Careers Books

I am an instructor for a 3D Game Content course and Game Art is one of our books. The industry art pipeline and procedures are very well laid-out in this book. Would love a second edition covering the next gen techniques that will be surfacing.

Great book that covers modeling techniques for game companies, uv layout's , future Tech Compontents such as Normal Maps, etc. A well good purchase for anyone who wants to know how it's done or to improve there knowledge.

I have read this book and find it extremely informative. The book is written with the readers perspective in mind. It gives beautiful insight into the industry and the dynamics of it. It also has great walk-throughs with media on a CD that you can use as part of the "practical" experience.

Good Job!

People don't think alike. The person who can handle the programming complexity of doing a graphics engine is often not the person who is capable of designing the characters, scenery, and equipment needed for the rest of the game. In this area, the digital artist comes into his/her own. Note this says digital artist. This requires two separate skills, one is the ability to create vizualize what art is needed, the other is to use a computer rather than some other media to generate the desired image.

The game design business represents an opportunity for the digital artist to obtain jobs with real companies that are relatively well paying. This book gives an artist's perspective into the game industry. It talks about the industry, the work, and gives insight on how to get a job. But mostly it talks about what kind of art is needed for gaming. It shows the detail that is necessary to produce a visually pleasing game.

The CD included with the book includes numerous illustrations and files from Maya and ds max. It also includes a trial version of Rt/Shader software. The book presumes that you have a workingknowledge of at least one major 3D program (3ds max or Maya) and Photoshop.

This is a splendid book that is positioned to take an aspiring digital artist and carry him to the next level -- employment doing a job well beyond flipping burgers.

I was an art director in the video game industry for a number of years and one of the most frustrating aspects was interviewing artists that wanted to be part of the industry but did not know how to prepare themselves. This book addresses that problem in a thoughtful and comprehensive way.

For any aspiring artist that wants to be in the video game industry, this is the book. The examples and explanations are clear and easy to follow. Using this book, you would be able to prepare a very capable portfolio.

Buy it, read it, and put the knowledge to use.

This is BY FAR the best, most concise, easy to understand, easy to follow, fun book on the subject of animation screenwriting. It covers 22, 11, and 7 minute formats and I highly recommend it.

This is a great book for anyone that wants to learn the structure of writing for animated shows. It reveals the formula for creating successful stories, characters, and scripts.

The only drawback was the overuse of the road sign analogies. Don't get me wrong, they work fine to illustrate the points, but I just felt there were too many of them.

In any case, an excellent book if you're starting out your career in animation...like me:)!

Is a shame that a great book like this only have one review until now ( and a wrong one ) hence I'll try to correct this.

NOTE: Be aware that this review is for the GARDNER'S GUIDE TO ANIMATION SCRIPTWRITING ( this review is wrongly appearing TOO in the "Gardner's guide to Multimedia & animation Studios", some kind of problem in Amazon.com I Think, :-( SORRY Chaz )

I bought this book in August 2001, if you are looking for books about scripts there are many ones, some very good, but any is writed exclusively thinking in animation and cartoons. For the animator this is an invaluable reference, here is the summary:

1.- Animation - An Overview
2.- Cartoon Genres
3.- The Moral
4.- Central Idea
5.- Dead End Ahead - The Central question
6.- The Characters and the Character Arc
7.- Introduction to Plot
8.- The Twenty-Two minute Structure
9.- The Eleven Minute Structure
10.- The Seven Minute Structure
11.- Make 'Em Laugh - Levels of Humor
12.- Prose
13.- Dialogue
14.- The Scene
15.- Broadcast Guidelines
16.- The Rewrite
17.- The Writing Process of Animation
Glossary, Cartoonography, Filmography, Road Map Forms, Apendix

The book itself have a good easyreading design, with plenty of quotations and references to well known movies or series, here you have the basics of writing but you can find more profound books about this, the special of the book is that is writed for cartoons specially, have 3 chapters studying the structures of the cartoonscript of 7, 11 and 22 minutes, of course you can apply all the information for an animation of any length, movies or shorts.

