Release Date: 05/03/13
Publisher: David and Charles
SYNOPSIS:
Character Cake Toppers: Learn how to make amazing fondant cake topper designs, with over 65 fun ideas for sugar characters, bases and accessories. Whether it's a pirate with his treasure chest and parrot, or a kitten with a comfy cushion and a ball of yarn to play with, each cake topper design has three unique features for you to make - use these individually or mix and match from different designs to create your own unique cake toppers! Basic cake decorating techniques are explained with clear illustrated step-by-step instructions, so everyone can make fun cake toppers for birthdays, weddings and any occasion! From Maisie Parrish, author of the bestselling Fun & Original series!
REVIEW:
OK, this might seem like a strange book for someone like me, however having recently witnessed what happens when a grown man is left with royal icing and asked to make an octopus and starfish (yes Dad, I saw what you made for your Grandson’s cake) when the person viewing it couldn’t tell what it was (it was underwater themed and the Octopi left some people thinking it was some sort of weird spider) thought that it was about time to learn how to do it properly, so next year, people won’t be scared by the cake.
This book by Maisie brings a whole set of characters to life, whether you want to make an artist, a racing car or even a pirate with a treasure chest (amongst a host of others) in easy to manage steps from colouring the icing through to basic shapes and then moulding them, allowing the reader to create something spectacular with just a little time. It’s a great way to help you make something really special and whilst there is an outlay on some tools, if you look after then, they’ll last years.
All round a cracking book that will give you idea’s that when you’re comfortable with, that you can then modify to create different themes for those special people in your life. Great stuff.
This book is available from: www.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk/character-cake-toppers
Release Date: 07/01/13
SYNOPSIS:
Create lots of loveable pets and animals from around the world!
Simple step-by-step instructions make it quick and easy to create miniature animals with felt. From elephants and polar bears to cats and sheep, these adorable projects are perfect for all ages!
All you need is some felt, a handful of stuffing and a few simple stitches to get started.
REVIEW:
OK, I love things that are not only fun to play with but also allows you to get your arts and crafts on. This book by Tomomi Maeda really does all that with a full range of creatures that you can make for not only your own zoo but also household pets. But what makes these so incredible is a stitch pattern, wonderful instructions and of course a step by step guide to make each of the animals within.
Yes its going to take time to create but the results are so rewarding especially when I saw my nephews ignoring the plastic animals that they have and each demanding their own felt animal to play with. (As such I now have a huge order of a set for each of them to be completed as soon as possible.) So whilst in some respects I love this book, in others I may have overdone things with my promises. So thanks Tomomi. LOL
Stitched Safari is available from StichCraftCreateUK.
Release Date: 25/05/12
SYNOPSIS:
This limited-edition collection contains a wealth of information and inspiration for the modern man. Included inside are the following books: "The Art of Manliness." This book is dedicated to helping men uncover what manliness means in the 21st century, from rediscovering the outdoors to dressing with panache to becoming a good father."The Art of Manliness: Manvotionals." This book contains the manliest wisdom of the ages--a myriad of poems, quotes, and essays designed to inspire men to live life to the fullest and realize their complete potential as men.
Together, housed in a classic cigar box, they make the perfect gift for any man (or soon-to-be man) who is conscious of leaving his mark on this world. (This $38 value is priced at only $29.99.)
Also includes 6 drink coasters!
REVIEW:
To be honest I picked this up as a little bit of a joke between me and my Brother in Law who insists that his son (my nephew) should have Dinosaurs or Car’s on his T-Shirts. So when I came across this book from David and Charles I really thought that I’d hit pay dirt, firstly for a joke but secondly as it seemed to contain nuggets that my Dad missed out for me. (I now know how to fold my suit hanky.)
Yet when I read this compendium of books I was surprised at what was contained, it was written from a common sense point of view, had easy to follow guides and whilst a lot of it was stuff that you knew in the back of your mind, other traits that seem to be missing from modern life were present. For example etiquette that seems to be missing from many teenagers today.
All in, this book was not only engrossing but also something that helps you become a better person in yourself as you get the track on how to behave and act when in the presence of a lady (a hard earned lesson for most people) as well as how to make the most of yourself. Finally add the quirkiness together with the presentation and all in for me, this collectable is something that a great many people can benefit from. Great stuff.
