5 comments about 500 Tattoo Designs.

1. i regret purchasing this product; it is worthless! there is not a single usable or decent tattoo design in this crappy book- there are however; 500 tiny pictures of the most badly drawn and unoriginal clip art i have ever seen. i wouldn't wish any of those sorry excuses for artwork tattooed on anyone. the picture on the cover is far better than anything you will actually find inside... if u r looking for real ideas for tattoo design- for the love of God look elsewhere.



2. This book is just bad the designs are childish, and undeveloped. I give it a two only because I have used a couple of the images but only after alot of altering.



3. this book was very helpful in designing tatt's for my friends and none the less myself. It has everything from culture to animals, even plants. i recomend this to anyone who is into designs the simplest or even detailed tatt's. Just because of it's such a simple design to base off of.



4. I was very happy with this book it has a lot of great pictures!



5. neat designs, I would like to know the means for them

3 comments about 2008 Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market.

1. well, you get what you pay for. It's a good resource for someone starting out who isn't ready to dish out hundreds of dollars for a mailing list. But half the listings are obsolete, or old adresses, old art directors.
   
   Also it hasn't really kept up with the times... most illustrators these days aren't looking to design flower patterns for dixie cups. 3/4 of that book is irrelevant to me. Of course it's probably targeted at part time crafters, flower pattern designers, and the mid life crisis "Im going to write and illustrate a children's book" rather than professional illustrators.
   
   If somebody published a seriously updated & comprehensive illustrator's market book I would pay a lot more than $20 for it though.



2. This book is quickly becoming a source of information that I frequent. It is much easier to quickly find information in a combined source than weeding through thousands of websites and "googled" information to find the contact information that is relevant for my endeavors.



3. Every year these rip-off artists (i.e., people who specialize in the business of ripping off other people), publish an "updated" book. The updated books supposedly have been "completely revised" and feature new entries. I am here to tell you that not only are there very few new entries, but many are out of date, no longer pertinent and/or simply give inaccurate information. What is most frustrating is the author's insistence on marking several entries as "new" that have appeared in many previous editions. Perhaps they think if an entry has not appeared since 2002 they can throw it in the 2008 edition and call it new. Some of these places aren't even doing business anymore. Bottom line: I am extremely disappointed with this edition. I also must report that I have found no leads from these books, yet I have been successful finding leads on the Internet and through other forms of research. If you feel you need this book, go to a bookstore and take a pen and notebook with you. Just don't waste your money on buying it!

5 comments about Mitch O'connell: Tattoos.

1. This book doesn't have any pictures of actual work. Each image looks like a professional cartoon but there are many variations of the same work. For instance he might have 4 pictures of the same woman, with the same face, but wearing different clothes. Almost every image has some cute caption to go along with the picture but I didn't think there was more than a handful someone would want on their body.



2. Very cool book. This book has some really funny artwork in it. Definitely a good one to have in your tattoo shop's collection!



3. Fantastically original style! It is very rare that you come across an artist with a vision who is not afraid to put it out there. Had to get the book to view the entire collection and it definitely hit the mark. You have to check out the dude's website for additional killer works and goodies too ([...] ). Cheers!



4. If you like Mitch OConnell or if you are into tatoos or illustration in general this is a great book. Tatoos have become pretty standard but these are a notch above the rest.
   
   If I was being really picky, my only complaint would be that the line art is filled in with some shabby coloring. As if an intern who just learned to use a computer and gradients did the coloring. But I'm assuming it's to simulate the coloring in a real tatoo, so who really cares?
   
   Good book.



5. Seriously, Mitch Oconnell is a great artist. This book is proudly displayed on my coffeetable. Everyone comes over and thumbs through its tantilizing images. I would recommend it to all the cool kids and art snobs!

1 comments about Between Earth and Heaven: The Architecture of John Lautner.

1. This book is beautiful, it has lots of pictures and drawings I had never seen before. I have been waiting for a really great Lautner book to be published because all the others show 'pretty' pictures, but I have never been able to get a true sense of the buildings (I am an architect). i was hoping this book would have the pretty pictures and more overall drawings. This book is a great complement to the 'pretty picture books' as it has images that are not regularly seen in the other Lautner books..... I just feel this book doesn't truly satisfy my need for information and clarification on these buildings.

5 comments about Art Making, Collections, and Obsessions: An Intimate Exploration of the Mixed-Media Work and Collections of 35 Artists.

