A step-by-step guide to all aspects of comic book creation--from conceptualization to early drafts to marketing and promotion--written by two of the industry's most seasoned and successful pros.
Every aspiring comic book creator wants to know: what separates the beloved comics of major publishers like Marvel, DC, Valiant, and Image from all the rest? Fan-favorite comic book writers Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente reveal the secrets of comics' top talents in "Make Comics Like the Pros." The authors take readers step by step through the comics creation process from idea to finished work, and along the way offer examples and insights from their own careers as well as their collaborators'. Not only that, but Pak and Van Lente also join forces with Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Colleen Coover to produce an original comic inside the book With its unprecedented level of insider access, "Make Comics Like the Pros" gives comic book hopefuls the tools they need to reach the next level of sequential arts stardom.

What does every aspiring comic artist REALLY want to draw? Action, of course Learn how to render all aspects of adrenalin-filled movement, from jaw-dropping superhero antics to kick-ass fistfights.

• Techniques for drawing every dynamic action are explained, from body contact and flying through to fistfights, group rumbles and full-on battles
• Clever exercises show how to achieve convincing movement, from dynamic standing poses, to running, swinging, flying and fighting
• An Action File of comic character drawings in dynamic poses forms an invaluable resource for practice and reference

Draw amazingly accurate portraits starting today! Even if you're an absolute beginner, you can render strikingly realistic faces and self-portraits! Instructor and FBI-trained artist Carrie Stuart Parks makes it simple with foolproof step-by-step instructions that are fun and easy to follow. You'll quickly begin to: Master proportions and map facial features accurately Study shapes within a composition and draw them realistically Use value, light and shading to add life and depth to any portrait Render tricky details, including eyes, noses, mouths and hair Proven, hands-on exercises and before-and-after examples from Parks' students ensure instant success! It's all the guidance and inspiration you need to draw realistic faces with precision, confidence and style!

From stories of zombie apocalypses to love stories centered on brooding, blood-sucking vampires, the occult and all things goth are immensely popular in today's media. Now, Christopher Hart's latest title in his Manga for the Beginner series, teaches fans and artists how to draw their own spooky people. Inside, readers will find all they need to know about turning a cute child into an undead one, how to draw ghoulish creatures of the night and secrets for injecting any drawing with gothic flair. With his trademark quick tips and helpful hints, Chris Hart provides the most thorough instruction available for this all-time favourite genre of manga fans.

Botanical and scientific illustration share many common themes - the meticulous observation, the crucial composition, the precision of rendering and the accuracy of colour are all intrinsic to this niche genre of art. In this beautiful book, Sarah Jane Humphrey explains the techniques of the botanical artist but also introduces ideas for scientific illustration, so that the illustrator has a fuller understanding when rendering the natural world. Detailed instruction on all aspects of illustration is given, from application and materials to research and field trips. There is practical advice on using monochrome and colour theory to bring your illustration to life. Illustrated with over 200 of the author's exquisite illustrations, it is an invaluable companion for both beginners and experienced artists, as well as a source of inspiration and joy.

Learn principles of composition, classical and modern, through analysis of works from Middle Ages to present-Goya, Cézanne, Hopper, many others. Excellent discussion of importance of balance, entrance and exit, circular observation, angular composition, etc. 148 illustrations. 9 in full color.

From their big bright eyes and chubby cheeks to their childlike cuteness and adorable expressions, it's hard not to fall in love with Chibi Mangas. The origin of many of popular chibis are the result of creating a child version of adult characters from well-known anime series such as Sailor Moon, Naruto, Dragon Ball, and One Piece. Filled with super cute characters created by artists from around the world, this is the perfect guidebook to creating your own collection of sweet CHIBI manga.

THE QUESTION: Are there new ways of opening the field of cartooning to any one who likes to draw?THE ANSWER: Yes!Here are tried and proven methods that explain, simplify and teach every one, regardless of age, the art of cartooning. Step by step procedures with more than 3,000 illustrations . . .

This is an inspiring must-have resource for artists seeking new approaches to drawing the human figure. It features more than 20 fundamental figure drawing exercises. It empowers students and artists of all levels to make progress with the figure beyond their expectations. Throughout the history of art, figure drawing has been regarded as the very foundation of an artist's education and at the centre of the art-making process. In "Expressive Figure Drawing", innovative teacher and author, Bill Buchman, explores the idea that the way we draw is a direct expression of our emotions and perceptions. It includes 20 plus fundamental figure drawing exercises that are undertaken one step at a time so that students and artists of all levels are empowered to make progress with the figure beyond their expectations. Throughout the book, the author reveals his methods for developing proficiency using a variety of traditional media and the latest art materials available today.

With this easy-to-use handbook, best-selling author Gary Greene provides you with instant access to his best tips, tricks and techniques for creating exceptionally realistic colored pencil artwork. Whether you're new to colored pencils or perfecting advanced techniques, you'll find the answers you need here in dozens of complete step-by-step demonstrations, including:

• Simple techniques for achieving amazingly realistic compositions, including layering, burnishing and underpainting
• Proven methods for working successfully with water-soluble colored pencils
• A full range of inspiring subject matter, from flowers and animals to landscapes and still-life compositions
• Tips for solving common problems, fixing mistakes and taking sharp, clear reference photos
• Expert guidance in choosing the right materials and colors, including complete color charts from all the major manufacturers

It's all here in the "The Ultimate Guide to Colored Pencil"--the solutions and secrets you need for your own colored pencil success