Release Date: 27/05/12
SYNOPSIS:
"How to Blog a Book" teaches aspiring authors to create a blogged book with a well-honed and uniquely angled subject, targeted posts, and a readership large enough to get noticed by an agent or a publisher. It explains how writing a book in Cyberspace allows writers to get their book written easily while promoting it and building an author's platform at the same time. Readers will find: basic information on how to set up a blog and the essential plug-ins and other options necessary; steps for writing a book easily from scratch using blog posts; advice on how to write blog posts; tips on gaining visibility or promoting the blogged book on line and off; tools for driving traffic to a blog; information on how to monetize an existing blog into a book or other information products; and, profiles with authors who received blog-to-book deals.
REVIEW:
I’m always interested in taking the next step with writing and in a time where getting a contract is not only difficult but the author is expected to do a lot of marketing on their own, its always helpful to find ways to help get the message out there.
Whilst this title by Nina is mainly about writing a book in instalments and placing it on the web, it does carry a lot of useful advice for the writer on how to get themselves noticed as well as building up a regular readership, creating a demand for your work. The tips feel useful, the concept wonderfully explained within and when added to a friendly writing style (as if the author was giving you the inside scoop) really gives you a great beginning to get started.
It won’t tell you how to write the story (after all that’s a different kettle of fish altogether) but getting yourself out there and helping get a web presence alongside working on other essential author survival tools really helps you get that start you’re looking for.
Release Date: 17/07/12
SYNOPSIS:
This is a comprehensive guide to embroidery, with 200 stitches and a range of fresh and modern projects. You can learn the basic stitches and master 8 different embroidery styles, including blackwork, crewelwork, hardanger, pulled thread, goldwork and freestyle. Every stitch has clear step-by-step instructions and is accompanied by coloured diagrams. You can create 19 beautiful items for yourself and your home, from bags and accessories to gifts and home decor.
REVIEW:
Different people find different things to help occupy their time but whilst some like to paint and others like to read, there are some who love the art of sewing and embroidery which this title by Kate Haxell brings to the fore with a whole host of beautiful projects that require various skills as well as stitch types to create.
It’s quite addictive to read and whilst I’m personally more a darn and make do type of guy I do have a relative that loves to create special projects for friends and family that she designs herself. Add to this a whole host of idea’s as well as skills that she can develop to suit her own purpose, beautifully illustrated stitch patterns alongside easy to follow guide and all in this is a great book to help encourage a skill that feels like it’s a dying art. A great book and could be an ideal Grand/mother/daughter set of projects to help pass the skills and love on to a new generation.
Release Date: 01/09/12
SYNOPSIS:
In a culinary pickle? Not anymore!
Once a dreary necessity, pickling has turned into a culinary art form, with pickled components popping up in four-star restaurant dishes and trendy drinks across the country. Now you too can create your own gourmet preserved ingredients and explore the flavor-packed potential of fermentation!
Pickled features a range of accessible techniques, as well as recipes that highlight your favorite tastes, including:
Pickled Figs
Asian Chopped Salad with Crispy Noodles and Kimchi
Green Coriander Chutney
Watermelon Cosmo
With helpful asides that delve into the science and history of this previously humble practice, this cookbook is your delicious entry into the world of gourmet pickling.
REVIEW:
In a world where we’re looking for ways to not only preserve home grown food or to find ways to use up what’s on offer from the supermarkets, often we overlook the art of pickling unless of course it the traditional pickled onion that many of us have a taste for.
What this book from Kelly brings is a whole selection of choices that will make not only wonderful meal accompaniments but also create new tastes for the adventurous eater. It’s interesting; it’s fun and of course if you have someone looking to make something for friends on the build-up to the seasonal holiday at years end, they’ll find inspiration alongside tried as well as tested items that really will add that extra sparkle to leftovers.
Release Date: 10/08/12
SYNOPSIS:
In this darkly humorous book, discover the inner musings of a deliciously demented doll, once loved and now abandoned.
Peek inside her secret diary of twisted thoughts and odd scribbles, hinting at her evil and madness. But beware.
She rules her attic kingdom with a porcelain fist and has minions who carry out fiendish plots against those who dare offend. So play nice. Or else.