1. Great pictures, just the kind of eclectic stuff I love. The written part seems entirely superfluous--actually, I read every word and all were apt, it's just that I bought the book for the visuals and that's what I remember and go back to and wish there were even many many more of.



2. I have always loved the work of Lynne Perrella, but she has outshone even herself by compiling this book of artists from the same ilk as herself.
   Being a compulsive collecter and an artist myself, this book was irrestible and to see what other artists collect is both engaging and delicious at the same time!
   Congratulations to Lynne Perrella for this wonderful book. I have already researched several of the artists listed and to see their websites unfold is truly a delight...thanks!



3. I recently stated that I shouldn't buy any book without "Look Inside." I did and everyting is beautiful. The description is not deceptive but if you are looking for directions for projects, which I thought would be included but I didn't read closely, you will be disappointed. Perhaps I shouldn't rate the book so low because it is beautiful but I just didn't want another book by all of the greats reflecting. If you love to read reflections you should scoop up this book.



4. Anyone who has the collecting gene will love this book. I liked seeing the displays of these artists' collections with examples of how they incorporated their pieces from their collections into art. There are plenty of varieties of collections and beautiful pictures to peruse.



5. Art Making, Collections and Obsessions is a stunning book. The photography beautifully captures not only the work of some of America's best mixed media artists working today, but also the collected objects these same artists turn to again and again in their studios for inspiration.
   
   While I savored each page for its incredible eye candy, there were some images in the book that were so beautiful I had to make a color photocopy to hang on my inspiration board. Just seeing these images every day, catching sight of them out of the corner of my eye while I'm working, touches a creative place inside of me.
   
   The image that haunted me is a tattered 18th century wedding dress surrounded by a flowing tea-stained curtain, a basket of straw and twigs (pg 55). The display was created by artist Ellen Kochansky, and is reminiscent of an installation one would see while visiting the Museum of Modern Art.
   
   I also enjoy Carla Sonheim's sweet little illustrations and handmade fabric accordion books (pg 32), Cathy Rose's incredible figurative work made from found objects (pgs 45 & 102) and Nina Bagley's gorgeous altered book (pg 99) that's embellished with freeform wire wrapping, twigs and fork feet.
   
   The other thing I really enjoy about Lynne's latest book is that she featured fine art from the first page to the last page. Many of the works in this book are pieces the artists would sell in contemporary galleries to sophisticated art collectors or museum curators. Nothing is "pretty" and perfectly packaged for a retail (consumer) market.
   
   I truly believe Art Making, Collections & Obsessions sets a new bar for authors and publishers of "craft" books. Thanks to Lynne for having the artistic vision to see this through.

5 comments about Rescuing Da Vinci: Hitler and the Nazis Stole Europe's Great Art - America and Her Allies Recovered It.

1. I have always been a museum addict. If the Metropolitan Museum of Art would let me place a cot somewhere, I would probably take up housekeeping. So, it was extremely rewarding to read this story of how so much of the stolen art from WW2 was found, protected, recovered and finally returned to rightful owners. These "Monuments Men" should all have received medals. The world owes much to them for making so many artistic marvels again available.
   
   The illustrations are quite good. Many are available in other sources but so many, at least for me, were viewed here for the first time. The attempts to protect many objects - e.g., St. Marks in Venice - were also interesting. When I visited there a few years ago I was very appreciative.
   
   Mr. Edsel is to be commended.



2. Excellent book with many historical pictures and historical comments of the war's effect on the art of many countries.



3. I was really surprised by this book. I thought it was going to contain more text but it's really all about the art and the people who rescued it. The result is a very impressive, easily readable 'coffee table' style book that's beautiful and informative. Teachers should grab this up for the classroom and it also would make a great gift for anyone interested in WWII and it's aftermath. I can't say enough about the photos and the story they tell. Bravo!



4. This book shows and tells another side of war. It is the story told in picture of Hitler and his Nazi thugs pillaging Europe and stealing priceless art objects, painting, statures, books, even ancient scrolls then hiding them in caves and bunkers in Germany. What I loved about this book were the photos of US Army units rescuing those stolen art treasures then returned them to the towns, churches and cities. The author has done an exemplary job of finding photos and stories which has made this an important work. Photos I've never seen and story I have never heard about. I think this book needs to be in every high school library in the country. Students need to be shown how our American Army worked to recover all this lost art. His book made me proud to have serviced in the US army.
   
