Graphics Books

I've loved reading this book and learned a lot from it. It's even still relevent with Photoshop 6. My only negative comment is that the book is so heavy physicaly that you cant enjoy reading it but by putting it on a table.

What makes this book great is the personal perspective of the authors. Rather than simply explaining features, the authors tell you which features THEY use and when. I suppose this is what they mean by "real world."

If you use Photoshop, but you don't use high-level techniques, you owe it to yourself to get this book. This is not one of those books on how to do crazy effects, rather it's a tool for serious users to get the most from Photoshop's tools. This book takes you through each of the different features of Photoshop -- sharpening, color correction, making selections -- and teaches you things you thought you already knew.

P.S. Years after writing this review, and attending Photoshop workshops, I can attest that the information in this book holds up. The advice on topics such as color correction, making selections, sharpening, etc are still on-the-money and totally applicable to Photoshop 7, so if you can get this book at a big discount it may well be worthwhile.

while this book does have a lot of useful info, there are a few things i don't like about it. for starters, there is NO cd. most books come with a cd full of imges and other goodies. that may seem like a minor detail, but it would be nice to be able to have the same images from the book in order to practice on. the other thing i dislike about this book and this is my biggest complaint is the very bad rosette pattern of the halftone dots. it is so bad, that in some cases it's hard to see the "before and after" effect in the images. i also don't like the fact that all of the curves in the book are backwards!!!!! i have been drawing curves before DTP ever exsisted, and find it very hard to do things backwards and i have yet to see anyone use curves in that manner in the working world. the authors also seem to place too much emphasis on histograms...in my 7 years of working in photoshop, i've never seen anyone call up a histogram and use it for any sort of work yet the authors make it seem like it's an everyday thing for people to judge images with a histogram...these are minor rants, but i'd recommend the photoshop bible to people before this book.....real world photoshop is definitely a book to own, but not as a first photoshop book....

This is for people who use Photoshop in a professional setting. It will help you get better scans and get better output from your scans.

A must have for Mac Addicts!! I learned so much and the format is quick and easy to read. Just Macaliscous!

After half a dozen years as a Mac traitor who got dragged kicking and screaming into the Windows-only world at work, I'm retiring from the work world and switching back to Mac-only at home. I waited for about six months for Robin's update for Leopard to be published and it was well worth the wait. While I'm just getting into the book, I can already see that it's going to be a member of my on-desk library of essential Mac reference books. Way to go Robin and John!

I switched to MAC about one month ago, bought the book the next day and found it very helpful. I went through it page by page and it was easy to read and understand and it was more than helpful. I recommend it highly for the first time MAC users.

Can these people write, or can they write? Thier books are always easy to follow, and presented in an entertaining fashion as well. If Robin Williams had written books about all the subjects I so disliked in school, I would undoubtedly have been very well read in all topics.
In a matter of minutes, I was able to unlock a few mysteries about my Mac...in days, I was using the applications without fear or hesitation. And while I am quite aware of how user friendly Macs are anyway, Ms Williams takes away the fears I still tend to harbor. I'm no computer wiz kid, I am FAR on the opposite end of the spectrum. But this book in particular, opened my eyes....from a place of feeling overwhelmed by all the things I KNEW this little box could do(that I didn't think I could) to a world of fun, and confidence. Cool Mac Apps is quickly becoming my favorite book. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn anything about the iLife applications.

As we have all come to expect from Robin Williams, this book is written in a clear, precise manor. The illustrations are all very helpful. I particularly like the way the windows of each application are illustrated with details about each item within the window.

I have been using OSX for over two years now and thought I knew my way around each of these applications, but I was able to learn a lot of easier ways to do things . I have also learned that there were a lot of the features that I was not even coming close to using to their full potential. I have been using iCal, iTunes, and iPhoto on an almost daily basis, so these new tips and techniques are a real timesaver for me.

I was really surprised at how much new knowledge I gained on using Safari. I am on the internet on a daily basis and just took the browser for granted. The quick Tips section was very helpful. The section on RSS feeds opened up a whole new world of information for me.

Cool Mac Apps is a must have reference book that every MAC user needs in their personal library. I would give this book an excellent rating!

