5 comments about The Big Book of Design Ideas (Big Book (Collins Design)).

1. This is a must-have for any graphic designer. It is an excellent visual reference, full of inspiration and professionalism. There is a great mix of creativity and originality as well as logos we are familiar with already. If you ever feel stuck for ideas, this is an awesome book to get you out of a designer's block. It is very-well put together, both in design and layout... as well as the book itself. Definitely not a book that is going to fall apart, very sturdy and printed on good paper to really bring out the quality of the art.



2. The Big Book of Design Ideas is eye candy for the Graphic Designer. This oversized book is packed to the gills with nearly 400 pages of examples of graphic design from around the world and is the perfect book for solo-brainstorming. There is no text in the book at all, other than in the designs themselves and in a short caption under each design that details the designer/design team. The book is organized into 24 sections, each one containing designs from a particular type of print; books, catalogs, menus, Music CDs, letterhead sets and more. Every design is in full color. The reader can easily find a section dealing with what he/she is working on and get inspiration for their design or they can just simply flip through the pages for the shear enjoyment of it. One should not expect to learn graphic design from this book, but then that is not really the purpose of the book to begin with. Once one has a good foundation in the basics of graphic design, this book becomes more valuable as an inspirational tool. The book is a good addition to the library of any one in graphic design.



3. Beautifully done. Tons of categories. Extreme Picture book. Is nice enough to be a coffee table book even for those that aren't excited about graphics as much as I am. This is a great book to get some fresh ideas from. Nice reference book for any graphic artist. I loved this book so much that I bought it for one of my clients in the UK so they could have it, too. This would also make a great gift for any type of artist since it covers everything from corporate logos, letterheads, brochures, and even displays. It has much more than that because all the little color boxes on the front of the book are actual sections in this book. This is something that I wanted to have in hardcover.



4. This is what it should be called. It has many images of so-so to excellent design. However, all of the images seem to be thrown around on the pages with no regard to the layout of the page or the sections of the book.

   The section headers were so faint that you almost missed them. Some of the images were bled off the page in such a way that you could not appreciate what was being illustrated. On other pages the examples were so close to the binding you almost have to rip the book in half to see them.

   It was hard to find what you were looking for or to focus on the designs themselves as the design of the book itself was so poor.

   Its OK to have a book with minimal text, but the design should be strong enough to support that.




5. I ordered this book hoping it'll give me some fresh and new ideas for designing. I am very dissapointed, because what I've got is not more than 330 pages of outdated, temporary designs. Pretty much 330 of its 374 pages are filled with the same of what I call "typical american design from 90-95". So if you look at it that way, this book is way overpriced for 40 good pages.

5 comments about Designing Disney.

1. A bit lacking in the real nuts and bolts, but this is clearly a well done overview into the minds of some of the best Disney has to offer. Easy to read, and also a pleasure to read, left me wishing that disney appoints some one to really pick John's mind in case he leaves us some day, now that would be a tragedy, if we loose 1/2 of what this man has learned over a delightful lifetime of serving his customers and guests. Reading this brought me back to the B/W days of TV waiting for Walt, but Walt couldn't have ackomplished anything if it wasn't for the love of the work these people do, and have for the work they love to do.



2. Let's face it. There are hundreds of books about Disney. The movies... the stage shows... the company... the management style... recipes... fiction... even an incredible collection of Walt Disney World Trivia (currently in its second edition!). Occasionally, a book comes through that fills a unique void.
   
   John Hench was a designer with Disney for over 65 years. His designs are as identifiably Disney as anything else coming from the mouse house. In around 150 pages, Hench shares some of his design work in artist's concepts and blueprints. These are beautiful and rare, but it is his insight into the thought behind the design choices that turn this book from yet another Disney book to a text book worth much study.
   
   Many books discussing Disney magic often push the art of looking around, taking note of details. This book helps you to know "How" to look around and "What" you are looking for... Hopefully, you'll never look at it the same way ever again. Entire sections are devoted to in depth discussion on color, costumes, character, line, layout and most of all, story. With over half a century working for Disney, Hench's resume is able to back it all up with beautiful artwork.
   
