4 comments about 1,000 Restaurant Bar and Cafe Graphics: From Signage to Logos and Everything in Between (1000 Series).

1. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1YW5G9BCSS6S3 I guess the graphics showcased really work because I felt like ordering some food.
   
   There's a wide range of graphics collected over a variety of medium. The design medium includes, signage, logos, menus, packaging, promotional items and stationery.
   
   I'm not too sure if because of the variety, the book has spread itself too thin. Personally, I would have preferred that the author had grouped all the designs created under each food outlet. That way, at least, we can see how the designer work his/her way across the different packaging mediums.
   
   The variety in the book might make up for the lack of depth.
   
   Overall, it's still a recommended book for any graphic or packaging designer.



2. This book has a lot of very interesting usages for artwork and logos in the restaurant industry, but also includes a nice variety of design principles that can be used in many other applications.



3. I was looking for a book that showed more branding within the space, rather than all the 'extras' like menus, etc. Maybe the coverage in the book was too broad so they had to include equal coverage on each category (signs, menus), so they sacrificed on the interior/environmental design category. Also the 1000 is misleading - there seemed to be a lot of images from the same restaurants within each chapter in the book. If I were looking for a book on menu design, I'd buy it separately. That whole chapter was of little importance to me (based on what I thought the book would be about). I would not recommend this book for a designer looking for inspiration for environmental design/branding of restaurants. It wasn't comprehensive in this regard at all.



4. This 1000 series is wonderful and this is an excellent example. It really stands out in the sea of graphic design annuals that are poorly designed and are questionably juries.

5 comments about Creativity for Graphic Designers.

1. I'm so glad my professor made this a required textbook! Mark Oldach's insights into the process of concept development are so helpful. This should be in the graphic designer's library. I will return to this book again and again!



2. This book packs a lot of punch. It's written in an easy to understand format that is very creative with handwritten notes from the author in the margins. It's a great source of ideas with the numerous full-color case studies that are included. This book does an excellent job of providing graphic designers with step-by-step instructions on how to ask the right questions at the initial client meeting, go back to the office and download the information, then take the information and begin generating ideas, and finally, select which ideas should be developed. It's an invaluable tool for new designers.



3. I love my mac, but I also love not using it. This book tells a lot about a designers prosess outside the mac. I found this sentence in the book: "Designers have a responsebility to do what they are paid to - design .... To many designers use the (mac) for a substitute for thinking". So right!



4. Unlike design books filled w/ eye-candy & no direction on processes, Mark Oldach steers the reader through well defined concepts & thoughts. An excellent book for all designers who wish to communicate through design.



5. I found this book to be very helpful in getting you to think of the box. Instead of being like a picture book with not much information, it tells you how to come up with ideas and explains the process of making a good design. This is a great book to have if you already have those picture books with just designs and need something to help you with actually creating your own designs.

No comments about Garfield Fat Cat Three Pack Volume V (Vols 13-15).

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

1. I received this book for my birthday recently and I could not be more stoked about what's inside. First of all the intro is written very well by giving the reader just a brief history about graffiti writers from back in the day and how a book like this was cherished among the boroughs.
   
   I have some of my own "piecebooks", if you will, and leafing thru this colorful exploration brought back the nostalgia of hangin' out with friends, listening to some good music, and passing around each others' piecebook to get down!!!
   
   I am truly amazed by the quality of this book and how "realistic" the sketches appear as different mediums were used: ballpoint pen, Design markers, Sharpies®, graphite, etc...
   
   The publishing company did a phenomenal job "piecing" this together!!
   
   If you love "pieces" and have a passion for graffiti, then this book should be in your collection.
   
   Much Respect!
   
   -NewtONE



2. I bought this book for my son who loves graffiti art. He loves it and uses it often as he practices his own art. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for the perfect gift for the graffiti artist.



3. The PieceBook gives you an inside look to the world of graffiti through the eyes of street artist.



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



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

5 comments about Dr. Seuss Goes to War: The World War II Editorial Cartoons of Theodor Seuss Geisel.