I adore this book! It is one of those books that I just pick up and flip to a random page, and absorb the wisdom. It is full of tiny little things you can do to make your work look more professional. This guy is amazing.

One-Minute Designer Revised edition Roger C. Parker MIS:Press, 1997

Like it or not, if you use a computer you are a typographer, and that's anyone who arranges words within a given space: letter, report, bulletin, brochure, ad, billboard, book, sign etc. You don't have to be a graphic designer to create good typography because Roger Parker makes it easy to communicate clearly. The book is methodically organized. Each page is devoted to one subject, i.e. column width, placement, type sizes, word and letter spacing, font choice-all 204 of them. Parker writes easily, clearly, succinctly, and is always on the side of the reader, and the absence of verbiage and posturing is refreshing. Each page has direct, easy-to-understand two color illustrations that unambiguously define the text. Unlike program manuals that have incomplete or misnamed subjects, I'm impressed with Parker's contents page and glossary, which makes it easy for the reader to find information quickly. The soft cover book is a comfortable, easy to hold 7" x 9" portrait format. For quick review, the italic captions are printed in red. Text is set in one of my favorite fonts Minion, designed by Robert Slimbach one of the world's great type designers. The generous 11-point size makes is easy to read. This is a book that makes it easy to produce good looking, well organized layouts that communicate, a rarity in manuals. Parker's book should be within arm's length at a workstation, and [for the money], it's money in the bank.

Doyald Young, teacher and author: Logotypes & Letterforms and Fonts & Logos

This book is amazing. It lists 200 examples of good and bad design in a text/title/image/graphic perspective for business documents (which is just like a website). This book is a bible for begining or intermediate graphic designers who want to make the perfectly organized data (newsletters, website, newspaper, etc). Instead of long chapters of boring theory and idealism, it points out common design mistakes and shows a better way to do it and throws in a couple sentences of theory to it. In my opinion this is a must in anyone's library of books.

I bought this masterpiece after I read 'The Non-Designers Design Book' by Robin Williams. The content is much the same, but explored much more thoroughly, with clear examples and well-thought layouts.

If you want to get only one book on Desktop Publishing, THIS IS THE ONE! Don't waste your time with other books.

A paper design is self-explanatory and self-maintaining. This is why Roger Parker was able to write this superb book on design for paper. Web publishing involves collaborative maintenance of a collection of material. So one can never achieve such clarity. Anyway, this is a great book if you want to design some paper stuff and it is also good to think about why you'll never have it this easy in the Web world.

I imagine that if you are reading a review for the fifth volume of Saiyuki, then you are already aware of the amount of violence and social taboos the series contains, and don't need to be told again. If not, you have been duly warned.

Following up on the Hakkai's past arc that took up most of volume four, volume five is about 3/4ths flashback on how everyone's favourite quartet of hellions met in the first place. Following Hakkai's - then Cho Gonou - murder of the demons who took his sister, Gojyo comes across Hakkai, near-death, and takes him home to recuperate. Sanzo, on the other hand, is in Chang'an, where the Three Aspects of Buddha charge him with the misson of capturing Hakkai and bring him to the temple for trial. Reluctantly, Sanzo and Goku track him down to Gojyo's apartment. Needless to say, the hot-headeds get into a fight, but Sanzo manages to complete his misson without too much blood being spilled. The rest of the volume picks back up in the present, where the four are traveling through the desert. On the way, they hear that a local demon possesses one of Tenchi Kaigen Sutras and the group goes off in search. To make a long story short, they are captured, Sanzo is injured, and Hakkai, Gojyo, and Goku must get out of the demon's lair before it collapses and the desert falls on them. Oh, and Kougaji and Dokugakuji show up too.

I can't say I like this volume as much as I like the volumes that come immediately before and after. Volume four dealt with Hakkai's past, which is so twisted one wonders how many nights Minekura-san spent thinking it up. Volume six has Demon Goku in it, which is always very cool to see. And seeing how much of the series' appeal comes from the characters and their interactions with each other, volume 5's mainly plot-based story isn't as good as when Minekura-san just lets the four guys run wild with a situation. Still, Saiyuki is probably one of the best series out there, and if you're just getting into the series this volume is a must-have to understand what bonds the four main characters together.