REVIEW:
I’m always on the lookout for the quirky and when two of my interests, in this case, horror with a touch of humour collide, then I really can’t wait to get my hands on it.
What this pocket sized book brings to the table is a dark story of a doll who slowly descends into madness after being exiled to the attic. It has quirky humorous lines backed up with some wonderfully constructed photos and to be honest it’s a book that a lot of people will like even though it’s short. Add to this the fact that it’s a great talking point or as a coffee table book and you’ll find that it’s a title that you’ll love flicking through time and again or even just to give as a gift. Cracking stuff.
Release Date: 27/07/12
SYNOPSIS:
From the creator of the best-selling DragonArt titles! Now viewers can learn to draw dragons from start to finish with this video workshop that includes everything from shapes, to specific anatomy and even minute details. Instructions progress from a simple dragon to details such as heads, horns, wings and more.
REVIEW:
OK you want to learn how to draw dragons but you’re not quite sure where to start. What this relatively small title offers is advice from a well-known artist as well as accompanying it with a DVD to help you not only get the practice but also allows the reader to start to create a piece that looks similar in a very short time.
All in its easy to follow, the advice given is helpful and at the end of the day to find a way to create something that I’d love to hang on my wall then it is a book that works wonderfully for the user. Great stuff.
Release Date: 20/04/12
SYNOPSIS:
Be Ready When Disaster Strikes
If an unexpected emergency or disaster hits, are you prepared to leave your home—fast? You will be if you follow the advice in this book.
This book shows you how to create a self-contained disaster preparedness kit to help you survive your journey from ground zero to a safer location. Survival expert Creek Stewart details from start to finish everything you need to gather for 72 hours of independent survival—water, food, protection, shelter, survival tools, and so much more.
You'll find:A complete Bug Out Bag checklist that tells you exactly what to pack based on your survival skill levelPhotos and explanations of every item you need in your bagResource lists to help you find and purchase gearPractice exercises that teach you how to use almost everything in your bagDemonstrations for multi-use items that save pack space and weightSpecific gear recommendations for common disasters The book even includes special considerations for bugging out with children, the elderly, the physically disabled, and even pets.
A disaster could strike your home at any moment. Are you prepared to face the devastating aftermath? Protect yourself and your family by building a Bug Out Bag today!
REVIEW:
OK, so perhaps this title may be a little extreme but in a world where you have to look out for number one it’s a book that helps you prepare in case the world goes to hell in a hand basket. Whilst some of the advice in this title isn’t pertinent to those living in the UK (for example owning a firearm) the book really helps give the reader some serious advice on how to make a bag to the best of your ability (and in this case your wallet) so that you can carry enough to keep you going for 72 hours.
Personally whilst I won’t be making it as a Bug Out Bag, I do like to make sure that I’m prepared for hiking in case things go bad. After all you never know when you might have a fall, when you may end up reading your map wrong and find yourself out on the fells overnight or if you come across someone else who’s had an accident.
This title by Creek Stewart helped me make sure that I had a number of fire lighting sources, the ability to make a hot meal as well as having communications in case I need to make that emergency call. It also allows me to have a medical kit that will pretty much cover me for basics as well as giving the user the chance to check that they’re as prepared as they think they are. One addition that I would add to the kit that Creek hasn’t is a one serving bottle of either brandy or whiskey. It can be used as a steriliser for stitches as well as an emergency fire starter.
Release Date: 24/06/11
SYNOPSIS:
With lessons that delve deeper into the elements covered in the first book, readers will learn to expand and fine tune their graffiti techniques. "Graff 2" covers 3D wildstyle, characters and objects, and letter manipulation, as well as a glossary of common graffiti terms not covered in the first book. Scape Martinez uses step-by-step demonstrations to instruct readers on using easy-to-access materials like paper and pens to more complex, legally-sanctioned wall pieces. This title features explanations on colour, composition and design, with 6 full-scale demonstrations that show the creation of a wall piece from start to finish.
REVIEW:
Having really enjoyed looking at the structure and composition of Graffiti in Scape’s first book (Graff) I eagerly awaited to see what would come next in order to help me not only appreciate the art form but also to learn the techniques and tricks that went into it.