1. I was unaware of Dr. Seuss other than through children's books until an art exhibit arrived at a gallery in my city. It exposed me to the full life of Dr. Seuss and how he got started. This book provides both a narrative of his formative years and lots of political art he did in the editorial section of newspapers. It gives you an interesting and fuller view of the man and his life. I enjoyed it.



2. If you think you know Dr. Seuss, but haven't looked into his earlier career as a talented political cartoonist -- then you don't know the full range of the Dr.'s work!
   
   Baby Boomers who memorized Seuss' poetry more completely than almost any other texts on which we were raised will enjoy seeing how Seuss spent his "war years" in the 1930s and 1940s.
   
   His sharp-edged sense of satire skewered the rising Fascist tide in Europe -- and he threw a number of well-aimed darts at the handful of Americans who were in sympathy with early Fascist aims.
   
   Now that this book is in paperback, which means it's a little less expensive, it's a great choice for fun reading about "our past," it's great as a gift -- and it's great for discussion groups to read, especially if you like to chew over global issues in your group.
   
   Although the subject matter often is dark -- this is not a heavy book and it's vividly illustrated with Seuss' cartoons!



3. This book is an amazing part of history. Few people would have guessed that the famed and loved childrens story teller Dr. Seuss would have been a major force for WWII political cartoons. The books is sectioned by times and people and there is a description (both historical and chronological) for every cartoon. The images are moving and the book is a must for any collector of Seuss or lover of history.



4. I recieved my book quickly and in excellent condition. I'm very pleased with this service. I will continue to order from amazon.



5. Long before he started writing children's books, Theodor Geisel did advertising ("Quick Henry, the Flit!"), and even editorial cartooning. This book collects a large number of his WWII cartoon, and offers a fascinating commentary on those cartoons and on the man who drew them.
   
   The militancy of these cartoons stands in stark contrast to the gentle goofiness of, for example, "One Fish, Two Fish." Of course, he took on Hitler, Mussolini, and other Axis leaders, using ridicule as his weapon against them. Other cartoons blast the appeasers and not-our-problem isolationists of the time. Interestingly, other cartoons came out with strongly anti-racist themes - a bit radical for the time, but he treated exclusion of blacks from wartime industry as a form of sabotage or treason. Minear's commentary offers helpful insight into the times in which the cartoons arose, and into some of the controversy they engendred, making its points with clear cross-references to specific cartoons.
   
   It's hard to see these today as serious political statements. Too many of us grew up on The Cat in the Hat and other of Geisel's later work. When we see his distinctive lines and style, they can no longer carry the adult clout that they did in the 1940s. It's hard to see his artwork through the eyes of these cartoons' original readers, and to see the outrage that Seuss both satirized and ignited. It's worth the effort, though. WWII was a very different time than today, and did a lot to shape what today has become. Minear's book examines a unique facet of that time.
   
   //wiredweird

5 comments about Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer.

1. I bought the book primarily for chapter 12, "What Goes in a Portfolio", because I am preparing to graduate. It is helpful and would benefit any graphic designer's library.



2. My interests are much more in illustration rather than graphic design, so I frequently had to scan past a lot of the material that a graphic designer could use. There is a lot of great information here on the real nuts and bolts of running a home business - especially an artistic one - but I think anyone who wants to run thier own business could use a lot of the information and tools in this book to manage their time, money, and goals in an effective way. I have benefitted greatly from the use of this book and would happily recommend it to others.



3. so you want to go freelance... you really, REALLY want to go freelance? Tired of working for a boss? Want your own hours? Sleep late? Get this book, read it and then decide. It'll give you a well-rounded education of what they don't tell you in art school because what your professors were really interested in at that time wasn't your education, but getting a piece of co-ed you-know-what while they collected their paycheck.