From Saiyuki, Vol. 1 to Saiyuki Reload 4, the amazing detail on this amazing writing on this amazing author and illustrator is... well... amazing. Their adventures throughout the Yukai Demon world is tough, and their adventure through trying to get Goku some food is... very tough, but they make it through with the understandable, unnaceptable written works, that I believe should someday become a legend.

This is based on either a book-book or a REALLY old Japanese tale (that part I can't remember specifically) but I DO know that the mangaka DID intend it to be slashy! She's a BL author, in fact, everything I've found under her name is a "Boys Love" novel. I was happy to learn this; it met that Gojyo tease-flirting Goku like the pair in Legal Drug wasn't just all-in-my-head wishfull thinking. I think girls in Japan like "uke" Sanzo because he reminds them of Takuto Izumi from Zetsuai, or Eiri Yuki from Remix Gravitation.

Aside from the yaoi-factor, the story itself is excellent with a pepped up humorous take on the story it's inspired/based on. Don't think that the entire manga is the anime word-for-word, picture-for-picture....it only starts that way & takes a different turn at some point.

I started reading this purely because my friend had it...Just wish I'd got to it sooner is all I can say!
Saiyuki has to be one of my favourite mangas, and I'm still only halfway through the series so far. The plot is great; with the exact balance between humour, action and hotness (oh yeah!). And, to add to this, the artwork is truly amazing....and hot...
I'd recommend this to anyone into manga: though it does have certain side effects....priest fetish, anyone??

I was introduced to this manga by one of my friends who knew what appealed to me and said I would love Saiyuki. She didn't tell me anything about it, didn't say how I would soon fall in love. This is a story loosely (very, very loosely) based on the Chinese tale The Journey to the West, and in Japanese, this tale is called Saiyuki. In Shangri-La, demons and humans have been living peacefully. One day, the demons suddenly start ripping the humans apart. This is what leads to Sanzo, a gun toting, chain-smoking "priest", Goku, a 500 year old gluttonous monkey demon, Gojyo, a drinking, gambling, half demon ladies man, and Hakkaku, a kind hearted, soft-spoken demon to become the saviors of their homeland by finding out just what's going down inm their journey to the west. This one hell of a good shojo/shonen manga read, but I think that the art stlye will appear mostly to girls. I know it did to me.

I know Roger and I believe he wrote all of the reviews himself.
As for the book, I can't comment because I haven't read it.

Mr. Mosconi takes readers on a fun ride thru the world of advertising as only an insider can do. He grabs you right from the start with the tale of the greatest commercial in history and continues to deliver thru the last page. I could not put it down and am waitng breathlessly for the next book!!!!

Roger Paul Mosconi is brilliant! He educates, entertains and takes the reader on an engaging journey to the good old-fashioned creative process for advertising. I could not put the book down as found it an easy read and would be enjoyed by plane travelers or beach goers. Even students can learn how to think outside the box by reading this novel and gain that extra edge over classmates at final presentation time!

Well Done Roger!!!

As a lover of Mad Men, this was a REAL trip through the advertising jungle. Well written and a rapid read, I highly recommend it!

This is a really fun and insightful look into the inner sanctum of Madison Ave. Mr. Mosconi does an excellent job of leading the reader on a path not often visited. It's a great Summer read!

This had an exceedingly unexpected emotional wallop for me. I casually picked up the original softcover comics expecting a relatively pedestrian tale, but was amazed to find at the conclusion of the fourth and final chapter that my tear ducts had suddenly and without proper authorization, opened and gushed.

Some authors can write tomes of verse, and not evoke half the feeling that the creators of this masterpiece have achieved in roughly 80 or so pages of graphic novel perfection. Such incredible metaphors, and imagery. I'm just completely astonished.

Gooseflesh, some call it goosebumps, what have you. This will give them to you, and then some. Even as type this review, my mind replays the story I begin to well up with feeling. I think the biggest compliment that I can pay this extraordinary work of art is that I so want to share the emotions it evokes with someone else, that I'm buying it for an old buddy of mine.