   If there is one thing that is surprisingly absent from a Disney legend that spent years working directly with Walt, it is a lack of stories that bring you into Walt's presence. It lacks that emotional touch, but makes up for it in intellectual stimulation that will affect your thinking about Disney for many years to come.



3. I do like this book, but it doesn't have the great pictures that the other Imagineering book does. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Imagineers. It has a lot of text, which will help you understand many aspects of what it means to be an Imagineer. I would recommend getting the other one first, and this one second if you are still interested. They are both great.



4. not exactly what I expected. I was hoping for a more historical perspective, but overall a good book.



5. This is a fascinating look into the mind of the premier Disney designers. Hench explains how every single detail of the Disney parks is designed to fit into a great whole: color, form, space, and even time must reinforce a narrative theme in every single ride or experience, as if the viewer had entered a film sequence. All detail is foreseen - with storyboards! - discussed, and built with this kind of total consistency of experience in mind. I was astounded that the parts were so much more deeply planned than I had imagined.
   
   I read this as part of my research for a writing project on Disney. For this, it was extremely useful and informative. It strikes me that the imagineering method is of great relevance to all managers.
   
   While easy to read quickly, this book will give anyone who likes Disney a fascinating new perspective on one of the great American success stories. Warmly recommended. The writing is clear and to the point, while elegant.

5 comments about Tartan: Romancing the Plaid.

1. I bought this book for a Scottish friend and his wife. They adore it and it went "out on loan" in short order to other Scots. The book is visually captivating, imaginative, and has interesting text. It is the quintessential coffee table volume.



2. The nearly 300 page book entitled Tartan came to my attention a few weeks ago (May 2008) when the male author appeared on the Martha Stewart show. As I am a textile and fiber/knitting/weaving fanatic, I ordered it immediately. It arrived, and I realized it was published back in 2007...so I thought: Mr Banks must have booked himself onto the show to push book sales. ($65. retail) After the INTRO, the section named "TRADITIONS" (=history) was quite interesting--particularly the photos of paintings--but that section is only 50 pages long. No historic analysis or enumeration w photos of all major tartans. Next section: FASHION--first 12 pages covers the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Interesting photos of them in their home, of the Duchess' closet. So that's 62 pages of "origin of tartans and emergence as a fashion statement". The remainder of this 300 page paperweight jumps from modern day designer to designer, with photos combed from runways and designer photo shoots... more and more and more of same, ad nauseum. For me, 20% of the book being devoted to tradition and history of tartans did not justify the cost of this book, not even with the Amazon discount. (True, there is a single photo of Princess Diana, one of Charles and Camilla, and one of Charles with the Burbery folks...and a few amusing photos of interior designers odd uses of tartans [including an interior slanted ceiling of a caravan papered in yellow plaid fabric--nice, but the lines of the tartan were distorted in the installation process, so I'd rate that project a great idea, poorly executed]. Still not worth the $$$ for 200+ pages of runway shots (unless you aspire to be a model). I've just packed it up for return. Suzann Eshleman, Upland Fiberworks, Ithaca, NY



3. If you love plaid, this book is essential. Lovely photographs and history on the ever handsome world of plaid. Delightful coffee table book.



4. You'll be doing the Highland Fling in no time (or at least the Lowland Shim) when you read this terrific book. It's a wonderful history of the fabric and the tome is filled with interesting history and some fun, lighthearted photos - like the guard who's catching a breeze and having his kilt lifted to show . . . well, buy the book and find out. I was very surprised (nicely so) to find out it wasn't just a dry historical analogy but rather a work that examines something we see in everyday life but may not have taken the time to think about.
   Stylemaven



5. WOW -- I am an author who has written a few illustrated books like this -- and all I can say is this book is LEAGUES above the rest -- amazing photographs and layouts, beautiful paper, beautifully produced. A real labor of love. Although I know a fair amount about fashion, I did not know all that much about tartan... until now. A revealing mix of history, culture, modern tmes, with images ranging from the Duke of Windsor (how lonely -- albeit well dressed he looks...) to Rod Stewart, Princess Diana and the Bay City Rollers. As well as some of my favorite models and designers in the world.
   
   Mr. Banks and Ms. de la Chapelle have done an amazing job. This book is so well written, stunning, and beautifully produced, that it is going to be MY Christmas gift to others this year.

