Digital Character Design and Painting (Charles River Media Graphics) [Paperback]

Don Seegmiller (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 23, 2003 | Series: Charles River Media Graphics

Digital Character Design and Painting is really two books in one: it teaches the fundamentals of character design, and the skills, tools, and techniques needed to master digital painting. All of the fundamentals of character design are explored, and once the character has been designed and sketched, users learn how to "paint" it digitally with Corel Painter 7.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Don Seegmiller (Orem, UT) has a BFA in Graphic Design with a specialization in illustration. He teaches a variety of drawing, illustration, and digital painting courses, is a regular speaker at the Game Developer Conference, and most recently worked as the art director Saffire Corp., a major video game developer. In addition, he writes for popular magazines, and contributed to a number of successful books, including Step-by-Step Electronic Design and The Painter 6 Wow book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 354 pages
• Publisher: Delmar Thomson Learning (January 23, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584502320
• ISBN-13: 978-1584502326
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #945,061 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Art Appreciation for Wannabe Professionals, August 3, 2003

By 

Natraj Jayaraman (India) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Digital Character Design and Painting (Charles River Media Graphics) (Paperback)

This one reads like a crash course in digital character painting as interpreted by a fine artist of obvious expertise. It uses Corel Painter 7 as the base tool and is aimed at intermediate users (says so on the back). The best things about this book are (a) an effective balance between fantasy and reality, image- and tutorial-wise, (b) all-color (four-color) pages, so you know 'exactly' what color you're supposed to pick and what shade you're required to get, and (c) QuickTime movies on the accompanying CD that show the author deftly turn a b&w sketch into a finished piece. (Neat). This book is more about ideas than trickery, techniques rather than formulae - so don't expect too much hand-holding or quick fix tips. It lays a good foundation early on and builds upon it - though I'd recommend being comfortable at least with some basic sketching as most tutorials begin with a pre-made pencil drawing and proceed thenceforth into painting. In the end, this book stands head-and-shoulders above the rest primarily due to its inspiration and reusability value for artists (both digital and fine). It's natural to feel a little overawed by the author's seemingly effortless mastery of the subject, but if you're in the market for a solid, articulate tome with real-world skills and advice, trust this one to deliver (and deliver quite well), for it does just that.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FOR DIGITAL AND STUDIO ARTISTS BOTH, June 24, 2003

By 

Suzanna Lasker (Jefferson, ME United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Digital Character Design and Painting (Charles River Media Graphics) (Paperback)

Once I bought Don Seegmiller's book, DIGITAL CHARACTER DESIGN AND PAINTING I've spent hours, no, days, with pencil and computer delving into this book. And my education has increased considerably. I've read many how-to art books and few have left any visible mark on both my studio and computer creations. Don's
book is like a ... of art - everything is there. First, the beginning section is priceless in creating a character. Don's suggestions and questions give details to my amorphous mind-picture. A writer could learn from this section as well.

And then there is the section on basic art principles which is simply, yet expansively, written. Now I understand that mystery called value. Throughout this book also is the challenge to respect your art and creativity.

Now comes the tutorials using Corel's Painter. I've had Painter
for years and loved it - but it was a secretive and distant lover. The tutorials demonstrate so many possibilities and, if anyone calls themselves an artist, they must make art, - the making with these tutorials are fun.

Don's art is wonderful - a rare combination of beauty and humor. His art is topnotch!

Buy the book and work it thoroughly, it'll be well worth the time and mental energy!!!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS BOOK - No Regrets!, April 2, 2003

By 

Sharvonique "www.sharvonique.com" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Digital Character Design and Painting (Charles River Media Graphics) (Paperback)

I am very picky and highly selective when it comes to purchasing books, and this book surpasses all of my expectations. Not only does Digital Character Design and Painting offer step-by-step examples on how to digitaly paint characters, create textures, and paint trees, but it also provides a thorough insight on how to develop your own character designs. Seegmiller has written an excellent book that is useful to every artist - from beginning to advance. You will not regret buying this book!