This title is the next step up from the original and helps you to learn more about the form of the pieces, new styles to help create your own unique piece and also how to add your own effects. Add to this the fact that its well written, easily accessable by anyone with an interest and of course really helps bring the medium into its own which makes this set an invaluable guide. The only thing I would warn about however is make sure that if you are to do any Graffiti of your own that you have the permission of the walls owner as otherwise it’s a crime.
Release Date: 25/05/12
SYNOPSIS:
"Graff Express" is bursting with graffiti drawings and instruction that allow readers to focus on colour without worrying about drawing. The book contains a variety of styles to suit the needs and abilities of people of all ages and levels. Adults and teens will love the energetic art styles and the opportunity to explore concepts such as Strength, Wisdom and Respect while parents will appreciate the opportunity to encourage their kids' creativity in a safe, positive manner.
REVIEW:
Whilst Scape’s other books concentrate on form and how to create the pieces this one is all about putting the lessons into practice as you work on placing the colours and concepts onto predone art pieces. It’s a great way to learn and if you have access to an air spray set is something that works very well until you can get your hands on your own set of spray tins. Its quirky, it’s a lot of fun and to be honest I learned a lot more from actually doing than just reading as it was easier to see the concepts in action.
All in this was a cracking book and I know that with time and practice I can turn my own backyard into something bright, cheerful and colourful that will be a joy to keep adding to or modifying so that I too can have that special something that no one else will. OK, I may not be Banksy but all in I’m going to enjoy the whole experience and I think a number of others will too.
Release Date: 26/05/11
SYNOPSIS:
Novel writing is a popular hobby and this book will provide the would-be and starter novelist with all the tools needed to get started. This title includes a thorough grounding in essential fiction writing skills and clear guidance on how to get published from top industry names.
It provides a complete glossary of terms and listing of all publishing contacts needed by an author, from book publishers and agents to festivals and online links. It includes tremendous resource of instruction and information that will prove invaluable to the armies of would-be and practising novel writers.
REVIEW:
The creation of a novel is something that many of us would love to do. Yet where do you start as there’s so many different methods out here and not everyone will work for you. What this title does is take you by the hand and introduce you to the basics from getting down and persevering with your script right the way through to the later stages such as submitting and who to submit too. Whilst in some respects it a more slim line version of the Writer’s Digest Writers Market it does offer some solid advice that works extremely well for the UK market.
All in a decent book that will help you more in the later stages rather than the early ones but the motivation is there to help get you started in the first place. Decent enough although I’d say that this title is more a companion to another title such as Writing the Paranormal Romance (or a title specific to the genre you wish to write in) rather than a pure standalone.
Release Date: 26/05/11
SYNOPSIS:
Sketch cards are trading-card-sized pieces of original art, usually 2.5' X 3.5,' randomly inserted into non-sports trading card sets with themes like Star Wars , Indiana Jones , Hulk , Lord of the Rings and the popular 1998 Marvel Creator's Collection by Fleer . Companies typically commission them from artists in series, and the companies randomly insert them into packs of cards that fans hope to pull when purchased. It's so popular now that fans want more than the cards from packs; they want personalised sketch cards directly from their favourite artists, including many up-and-coming artists. This title includes: a history of sketch cards; step-by-step process of creating sketch cards; personalising your cards with your own designs on the back; creating a portfolio; and, selling and trading your work. It also includes profiles/case studies of different artists in sidebars throughout the book. It's easy, it's fun, and you can do it too!
REVIEW:
I’ve read a fair few books about how to create wonderful pieces of art but very few ever really deal with getting yourself out there and getting your work seen by the people in the know. Whilst this title does deal some of the basics the majority is a book about creating small pieces of art that can go into a portfolio as well as creating a set of cards that can be tailored to your audience. It has great marketing techniques (that artists and writers can utlise) as well as tips and tricks on the use of social media and how to behave mixed in with artistic tips.
All in a satisfactory book that gives a lot back to the upcoming artist through experience gained by the authors. It’s a great tool for others to use and whilst it won’t guarantee you a job it will help you make the right first impression in a tough industry. Great stuff.