4. This is simply one of the best books for starting a freelance art career that I've ever read. This book gives you very practical information about almost every detail of freelance illustration and graphic design. You'll find information on creating business and financial plans, setting up and managing a studio, billing procedures, creating a portfolio and marketing yourself to potential clients. I find a lot of books of this nature don't talk about the raw mechanics of business so much as they offer token inspiration and motivation. If you're interested in a book that will actually give you useful information about the business side of freelancing this is the one to buy.
   
   The only areas where it seemed to be a little on the thin side were dealing with taxes and the legal issues concerned with working for youself. Other than that it was wonderful.



5. I love this book! It's great for those just starting up and has covered each aspect of becoming a freelancer. Each time something has come up, I referenced this book and found the answers! Highly recommended!

5 comments about 4000 Flower & Plant Motifs: A Sourcebook.

1. I'm an avid embroiderer, always looking for the perfect design to embellish a cardigan or pillowtop. McCallum's collection offers plenty of ideas and serves as a springboard for some of my own. I imagine this would be an equally essential tool for many other types of hobbyists. This one is nice just to leaf through, too -- it's very well arranged. I'm tempted to order his other books right away, but there's plenty to work with right here.



2. My wife asked for this for her birthday. She absolutely loves it. So much so that we recently purchased 7 more as gifts for her friends in different crafting groups. She insists that 4000 Flower and Plant Motifs has inspired her with tons of quilting/craft ideas. This book is a great gift.
   
   Sam Hendricks, author of "Fantasy Football Guidebook: Your Comrehensive Guide to Playing Fantasy Football" and "Fantasy Football Almanac"



3. I love this book for the quilting designs it inspires. If you're stuck for ideas, open McCallum's book and start drawing.



4. I have a collection of books on designs and historical motifs. This is one of the most useful. I'm using it to create designs for decorating pottery.



5. This book has found a permanent spot in my home, namely, on my desk, where I do all my hobbies. It has loads of great ideas that I've already used. Can't wait for the author's next book --apparantly its a sourcebook on animal designs.

5 comments about Painting Beautiful Skin Tones with Color & Light.

1. The explanation texts associated with photos and paintings are technically accurate and clearly comprehensive in such a way very few authors are used to doing. Subject performs diversified approaches covering watercolor, pastel and oil with in depth analyses and subtle interpretations on the alternative effects in skin paintings.The systematic organization of the matters allow every artist to follow the indicated trajetory to improve his knowledge and practice or test whatever is presented.



2. Great work for painters...
   
   The book was ordered to find out what I did wrong in painting portraits in oil. Clearly instructed by the book I now improved my skills dramatically, especially painting eyes... with the look of love.



3. I happen to think the pictures in this book are beautiful. I wish I could achieve the same level of competence with color. By buying the book, I hoped to improve my ability to quickly make sound color choices, but try as I have, I just can't get the needed information from this book. I have purchased quite a few books on painting, and some have really helped me. The really frustrating thing is that it's obvious she knows what she's doing, but equally obvious she has a hard time communicating it.
   
   If you already understood the topic, I'm sure you would get some comforting reassurance from seeing that which you have grasped reaffirmed. If you are not already a good artist, it's pure misery to try and figure out what she is saying. I have read every word and studied every picture in some cases 3 to 5 times, and I have taken little away.
   
   I'm sure that if she were watching me paint, I would eventually understand what she is teaching, but I was not able to get much from the book. I did enjoy looking at the pictures, but the text is pure torture.



4. A very excellent reference book. A must for a novice painter.



5. I agree with several of the previous reviewers. I believe that some of the writing on skin tones offers great insight. I also believe that most of the portraits in the book are garish at best. If there were Sears Portrait Studios around before the invention of photography there is no doubt that their portraits would look like these paintings. I would even be okay with that if it weren't for the fact that the book does not even begin to discuss skin tone until halfway through the book. I would say that 1/5 of the book is actually about skin tone. The rest of the book is just like any other beginners How-To. The basics of painting. Unfortunately there is little about skin tone.

5 comments about Digital Art Studio: Techniques for Combining Inkjet Printing with Traditional Art Materials.