   Thank you for writing this book



5. This is one of the most fascinating books i have ever read. The period images are amazing, just the photo of italian masons bricking up Michaelangelo's iconic David is worth the purchase. After reading this book I was stunned that so few art treasures were destroyed. I had no idea that much of the treasures at the National Gallery of Art in D.C. was stored at Biltmore because of its remote setting. I was also blown away to see the images of workman removing winged victory from the Louvre, I just had no idea all of this went on leading up to the war and during the war. The German pillaging of the great European art treasures is disgusting of course, especially the art they looted from the weathy Jewry like the Rothchilds and others, some of which even to this day are trying to get back art work that is rightly theirs. I highly recommend this great book to anyone interested in art, history, art history, or frankly has an inquisive mind. I want to thank the authors for a job well done.

5 comments about Masters of Deception: Escher, Dali & the Artists of Optical Illusion.

1. This is a fascinating book to dip and absorb and marvel at how the artists use various techniques to show what we look at we dont see, and we see what we are "programmed" to see. Good fun.



2. I saw this book for sale in a catalog for several years and had wanted it but didn't want to pay the full price, thanks Amazon for offering it at a discount. I've always been intrigued by illusions and pictures with perception differences.
   This book does not disappoint. For anyone who wants to know more about the different kinds of picture Illusions and the backgrounds of the artists, this book is for you. Of course it has the standards, but it also has more obscure artists which are just as talented but haven't received the international acclaim of an Escher which of course is also in this book. Even though there isn't room in this book for all the work of every artist, it gives the reader many good examples of each artists work, which will no doubt compel one to find more pieces by those artists. Highly recomended.



3. Masters of Deception: Escher, Dali & the Artists of Optical Illusion This book was way more than I expected. I purchased it for casual enjoyment but ended up entralled with not only the artwork, but the very nice biographies of the artists and the lay out of the book. I feature it in my living room for company. It's absolutely one of the best books I've ventured to buy.



4. This is a very good book, specially in my case because i'm not an expert in arts or design and i could know the most important authors in optical illusions. Beautiful.



5. I was more than pleased when I opened this book. The examples and discussion are extensive and some of the work awe-inspiring. Masters of Deception is literally an eye-opener and highly entertaining.

5 comments about I'd Rather Be in the Studio!.

1. Combines conceptual strategies with practical advice. I highly recommend this book for self-employed artists of all kinds.



2. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who is beginning a career, or would like to increase their art business. Very informative,it will get you excited about the business end of art!



3. I LOVE this book and I am not an artist. The tips and techniques that are shared in this detailed and well researched book are amazing and will help anyone that needs to market themselves. I launched my blog and have done really well with it using the information Stanfield provides in the book. One of my marketing mentors advises to check out what other people in other industries are doing. If you only do what everyone else in your field is doing you will have a hard time standing out. Not being an artist I found this book to have fresh new ideas and concepts with new twist on things I already had been doing. I haven't taken it off my desk since I got it. I keep referring to it and using it over and over.



4. I bought this book because of all the great reviews even though it was so new on the market. I have to say I haven't been disappointed! The author does a great job breaking down the barriers most of us artists seem to have about doing things like...making a website, organizing our information, etc. She's got a great no-nonsense approach, but does it with a sense of humor. And, some of the things that have haunted me like the idea of marketing, are starting to loose their hold over me. She's a fabulous support in taking the steps laid out to get something done. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. Having a solid foundation as you try and develop your art business is imperative and this book might just be able to help you in ways others don't. It has for me. Plus, I have ADD and find the short sections and easy to read format (a,k.a. easy-to-keep-focused-formatting) help me actually keep focused. :) She knows her market!



5. "I'd Rather Be In The Studio" is without a doubt the best book I have read on how to get going in your art career. There are a lot of things to do as an artist aside from making art. Alyson Stanfield's book will tell you exactly what you need to know and how to go about doing it. As I was reading it and going though it I felt as if it was written for me. It really does leave you no room for excuses to not market yourself. Making art is great but who's going to know if you don't tell others besides close friends and family? This book will help you gain the confidence, motivation and the know how to get going and know you are accomplishing things. Not only that, she talks about your web site, blogs, routines, organization, everyting that you sometimes don't consider to be marketing your artwork, but it's all part of being an artist. I absolutely love this book. If your just starting out or you're an accomplished artist, you're going to get good advice. Buy it.

No comments about Buckminster Fuller: Starting with the Universe (Whitney Museum of American Art Book).

No comments about Louise Bourgeois.