Including checklists for Structure, Characters, Scenes, Dialogue, Humor, Prose, 3 Structure guides, 75 Excercises, 37 Rules and an Animated 7 minutes Teleplay in the appendix: You have here a book that will go to occupy an important place near you.

I'm not an acclaimed screenwriter in fact I'm a novice in this area but I'm working with a firm producing some animations and I can asure you that this book can prevent you some rocky mistakes in this special field and even If you are a Pro you'll find some good points here.

I knew that scriptwriting was formulaic, with lots of rules about what should happen at what page and all of the structural details. But this book plots out exactly what a cartoon should do! From the general outline to the set-in-stone types of humor. Who knew that anyone had codified all this stuff! It's all here, from the Flintstones to South Park. This is how it's done.
Far from being confining, I'm finding that reading and re-reading this tome (easy to read tome!) is inspiring beyond belilef. I'm cranking up my DVD player and finding that every detail of every chapter is true down to the last nut and bolt. Professionals have been following these guidelines for decades!
This book must be the textbook for lots of classes about this subject somewhere.
I'm a 3d animator, and it's my goal to make animated shorts a lot more "arty" than Pepper Ann and Rugrats. But this book is such an eye-opener! I've never realized that even the cartoons that I've loved for years - Simpsons, South Park, Ren & Stimpy - all of them! They all follow the same rules.
One funny thing about this book: For a writing manual, it has a phenomenal number of typos. What a hoot. The book is incredibly easy to find your way around. The author is simply a master at her craft, and the insights are invaluable for anyone not employed in Callifornia. Yet you can find 1 or 2 typos or grammatical errors per page. I guess they skimped on the editing.
If you're concerned about developing content for your own animations, or aiming at a job scripting for cartoons, or just want to round out your knowledge about scriptwriting in general, this is an awesome book.

Gardner's Guide To Multimedia & Animation Studies is the complete, definitive, "user friendly", industry directory for anyone seeking jobs, connections, and services information and contacts. In addition to indices listed by state or province, and company name, Gardner's Guide To Multimedia & Animation Studies is carefully organized in four parts: East Coast, Central; West Coast; Canada. Within each regional section the companies are alphabetically listed and include the number of employees, areas of specialization; a brief description, address, phone, fax, and website address. Gardner's Guide To Multimedia & Animation Studies is a very practical and highly recommended addition to industry professional and library reference collections.

This is an awesome book, chock full of great information and touching anecdotes. Wise beyond her years, LaReau's book is a must read for any young person muddling through career and life choices.

A friend recommended this book for the manifold "nuggets of wisdom" it offers. "Getting a Life..." was tremendously insightful, practical and helpful as it offered concrete and realistic input on the often overwhelming concept of vocation.

Through numerous personal accounts and stories, quotes and maxims the reader can easily read and relate. I was encouraged by the lens LaReau offered by which to reflect upon vocation.

I thought it would be an ideal text to share with a close friend, in a book group of with a group on retreat. It is a stepping stone by which to feast on conversation and sharing of one's own path.

Thanks Renee for the gift of this book!

A great gift for friends in their twenties. Renee LaReau talks about important issues and how she tackled them. Through her own life stories, she describes how God and the people all around you can help you to find your true vocation. Inspirational and thought-provoking. I loved it!

Renee LaReau writes with insight and sincerity. She offers sound advice, and supports it with personal stories. This book is a "Must Read" for twentysomethings, especially those who are looking for direction.

I can't believe that a young woman has written such a concise, thoughtful and intelligent book about the important issues that we never take the time to think about. The pages are rife with appropriate stories taken from the author's own life that vividly illustrate each point she is trying to get across. This is far from a preachy self-help book, it is valid in one's everyday life and will give you something to think about whether you are Catholic, Jewish, Buddhist or Atheist.

If you want a book that gets right to the point and gives you the tools to get a job, there surely could not be a better one than this! The author has seen it all and really provides you with hard-hitting facts and the right things you need to think about before, during and after the interview. It is a timeless treasure for both the experienced and inexperienced professional seeking new employment.

