Design Books

The author: a great reporter.
The book: a detailed "story" of manual workers, from Sicily to Cuba and India...
Very good images, very well printed. Very very good black and white warm tone.

Salgado, like Bresson, Smith and Evans goes into the detail the world of WORK, it is an amazing array of images.

Wonderful book! Highly suggest buying if interested in socially concerned photography. Only negative comment is that the book designer chose to place some images on a two page spread which means the subject of the photo's are in the crease.

My wife and I saw these photographs exhibited in NYC quite a while ago (mid to late 1990's at the ICP?) and were extremely impressed, and I think that the book does them justice. Some are almost difficult to believe are real (see Brazilian gold miners on pages 300 & 301).

I was lucky enough to see this wonderfully humane expose and photographic genius while it was on tour at The Philadelphia Art Museum years ago. At that time, I passed up buying this book at the Museum Store and regretted and searched in stores for it years later.
If this book were on everyone's coffee table and looked at page by page ... there would be much more respect and much less oppression in the world. Good people would see to that.

This book is a absolute necessity for anyone working with beads. This book is sure to be a vital and well-worn fixture on all bead tables - it already is on mine! Margie clearly understands the magical and complex interactions of color and light and she presents her knowledge to the reader in glorious and vivid detail. The book rates a top review just for its eye-candy value alone but it is much more than that. If you have never worked with a color wheel before you will gain a thorough understanding from this book. And if you have worked extensively with color for years, you will still come away from this book with new insights and inspiration. The book is written in a user friendly manner and the illustrations and artwork combine very cohesively with the text. The result is an absolute treasure of a book.

_The Beader's Guide to Color_ by Margie Deeb is not just for beaders, it is for anyone (sewers, interior designers, quilters, or jewelry makers) who wears or uses color.

The major sections of the book are:
- Color Theory & Design
- Theory-Based Color Schemes
- Emotional & Symbolic Color Schemes
- Inspiration & Technique

Each section has numerous subsections, such as "Blue & Cyan", "Color & Design", and "Color Harmony" (and others) in Color Theory & Design; or "Natural", "Luxurious", and "Clashing" (and others) in Emotional & Symbolic Color Schemes. Each subsection typically covers 1-4 pages, making this an excellent book to browse through or to read in smaller parts.

And I am quite glad that the book is broken up into so many subsections, as there is a HUGE amount of information, with a lot of depth to it too. I still find something new to think about or consider each time I read it, and I've owned my copy for at least two years now.

Some of the things that I am personally very grateful for are:
- Explanations of both the artists' pigment color wheel and the ink color wheel, the differences between the two, and frequent reference back to the color wheels in the Theory-Based Color Schemes.
- TONS of very professional and detailed photographs of beading projects done by Deeb and many other artists. There are wall hangings; jewelry with glass beads, seed beads, stone beads, metal beads, and combinations of those; loom-woven and freehand seed bead projects; tabletop pieces such as vases or bowls. Some projects are center on a single large bead or stone, some revolve around a certain type of bead or stone, and some focus not on the feel of the overall piece. Some pieces are very structured and geometric, some are organic and portray flowers, leaves or animals, and some are very freeform. Whatever your particular style or project, you will probably be able to find a palette or a photograph that you can relate to.
- The pages devoted to some of the individual colors. While you may not always agree with Deeb in what emotions and connotations each color evokes, it will still be worth your time to consider WHY you don't agree and what the color mean for you.
- Demonstrations of how the mood and feel of a piece can change just by going to warmer, cooler, brighter, or dimmer colors, and why it's important to decide at the beginning of a project if you want something that is eye-catching all on its own, or that will blend well with something else.
- Numerous Delica seed bead palettes as examples of what can be done with each color scheme. While I don't use seed beads myself, the examples help me understand how to take theory and turn it into something real.

The only criticism I have of the book is Deeb seems to have a preference for purple; purple, mauve, and lavender seem to be in a disproportionate number of the example palettes. However, that is a very minor criticism.

I would probably have had to take at least one or two college color-theory classes to gain as much as I have from this book. I would recommend it without reservation to anyone who uses color for personal adornment (clothing, jewelry, etc.) or for their surroundings.

A definite must have book for all Delica beadworkers AND for those that really want a useful, classic book on color theory applied to beading. Deeb's book uses Delica beads (and their appropriate numbers) to provide stimulating examples of the best uses of color for a multitude of designs. However, you don't have to use seed beads to appreciate the HIGH quality of this book when in comes to color wheels and color theory. What I learned in one or two semesters of fine art in college design classes is in a few well-written pages of this book followed with examples that you can apply directly to bead/jewelry art. Deeb's writing style keeps you interested and clearly describes how the color wheel works. Plus her beadwork designs are exciting (so are those from her other books - a few pieces of her artwork from those bead books are in here) and tempting to try in other color combinations using her recommendations for producing stimulating beadwork. This book is an excellent reference or guide to help make your own projects sizzle with color.

