only problem is, Richard Williams overdoes it by a large margin. He is a man possessed with talent, and he demands perfection of himself. That is a hard way to do things, no? In every other respect, this book is excellent. By the way, the culmination of Richard Williams' style of work is the movie The Cobbler and the Thief, available online on [...]. The exact title to search for is this: The Thief and the Cobbler (2007 Recobbled Cut) [v2.0]



4. This is one of those books that has helped me out alot. If you are a beginning animator in need of learning the principles of animation or if you have had difficulty figuring out how to create walk cycles and facial character animation, then this book is for you.



5. I give this book 5 stars simply because it was written in a style that's easy to read and understand and uses common terminology. The best part about it is the readability and resourcefulness of the content. Everything a student needs to learn the subject matter in a motivating format!

5 comments about The Pocket Stylist: Behind-the-Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look.

1. Kendall Farr is one of the best stylists in the business. The chapter on tailoring is excellent. How many of us have passed up a great article of clothing just because it didn't fit perfectly? She mentions classic, timeless but modern looks throughout the book. I like her wide range of designer recommendations for each body type, and no, they're not ALL super expensive. Now I NEVER waste time shopping for clothes I know won't look right on me. I bought this book in 2004, when first published, and still review it regularly. It should be on every woman's bookshelf.



2. This terrific book changed the way I think about clothing fit, and what I should be wearing and buying. It's the most useful fashion/clothing book I own, and probably a good purchase for many women. The ideas are timeless, but still immediately applicable for a variety of women, budgets, sizes, and style preferences. I highly recommend it. I had come to Amazon just to buy the Lucky shopping guide, and bought this in addition to the Lucky book because of all the positive reviews -- I'm so glad I did, because this is the book I like better of the two!



3. Reading this book is like listening to a big sister tell you the things that you really need to know, but no one else is saying. She'll tell you when to get rid of things, when to rethink them, and how to choose what will flatter you. I've had my stylish moments before, but now I know what exactly made them work, and how to create a look that is my own. Thank you Kendall for putting pen to paper on behalf of American womene everwhere.



4. very helpful book. i wish i had it long ago. i would have avoided useless purchases.



5. The Pocket Stylist is the best of the books on style and wearing what flatters your shape, including larger sizes.
   
   I also purchased the Lucky Shopping Manual which was like reading the magazine, not near as good as The Pocket Stylist.
   
   The Pocket Stylist: Behind-the-Scenes Expertise from a Fashion Pro on Creating Your Own Look

5 comments about Force: Dynamic Life Drawing for Animators, Second Edition.

1. Although I have not read through the whole book, it has some great info and has renewed my interest in drawing the human form.



2. I just finished reading this book the first time through, and it's great. All of the other reviews are spot on. It does help to have some knowledge of anatomy, but if you don't, you can still learn from this book, and it will make learning anatomy more fun. It has lots of great full page drawings too. I've noticed improvements in my skills, and look forward to going through it again in the future.



3. I've added this book to my required book list for Figure Drawing for Animation. Great book, and very helpful to my students. I see a marked improvement in ability within reading just the first chapter.



4. I bought this book for Xmas for my son's girlfriend. Both my son and his girlfriend are Animation students at San Jose State University. They have to draw constantly. I mean CONSTANTLY. She said that this is a terrific book. This is coming from an Animation student and you cannot get better feedback than that. Highly recommend this book.



5. This book has helped my figure drawing a lot in terms of capturing energy and the essence of the model's actions. The best book on figure draw I've read so far; also very helpful for animators.

5 comments about Dressing the Man: Mastering the Art of Permanent Fashion.

1. A good book that talks about dressing and differenct color combinations, dressing based on your individual bodyd/face shape with illustrations.



2. Alan Flusser's DRESSING THE MAN is the one book you must have if you want to dress professionally, and if you desire to know the history of proper male adornment in the twentieth century. Interestingly written, information-rich, and chock-full of wonderful photographs of well-dressed men, this tome is a volume to which you will return again and again. Flusser pays careful attention to skin and hair color and how they affect a man's appearance in tailored garments, and he thoroughly discusses garment style and detailing. Interesting chapters on shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories round out this informative and visually appealing volume. DRESSING THE MAN is an appropriate book for both the novice dresser and the mature elegante.



3. For a fashionably-clumsy man like myself, this book has enabled me to take a step forward and look sort of like the consultant that I am (or at least portray myself to be).
   
   The book is elegantly photographed with men of elegant dress, including classic actors such as Gary Cooper, Fred Astaire and the poster-child for perfect dress, Cary Grant. You'll also see princes and dukes dressing to keep the proper air, and see old men (Signor Barbera and Ralph Lauren) maintaining their distinguished appearances as they grey by dressing well.
   
   But this isn't merely a picture book, although any book on dressing well must lead with pictures. It contains a chapter on everything - shoes, ties, the suit, shirts, socks, business casual (13 in all, and each on a narrow subject). Matching color to your complexion, eyes and hair is a subject that many men struggle with, and he has a chapter dedicated to that.
   
   This is a formal and classic book - not one for the passing trends, although business casual is covered.
   
   Anyone who needs to be in a situation where they need to be well-dressed - businessmen for key meetings, gentlemen at weddings and perhaps most especially, job interviewers, should keep a copy of this book on their dresser.



4. A book that does an excellent job of not only explaining classic men's style, but also gives numerous pictorial examples and explains the historical basis behind the rules. This is a must-have for men who are interested in improving their style or simply to keep as inspiration for those who like to look good. While it may not turn you into George Clooney or Cary Grant, this book will certainly help its readers to project a sophisticated, professional image.



5. Replete with photographs of many famous actors wearing the garments, textures, colors, or combos under discussion, this book lays out rather systematically not a theory but an attitude and way of seeing clothing.
   
   I saw it by accident in a library, opened it up and decided to check it out. The scales of sloppiness and pride in "schlumpitude" fell from mine eyes as I read it cover to cover.
   
   One of Flusser's strengths is his ability to communicate his vision without dictating exactly what you should wear. He claims that his attitude can apply to all styles of dress, though he clearly favors conservative styles. In the end, I do believe him in his claim to ultimate neutrality.
   
   When a windfall came my way, I decided that I was going to spend $36.00 of it on this book, and I am glad I did.
   
   It is a great book, probably destined to be a classic. I dress differently and much better than I used to, all by free choice. That's the genius of the book.
   
   The end.

5 comments about Hand Job: A Catalog of Type.

1. I'm a little biased because i am in the book. but it really is something i pick up at least once a week and page through. pops off the shelf. Mike did an awesome job curating this book and all of us in it, owe him many thanks. plus, the title is simply classic.



2. I bought this book and it truly is awesome. I immediately embraced the hand drawn medium. I was lucky enough to have an appropriate project. When I brought it into work (I work at a Vegas ad agency) I learned a fellow designer had his copy stolen. The more resources the better, you'll want your own copy of this, but stealing books or ideas is just wrong. Buy this sucker!



3. Great book. I'm a lover of typeface and bought it because it was inspiring to look at. Everyone picks it up off the coffee table when they come over...the title intrigues and they are then transported into the artistic world of cool typeface and imagery...



4. Pues eso, un montón de trabajos realizados con diferentes tipografías hechas a mano. Para lo bueno o lo malo no tiene teoría, ni textos de relleno, ni abecedarios con las diferentes tipos.
   Yo lo recomiendo, me gusta hasta como huele.



5. The book is HUGE! There`s so many information and a lot of nice little things!
   I recomend it for all those who love type and hand drawning. "
   My favourite so far.. for sure!