Artists Books

All Access is one of the most abundant, interesting design books I've had the pleasure to comb through. Most design publications are a pleasant visual trip, but All Access has not only engaged my eyes, but pulled me in to read every entertaining, inspiring word. I would recommend this book to everyone from the seasoned design professional to someone who is only remotely interested in graphic design. It could change the latter to the former....

This book is a series of summaries and stories of the 30 designers Bucher talked to. It's a great book to flip through and think about. My only regret is that most of the designers' works shown in the book is reproduced at miniscule size, simply because there is so much of it to show. I think I had the wrong expectation in wanting to see lots and lots of work, but the stories of each designer is an inspiration in itself.

I am a designer. I carry this book to my office everyday. This is my most important book to quickly review entire graphic design history, and also inspire ideas from other designers!!!

I love this book. There is a ton of info but writer/designer Stefan Bucher has layed it out in an eye-catching, extremely functional way and I appreciate that. The insight into the designers lives and working process is something you just won't find in another book. I find it inspiring for us wannabe designers! As an artist or designer, this is a must-read!

After much time reading books on what seems like my weakest attribute (business acumen), I decided to treat myself to a book that was focused on what I love: design. In September I stumbled upon a book by designer, Stefan Bucher, called "All Access, The Making of Thirty Extraordinary Graphic Designers."

This book was a rather fortuitous find, but it re-awakened my interest in the joy of making things. I read and reflected upon the content in it exclusively for a number of weeks. This is particularly rare for me, as I generally have about a dozen books on the go, all in varying stages of completion.

It feels as though the design community has recently experienced a deluge of monographs which take on either a hero-worshiping or somewhat self-indulgent nature. Although he's clearly excited by the people he chronicles in his book, Stefan manages to stem any kind of adulation, instead breaking his studies into small chapters. Each of these passages works to illustrate the challenges real practitioners of design have struggled with, and how they have come to find their voice through their work.

If anything was difficult for me in reading this book, it was in keeping names and bodies of work straight. The vast collection of gifted designers and their wide ranging oeuvres, felt a little like a crash course that I couldn't quite process in time. As a result, I've been re-reading the book in fits and spurts since the fall, and have referenced it extensively in discussions ever since.

To read more: http://www.ideasonideas.com/2006/01/reconsidering_design/

The author is as gifted a writer as he is a photographer. His eloquent narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat, while his photographs will amaze you. You will enjoy this book whether you are a patriot, naturalist, environmentalist, sportsman, photography buff, writer, adventurer, or couch potato. Every American should own this book.

Not long ago I sat with John Pezzenti Jr. in his beat up Suburban that he uses for nature photography as rain pounded upon the roof. John showed me a pre-release copy of his newest book, American Eagle. My 13 year old nephew from California looked over my shoulder as I turned each page, stunned by the breadth and depth of John's photographic coverage of this symbol of America. To say this is a remarkable book is an under statement. My nephew summed up how magnificant this book is when we were driving back home. "John's pictures are amazing," Shane said. "I'm going to start saving today so I can buy that book when it comes out!"

John Pezzenti has the nobility of an eagle...the stamina of a panther and the endurance of an owl intent on it's foe. He is beyond any human explanation of what a photograher should or could ever aspire to be. When I experience his photograghs I am transformed to the reality that all mankind could benifit from his example. We are but players in the realm of a wonderous life cycle...not within our command but certainly within our protection. Thank You John for your gift and sharing it!

This book is absolutely exquisite. My husband is an avid eagle fan, a gorgeous coffee table quality book of photos was the perfect gift to add to his collection. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is an admirer of eagles.

Prepare yourself for another exhilarating adventure by one of wildlife photography's most talented photojournalists. John Pezzenti, Jr. has the unique ability to take his reader on a journey filled with fascinating tales and unparalleled photographs. In the American Eagle Pezzenti brilliantly captures the very essence and spirit of an American treasure - the powerful and majestic bald eagle - photographed by many but rarely to such perfection. Depicting the bald eagle in every conceivable situation, Pezzenti begins his photographic journey from the Florida Everglades through picturesque New England and northwest to Alaska - his home territory. I thoroughly enjoyed Pezzenti's engaging stories and portrayals of the dedicated eagle protectors across America who work tirelessly toward the survival of this magnificent bird. The photos alone make The American Eagle a "must have" for anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love of America's national treasure. Once again, Pezzenti has proven himself to be one of wildlife's finest photographers working in the field today.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Our sub six year old children enjoy Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the Disney Channel, so we purchased this DVD for road trips. The TV show and DVD compliment one another like you would expect.

I ordered this for my son who is 21 months old. He loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and knows all the characters. The book is very short and keeps his attention long enough for us to practice counting. He loves this book.

