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October 16, 2007
Ready...Set...Design!

Mark your calendars - the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Darien Library is right around the corner. To honor the unveiling of our new logo, this month’s research guide features some wonderful resources on graphic design.
See you on the 28th!
Books:
Nine Pioneers In American Graphic Design by R. Roger Remington & Barbara J. Hodik
This book chronicles legendary graphic design artists such as Will Burtin, a creator of several World's Fair exhibits, and Alvin Lustig, "whose career was cut tragically short by blindness and death at age 40." Color illustrations, including posters, advertisements, book jackets, and magazines are provided.
Graphic Design Twentieth Century by Alston W. Purvis & Martijn F. Le Coultre
Over 500 color reproductions present a "pictorial history of the past hundred year" through different subcultures, propoganda, nostalgia, nationalism, and rebellion. The book covers movements such as Art Nouveau, Avant-Garde, Punk, and computer graphics.
Over 50 Years of American Comic Books by Ron Goulart
Travel back in time and learn about one of the staples of American pop culture. Goulart, a foremost authority on comics, discusses the transition of the art form from newspaper to book, the creation of the DC & Marvel empires, and the world's introduction to Superman, Archie, and Looney Tunes.
Cartoon America: Comic Art in the Library of Congress edited by Harry Katz
The Library of Congress, home to a massive collection of one-of-a-kind cartoon art, provides a volume uniquely focused on the social and political value of cartoons throughout time. Essays written by John Updike, Art Spiegelman, Kevin Kallaugher, and other notables assess the famous designs of cartoonists, such as Charles Schulz, Thomas Nast, and Charles Addams.
From Lascaux to Brooklyn by Paul Rand
A critically acclaimed graphic designer, art director, and advertising consultant, Rand articulates the theory of logo design in a visually stunning book. He will take you from conception through application and he explains how to achieve an effective logo through high-quality design and marketing.
The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
The 20th anniversary edition of this best-selling book includes new insights on how brain functions relate to drawing, techniques for using drawing skills in educational & corporate environments, and how to incorporate self-expression through art. Edwards presents a practical, step-by-step approach to drawing and design.
Opportunities In Commercial Art and Graphic Design Careers by Barbara Gordon
Find recommendations on choosing career paths, art schools, galleries, and agents, as well as the opportunities available in book publishing, fashion, advertising, public relations, television, and film. A directory of training schools and programs is provided.
Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market edited by Mary Cox
A comprehensive guide for freelancers, here you will find information on running a small art business, instructions for self-promotion & attracting new clients, copyright laws, licensing, and creating a résumé & portfolio. Also included is a directory of publishers, art galleries, record labels, advertising agencies, and syndicates, as well as tips for applying to each company.
DVDs:
How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way by Stan Lee & John Buscema
Two "Marvel Comics legends" team up to guide you through a course on designing professional-looking comic-book characters and understanding terminology, form, perspective, action motion, and inking. Included are examples from Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, Conan The Barbarian, and others.
Magazines:
American Artist
Keep up-to-date on exhibitions, competitions, professional issues, print publications & reproductions, the latest research on historical movements, and the most recent artistic techniques. This monthly magazine provides information on all aspects of art and is a good source for drawing tips and design inspirations.
Websites:
Color, Contrast, and Dimension
An eye-opening lesson on color theory, this interactive site showcases how the application of color affects the elements of design. It is based on the book, Eyes on the News, by Pegie Stark Adam of the Poynter Institute.
Communication Arts
The online component of the leading trade publication in graphic design, this site features current events & articles, exhibits, technology, media, and career information for professionals.
AIGA
The professional association for design and the hub for leadership and activity in the design community, this site provides articles on topics such as cross-cultural design, business, ethics, and social issues.
Manga Tutorials
Develop techniques for creating Japanese comic books, from designing the characters and panels to creating a storyline and drawing action elements.
Posted by EricaB at October 16, 2007 03:45 PM



