Featuring exquisite photos of more than 800 contemporary and historic works, this first-of-its-kind book reveals how the process of casting-pouring material into a mold-has transformed our world through its history and omnipresence. In these image-rich pages, craft, fine art, design, and everyday objects offer us perspectives on casting's unique possibilities, its place in history, and its role in contemporary object creation. Comprehensive and insightful, the book includes writings on casting as it relates to Art History (by Suzanne Ramljak), Large-Scale Metal (by Joseph Becherer), Ceramics (by Ezra Shales), Glass (by Susie J. Silbert), Jewelry (by Jen Townsend), and Alternative Materials (by Elaine A. King). A multi-disciplinary approach-including everything from traditional lost wax casting in non-ferrous metals to casting rubber, glass, porcelain, plaster, and some very unexpected materials-makes this an essential resource for artists, craftspeople, historians, designers, and everyone interested in the objects that populate our world.

Videogames are firmly enmeshed in modern culture. Acknowledging the increasing cultural impact of this rapidly changing industry on artistic and creative practices, "Videogames and Art" features in-depth essays that offer an unparalleled overview of the field.
Together, the contributions position videogame art as an interdisciplinary mix of digital technologies and the traditional art forms. Of particular interest in this volume are machinima, game console artwork, politically oriented videogame art, and the production of digital art. This new and revised edition features an extended critical introduction from the editors and updated interviews with the foremost artists in the field. Rounding out the book is a critique of the commercial videogame industry comprising essays on the current quality and originality of videogames.

Mastering Silhouettes explains all the techniques for creating both modern and period-style silhouette portraits, drawing on traditional approaches some of which date as far back as the eighteenth century, along with advice on poses and materials. Throughout, special features on the work of notable silhouette artists provide inspiration for the projects that follow. The techniques used in antique silhouettes will appeal to those who love vintage style, while projects using mixed media collage and digital photography show how the art is relevant today. The book examines silhouette art for every occasion, teaches readers the skills to make silhouettes for themselves, and provides help for those who want to commission an artist to cut silhouettes for a special occasion such as a wedding, anniversary party, festival or corporate event.

Ever wondered how you could become a character designer for video games, film or animation? Veteran art director and concept artist Marc Taro Holmes shares proven methods for honing the skills and building the portfolio necessary to become a pro gaming artist. This is the first and only work-at-your-own pace home study program that teaches the crucial insider knowledge needed to break into the entertainment-design industry and develop your own style--all you need are a pencil, paper and your imagination. The projects within this straightforward guide are constructed to help you apply your existing drawing and digital art skills to character design. Or, if you're still working on your skills, it will help you improve while at the same time turning your mind into an idea-generating machine. Unlock the Secrets to Character and Creature Design Follow the creature design process from start to finish: 35 projects are divided into 4 challenge levels, ranging from brainstorming and drawing character blueprints to completing market-ready illustrations. As the levels advance, the projects become more complex. Learn to solve design problems: Every project introduces you to an open-ended fictional assignment inspired by industry experience. Each project has a list of minimum deliverables--the basics to get to the next stage--plus bonus goals. You receive virtual merit badges for each achievement you complete. Think like a pro: Over the 155 possible artistic achievements, you'll be asked to find a solution to every type of conceptual problem you might encounter as a professional creature or character designer. Build your portfolio: Work toward creating an outstanding portfolio. Improve your skills and push yourself to create a fine-tuned presentation that could get you your eventual dream job. "This is a workout for the imagination, a boot camp for creativity." --Marc Taro Holmes

This third book in the popular Do More Art series exposes how the simplest of writing tools is in fact the key to an entire universe of artistic expression. From simple doodling and mark-making to meticulously built-up tour de forces - a piece of graphite is all that is needed to create whole new worlds. Selwyn Leamy and Eve Blackwood explore the many different ways the pencil can be used: from hatching and smudging to frottage and even collage. Each technique is clearly explained and illustrated with works by some of the greatest contemporary pencil practitioners - demonstrating once and for all that the pencil really is mightier than the pen.