Last month during a beading class, both the instructor and a classmate mentioned this book when I said something about how I always struggle with color. I was eager to purchase it, and am really pleased with all the information it gives!

As other reviewers mentioned, Margie Deeb spends a great deal of time talking about color theory, and she does so in an easy-to-follow way. She also talks about how certain colors evoke certain moods and feelings, and provides many color photos of examples so you can see what she means.

She also provides a fantastic overview of how to use a color wheel. For instance, I knew about using a color wheel by looking at the squares and triangles where three or four colors meet, but I didn't realize all the other ways you can use a color wheel to find complementary colors. For me, this information alone was worth buying this book for.

Another strength of the book is that she provides bead numbers for Delica color palettes. This was very interesting, but I tend to use size 11 and size 15 seed beads more frequently, so I'm not sure if the color numbers will help me as much as a future reference. Her inclusion of these color schemes is still great, though, since they give me something to base a design around.

The only downsides (and they are small ones) is that the sample projects are not really to my liking (they tend to be things like wall hangings) and that the writing can be a bit overkill when she describes the moods that certain colors evoke. Overall, though, I would definitely still purchase this book since it contains so much information and is reasonably priced and because I bought it more for the color theory than for the included projects (and I know we all have very different tastes). It's definitely worth the cost of the book!

I bought this book for information on color combinations for beading and jewelry making. I have found that I keep picking it up and reading and re-reading sections, the book is very inspirational. I also feel this book is valuable in other areas in which I use color, for instance stained glass and painting. Don't just consider this for beading, consider it if you are an interior decorator or if in your hobby or work color is important, I believe this book will be a go to book for years to come. It has been a long time since I have found a reference book that was so useful. You won't be sorry you bought it if you have a passion for color but feel you need a little help in combining colors or even choosing a main color for a particular effect.

Citrix MetaFrame XP: Advanced Technical Design Guide, Second Edition was a decent general read. In depth technical detail seemed to be lacking and was replaced by repetitive best practice lectures. However, I enjoyed the authors side comments and general personality that was interwoven into the reading. Overall the book is informative and well written.

We had 2 other books on Citrix Metaframe but the books didn't give us much detail so we started looking for a better resource. I found this book and recommended it to my Network Adminsitrator. I thought I won't get much from it because I don't work with Citrix everyday but when time permits, I read the book and 70% of the time I got the answers from this book.

Not a book for beginners. This is written for engineers and people who already have a good grasp of the basics of Terminal Servers and Citrix. No "how to" install in this book, but rather how to design, implement, identify and resolve your own problems, with a lot of real-life examples.

The style of the book (way it is written) makes a pleasant change from the usual technical books, as it addresses you like you know what you're talking about. You will come out with a clear understading of the issues you're facing and how to resolve them.

This book is self-published, which makes it all the more remarkable.

The book covers up to Windows 2000 and Mataframe XP FR2. I'm keen to see when the next edition comes out, and hpoefully it will concentrate on Windows 2003 + Metaframe 3.0

I had a real tough time searching the Internet and all other places to get some real stuff on Citrix and my search ended with "this" book by "Brain" Madden.

Citrix will notice a sizeable improvement in their sales if they include this book with their product. Everything is explained clearly with visuals and no filler material.

One of the best Tech Books to hit the market in recent times.

In my opinion, this book is the ONLY interesting published book about Citrix until now. I have read most of the available books about Citrix and Terminal Services and this is the only one I would buy again.

If you are a Citrix Certified Administrator, you will find this book very helpful. Personally speaking, I prefer it to most of the Citrix official documentation.

Take into account that it is a book for people who already has a deep knowledge about Citrix. It is not a guide for begginers. It gives you hints to improve your own Citrix project methodology.

Amazon guys, let me suggest this, please: If you are looking for a step-by-step begginers guide, have a look at Methodology in a Box (freely available at http://www.dabcc.com)

This is our new favorite birthday gift for our seven-year old daughter's friends. We love this book! It has great starts for fun and creative drawings that children can make. Great for the "established artist" or non-drawers! We look forward to trying out more of these books.

This book is a must have. It is great for developmental learning and gives children directions that are easy to follow. I have worked with kids for several years and wish these books were out a long time ago so I could have spread the word sooner. Truly great books.