As a homeschooling mother, I have a difficult time finding readers for my 4 year old. He is eager to learn, but there isn't much available reading at his level. Dick and Jane are horrible, but these books, featuring his favorite Disney characters are perfect. There is a great deal of repetition, and pictures that give clues to what the words say. No, at this point it isn't really "reading", but kids need this kind of book to encourage a love of reading. Otherwise they get bogged down in the nuts and bolts of phonics, and "learn" that reading is all work and no play. As it is, my little guy brings me these books every few hours, and reads them to me. He reads them to everyone he meets. He is excited to read, and even feels ready to tackle harder books.
My older son never had any of this type of book. At the age of 6, he is well advanced in phonics, and can read any word you put in front of him. However, he is intimidated by books. He doesn't enjoy reading them at all. He is catching on, as I have been introducing him to these readers however, since they are so easy, they guarantee success.

I highly recommend these to parents whose children are "ready to read" but need easier texts than most early readers (or easy readers) provide.

My son LOVES Mickey Mouse and loves this book! It's a fun counting book with great, colorful pictures!Plus they learn about locations as well.
"Are we at the beach yet? No, not yet!" Then they show pictures of the desert, a rain forest, a regular forest, Antarctica, etc. Perfect for the Disney fan!

I bought this book for my 3 year old daughter who is a fan of the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse t.v. show. This book did not grip her attention in the slightest, and she has not wanted me to read it again. It is not a bad book in terms of early reading skills, but it does not follow the pattern of the t.v. show. I find "Over the River" in the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Early Readers to be a better book.

This novel is filled with acute observations about the strong bond that occurs between mothers and sons, and the ineffable vicissitudes of the New York art world. I read the last hundred pages of David Lipsky's THE ART ROOM in a rush and was so caught up in the story-it became a real page turner for me. There was such a sense of dread which Lipsky sets up while Richard, the young narrator, and his mom are at the art fair, that I was certain that something very terrible was going to happen, but was relieved in a way that the coming-of-age aspect of the story played out naturally, and he finally could enter adulthood.

Some of Lipsky's turns-of-phrase made me pause to savor the words: pages 194-98 (the reverie about Richard's Dad) was very moving. It gave me lots to chew on after I finished the book. And I loved the description of Edith and the "desexification" of middle-aged women. The observations about fame and power are so insightful that I "starred" some of the passages so I could go back and read them after I was finished. (If you work or travel at all in artistic circles you will have strong moments of recognition AND, possibly, embarrassment.)

The canoe episode at the end of the book was beautiful, and the ending actually was chilling as Richard and his mother drove back into NYC: the word "towers" taking on new meaning now.

The opening was just plain fun to read as Richard travels from one separated parent to the other (cross country) with the descriptions of a very young Richard knowing that crying will get him the stewardesses' sympathies and a first-class seat.

It's a great book, and I just want to encourage anyone with any ounce of curiousity to read it. It made me squirm to read the Oedipal passages, but the honesty in Richard's narration makes the story fascinating: He is so self-aware, yet completely in denial at the same time-kind of like all of us.

if you grew up in this country in the last few decades of the century, this story will take you back again...beginning in the 60's with a woman who frees herself from a conventional marriage that cannot meet her deepest needs...the author tells it brilliantly and all too insightlyfully as he takes on his mother's success, failure, happiness as if his well being is tightly wound up with hers. its a coming of age story for both the boy and his mother, one that we can relate to, its a charm.

When Richard Freeley's parents get divorced, Richard stays with his mother, a New York artist. Though still just an adolescent, Richard takes it upon himself to help steer his mom through the viperish New York art scene. Lipsky is a smart, engaging writer whose prose is always a pleasure to read. He does a great job evoking Richard's often tortured relationship with his mother, and his portrayal of the New York art world is dead on and hilarious. Definitely worth checking out.

I really loved this book! I thought it was funny and touching, something that is kind of rare in most books. The author really has a beautiful way of describing things and the setting in the art world of New York City was very interesting (especially for someone like me who lives in the Midwest!) I heard about this book through a friend of mine who read it in her book club, and I now we're reading it in my book club. I highly recommend it.

A friend handed me this book before I walked on an airplane, and I actually stayed in my seat after the plane landed because I didn't want to stop reading. It's supposed to be about the NYC art world. But it's really about mothers and sons, parents and children, all the goodness and mess of families. It was funny and scary and had the feeling of something that actually happened. It's the best first novel I've read in a long time. I kept marking parts I wanted to read parts of to friends and my own mom. It reminded me of About A Boy and Bridget Jones's Diary. It's the kind of book where you say, "See? I wasn't the only one who felt that stuff."