Beautiful results every time when you follow the color-coded pattern! ColorMaps activity books are the hot new way to enjoy adult coloring without the mental stress and strain of selecting colors and deciding where to put them. With the ColorMaps series, you will create beautiful masterpieces in only three steps: 1) pick a design, 2) match your pencils, 3) follow the map to fill-in with color. It's that easy! ; A totally new concept in adult coloring! ; No more stressing and straining over selecting colors and deciding where to put them! ; Color-coded patterns make filling in the pages easy and stress-free. ; Color swatches for every pattern.; 60 patterns to color inside the book. ; Deluxe format! Full flaps on front and back with easy tear-out pages. ; Full-sized colored examples provided for every pattern! Unlike traditional "by-number" products, the ColorMaps series features coordinated colored lines and numbered patterns to help you create with ease. No more guessing, squinting and stressing. And, the best part? No more ugly black numbers and lines showing through to the finished art! Each ColorMaps activity book is printed on high-quality art paper and is presented in a deluxe padfolio format! From flowers and butterflies to happy words-and-phrases, the designs are fresh, modern, and easy to color. Map your way to relaxation, enjoyment, and creative satisfaction with the new ColorMaps activity series from Better Day Books!

Although much of model engineering work is a matter of making one part to fit another and thus may obviate the need for the sophisticated means of measuring often called for in production engineering, the accuracy of a finished job begins with the exactness of the initial making out and continues with the accuracy of measurements made during the progress of the work. How to use measuring equipment and how to mark out work - not always the simple matter it might at first seem - are essential skills for any engineer and the purpose of this book is to show how they may be acquired and employed.

Joining metals by one form or another of soft or hard soldering, or brazing with various alloys, are run-of-the-mill jobs in model and light engineering workshops - so much so that little thought is given as to whether there might be a quicker, more efficient or less expensive means of achieving the required end. In Soldering and Brazing respected engineering writer Tubal Cain examines in detail the processes, equipment and materials, and explains what is happening in the joints as they are made with practical examples, test pieces, tabulated data etc. This is a thorough, comprehensive and, above all, useful book.

Discover the creative processes and intriguing inspirations behind the work of leading fantasy artist John Howe - conceptual designer on The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy - in this comprehensive practical art book. Brings together Fantasy Art Workshop and Fantasy Drawing Workshop into a combined volume, fully updated and with new art. Examines in fascinating detail over 150 of the artist's outstanding sketches, drawings and paintings, plus the techniques and stories behind each. Leads you step-by-step through a range of specially commissioned drawing and painting demonstrations that reveal John's renowned artistic approach in action. Discusses the rewarding journey into fantasy art, from the first steps of building a compelling portfolio to book illustration, graphic novels and the big screen. This book will appeal to artists and fans of John Howe's work by leading you step-by-step through a range of specially commissioned demonstrations, sketches and finished paintings, some designed specifically for this book, that reveal John's renowned artistic approach in action, plus the techniques and stories behind each. It covers a wide range of subjects, beginning with the creative process, exploring where inspiration comes from, looking at narratives and themes, gathering reference materials, organizing your working environment, and protecting and storing artwork. Howe covers drawing materials and explores drawing and painting fantasy beings from initial inspiration and approaches to characters, symbolism and accoutrements. He begins by showing how to create different types of male and female archetypes, humans in action, armour and weapons, faces, expressions and hands, hair and costumes, and goes on to explain how to create different types of fantasy beasts: talons, wings, fangs and fire, and noble animals, interspersed throughout with exciting case studies. The book also explores fantasy landscapes and architecture and balancing light and dark atmospheres. The final section of the book provides further inspiration and guidance on presenting work in various forms, including film work, book covers and advertising, all areas John Howe has vast experience in. The foreword is written by groundbreaking film director Terry Gilliam, with an afterword by Alan Lee, John's partner on the conceptual design for The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy and Oscar-winning illustrator.