This is part of a series of books from Japan starting with Scribbles that has a bunch of interesting artwork and directs children to either color in or complete the pictures. My daughters find this book fascinating and we spend hours coloring. This is a great book for long trips either in the car or even in an airplane, though its size somewhat limits it's portability (it's a BIG paperback book). One other possible downside is that some (very few) of the pictures are a little morbid and appear out of place, but I wonder if some references to dead people are more related to a different culture regarding death. This doesn't bother my wife and I and our daughters really enjoy this book.

Love Gomi's books for our children who love them so much they wanted to take them on vacation. Wish we could have, but uhmm, they are a bit too heavy to lug around if you have multiple children. We have and love all of Gomi's doodle books!

NICE BOOK FOR THE YOUNGER POPULATION. DESCRIPTION INDICATED THAT ADULTS WOULD LIKE IT ALSO BUT WHEN I REC'D IT I FELT THAT IT WAS TOO BASIC FOR ADULTS AND MIGHT BE SEEN AS AN INSULT IF I GAVE IT TO ONE.

The others have said it all. This is truly a five star book, full of useful content. By now you should be in no doubt - buy it!

I just read this book on 04/2001, and considering that this book was published on 99 it feels a bit old, but although it treats Flash on its version 3, is gives you an amazing background information, also the optimization section for animated gifs is amazing. I just wish i read this book on 99' I would be Hillman Curtis 2, i would've save me lots of learning. Great for Flash foundations. This for sure was the THE HIT back on 99'.

J.Scott Hamlin is on the cutting edge of Web graphics design and his book Effective Web Animation offers a new look and fresh approach to incorporating animated imagery. According to Hamlin serious Web graphics design goes far beyond the simple GIF animations of poorer quality and performance that just about anyone can create. Image size, color quality, interactivity, accompanying audio, and faster delivery over the Internet are factors that have led to new Web animation technologies. Are we ready to face them?

Hamlin lays a foundation for Web animation on the professional level for serious minded Web designers who must face new graphic design consideration demands. Hamlin offers detailed instruction involving the use of JavaScript, Photoshop, and Macromedia Flash and the results are phenomenal. This book contains many well-planned and beautifully designed graphic images and the tips and advanced techniques necessary to create comparable results. The accompanying CD features sample code, animations, demoware, and tutorials for further instruction opportunities.

Web animation is making a comeback and Web graphics design has become serious business. Hamlin's contribution in the form of this book is essential for those designers who want to graduate to a higher level of Web design mastery and income. Clients are wising up to the many Web technologies available to them and are becoming more discerning about how they spend their advertising dollars. Don't be left behind. Consider animating your Web creations today. This is must reading!

Having already worked for a number of years with the Internet I was hoping this book would provide me with such information as "Advanced Techniques for the Web" (as the books sub-title states). What I found though was the book is a fantastic resource for anyone who is a complete beginner right up to intermediate web developer.

I was expecting detailed information on java scripting and Flash scripting however found that the book goes not much further than, for example, the handbooks and tutorials of Flash 4 and Dreamweaver 2.

If you are an experienced web designer/developer with a solid grounding in the internet and are looking for more than basic java scripting and flash scripting, this book may prove to be too basic. With this all said, this is a valuable book and many colleagues who newer to the web are gaining much benefit from information in this book.

5 stars for beginner - intermediate skill level

3 stars for advanced skill level

This is one great book! Picking it up and setting down in my usual lazy chair to read I quickly got a feel for how easy this book was to read. With beautiful pictures and easy to follow examples I quickly found it to be one of my favorite graphics books. This book covers almost everything you need to know about web animation, and best of all, it grows with you! As your skills get better the book explains more. From Gif89 animations to all out power house Flash animations that will make your site to die for! I loved every bit!

Sonnenschein effectively covers the theory behind shaping the soundtrack, and gives great examples of the ideas in action. I loved the candid quotes from masters like Ben Burtt, Gary Rydstrom, Walter Murch, Dane Davis, and others. I started noting down all of the films he mentions as examples of good sound design, until I noticed Sonnenschein was one step ahead and had already noted them all in the back. Only 4 stars 'cause I personally wanted more technique and a little less theory.

This eloquently written book describes the rhyme and reason behind all the sounds - music, effects, and dialogue - that are blended together to create the sophisticated soundtracks we're accustomed to. Sonnenschein, a director, musician, and award-winning sound designer, combines practical wisdom with sound theory and exercises to inspire and educate both new and experienced sound professionals. The book will appeal to non-professionals and other filmmakers as well because it's fun, entertaining, and enlightening. The author clearly loves and knows the world of sound and it's a joy to be brought into this world.