The advice that Mr. Costanzo gives in this book is superb! Both my husband and I have had many successful interviews in the course of our careers and wondered what we could learn from reading "Getting Hired...". However, there are several suggestions and points made which neither of us had really considered. Recently, my husband followed some of Mr. Costanzo's suggestions and was offered a better position (promotion) with another company! We credit Mr. Costanzo is helping him take his career to the next level!

Easy to read, straight forward approach to getting hired. It didn't just tell you what NOT to do, but what TO DO. Highly recommended, especially for those just entering the workforce. Should be required reading for every college student.

The authors insight into human resources during an interview, provides powerful information that no candidate should be without. The lessons learned helped me to choose a new job without the job choosing me.

The authors insight into human resources during an interview, provides powerful information that no candidate should be without. The lessons learned helped me to choose a new job without the job choosing me.

Nancy Garrison Jenn has taken upon herself the challenge of boiling down a highly fragmented industry into a meaningful knowledge base that can be used by corporate executives and individuals to network to solve both business and career needs. Her summary chapters on how to select a recruiter and advice to both corporations and individuals provides a quick study on critical issues affecting all parties concerned. While some in the industry may quibble with her selection of individuals, without question she has identified the "Who's Who" of the search industry, reflecting a credible balance between US-based and global search professionals. Without question it is the only work of its kind.

In writing The Global 200, Nancy Garrison Jean has combined her enthusiasm for the international executive search industry with rigorous analysis to create a must read for clients, candidates, and search professionals. Bravo, Nancy!

The Global 200 is quite simply the most authoritative work on the global search business. A 'must' for every CEO

Nancy Garrison Jenn has pulled off another first in the retainer executive search field - a comprehensive list of 200 executive search consultants who work in a global environment. This is an excellent cross section of the experienced people in our profession. "The Global 200 Executive Recruiters" should be in every person's library.

The Global 200 Executive Recruiters is another proof of Nancy Garrison Jenn's in-depth knowledge of the world's executive recruitment market. Though interesting for recruiting companies to learn about their sector and their competitive position, the book is particularly of help to their clients and potential clients in assessing executive search firms and the recruiters with those firms. The Global 200 provides very useful and detailed information regarding recruiters and their expertise, both in terms of business sector specialization, as well as local, regional or global orientation. It is an excellent guide for both smaller companies and larger corporations on their path to find the executive talent they need to build a sustainable competitive edge.

Think fast, be creative, and know how to come up with your own speed bumps in life that get people to stop and pay attention. Kathy Aaronson reminds us of that "kid courage" that got us what we wanted as children. Are you applying it to your life today?

While many of the strategies that Aaronson describes in her book are targeted to the sales/marketing professional, anyone who is truly serious about attaining career satisfaction will benefit from her wisdom and insight.

This book is a fast, enjoyable read, and definitely delivers on its promise to make "success easier than failure."

I discovered this book from a review in the Orlando Sentinel, which pointed out that it "provides valuable insight into dealing with rejection and building positive business relationships." I like that it gives lots of examples, includes case studies and checklists so you not only understand this, but also can put it into action.
Here's what it includes:

Part One: Bringing Out the Value Within.

1. Finding Worth, Providing Value.

Checklist: What Is Value?

Nothing Happens Until You Sell Yourself.

2. Slowing Down the Traffic.

Creating Prospects.

The Five-Touch Technique.

3. Why We Buy, and How.

The Four Universal Types of Customers.

Building Loyalty with Every Sale.

Part Two: Turning Cold Calls into Warm Relationships.

4. Communicating with All the People, All the Time.

Six Possible Responses to Your Approach.

5. The Well-Polished Presenter.

The 24-Hour Professional.

Packaging Counts.

6. Storytelling Selling.

New Ideas: How to Show, Tell, and Sell.

A Seven-Point Presentation Structure for Selling Anything.

Rules for Storytelling Selling.

Part Three: Giving Something Extra.

7. An Apple for the Road.

Ten "Something Extra" Ideas.

Replenish--So You'll Have Something Extra to Give.