As a gift.

One of the best Silver Surfer sagas I have read to date. The catch 22 is that this a story so well written and illustrated, that it makes you wish it was never written. It makes you wish you did not have to say goodbye to the Silver Surfer. Nevertheless, if he had to go, this is a brilliant goodbye for a sad and noble hero. If you are a fan of the Silver Surfer, there is no other way to put it, you must read this.

If you had a short time to live what would you do? This book has Silver Surfer answering this question in an introspective yet melancholy story. Taking place on Earth, crossing the universe and ending back in his home planet, this book raises questions about mortality, responsibility, and facing ones' limitations.
Too many times people say comics are for kids and there is no substance in the medium; but with this book not only are the nay-sayers proven wrong but it can sometimes show that comics can surpass visuals shown in movie and emotions expressed in books.

This is a piece of Literature that breaks down all assumptions of what a "super-hero" is. I am not at all ashamed to say that I cried a little at the end of this book. It is an amazingly powerful story told in amazingly vivid and arresting artwork. When I was a child, i loved the "idea" of Silver Surfer, but now that I am older and can presumably deal with more a more mature telling of a story, I have a newfound admiration for what Stan Lee started with Norrin Radd, and what is continued here in "Requiem." Surfer comics continue to be some of the bravest and most moving pieces of art in main stream comics.

The Silver Surfer was one of Marvel's most under-used cosmic superdudes... He was also one of the most difficult to frame dramatically, and had a history of disappointing storylines, which may help to explain the motivation behind this Death-Of-The-Silver-Surfer mini-series.

Part of it may have been that he had a bit of a "Superman problem," since he was so super-ultra powerful compared to the rest of the characters in the Marvel universe -- indestructible, able to alter reality, faster and mightier than nearly any foe he could encounter. Initially, writers dealt with this by focusing on the soap opera-tinged alien-in-exile theme (after Galactus banished him from space and forced him to stay on the planet Earth) and later, when his banishment was broken, by sending him out into the stars where he could encounter all kinds of trippy, cosmic stuff. In between, there was his run as a more or less conventional super-hero in "The Defenders," and many random cameos in various space sagas. But for whatever reason, the Surfer never really clicked and the folks at Marvel decided to have him go out with a big bang in the four-part series, "Requiem."

Although I've considered myself a Silver Surfer fan, I have to admit I wasn't really wowed by this book. It felt rushed and there was just too much crammed into its pages, too many plot-points and too many marks to hit. (Perhaps a fifth issue would have helped?) Also, the tone was too melodramatic and too monochromatic -- reverence and awe for the Surfer; maudlin sorrow at his inevitable demise.

What was missing, more than anything else, was a sense of the cosmic majesty that the Surfer could experience. We are given this sense of wonder by proxy, when the Surfer zaps Spider-Man's wife and gives her cosmic consciousness and lets her trip out on the universe for a while, but the Surfer himself never basks in the beauty of the stars, which is something I imagine he might do, were he flying off to his own death. When he returns to his home planet to die, he simply goes from Point A to Point B (with a detour to end a pointless space war on the way). Personally, I would have enjoyed an entire issue just devoted to having him cruise through the cosmos, glorying in and saying goodbye to the unimaginable beauty that only he had the opportunity (and soulfulness) to appreciate. It would have been a nice artistic note to strike, but, alas, the moment has passed. As it was, this series felt functional, but little more, not unlike the late-1960s stories in his own short-lived series. And, I suppose, that is as fitting a tribute to this character as any. This book is worth checking out, but I wish it could have been more. (Joe Sixpack, ReadThatAgain book reviews)

I have to say I was impressed with this. Felt on par with Kurt Buziaks Astro City. Highly recommended for mature readers.

I was completely unfamiliar with the series before reading this trade paperback, although I had read the Marvel comics with the original Squadron Supreme. The plot was engaging, the storytelling terrific and artwork crisp and realistic. Straczynski respects the characters, respects his audience and keeps the storyline entertaining. Not a milestone in comics history, but I'll be picking up Vol 2.

