The Art of Mechanical Drawing

Title
The Art of Mechanical Drawing

Library Link
Popular mechanics. The art of mechanical drawing : a practical course for drafting and design / William F. Willard Willard, William Franklin, 1879-

10 Second Review
From the library summary:
"Before our modern age of computer-aided design, apprentice draftsmen perfected their art by hand. Manual drafting was once a lovingly nurtured and prized skill. Now, the editors ofPopular Mechanicshave revived their classic handbook in a compact and beautifully produced new edition."

Basically, this book is a reprint from 1912 that teaches mechanical drawing.
While some of the info is dated (ie mechanical drawing skills are profitable) , the drawing exercises are excellent.
This book will show you how to use all those weird drawing tools and teach you to produce virtually any 3-D shape you can imagine.
Great for the artist looking to add precise detail to their work.

Notes
A drafting table would be helpful when using this book

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some math skills are needed

Rough Justice

Title

Rough Justice

Library Link
Rough justice : the DC comics sketches of Alex Ross / edited and designed by Chip Kidd ; annotations by Alex Ross Ross, Alex, 1970-

10 Second Review
From the libraries summary:
“Private sketchbooks of the author reveal his pencil and ink drawings of DC Comics characters, nearly all of them appearing in print here for the first time. Includes deleted scenes and altered panels for the epic Kingdom Come saga, proposals for revamping classic properties as Batgirl, Captain Marvel, and an imagined son of Batman named Batboy…”

This book is full of sketches by the comic artist Alex Ross. Lots of unique drawings that will give fans an interesting perspective of the artist. While the written material is likely to only appeal to fans, the art should also appeal to students learning the craft of illustration.

Notes
Ross has been awarded an Eisner

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

You Can Draw Star Wars

Title
You Can Draw Star Wars


Library Link
You can draw Star Wars / by Bonnie Burton ; illustrated by Matt Busch and Tom Hodges Burton, Bonnie, 1972-

10 Second Review
This book covers drawing a wide variety of characters from the Star Wars universe.
Includes instructions for pencils, ink and coloring.

This is an excellent, colorful book with lots of examples.

While the pace is probably too much for beginners, it includes some nice extras like using tracing paper and steps for inking your work.

Notes
Includes stencils for comic ‘speech bubbles’

Learning Curve
Moderate

The Insider’s Guide to Creating Comics and Graphic Novels

Title

The Insider’s Guide to Creating Comics and Graphic Novels

Library Link
The insider's guide to creating comics and graphic novels / Andy Schmidt
Schmidt, Andy, 1976-

10 Second Review
From Amazon.com:
“Written for upcoming creative stars and comic book enthusiasts, The Insider's Guide to Comics and Graphic Novels covers the entire creative process from beginning to end, from fine-tuning a script to the nuances of camera angles, costume design and lettering.”

Better then most how-to-make-comics books, this book covers many overlooked topics.
However, those topics are only briefly discussed and the examples might intimidate the developing artist.
Notes
A good reference source

Learning Curve
Moderate to High: This book is probably best for more advanced artist.

The Art of Drawing Fantasy Characters

Title

The Art of Drawing Fantasy Characters

Library Link
The art of drawing fantasy characters // by Jacob Glaser.
Glaser, Jacob. Irvine, CA : Walter Foster Pub., c2010.

10 Second Review
This book shows the readers how to draw everything from Brains in a Jar to Grim Reapers to Werewolves.
Lots of cool illustrations for the sci-fi and/or fantasy fan.

This is less of a ‘how-to’ book and more of a ‘how I do it’ book.
Good for the more advanced artist but not so great for someone just starting out.

Notes
This would be a good reference source for artists.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Some drawing experience would be helpful

Reading Order
n/a

Injeanious

Title
Injeanious

Library Link
InJEANious : 52 ways to DIY your denim / Lauren A. Greene ; photography by Sonya Farrell ; illustration by Kathleen Jacques Greene, Lauren A.