8. An Apple for the Teacher.

How to Find a Mentor.

How to Keep a Mentor.

9. It's All about the People.

How to Choose a Career You'll Love.

Career Security through Thick and Thin.

Epilogue: The Most Important People.

Appendix: The Golden Apple Action Plan.

Kathy Aaronson's strategies for breaking through and building receptivity with all types of people changed the way I do marketing. This book is a fun read, filled with good tips for anyone with an idea to convey and services to sell.

Check this book out. It works on many levels: an inspiratonal story, a sales primer and a humorous slice of how business works. Highly recommended

The first thing that strikes you about "Growing the Distance" is its unique format and layout. Unlike many books written strictly for business, this publication is alive with style, relevant quotations, humorous quips and interesting fonts. Whereas beauty is only skin deep, this book has helpful and attractive information from cover to cover. Author Jim Clemmer is the founder and president of The CLEMMER Group, a strategic consulting firm. Jim is a best selling author, workshop/retreat leader, and keynote speaker on organization improvement, leadership development, and personal effectiveness. Clemmer presents the values and philosophy he models to others in this fine book.

One of the main messages that clearly jumps out at the reader is this powerful theme...leadership and change is a living philosophy that must permeate every aspect of life including family, career, personal responsibility and self-fulfillment. Many business books on leadership put the various life roles of a leader in separate boxes. Business is one box, family life is another box, personal goals and self-actualization in yet another box. It is often assumed that these various roles have little to do with each other and for this reason family life and spirituality are typically ignored. "Growing the Distance" is not afraid to challenge this misconception by boldly discussing a leader's various interconnected roles!

"Growing the Distance" is a book about creating positive change within yourself rather than being the victim of change. Its powerful premise is that we can begin from where we are today, and choose where we want to be tomorrow. By making these choices we can grow the distance. Clemmer believes that each of us can develop the qualities of leadership that reside inside us no matter what our position in life. This publication discusses what leadership is, why change is essential, and the importance of vision, values and purpose. Clemmer encourages personal accountability for our choices and writes how we can learn and grow from disappointments. He encourages us to find commitment and passion in our workplace, as well as in spirit, and meaning within our lives. He proceeds to discuss growth and personal development while reminding us that great leaders are able to energize others to motivate themselves.

If you want to read a book and be enthusiastic about your leadership potential, "Growing the Distance" is a must. It will inspire you and help to mesh together the various roles and activities of your life. This book is truly different and will find a happy home on your bookshelf!

Jim starts the book with the point that too many development books are "like a pair of steer horns--a point here and a point there, with a whole lot of bull in between." When you are finished with this book, you won't be asking "Where's the beef?" I liked his philosophy of using quotes throughout the text, "If I couldn't have said it better myself, I won't make you wade through pages of text to prove it." And he didn't!

I picked up this book as I was thinking of my professional growth, but found the principles even more applicable at home in my role as father. I learned along side my children how to keep our rate of internal growth faster than external change so we won't be victims. Now my kids use Jim's comments of not getting "The Victimitis Virus" and staying out of "Pity City".

If this were a novel, reviewers would be saying things like "fast-paced," "exciting," and "inspirational."

This book connects leadership, personal growth and success in life in a format designed for easy reading and high impact. Although I actually read the books I'm asked to review, not just scan for content, I've found some books can't be read straight through because they aren't designed for it. "Growing The Distance" is one of those. It is in digest format, a collection of short, short articles that follow a common theme, each building on the prior articles to form a coherent book. Each article also is able to stand alone without reference to the others. Thus, you can explore the ideas in the book at random, sampling here and there according to your attraction to a title.

And, it is preferable to read this book by scanning and sampling. Each "article" has so much condensed meaning that you need to stop and think about the ideas, anecdotes and quotations within. Like eating peanuts, you keep going back and nibbling some more.

I've grown tired of business books that have good lessons but don't inspire me.

Jim's book IS NOT one of those.
It is fresh and inspiring. I really like the writing style.

I can truely say this is my favourite book!I have read it at least 3 times already and I'll probably read again and again!