1. Very worthwhile item for artists seeking an outlet for digital work that is close to natural media. Techniques are not for the faint of heart -- many complex steps in some cases. But it provides a clear-eyed look at printer, ink, and media choices. I'd give it a BUY rating.



2. This book is a little disappointing in that it promises more than it delivers. Some of the techniques described are supported by enough practical 'how to' information to be of use to people wanting to try the processes, but others are not.



3. This is an AMAZING resource for any artist interested in transferring methods.
   ESPECIALLY when you purchase the DVD that goes along with it. I recommend you do.



4. I bought this book about a year ago, and have found it very useful. Useful in re-thinking what printmaking is and can be, useful in fairly good details on some quite interesting techniques. This isn't for the beginner I don't think but as I have my own etching press and a good printer with a straight thru path it opened up a world of new possibilities to me.
   
   Pros: A huge variety of processes. Lots of illustrations of working with the materials.
   
   Con: Some processes do require access to expensive equipment, but with some imagination this isn't as limiting as first appears. Some references and specific equipment is dated, most OK.
   
   I've seen criticism of their art - but that's not even relevant, art is about PROCESS, and the biggest positive about this book is that it is all about process. One page alone started me down a road of exploration that has lasted 10 months now - and I don't see the end. Four years of graduate art school didn't excite me this much. [...]



5. This is an amazing book. I love all the techniques she shares & the gorgeous pictures throughout. I am very pleased. I have also purchased the DVD & can't wait for that to arrive.

5 comments about How to Draw Manga: Bodies & Anatomy.

1. I, myself, don't know much about drawing. I purchased this book as a gift for my stepdaughter and she loves it.



2. First off, I have to say I was very impressed at the beginning of this book. The starting chapters, covering some perspective and posing, detailed skeletal and later muscular structures were very well done. The skull, hand and feet sections were in depth and very helpful and detailed.
   
   However- when they started into full body poses I was remotely annoyed. Most of the poses and references they gave for men were in action. Throwing something, or starting to run- pictures that neatly expressed the male body in motion. That's all very nice and well, but I would have enjoyed seeing more relaxed forms as well. Not all my work and other people's work with men is drawn in motion! Quite a bit is still.
   
   And when we move into the woman, there's no action at all. Mainly references draw for woman who are stretching, or reclining and a lot of these poses are from 'suggestive' views. It's also slightly annoying to find 10 different views from which to draw a female crotch and the male subjects mysteriously elude this area. While we're at it, not all female's breasts are aroused 24/7. It's not truly necessary to draw nipples on every figure.
   
   This whole extra fascination with the female body is perhaps more annoying to me then others since I originally got this book hoping for help on male anatomy- since if I truly need a reference for a female form I can simply go into the bathroom.
   
   It would have also been nice to see more variations in the male/female models. In general a nice reference book, though it could have covered a lot more in some areas and a lot less in others.



3. I've collected many anatomy books, but what makes this one unique is that it shows both the simple (shapes) and finished drawing in several camera viewpoints, and illustrates muscle changes (like when raising an arm), again both in simple (rough animation) and finished work. This is perfect for animation so we can study how the body shifts in a clean illustrative format. I particulary like how they illustrate the diffrences in gender proportionately. Made my life much simpler. Once you know how to draw the anatomy correctly yet cleanly, it's easier to adapt it to more complex or more cartoony forms. A must have!



4. the artsyle on the cover is Extremely Missleading~!
   It Will only show how to draw "realistic" style manga anatomy. The women model is also rather man-ish looking.
   So its not what i expected at all and i'm kind of Dissapointed. There is also a very Weird p2 page spread of up-crotch shots that i can only imagine are there for H-manga refrences.



5. The entire experience was amazing. Shipped earlier then expected, in pristine condition, no hassles no worry.
   
   The product itself is great. The guide truly helps with the basic structure of drawing characters anatonomically correct. It's always better to learn how to draw something right first and then learn how to break the rules later.