Book Review: The Printmaking Bible

Ever popular, printmaking has been enjoying a vibrant contemporary resurgence and yet there has been no comprehensive up-to-date manual on the subject. With over 400 pages packed with 1,000 full-color photos and illustrations, The Printmaking Bible is out to remedy the plight of the printmaking book hunter and serve as the definitive resource to the ins-and-outs of every variety of serious printmaking technique practiced today.

In-depth instructions are accompanied by profiles that show how working artists create their prints. Historical information, troubleshooting tips, and an extensive resource section provide more invaluable tools. Perfect for students, artists, print aficionados, and collectors, this is truly the ultimate volume for anyone involved in this creative and influential art form.

Imagery via Buy Olympia

May 24, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

DIY Couture: Your Own Fashion Collection

A DIY revolution has been sweeping over the blogosphere for a while now, creating a legion of crafting enthusiasts looking to make for themselves the things that they see in stores, or wish that they did. We’ve seen a lot of jewelry and accessory how-to’s, in addition to an abundance of home goods and gifts – but what about clothes? If you haven’t had much experience with sewing and patterns, the whole premise can be pretty intimidating. Rosie Martin’s book DIY Couture: Create Your Own Fashion Collection will help you to conquer that confusion with simple, visual instructions and cool styling.

The DIY Couture collection is comprised of 10 stylish, easy to make pieces of clothing that you can recreate in your favorite fabrics, textures and colors. The book begins with a Useful Techniques section, followed by Collections: inspirational photographs of the pieces styled different ways.

Next, each of the 10 garments, from a Goddess dress to a cool romper suit and hoody, is clearly explained, including a spread showing all the variations (e.g. fastenings, necklines and hems) possible for each garment. Finally, clear step by step illustrations and photographs show you how each piece is made. With no complex sewing patterns, even sewing novices can make their own beautiful clothes. Pick up a copy and make your own mark on fashion.

May 17, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: The Shape of Design

We were impressed with designer, writer and teacher Frank Chimero and his kickstarter campaign last year to fund the book, The Shape of Design. Chimero wanted to create not another text-book, but rather a book that focuses on the Why instead of the How and to investigate the creative processes behind design. After many hours of labor, the book’s been released and the design world is abuzz. In his own words, Chimero describes his book:

What is the primary quality of great design? It moves. It moves us emotionally, travels from person to person, and takes us toward something better. Designers connect and build bridges that lead us to new places and expand what is possible. We tell productive untruths, then toil to make them reality. The practice shifts like a shadow and moves the target. When it does so, the products of design achieve a resonance. They get passed on like a story and turn into a gift.

May 10, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: folding techniques for designers

Many designers incorporate folding into their design repertoire to breathe life to two-dimensional materials. Folding Techniques for Designers explains the key techniques of folding, such as pleated surfaces, curved folding and crumpling. An elegant, practical handbook, it covers over 70 techniques explained by clear step-by-step drawings, crease pattern drawings, and specially commissioned photography.

Author Paul Jackson has been a professional paper folder and paper artist since 1982 and has created 30 books on paper arts and crafts in addition to teaching more than 150 university-level design courses. It’s a testament to his skill as a teacher that his tutorials and directions are clear and easy to follow as his directions guide readers from the basics through advanced techniques. For a taste of his teaching style, check out these videos of introductory techniques.

May 3, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Wondering Around Wandering

Mike Perry is a Pattern Pulp favorite and a verifiable artistic dynamo, consistently producing an awe-inspiring amount of work, wide in scope and medium. In addition to his design and illustration work, he publishes zines, runs a magazine and has curated three successful books. Wondering Around Wandering – Works So Far is his latest creation and is his first monograph.

Having carefully designed each and every page, placing old works beside new ones and occasionally updating old work to make it new again, this is a true artist’s book. With explosive fluorescent colors, various paper stocks, and five four-page zines bound into the book, this volume is an object that must be experienced. Artists, designers, hip trendsetters, children, the young-at-heart, and anyone interested in DIY culture will treasure this amazing project. In addition to his work, the book also features: A Conversation with Ed Fella and Introductions by James Victore and Jim Datz.

April 27, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik

How to Set Up and Run a Fashion Label

We’ve been promoting a lot of how-to books lately – from being an independent designer to window dresser to freelance illustrator. But what if you want to be a different kind of designer – a fashion designer – and you want to start your own line. What then? No matter how talented you are, if you’re going to run a successful label you’ll need to know about business – from marketing and PR to manufacturing and where to find the money to finance it all.

In How to Set Up and Run a Fashion Label, Toby Meadows presents a no-nonsense guide to running your own business. Packed with tips, case studies and tasks to help you analyze your skills, your market and your product. The book is designed for anyone looking to jump head first into the crazy field of fashion.

April 19, 2012 | By: Shayna Kulik