I BOUGHT THE BOOK BECAUSE PART OF THE PROCEEDS GO TO MAKE-A-WISH. IT IS A GOOD BOOK TO OWN.

The important message of "If you beleive in yourself, you can become whatever you want to be" is so simple yet essential. Children will love to travel this journey with the darling little lamb Loukoumi, and learn something valuable in the process. A great book for parents to read with their kids.

This book is an excellent boost to any child's dreams. It is an inspiring book and has a positive message encouraging a child to go after their dreams and to work hard and that anything is possible. I highly recommend this book to any child. Children need positive enforcers in their life. Constantine Maroulis from American Idol, also the star in two Broadway shows, "The Wedding Singer" and "Jaquels Brel" beginning Jan 9th in New York, is funny, and enlightening to the kids who love him.

Great book for young children. You will not be disappointed.

This is a favorite in my classroom! Loukoumi explores many jobs, from farmer to singer, in this sweet story. The CD features many successful Greek people and is beautifully done. Rocker Constantine Maroulis as Farmer Gus is priceless!

This book should be on every job hunters and out placement firms desks. Ms. Montgomery writes a concise book that gets you the optimum resume today not next week. All job seekers employed or not want to commence their search as quickly as possible. Most books on resume writing are large and do not get you started today. Time is a precious commodity for job seekers. The author has accomplished this difficult task with "Hand It To 'em On A Platter". Fortunately, I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Montgomery. She is witty and fully understands the emotions of job seekers. She has coached thousands of job seekers, and we are lucky to have her knowledge in this book.

This book gives 7 steps to writing that successful resume. It is clear and concise, logical and insightful. I've read many resumes that were sadly lacking. I will be recommending this book to others!

I wish I had read this book while on my last job search! It takes a different slant on many aspects of the search process and has excellent tips on resume writing. Short on fluff and on the spot with solid tips. Ms. Montgomery has written the book that belongs in every job hunter's library.

This is a great resume writing guide - short & sweet, easy to follow, and very useful. Anyone writing or updating their resume should read this book, and follow it's advice.

I really liked this book. I would recommend reading it. Thanks!

I found this career Job Search Book "Have Resume WIll Travel" a source of informative advice to implement. It was at times to detailed in some areas, however, the majority of the book offers its readers viable direction. Be carefull by following advice from authors who have not been in the job search arena as this book does not have any problems in this category as the author appears to have been exposed to career experences that other can learn from. I enjoyed the content!

I just read this book as I must say, it is a real informative book on how to secure and enjoy success during your next employment search. It is the new Gold Standard of Executive Job Search books. Additonally, I was very impressed with the lay out of this book and how easy it was to follow and execute. R.C. Patrick appears to be a Big Time Winner in the Executive World and his book reflects why! I really enjoyed Have Resume Will Travel and would highly suggest it to other people who are real serious about landing that next job. Lastly, the best part about this book is it was written by a real person who is still in the employment arena today as that in itself brings value to the content.

Best Regards,
Kathy Miller

I feel that this book is real world and can help candidates. It contains viable job search receomendations, yet is taliored for the executive.

Sincerely,
Pat Franzen

Looking for employment is very hard work. Have Resume Will Travel is a "excellent" career tool to quide candidates through the rough road of landing a good job. The book is also a viable source of information for any person at "any" level who truly wants to improve thier chances of beating out other people for the same job that you want and deserve.

Have Resume WIll Travel is required reading for any person. The author has the background and is in a posiiton to offer up "results oriented" fact base information. Careers are to important to take anyone's advice. That is why I am the type of person who really seeks advice from a reliable source.

I just read Have Resume Will Travel written by Career Author R.C. Patrick as I was very impressed with his attention to detail in his book. More specifically, the action plans highlighted are truly cutting edge and will deliver the results that employment seekers are in search of. ALso, the chapter on direct mail to companies was very helpful. I perosnally feel that if people follow the job search strategies in this book during thier next job search, it will help them secure employment. I also feel that R.C. Patrick's advice is worth seeking. Real World!

Mark