3 comments about Gothic and Old English Alphabets: 100 Complete Fonts (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. This book is the most popular font book I have for my customers. As a tattooist, finding fonts that are interesting but still legible is very important. This book is a great tattoo resource for anyone who makes their own stencils from scratch. The customers love the fonts and they're very clean and easy to trace/copy. Dover makes a few of these books, and I have five of them in total, but this one is the most popular with my customers.



2. You think I'm kidding, but I am not. I do not know how many times I have searched the calligraphy books for "Old English" for proletariats who wished just the correct typography to permanently stain some dopey word to their body, apparently to guarantee a lifetime of minimum wage employment. This is just what they are looking for. 100 pages of fonts, one of which is guaranteed to meet the victim's expectations. So, you do not need to be a calligrapher to buy this book. A tattoo parlor or even a public library will find this book indispensible. I'm not kidding.



3. lots of complete fonts, Capital, lowercase and numbers. has everything i wanted so i could practice and master any style i want.

5 comments about Animation Unleashed: 100 Principles Every Animator, Comic Book Writers, Filmmakers, Video Artist, and Game Developer Should Know.

1. Yes!!! This is the type of book I've been waiting for. I work independently at my animation projects and live in an area that is quite isolated so I often have to rely on reference material. ANIMATION UNLEASHED is of great benefit to me. Ellen Besen has created a wonderful work that deals with a lot of material that isn't covered in the other books that I own. I find it fills in many of the blanks that existed in my other reference material.
   
   This book follows the film process from beginning to end discussing the thinking process and the questions one must consider when developing your ideas. Everything from writing a script, developing characters, film structure, sound, animation techniques and performance right through to backgrounds and special effects are treated in the same exploratory manner. Each chapter is broken up into very informative, concise, and well written sections all accompanied by Bryce Hallett's wonderful illustrations. It doesn't necessarily dig deeply into the nuts and bolts of technique, but explores the decisions one should consider during the creative process to best communicate your story.
   
   It takes off like a rocket with some very important and helpful information. It begins with a discussion of analogy and its relationship with animation. In the first few sentences the author begins to lay a new foundation for thought on how to take advantage of your story idea. The book explores the role caricature plays in animation, twisting and turning the subject in ways that open your mind to aspects of its use that aren't always obvious, but very essential to a successful film. The same process is applied to encourage new thinking about movement in your animation, the use of fantasy and reality, as well as creating your own universe. There is a discussion concerning the uncovering of core ideas by encouraging the use of visual exploration to avoid generic thinking. I have found this book very helpful from beginning to end in helping me avoid just that.
   
   Ellen Besen and Bryce Hallet have done a wonderful job here. This book will be a valuable and essential tool in my library. I would encourage anyone interested learning about film making to add it to their library as well.



2. As someone that doesn't know a whole lot about animation, this book was an incredible find.
   I am not an animator, but I easily applied the principles outlined in this book to my creative writing and comic production. It is amazingly inspiring and the topics discussed are backed by illustrations that make the points unbelievably clear and easily understood.
   I think this book is excellent for anyone creative, or anyone interested in improving their craft. I will also, shamelessly admit that its become my new favourite colouring book.



3. I'm not an animator, but for me-- as a writer-- the strength of "Animation Unleashed" wasn't that it explained animation (it actually delves very little into the practical processes of animation or how animated films get made), but how it teaches you to think like an animator. In animation, the book explains, everything is analogy... everything takes place in alternate or heightened reality. As a result, artists and writers approach animation slightly differently... it's more visual, sound and music are used in unique ways, characters are larger, the types of stories that succeed are slightly different, etc. That's where "Animation Unleashed" is invaluable... by detailing how animators and animation writers create cartoons, it helps non-animation writers think about traditional writing and storytelling in new ways. This is a book I'll reach for whenever I'm blocked... or can't break a story... or can't get my ahead around a particular character. It's also a book I'll use just to get my imagination thinking differently. Whether you're an animation writer or not, this is a great addition to your writing-book library!