10 Second Review
You spent last weekend making stuff out of duct tape and now you want to move to something more complex.
This book can help you turn old jeans into something new and divides the projects into skills levels.

Some examples include:
Applying stencils, paint, beads
Turning jeans pants into a jean skirt
Making tote bags and bracelets

Notes
Might be too much for younger teens

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Stick It

Title
Stick It

Library Link
Stick it! 99 D.I.Y. duct tape projects / by T. L. Bonaddio ; illustrated by Andrew Tomlinson Bonaddio, T. L.

10 Second Review
So…you’re sitting around bored and wondering what you can do.
All you have is a couple of rolls of duct tape.

This book offers 99 cool things you can make out of the magical adhesive.
Many items are just a variation on a theme but there are plenty of projects to help knock out a slow afternoon.

Instructions include bracelets, flip-flops, wallets, purses, pillows, etc. etc.

Notes
Having a variety of colored tape will help.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
n/a

Manga School with Selena Lin

Title

Manga School with Selena Lin

Library Link
Manga school with Selena Lin : draw your own manga / [created by Selena Lin]
Lin, Selena.

10 Second Review
A girl friendly 'learn to draw' manga book.

This book covers materials, panel diagrams and inking.
Also includes unusual techniques such as drawing 'effects' (use a thumb tack) and adding screen-tone.

Easy to read and well designed; this is a great choice for those seeking to learn manga.

Notes
This artist is known for 'Bye Bye Baby' and 'White Night Melody'.

Learning Curve
Low: Should be good for new readers.

Reading Order
n/a

Shoujo Art Studio

Title	Shoujo Art Studio
Library Link	Shoujo art studio : everything you need to create your own shoujo manga comics / Yishan Li with Yishan Studio and Andrew James Li, Yishan.
10 Second Review	This book, which includes a CD, shows the readers how to put together their own manga strip. While this is not a drawing book, it does show steps for using programs like Adobe Photoshop. This is a unique and handy book for someone unfamiliar with using a program like Photoshop. Highlights include how to use layers, adding shading and creating 'talk bubbles'.
Notes	While listed as 'Shoujo' (girl manga) the principles apply to any genre.
Learning Curve	Low: Good for new readers
Reading Order	N/a

Lifelike Drawing with Lee Hammond

Title
Lifelike Drawing with Lee Hammond

Library Link

Lifelike
drawing with Lee Hammond / Lee Hammond
Hammond,
Lee, 1957-

10 Second Review
This book takes the reader step by step through the drawing process. Topics include techniques, round objects, square objects, fabric and natural subjects.

This is one of the better drawing books I have seen.

The book focuses on basics that give the reader the tools to master more complex projects.
This book is especially useful for learning shading or value variation.

Notes
If you want to learn how to draw, this book will provide some surprising results.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Might be too much for younger teens.

Reading Order
N/a

Superheroes and Beyond

Title
Superheroes and Beyond

Library Link

Superheroes
and beyond : how to draw the leading and supporting characters of today's comics / Christopher Hart
Hart,
Christopher.

10 Second Review
Tired of reading comics and want to create your own?
This book might be for you. Includes drawing faces, figures, expressions and action poises.

A fairly standard 'How-to-Draw' book that is a bit light on instruction but includes lots of examples.
A good choice for a more advanced artist looking to fine-tune their skills.

Notes
Christopher Hart has many, many drawing books.

Learning Curve
Moderate to High: Might be too much for beginning artist

Reading Order
N/a

Art for Kids: Drawing

Title
Art for Kids: Drawing

Library Link

Drawing
: the only drawing book you'll ever need to be the artist you've always wanted
to be / Kathryn Temple
Temple,
Kathryn, 1972-

10 Second Review
This book takes the budding art student through a step-by-step procedure to learn various art techniques.

This is a better then average art book that covers many of the foundational aspects of drawing. However, younger kids will likely be intimidated by the complexity of some of the artist's drawings.