Release Date: 25/03/11
SYNOPSIS:
Writing a paranormal novel(those with ghosts, telepaths, vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches and more) takes more than tossing in a sexy vampire or adding a magic wand. It takes an original idea, believable characters, a compelling plot, surprising twists, and great writing.
Broken down into four parts, Writing the Paranormal Novel explores:
Prewriting - what a paranormal book is, how to choose supernatural elements, deciding what impact the supernatural will have on your fictional world, research tips, and how to deal with cliches;
Paranormal Character Building - techniques for creating different types of supernatural protagonists and antagonists, supporting players, and - of course - the non-human;
World Building - developing a strong plot and complementary subplots, controlling pacing, writing fight scenes and flashbacks, using dialogue, and much more;
Submitting - tips for preparing your work for submission, polishing sample chapters, and more.
REVIEW:
As a part time writer I do spend a certain amount of my free time going through advice titles to make sure that area’s that I know I’m weak within I can improve not only through hard work but through words of wisdom from people who have trodden the same path before.
In this title by Steven Harper you get a lot of advice pertaining to the Paranormal novel and whether you like the elements or Kelley Armstrong’s Werewolves or you want Stacia Kane’s Ghosts or even perhaps the Wizarding world of JKR or Jim Butcher it helps you identify what you need to do in order to keep the rules constant so that the book wouldn’t be one singular element or character to place it within the genre.
What really works for the majority of these books from the Writers Digest, in my opinion, is the fact that they’re written clearly, they have some great pieces of advice that can take years to learn and even the pieces you do do well can be improved and worked upon almost as if you were creating a mural with words as your paint.
Finally add to this helpful information for what some would term as standard writing practices such as character growth alongside dialogue and it’s a book that has taught me more than a few lessons as well as giving me a greater understanding for why some of the writing I do works well whilst others don’t.
Release Date: 26/04/11
SYNOPSIS:
Today's newest and most popular needlecraft, stitchery, is an ingenious combination of good old fashioned embroidery, modern quirkiness and contemporary projects. Mandy Shaw's unmistakeable style provides a gorgeous collection of stitches and projects, all in natural fabrics in the stylish cream and red colour palette. It includes a perfect introduction to eleven simple stitches, with step-by-step instruction for both right and left handers. It allows the crafter to create stunning gifts and home accessories which are personal and unique, and also leaving room for inspiration and creativity.
REVIEW:
Arts and crafts is a wonderful thing to be able to do and when you’re looking for projects it can, at times, feel a little daunting. This title by David and Charles takes the reader through a number of easy to follow stitches and also presents them with a host of small projects that can make wonderful gifts for friends and relatives that don’t cost the earth to either make or in time. Add to this patterns, easy to follow steps and a number of great projects including some Christmas themed ones and if you can get them into it, a great way to help keep children occupied as well as to learn skills that will last a lifetime.
Release Date: 25/03/11
SYNOPSIS:
Break into the comic-book industry - and stay in - with this user-friendly guide to understanding and creating comic books, as told by top working comic professionals. Readers discover in detail how comic books are made - from brainstorming, writing and editing to penciling, inking and colouring - as told by top professionals who offer real-world advice for breaking into and staying in the business. Readers will enjoy the in-depth interviews with respected industry insiders who've worked for such powerhouses as Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and Image Comics, including: Mike Marts ( X-men and Batman ); Mark Waid ( Kingdom Come , Spider-man , Flash and Irredeemable ); Darick Robertson ( Wolverine , Conan and Deadpool ); Brian Haberlin ( Witchblade and Spawn ); Rodney Ramos ( Batman and Wolverine ); Chris Eliopoulos ( X-men ); and, John Cerilli (Marvel Digital Comics). This title also includes unprecedented interviews with Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief Joe Quesada and comics legend Stan Lee.
REVIEW:
Impact are normally known for creating titles that help the reader get to grips with various artistic styles so that they can improve the talent that they already possess, this one’s a little different. Whilst not strictly a how to draw title it takes the reader though the whole process of breaking into the comic world from how to behave professionally to how to approach the relevant companies including a cover letter alongside demonstrating what others have done to get where they are. Each chapter, whilst overseen by Buddy Scalera deals with different area’s from creating the script to working out the image shots to pencilling, inking and colouring and even back the whole lot up with an interview with Pow Entertainment Legend Stan Lee.