4. I don't "get" animation. Oh, sure, I enjoy the stories. One of my favorite all time films is "Pinocchio." I love the Pixar films - a solid run of quality production that is unparalleled (though I think that "Wall-E" was not their best effort).
   
   What I don't "get" is the time and energy put into it. I recall watching a behind the scenes segment on Ardman Studios and the production behind the short "Wallace and Gromit" films. Making those stop-motion claymation films would make my head explode.
   
   After reading "Animation Unleashed" I get it. "Animation Unleashed" with wonderful illustrations by Bryce Hallett, goes into fine detail on all things animated. Showing the reader what goes into it, from the nuance of a raised eyebrow, to the detail that goes into computer generated fare.
   
   Touching on everything from character development (whether your character is a life-like person...or is a chair) to the aspects of sounds, shadows, details (both large and small).
   
   This book is an extremely thorough reference book and a must for anyone who is thinking about animation.
   
   My only issue with the book is that Ms. Besen references a LOT of animated films that I am not familiar with. Though she lists them at the end of the book, it would be great if, at some point, a DVD is packaged with the book to include the animated films she mentions. Or, a reference at the beginning of the book to go on-line and try to view (assuming they're on YouTube) the animated films she mentions.
   
   All-in-all, this is a very interesting book about nearly all aspects of animation.



5. I must admit that I have always regarded animation as a lesser form of filmmaking, so the analysis in Animation Unleashed caught me by surprise. Who knew that Disney animated features, Warner Bros shorts, NFB animated shorts, etc were so full of innovative filmmaking techniques?
   
   Part of what's interesting here is how deceptively simple many of the key points seem: for example, the idea that you can use caricature not only in the character design but in the acting, the scenery, the soundtrack and even the editing seems obvious once it has been pointed out but is not necessarily an easy idea to arrive at in the first place.
   
   It's also worth noting that a lot of what is presented here is equally applicable to live action filmmaking, particularly hybrid filmmaking, like the importance of creating a history for imaginary characters which encompasses not just personal background but the evolution of the character's entire species in order to invest such creatures with logical characteristics.
   
   In total, a real eye opener which has already changed the way I view and make film.

3 comments about The Magic Bottle (A BLAB! Storybook).

1. The book has beautiful illustrations, which my son and I both loved. He also liked the story, although parts were definitely lost on him and the deeper meaning would only be understood by older kids or adults--as I think was probably intended. He spent forever looking at the pictures of the bad guy, the poisons, and the machines. It really captured his imagination and I'll look for more works by this illustrator.
   
   The story dropped off at the end, which is my only complaint. It's not a literary device I'm fond of. Perhaps it's going to be a series and the story continues in the next book, although there wasn't any mention of whether that was the case.



2. This book is a dark and mysterious children's book aimed towards adults. It is as whimsical as it is morbid, balancing a carefully crafted line between depressing and charming without ever faltering too far in either direction.
   
   The art is strange and unfamiliar, but I say that as a high compliment- this is unlike any other art style I have encountered. There are seemingly endless layers of subtle little touches and textures added to the backgrounds. The characters are adorable and just a tad frightening, keeping with the duality of the book.
   
   Overall, it is a very unique, endearing book that I cannot help but to recommend and try to share with other people.



3. What a pleasure it was reading this book to all three of my children. They hung on every word of this conscientious tale while imagination filled their eyes and heart. A grand addition to any book collection.

5 comments about Fundamentals of Illustration (Fundamentals (Ava)).

1. I am a self taught illustrator and I found this book extremely useful - it really covers the fundamentals of illustration! I love it.



2. As an aspiring illustrator, I was looking for a book that would not only tell me the different avenues I could pursue as an illustrator, but the pros and cons to each path, the best process to follow and how I could become a successful illustrator. This book really had it all! I highly recommend it to anyone getting started in illustration.



3. this book only has one small problem: small captions.
   That's it! It is everything that says in the book description and more!



4. This book is absolutely wonderful. It is superbly written, beautifully designed, and contains examples covering a vast array of Illustration styles that tie in perfectly with the text.
   
   While the focus is obviously on illustration, I would highly recommend that freelance people in the related disciplines of Web and Graphic Design read this too, since there's a lot of more general information about the challenges of going it alone. I would hope that educators are integrating books like this into their curriculum, since it's important for students to understand these challenges before being unleashed into the world!
   