The concept of this book was pretty obvious - ripoff and then rename the heroes from the DC universe (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, etc), and then write a "what if" story with them existing in the real world. The concept might sound lame, but it resulted in a pretty solid book. The dialogue is great, but the pacing is awful. You finish the book feeling like next to nothing has really happened, and if you're unlucky enough to read the 2nd volume, you'll see that the story is probably best left unfinished.

The artwork and storyline exposition is clearly a cut above ("mature" often helps in that way-no constraints). Since the author and the house both have connections to the film industry, I would recommend that they use their influence to oh, I don't know... (I could see myself sitting through such a movie... or two... or ;) )

This is an example of how all super-hero comics should be written. If you are not a fan of the Squadron, no problem. This is after all Marvel's very transparent version of the JLA!!!

In my business as a book editor and consultant, I am always looking for good resources for clients. I have been able to find some good books on book marketing--and others on writing a good sales letter or press release. But until I read Karen's Turn Eye Appeal into Buy Appeal, I knew of no book that gave in-depth help on design and writing. I am very impressed with the quantity and quality of Karen's information. I especially like the easy to use format. Her book is a great example of the quality of work Karen produces in her business as a graphics professional.

Barbara Munson
Munson Communications Editorial and Ghostwriting Services
www.munsoncommunications.com

I wished I had purchased this book before publishing my first book, but there will definitely be a revision after reviewing this material.

Being exposed to many business people, authors and graphic designers over the last year, I find that Karen Saunders is the "real deal" when it comes to giving relevant information that you can use.

Turn Eye Appeal into Buy Appeal has helped and is helping me to develop my brand. Let us face it-everyone desires to turn his or her product into a sale at every glance.

Everyone wants their idea or product to speak without speaking and that is precisely what you will get when you put the principles of this book to work.

There are many out there promising to help you when it comes to developing a plan and putting it to action, but Karen Saunders delivers in Turning Eye Appeal into Buy Appeal.

My name is Walter Taylor, Jr., Minister and Author of Touchdown Love and I approve this review.

I purchased Turn Eye Appeal into Buy Appeal by Karen Saunders last year and have found it to be an invaluable resource for designing marketing materials including counter displays, book description sheets, our own website, etc. My book is now our distributors best selling book on recreational boating, and I believe the marketing materials derived from Karen's book contributed significantly to this success.

My copy has all kinds of Post-It notes marking pages of particular interest, and lots of Hi-Liter marks, so you can tell I use it a lot. It's not just about graphics-it covers such things as writing good marketing copy, typography, digital imagery, and printing, and that's not all. Even if you hire out your graphics and marketing materials work, this will help you understand and evaluate the contractor's work. I can absolutely recommend this book to anyone who needs to develop marketing programs and materials.

Tom McEwen, author of Boater's Pocket Reference

As partners of clients who help make their businesses more successful, virtual assistants often have to oversee the creation of marketing material. While one option is to hire a graphics firm to do it all while the business owner remains hands-off, most small business owners can't afford this luxury.

Enter Turn Eye Appeal into Buy Appeal: How to easily transform your marketing pieces into dazzling, persuasive sales tools! by Karen Saunders. Filled with beautiful images, information-packed articles, and helpful tools, Turn Eye Appeal Into Buy Appeal is a must-have for any business owner who even thinks of creating (or getting someone else to create for her) logos, business cards, newsletters, brochures, and websites.

Turn Eye Appeal Into Buy Appeal overcomes all manner of design and print roadblocks with answers to such questions as

"What colors should I use to add 'zing' to my design?"
"Where should I start in designing my logo?"
"What will make people read my marketing piece?"
"What paper should I use for my printed marketing piece?"
"What should I say about my company?"

One of a business owner's goals is to increase his revenue. One of the best ways to increase revenue is to attract consumers through powerful flyers, business cards, brochures, and logos. Turn Eye Appeal Into Buy Appeal will help business owners be able to produce appealing marketing material that really sells.

Dawn Goldberg, CMVA, COO of AssistU. Since 1997, AssistU has been training, certifying, and referring the best virtual assistants in the world.