It’s a wonderful addition to any artist’s shelves, has great advice and even can help those with no artistic talent by demonstrating how script alongside other areas are available in the industry for those with the passion. A great title, wonderfully put together and even one with tips that some writers may find useful. Great stuff.
Release Date: 18/01/11
SYNOPSIS:
Writing for children is fun and rewarding - if you can break into the fiercely competitive world of children's book publishing. With The Everything Guide to Writing Children's Books, 2nd Edition readers learn how to write and promote a children's book that will impress any publisher. Whether writers have a basic idea or manuscript ready to go, they'll need to build a successful career as a children's book author. This clear and concise guide helps readers: formulate an original idea, create an outline, and write the book; learn the basics of children's storytelling, from point of view to story pacing; find helpful writing workshops and conferences; design a winning book proposal, get an agent, and negotiate a contract; create a marketing a publicity plan; and, use professional and social networking sites to promote their book. Full of eye-opening insider information and invaluable writing advice, this book should be on every aspiring author's bookshelf. It features: advice on how to protect your work, and to gradually build up confidence; updated information on using the internet to promote yourself as a writer (blogs, websites, professional networking sites, social networking sites); information on M.F.A. programs, both traditional residency and brief-residency, with writing for children tracks; and, details of the YA phenomena, including Harry Potter and Twilight.
REVIEW:
To be honest with you, I’ve read writing guides on everything from novels to dialogue, from pacing to specific genres yet I’ve never looked at one before that deals with young adult. Whilst my own preferred writing method is more for the picture book side of things, this title has a lot to offer. After all there’s a hell of a lot of information out there but it can be confusing as well as misleading, so having a title to help hold your hand is a great thing.
Not only does this title deal with finding the right type of Young Adult Literature for you to write but also gives you advice on what your title needs to contain for the relevant age group. Back that up with some help on obtaining an agent, query letters alongside how to make the most of self-marketing and web presence and you can see that this is a title that could be worth its weight, especially when you back that up with the authors friendly voice to help encourage you.
All in a descent book and one that whilst perhaps not pertinent to all writers is one that can definitely help point you in the right direction which whilst focuses purely on the US market doesn’t make the advice incompatible to the UK one as the advice is pretty universal. Finally add to this some advice on your writers writes and it’s a title that is worth the read if only to help point out some floors in your master plan.
Release Date: 28/01/11
SYNOPSIS:
Readers can forget ordering expensive take-out whenever they're confronted with a seemingly empty fridge. Instead, they just need to take another look. With some Gypsy Kitchen magic, they'll be able to take whatever that 'empty' fridge has to offer, mix it with what's inside those 'bare' cabinets, and create satisfying and tasty dishes everyone will enjoy. Lisa Lamme shows readers how to...dress up Caesar salads with some English mustard; add Szechuan style to boring chicken with tahini; use Ranch to take steak skewers to a new level; turn up a vegetarian dish's heat with hot sauce; and, more! Now novice cooks and seasoned foodies can go gourmet with a simple sweep of their kitchen, turning the little they have into anything they crave.
REVIEW:
With me taking a recent look into cuisine titles to not only improve my kitchen skills but also giving myself the chance to learn new techniques, I wanted one that would help me keep to a budget with my shopping, to utilise leftovers and above all else help me learn some new recipes for something different as well as special.
What this book does is deal with some basics and whilst it did have a lot of potential I felt that it didn’t quite live up to the hype. After all what the author calls basic kitchen essentials I feel is pushing things a little far especially when you add up the cost of these ingredients such as balsamic vinegar, various wines/spirits as well as all manner of herbs/spices. Then when you go through the book and find no pictures of the finished product left me wondering why this title was such a good one.
I don’t doubt that the author knows her onions (so to speak) but as every chef/cook will tell you, you feast first with your eyes. It’s a thing of comfort, it helps you get an idea of how it’s meant to look and when backed with the taste sensations from the ingredient list can leave you with a desirable list of recipes that you can’t wait to try. Finally, my last criticism is to do with some of the recipes, whilst you don’t need a ton of ingredients to make something descent, I’d have thought that you’d need at least to add a few bits. One recipe that drew my attention was Mushroom soup that relied on a can, some stock, a singular herb and some milk/cream. I mean surely you’d have added some fresh mushrooms, perhaps some chestnut, a handful of field and finished off with some Shitaki just to give it a real earthy flavour? But no the author felt that wasn’t required.