I am a fan of Naruto, which is why i bought this book. I also love to draw, etc. Although this book doesn't really teach to how to draw the characters, it is still a great book to just go through and say, "Wow, that's a really great cover!"

So, If you're a fan, then i recommend this. If not... then... go find something else...

This is a perfect item to be added to your collection if you are a Naruto die-hard fan. I said "die-hard fan", so if your just one Naruto fan, this one is probably not something you should quite consider to buy, since you'd think it'd waste your money later on.

This one is a collection of previously published Naruto arts, whether in Shounen Jump, tankonbon covers, and such. So if you want all those in one book, so this is for you.

All in all, I think this book would make a Naruto die-hard fans and Naruto fans under 13 happy. Period.

I was impressed with both the quality and contents of this book. Mr. Kishimoto not only provides readers with amazing art (colorful and huge!), but also a variety of thoughts and concepts behind each of the 75 drawings (how they relate to the overall Naruto world, technical art details, etc.) There are also bonuses: a detailed description of how the cover art was made, a gallery (small, greyscale) of Shonen Jump covers featuring Naruto, and interview material. Believe it!

Short and sweet: If you like the artwork of Naruto, you won't be disappointed with this book. I especially liked Masashi Kishimoto's walkthrough of the cover art and his interpretation of squad 7 as a rock band (although I would have made Sasuke the guitarist as the guitarist and singer are always vying for the camera's attention but that's a personal choice). Several of the pieces would be excellent poster fodder. Highly recommended!

My daughters (pre-teens and teens) likes these types of books. It's not my favotite but it's theirs. And to encourage their love in reading, I do allow them to read some books of their choices in additional to the more academic choices books.

The story and illustrations are top-notch. This book is an excellent tool for children learning to appreciate art and artists. Every child should own a copy of this book!

It's beautiful and teaches kids (and parents) how to appreciate art in a simple way. Lifelong lesson that demystifies art. Love it. It engaged my son since he was 3 and he's 4 and still loves it.

Buyer beware -- these note cards fold to 3"x5".

My 4 year old granddaughter loves the book. I enjoyed seeing many famous works of art converted to elephant-views of the world -- a refreshing reframing of the familiar. All ages can benefit from this.

This is a review for the note cards. They are beautiful. The whimsical images lifted from the book are printed on decent/usable cardstock, and are definitely fine but the envelopes are much, much higher quality than you normally see in a product like this. The box itself is wonderful and will be something you keep long after the cards are all gone.

Rita D. French, Perrin L. French and Irvin F. Lin Baltimore's Own Little Italy Artist: The artwork of Tony De Sales (Genovefa Press P.O. Box 50954, Palo Alto, CA 94303 www.genovefapress.com), 2003, 224 pp. $29.95

This volume spotlights the artwork of Tony De Sales. His pen and ink drawings, some colored with crayon or simple paint, documented the architectural details and settings of his origins in working class Baltimore. Tony's sister, Rita De Sales French, and brother-in-law, Perrin L. French, unite Tony's life story with his artwork.
For thirty five years Tony maintained his "outdoor" studio and sales room at the corner of Fawn and High streets in Little Italy, an intersection frequented by locals, tourists and celebrities en route to see the sights of this historic and culinary-rich area of Baltimore. Tony's grandparents, his paternal side from Palermo, his maternal side from Warsaw, arrived in Baltimore in the early part of the 20th century. At an early age Tony became the family mainstay-his parents separated and his mother, Genevieve, suffered from mental illness. He never married and helped to raise his younger siblings and later cared for his mother until her death in 1998. On good summer days Genevieve would sit with him as he worked and greeted passersby.
The people he met on his corner of Little Italy often became friends. He gave them postcards of his prints to mail back to him when they returned to their homes across the U.S. and the world.
The book is filled with reproductions of Tony's artwork and some photos of the actual scenes he drew accompanied with descriptive text. The book covers the span of his artwork: Little Italy, Baltimore Harbor at Fells Point and seaway, Annapolis and places outside Maryland that Tony visited.
This volume makes a perfect gift for collectors of Italian American art, devotees of maritime and urban landscape art. It would serve well as a souvenir for tourists to Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington D.C. and a rewarding way for residents of the Baltimore-Washington D.C. corridor to learn and appreciate the place they call home.

This book is a unique combination of biography, city-history, and insight into the feelings and production of a gifted, self-taught artist. Tony DeSales overcame limitations of means and circumstance to bear witness to the city and neighborhood he loved.

The authors of this book, in turn, do justice to the artist's life and deep-felt monochrome and color sketches. Writing, production, and reproduction of the artwork are all first-rate.

This book is a bargain at its price, and is priceless for those who share Tony DeSales' love for Baltimore.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in street art and the Baltimore area. It is packed with Tony's beautiful artwork and the authors' detailed stories of the area. Every Baltimorean should own a copy. Rita and her co-authors have done a superb job.