Karen's years of experience is brilliantly conveyed in her book "Turn Eye Appeal into Buy Appeal." Saunders, the designer of many award winning books, gives credibility to the easy to read and implement information. It's a great resource book for anyone wishing to create any type of written material - whatever form it may take.

Barbara J. Butler - Aurora, CO
Destination Wedding Minister - Author - Speaker

I'm a would-be game developer and this book really gets you into how to add story elements to your game. It tells you what make good story elements and how to balance them against the needs of the game.

The book is filled with practical tips and exercises. Definitely the best book I've read on the topic.

The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design balances the artistic and the technical sides of writing smoothly. The incorporation of writing exercises throughout coupled with examples in the back allows the fledgling writer to evaluate their own writing compared to the author's. The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design starts with basics for an beginning writer, continues with the nitty gritty of game specific writing, and finishes with a valuable look into the business aspects of writing for video games. Over all The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design is a comprehensive, easy-to-use tool for the first time writer and a great resource for the veteran as well.

From what I've read, this book does a good job of covering many aspects of general game creation and can be used as a starter for ideas, especially for its price tag.

As a screenwriter, I wanted to dive into the challenges of writing for video games as I believe that it is the future medium of choice for storytelling and entertainment. Taking the advice of the many other consumer reviewers before me on Amazon, I bought this book and I haven't looked back since. It is very complete and helpful covering almost every aspect of game design and writing, but more importantly, how writing for games is a totally different craft than writing for film or literature, and how to tackle the many different challenges involved. The book takes you into the psyche of an average gamer and deconstructs what they're expectations are, and should be.

I believe it helps greatly to have some storytelling experience, preferably screenwriting, to make the most use of this book and to understand it better. Otherwise, you might feel a bit confused and left out if you have never written narrative storytelling before.

A great book for noobs and pros alike!

Though I've been mostly interested in writing for animation and comics, while playing video games I questioned who came up with it's stories. Many games have little to no stories and focus mostly on mindless entertainment...which isn't always a bad thing. But some video game stories really touch the viewer (Half Life 2, Final Fantasy, Bioshock, etc. come to mind.)

On a whim I bought this book and have enjoyed it immensely. Both the authors provided much more than I was hoping for. Both are seasoned game writers/designers who have worked on many games you know, and are still working on games. Stuff like UNCHARTED - DRAKE'S FORTUNE, CRIMSON SKIES, PROJECT ORIGIN, and FRANK MILLER'S SIN CITY - THE GAME. These guys know what they are doing.

The book breaks down not only how to write for games, but what that entails, hardships you will find along the way (both with writing and people), they provide sheets you can fill out to create your own game bible to pitch. And as an added bonus they occasionally have writing exercises to help you hone your craft or understnad a point better.

Leave no stone unturned and that's what these two have done. It has my highest regards! Buy it and truly educate yourself.

A bit of a slow start but once it kicks in....daaaaaaaaamn. A superb book. Already ready it twice.

If you like Ultimates vol 1, you'll like this here too. The narration, the dialogues, the action, it is all here. But if you didn't like the first, move away from this, since it is a very similiar story.

after the first hardcover i looked forward to this for a while. it was worth the wait and millar satisfied my every comic reading need.cool story with more colour (thats color in australian)than asgards pathway.very thick book but quick to read as it is padded with EXTRAS like marvel feel they must do just to bump up the size of the book.buy it if you are a fan of marvels ultimate line coz i loved it.

The joy of the graphic novel! This book encompasses the second arc of The Ultimates in a hardbound book. The story and art are from two of the best in the business. I highly recommend it, especially if you haven't been to a comic book store in a while and want to rekindle your interest. Now we only have to await Ultimates 3 in novel form, with art by Joe Mad!...In the meantime, pick this one up and be amazed at how the writer has used very modern concerns to narrate his story...

This might be one of the best comic book packages i have ever seen. With a fantastic comic that feels like a movie but still keeps the classic comic book touches that ground it in the semi reality that is the marvel universe. The book is so cinimatic that they made 2 cartoon movies based on these comics. The book also comes with comentaries and a beautiful black hardbound cover. If you like comics you owe it to yourself to pick up the Ultimates Vol 1 and 2.