Notes
A good choice for older teens and adults.

Learning Curve
Low to Moderate: Lessons range from easy to challenging.

Reading Order
N/a

Heroes! Draw your own superheroes, gadget geeks & other do-gooders.

Title
Heroes! Draw your own superheroes, gadget geeks & other do-gooders.

Library Link

Heroes!
: draw your own superheroes, gadget geeks & other do-gooders / Jay
Stephens
Stephens,
Jay, 1971-

10 Second Review
So, you want to make your own superhero comics?
But…your art skills aren't quite up to professional standards?
Maybe you're more of a 'cartoon' artist then a 'comic' artist?
This book might be for you.

This book takes you step-by-step using simplified shapes and lines to create your own superheroes.
A good choice for intermediate artists or those looking for a more 'cartoon' style

Notes
Jay Stephens may be best known for creating Tutenstein

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
N/a

Paper, Scissors, Sculpt!

Title
Paper, Scissors, Sculpt!

Library Link

Paper,
scissors, sculpt! : creating cut-and-fold animals / Ben A. Gonzales
Gonzales,
Ben A.

10 Second Review
So, you like the idea of origami but find all that folding tedious?
Maybe you want that paper rabbit to…well, look like a rabbit?

This book might be for you.
An easy method to cut and bend paper to make 3D animals.

While it does take some practice (and following the instructions) this method is much more intuitive then origami and the results are impressive.

Notes
Great book for the inspiring artist.

Learning Curve
Low: Includes some easy exercises but most are geared a more mature student.

Reading Order
N/a

Annotated Mona Lisa

Title
Annotated Mona Lisa

Library Link

The annotated Mona Lisa / Carol Strickland.
Strickland,
Carol.
Kansas, Mo. : Andrews McMeel ; London : Simon & Schuster
[distributor], c2007.

10 Second Review
The subtitle of this book states it is 'A Crash Course in Art History from Prehistoric to Post-Modern'.

This is a fun, easy to read book that covers a wide spectrum of art throughout history. While an obvious choice for art lovers it is also a good choice for aspiring artist in order to learn and recognize technique/style/etc.

Notes
A good alternative to dry, academic textbooks.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Adventures in cartooning

Title
Adventures in cartooning

Library Link

Adventures
in cartooning / James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, Alexis Frederick-Frost
Sturm,
James, 1965-

10 Second Review
A clever book that tells a fun story while explaining the cartooning process.

The story will appeal to younger readers while the cartooning process may have appeal for tweens and teens.

While the material is a bit juvenile that approach makes the material more accessible.

Notes
Presented by the Center for Cartoon Studies
http://www.cartoonstudies.org/

Learning Curve
Low: Good for all ages.

Reading Order
N/a

Manga for Dummies

Title
Manga for Dummies

Library Link

Manga
for dummies / Kensuke Okabayashi
Okabayashi,
Kensuke.

10 Second Review
A nice, thick book that covers everything from figures to creating your own comic book.

This is a good book that provides many examples and exercises for the aspiring manga artist.
It seems much more complete then most 'how-to-draw' books but that results in a fairly large book that may intimidate some readers.

Notes
An excellent resource for comic/manga artist.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
N/a

Drawing Words and Writing Pictures

Title
Drawing Words and Writing Pictures

Library Link
Drawing words & writing pictures : making comics : manga, graphic novels, and beyond

Drawing words and writing picturesAbel, Jessica.New York : First Second,
2008.Year: 2008Format: BOOK

10 Second ReviewThis book provides lessons for turning an idea into an actual comic strip and/or comic book. Basically a classroom in book and includes lessons and assignments.

This is a good resource for those looking to learn comics and includes important elements that are missing in many how-to-draw books.

Minor drawbacks to this book include small font and annoying orange color scheme.

Notes
Covers many technical aspects to drawing and has additional info on the web. Bonus!

Learning CurveLow: Good for beginners

Reading OrderN/a