This book is like a trip down "memory lane" for those of us who grew up in Baltimore. It is apparent that a great deal of thought went into the prepartion of this book. The full page prints are nicely presented on glossy paper. This is also an inspiring story of a man's generosity to his family and his community via his artwork.

This lovingly crafted book Rita and Perrin French
traces the work of Rita's brother Tony DeSales.
The prints are warm,evocative and touch the spirit of
place, They show artist and scene as one; his trying to
make you observe the vision of Baltimore that he had embraced.
Many are hauntingly beautiful renderings and show a warm remembrance of his vision. You will see many nuances
of place and look again at places found in this wonderfully
crafted editon.

If you thought all they could do was sing, think again. 4 Him has once again proved their diverse talent by writing a highly successful devotional series, drawing from stories related to many of the band's hits over the past decade. This book is a must for any 4 Him fan and isn't a bad idea for everyone else. Each member of the group offers insights into life based on a Biblical worldview and the lyrics to their number one hits. You defiantly do not want to miss out on this one.

I truly enjoyed the devotions in this book. The questions at the end of the devotions were insightful. I thought their honesty and openness was refreshing. You will not be disappointed!!

If you had put "The Basics of Life" in front of me a year ago, I would have tossed it right back at you. Until 6 or 7 months ago I was not a fan of 4HIM's music at all. Back in September, my wife and I got tickets to a concert at a church here in Dallas for 4HIM and Jaci Velasquez. Convinced that Jaci Velasquez had to be the headlining act, I agreed to go. At first I was disappointed that she only performed for about 45 minutes and I knew that 4HIM would be the main attraction. I was about to suggest we leave but something told me we should stay and get our money's worth. That's when everything changed. Call it the hand of God, call it the Holy Spirit, but something changed in me that night.

4HIM's music is a constant guide and inspiration to me. I thank God for their ministry, their message and their example. This book has given me the chance to take their wonderful music and relate to it on a deeper level. It also gives an insight to the hearts of the guys. It helps us understand where they are coming from when we hear the songs.

Praise God for the music of 4HIM!!

I heard their music and was inspired. So, i got the book hoping to learn more about the members of the group and their lives. And, while it wasnt the part of their lives I had expected, it was about the most IMPORTANT part of their lives... Their Love for God! (that rings through loud and clear) It speaks about how that love has come about and how it has affected their lives.

I, for one, believe whole-heartedly in their ministry (both in song and the written word). And my hat is off to them for holding steadfastly to their love and belief in God. - Lets face it, their talent is phenomenal. They could take it anywhere and be successful, but theyve chosen instead, to praise His holy name.

THIS BOOK IS A REAL BLESSING!!!!!!

I became a 4him fan a year ago and immediately bought this book. I read it in 8 hours (this is an unbelievable accomplishment being the mother of a toddler)! This book is so inspiring and so easy to relate to, I literally could not put it down. After reading it, I had a clearer understanding of my faith! Thank you Mark, Kirk, Marty & Andy!

My 2 year old is crazy about Bing Bunny and the adorable Flop! The stories are so appropriate and appeal directly to the toddler mind; calling to attention all the things that toddlers' notice. The crisis concerning the loss of Flop in Bing Bed Time is especially important: one cannot go to bed without Flop! (or in our case, Dee). We plan to purchase all the books. Great quality and excellent illustrations!

I wish Bing were as popular in America as Barney is. These books are a hoot and my son just can't get enough of them. I checked all 8 out from the library and had to end up buying them.

Bing is a bunny who interacts with his stuffed animal Flop. The books show Bing learning colors, foods, potty training, etc., all in the course of a day.

Adults will enjoy the '60s vibe of the cars, houses and furniture in the books.

Maybe an animated Bing show in America will make these books as popular as they deserve to be.

my son loves reading the Bing and Flop books. His favorite is the night time book. teaching him our bedtime routine is so much easier. the colors and shapes are simple and easy to understand.

My daughter Kylie, now 2 1/2...LOVES! LOVES! LOVES! the Bing series! She now "reads" the stories to us since she has memorized them all!

The Bing Bunny books appeal to both my 4-year-old and my 1-year-old. They're simple in format and style but manage to ably relay the oh-so-important-for-kids message that it's okay to make mistakes. "Paint Day" is held together by the repeated refrain of, "Don't spill the water, Bing!" Of course, he does eventually spill that water, but it's okay - it's a Bing thing. In "Bing Gets Dressed", Bing labors to get himself all dressed and then wets his pants. It's a sweet and accepting message for little kids who do make mistakes and need to hear that these things happen. We all love Bing - one read and you just can't help it.