   Thanks for a great book!



5. This book is currently being used as our "unofficial textbook" in my illustration class. A very good overview of illustration careers and practices. Also, this book is great eye candy. I've been inspired to experiment a little more based on the different types of illustration in this book.
   
   Excellent for art students and those considering careers in illustration or graphic design.

2 comments about Los Caprichos.

1. This book is phenomenal. The only thing I could say against it is it's a bit small, but I believe the images are actual size, so of course there's not much to be done. A good hardcover edition would show these off very well. These Dover art books are a great, cheap way to get access to images like these if you can't commit to a fine edition or, should you be so fortunate, one of the original prints themselves.
   
   Goya one-upped Surrealism, Expressionism, and much more, a hundred years before the fact. These prints take you on a dream journey through some startlingly original imagery that scrutinizes human social engagement with an unsparing eye. Cynical would be too soft a word for some of the images, but somehow it's hard to disagree with Goya's positions. You feel like people were often that empty in Spanish society of the time. And what about today?
   
   As for the formal side, the etchings are technically inventive, uninhibited, masterful, confident, and often understated. Goya is content to let a few lines and a dark mass of aquatint evoke a whole interior, alleyway, or landscape.
   
   In a way, these prints also relate to Edward Gorey, Tim Burton, and many more. In fifty years you'll be able to rack up a new breed of descendents. Their influence, I'm sure, will be timeless.



2. Goya aparently did this book to show how silly the superstitions of the common people were, and still are.

1 comments about The Little Know-It-All: Common Sense for Designers.

1. This small-size, thick handbook for design of visual materials such as educational material and advertising is encyclopedic in its content though not organized as systematically or logically as a regular encyclopedia. Material includes not only technical guidance and experienced tips, but also historical background on some of the countless topics. The section on paper, for instance, notes, "Paper has different qualities according to the way it is manufactured and according to its composition." Then the section continues to cite what paper is composed of and describe its different qualities; after which, many kinds of paper such as coated, art paper, and even cardboard are annotated. "Perception and reading behavior" is discussed in the larger topic of the many types of script and use of appropriate script for a particular project. A chart with small type (about 7 point) on file formats of digital media covers six pages. Differences between and uses of Adobe Illustrator, Quark Xpress, Kodak PhotoCD, and many other file formats are readily picked out from it.
   
   The broad-ranging, eclectic content extends beyond just technical topics and aesthetic considerations to include the business matters of promotion, intellectual property, and project management. Design departments of corporations, small design firms, and freelance designers would all find the handbook equally useful. A detailed index and an outline of the primary sections of each chapter (e. g., Digital Media, Production, Marketing, Law) at its start are helpful in locating particular material of interest and of use.

5 comments about Manners.

1. I enjoy many manners books and found Spade's book was an appropriate reminder of all the things one should keep in mind. I found it entertaining and appropriate--quick but not overbearing. Certainly, for a more extended and formal approach to manners there is Judith Martin or Emily Post, but this is a great way to revisit those things we need to know.



2. Living in times of constant change it was so refreshing to read a book on manner's. As a world we have become very pushy and fast paced which has lead to good manner's being left behind.
   It is a light read with some comic relief thrown in. An excellent coffee table book to just pick up and browse through for some tips.
   Many visitors have come to my house and the book has caused some healthy discussion. (even from young people!)
   A book that should be left laying around in the hope that we could revive some good manners back into our fast paced world.



3. I thought this book was going to have lots of advice for manners but a lot of the stuff was actually pretty obvious to most normal people. I was disappointed with what I paid for the book.



4. This is a cute book, but lacking in substance. Like her other books in this series, it's layout is like a magazine- with watercolor illustrations, quotes and short paragraphs interspersed through out the pages. The advice Kate gives is not bad- it's just that you can get this information, and in greater detail from Emily Post's book. Kate does give some modern advice for cell phones and re-gifting, but nothing you have not heard already. It was an entertaining one-time read that you can finish in about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Check it out at your library instead of buying a copy though.



5. This book does include some helpful information, but at times I found it boring. If you really liked the other two books in this series you probably would like this one as well.