All in, this book didn’t live up to my expectations and at the end of the day I felt that it really could have done a little more to make it more appetising to the end user. A real shame to be honest.
Release Date: 28/01/11
SYNOPSIS:
Readers learn step-by-step to create bodies, heads, limbs, wings and details, including flowing clothing and background elements. Beautiful final projects will inspire readers to push the limits of their imaginations. Step-by-step processes are the focus of the book from simple poses and views to more complex scenes. Sidebars feature tips, frequently asked questions, solutions to common mistakes, information about angels and more.
REVIEW:
Whilst I love the art titles released by Impact some of them feel like a little bit of a miss rather than a hit. Unfortunately that’s the case with this book which contains information previously released in a number of others from how to set up your work space to having the right materials and also techniques to make the most of the coloured pencil and Ink media. Whilst this isn’t a bad thing if you don’t own any other titles, when people collect a series and the same information just keeps getting repeated it can be a little disconcerting and a little disparaging for the end user. Personally I’d suggest one book that deals with the various mediums, the setting up of the workspace and various techniques for reference so that each individual title can concentrate on imparting the valuable lessons within jumping straight to the nitty-gritty.
I’m not saying that this book isn’t any good but against a number of others in the series it feels a little flat especially when the artwork doesn’t feel as rich or as luxurious as the ones that have gone before. Angels are supposed to be shining examples of the best traits and yet they feel ordinary and two dimensional especially when compared to some of the other titles art like:
Tim Flemming’s Draw and Paint Fantasy Women
Or
Finlay Cowan’s Drawing and Painting Fantasy Figures.
All in the book does contain valuable lessons, the artist is respected and the overall concepts are imparted well enough to help get the end user to a new level of expertise but for me, I just didn’t feel that this title did enough or taught me much other than lessons that I’d absorbed from a number of other Impact titles which was a great shame. If you own a number of them, this might not be the best one for you, if you don’t then this could be a good starting way to get a bit more from your talent.
Release Date: 26/11/10
SYNOPSIS:
With the help of this title, readers of all skill levels and ages, particularly beginners who may have little or no experience, learn how to draw a wide variety of fun, simple cartoon people. The author starts with basic lines and shapes, and then lets them in on great secrets to redrawing their characters in many different poses that bring them to life. This encouraging book is loaded with techniques, exercises and step-by-step demonstrations that give readers results that they can be proud of.
REVIEW:
In a world of creativity there has been a lot of information as well as help out there to take your writing to another level as well as aiding you to sell your work. For years finding a lot of information has been hard as well as nearly impossible so it’s a great delight when I originally came across the Writers Market by Writers Digest. Now I find that they also have one for Screenwriters as well as one for the songwriter within.
What this title contains is a guide to helping submit not only your work but also demo’s, some tips to avoid getting ripped off as well as a great guide to finding out about royalties as well as contracts and long term prospects. Add to this some great articles about the industry by people who have been there as well as the usual useful information such as agents, contacts etc. and you’ll never leave this title far from your instrument of choice as well as recorder which makes this a book that will become indispensible and one that will be bought time and again for the Songwriter in your life.
Release Date: 26/11/10
SYNOPSIS:
Containing comprehensive information you need, this book helps you to learn what to do and how to do it.REVIEW:
In a world of creativity there has been a lot of information as well as help out there to take your writing to another level as well as aiding you to sell your work. For years finding a lot of information has been hard as well as nearly impossible so it’s a great delight when I originally came across the Writers Market by Writers Digest. Now I find that they also have one for Screenwriters as well as one for the songwriter within.
What this title contains is a guide to helping submit not only your work but also demo’s, some tips to avoid getting ripped off as well as a great guide to finding out about royalties as well as contracts and long term prospects. Add to this some great articles about the industry by people who have been there as well as the usual useful information such as agents, contacts etc. and you’ll never leave this title far from your instrument of choice as well as recorder which makes this a book that will become indispensible and one that will be bought time and again for the Songwriter in your life.