This was an interesting book, and it really gave me some new perspectives on sound design. Sonnenschein focuses on the organization and mindset of sound design, rather than the technicalities. I especially liked the excerpts from top sound designers such as Dane Davis (The Matrix, Drugstore Cowboy), Gary Rydstrom (Backdraft, Saving Private Ryan), and Ben Burtt (Star Wars, Indiana Jones).

My only knock on the book is that Sonnenschein was repetitive at times. The book would be about 30 pages shorter if he didn't repeat points that were made in previous chapters. Never the less, it was an interesting read, and I still think it is a great resource.

I am very glad, that I found this book. It helps me think about making sound design in a very deep point of view.
I love it!!!
Thank you David Sonnenschein:-)

Jan Sleska
student of sound engineering

"Sound Design" by David Sonnenschein is a very rewarding and fascinating read. Full of knowledge and practical examples as well as exercises to develop the reader's own awareness for sound. It's became one of my all time favorite books.
I highly recommend it to anyone interested in sound... be it for film or radio.... or music...

As a building professional (licensed general contractor since 1991), I think that this book by Amy Johnston is an excellent resource in preparing a person to undertake a building project. The book is chock full of practical, insightful information that gives consumers a 'peek behind the curtain' of building contractors, as well as the building process in general.

Over the years, I have heard of many construction horror stories and am dismayed to see builders with great marketing but little integrity continue to do project after project. If more consumers would take the time and effort to educate themselves about the building process, there would be far less 'money pit' experiences on building projects. This book makes it easy to be an informed consumer.

Amy gets it. I now feel educated. This book is well written, easy to read and packed with information. I am now looking forward to having a successful project (as opposed to being another horror renovation victim).
Thank you Amy!

Amy gets it. I now feel educated. This book is well written, easy to read and packed with information. I am now looking forward to having a successful project (as opposed to being another horror renovation victim).
Thank you Amy!

This book was an excellent resource - helps make you a more savvy owner. You will better understand both the process and the contractor's mindset. Good guidance on where to focus and how to avoid pitfalls.
Would also recommend Hiring Contractors Without Going through Hell.

there are thousands of books on the general subject of home renovation. for the important steps that take you from idea/dream to budgeted plan and actual work, this is the perfect guide. ms. johnston is a rare author whose main objectives are to inform and support. readers of this book, if they're anything like my partner and me, will be empowered to pursue their ideas in a realistic, fiscally disciplined way. after reading ms. johnston's book, we feel like agents or real participants in renovating our home, and not hope-filled homeowners eager to make someone else's labor work for us. we know what work we can do, and what work we need someone else to do. this is an excellent place to begin planning an addition or home renovation. it's a text you can return to again and again throughout your process. (i understand that a revised edition will be published in january 2008. i have the first edition, and will buy the new one. these comments refer to the original edition.)

This the best cartooning book around. A classic. A must for entry level cartoonist or professional.

I'm always looking for the perfect book of whatever variety, & speaking as a former library employee, a cartoonist & art teacher, Jack Hamm has written THE book on cartooning. It is so packed with examples & not so much text, as it should be, it has tips & then TONS of examples. The style ranges from early American cartooning style to 50s/60s modern style. Fantastic examples of different expressions, hand positions, walking positions, drawing women, all of it. All good. If you want a great guide for old fashioned American cartooning, this is the one to get. Then get the Preston Blair book from Walter Foster.

This book is full of great ideas and tips. There's plenty for the beginner, like little tutorials on highly-stylized eyes or noses or mouths, or straightforward examples on common poses, but it's not just a book for beginners. There are a lot of highly-finished drawings as well, and examples of moving from simple to more complex drawings. Plus tips on various penciling and inking techniques, and various cartoon genres. All in all, there are literally thousands of examples and sketches, enough material to keep anybody busy for a long time. I've pulled this book down from the shelf more often than any of my other numerous drawing books, and I've filled page after page with exercises based on the material. A classic and worth far more than its price.

If you're a cartoonist this is a book you have to have. It has been in publication for quite a while but nothing better has been created in the way of a great, all-purpose reference book. I've gone through a couple copies of this book and no matter how many times I looked at it I was still able to come up with ideas. Whether you're just starting out or have been doing cartoons for years you should have a copy of this book.

"Cartooning the Head & Figure" --by Jack Hamm

Artist and Christian minister Jack Hamm passed from this world at the age of 81. He illustrated the notable cartoon strip characters "BUGS BUNNY" and "ALLEY OOP" early in his career as an artist. He wrote and illustrated over 25 books on drawing. He pioneered an early TV show on drawing instruction in the Dallas/Houston Texas area.

I admit I am not an expert on fine art, but after reviewing many books which teach beginners HOW-TO-DRAW, it is my sincere opinion that Jack Hamm is the finest instructor America ever produced. Hamm almost never composed text, or used wordy explanations about drawing something. Hamm drew you a picture or series of pictures and showed how it might be done. He did not do this ..."sometimes" in his books. Hamm did this ALL THE TIME, whether it was cartoon figures, seascapes, landscapes, or drawing the human figure.

That is why any effort to list all the contents of his book, "CARTOONING THE HEAD & FIGURE" staggers the human imagination. I might be sitting at the computer for several hours, just listing the contents. Hamm shows how to draw every possible human emotion. Pages 22 & 23 alone are specific instructions in how to draw particular parts of the face to yield a human feeling.

The amazing thing is, Hamm is offering a book not only that adults can use; rather, Hamm is offering a book that CHILDREN can use. This book is in a class by itself, just as is Hamm's classic on drawing the human figure. Hamm's books are one of the richest treasures ever produced on American soil.

I like the book very much. It taught me some basic beading techniques for Swarovski crystals. I did not use any of the book's patterns. I made my own patterns using the techniques from the book.

My only criticism is that the patterns are too colorful! Swarovski crystals are already striking; too much color can become gaudy.

Laura McCabe's designs are not just sparkling. they are sparklicious!! For anyone who loves sparkles and bezeling crystals, this is the book for you. All the instructions are in color and easy to follow. I love the fact that many of the designs have picture of variations of both color and size to help you envision what a design might look like when done in YOUR favorite colors. Each project has an estimate of time to complete and a very specific materials list. There is an excellent chart for bezeling rivolis and other crystals. Although I would guess that her projects are for at least an intermediate beader, all the stitches needed to complete a project are explained in full color. Also, on her website you can order kits for some of the projects.

Laura McCabe has a very natural approach to jewelry and it shows. You can see the echo of flowers, berries, and other organic-looking items, yet she also provides some very geometric designs. The book is a full-color, quality paperback with very easy to follow, fully illustrated, instructions. Laura makes it easy to visualize how the designs will look in other color schemes by providing images of variations on the designs. She provides a brief history of beads and jumps right into the techniques and stitches. From crystal beaded bead to crystal flower rings, Laura McCabe gives 65+ ways to use Swarovski crystal elements. A wonderful addition to a beader's collection. The techniques I believe, would have interest to the the intermediate and advanced beader. Many of the techniques in this book would aid in own personal designs also.

Be sure to visit Laura McCabe's website: www.justletmebead.com
here you can see a gallery of her work and order supplies and kits.

THIS IS ONE OF THE FINEST BEADING BOOKS I HAVE EVER PURCHASED. LAURA McCABE IS ONE OF THE GREATS IN THE BEADING INDUSTRY. HER DESIGNS ARE SUPERB, BUT EVEN BETTER HER DIRECTIONS ARE CLEAR AND VERY EASY TO FOLLOW. SHE ALSO PRESENTS GENERIC INFORMATION SO YOU CAN CREATE DESIGNS OF YOUR OWN. IT IS NOT A BOOK FOR BEGINNERS BUT RATHER FOR THOSE EXPERIENCED BEADERS THAT ARE LOOKING FOR NEW TECHNIQUES THAT WILL SET YOUR WORK APART FROM THE AVERAGE EVERYDAY RUN OF THE MILL JEWELERY THAT YOU SEE EVERYWHERE. I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK MORE HIGHLY.

This book not only supplies beautiful beading projects but it does so in a way that can be followed by any beader with some experience in the basic off loom stitches. I have bought many bead books where the details were so sketchy or vague as to be almost useless. Not so here. Laura does the directions very well and quite clearly. On her web site there is even an addendum in which she tells you exactly what beads she used in each project. I have NEVER seen that before in a bead book! Thanks for the great book, Laura!

Huge book. Lots of tips. Color photos. Interviews with the pros. An overall great guide to team creativity.

This book has become one of my favorite books in my library. Extremely creative ideas and large, colorful photos. I am very pleased to have this book.

Very nice book with lots of pictures for inspiration. However, I would like to know how successful the ads were and how this is measured. A clever ad does not always translate to improved sales.

I use this book all the time for class (I'm an ad design student) and it's always helpful.

The book was fantastic. I'm an advertising student and it has come in especially handy when I'm stuck for ideas. Cool campaigns and lots of insight into getting those juices flowing.