How to Draw Hip Hop [Paperback]

Damion Scott (Author), Kris Ex (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2006

Hip-hop is more than baggy jeans and explicit song lyrics. It’s a cultural force that influences everything we see and everything we hear. Now two masters of hip-hop have joined forces to create one remarkable book: How to Draw Hip-Hop. Damion Scott, a noted hip-hop artist, and Kris Ex, an internationally recognized music journalist, explain drawing basics and construction of the hip-hop look; ways to capture the style and spirit of the B-boy and B-girl; and how to draw hip-hop gear, environments, characters, and graffiti. Every artist and aspiring artist, every fan of hip-hop and pop culture in general needs a copy of How to Draw Hip-Hop.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 7 Up–This book combines the bold and energetic lines of graffiti art with the bright colors of cel-shaded video games and an obvious Japanese manga influence. Many aspects of it are different from other how-to-draw books. Most don't discuss genre-specific concepts like wild style lettering or hip-hop clothing. The teaching itself is unique and totally accessible: the drawing instructions are narrated by two brothers, with the younger learning techniques from his older sibling in a way that anticipates the relationship between readers and the book's creators. Scattered among basic drawing instructions are such ruminations as hip-hop is a force majeure, a vibrant, moving, breathing energy and If you're drawing hip-hop, it's necessary to get into the places where hip-hop lives, and I don't mean the radio station. Such statements might seem out of place in the context of a cartooning book, but Scott and Ex speak with such respect and passion for hip-hop culture that the occasional asides are welcome. There is no other book of this kind on the market, making it a necessary and relevant purchase.–Steev Baker, Kewaskum Public Library, WI
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From the Author

Damion Scott has illustrated Batman, Batgirl, and Robin for DC Comics and Spectacular Spider-Man for Marvel Comics. His work appears in hip-hop magazines and on T-shirts, hats, and soft-drink labels. He lives in New York City.

Kris Ex, a music journalist, writes for Rolling Stone, Blender, Vibe, XXL, Hip-Hop Connection, and many other publications. He lives in Brooklyn

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill; 1ST edition (March 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823014460
• ISBN-13: 978-0823014460
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 11.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #360,938 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice Style for comics..., April 25, 2011

By 

Nathyn Masters (Chicago, IL.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Draw Hip Hop (Paperback)

This was a nice book, not too different from any other art book but the Hip Hip style seems to be a lot cleaner and easier. My style is very much traditional and more Image Comics, but I do like this and will probably start experimenting with it. I'm really tired of the manga stuff, but this style looks really nice.

Also this book was very easy to follow, but I think what makes it stand out more is its presentation. It teaches drawing in a narrative style which was very new to me. I enjoyed the art itself and would like to work with it a little more.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very very artistic, March 21, 2010

By 

A. Clark "cellphonesforkidsdotnet" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Draw Hip Hop (Paperback)

I bought this book after borrowing it from the local library. They had many copies. I wanted it in my personal reference collection. This is a very unique book. It is written in a conversational style using hip hop characters. The book is entertaining and an easy read. It covers quickly the basis of drawing but mostly focus in on the special techniques you would perform to create hip hop characters. I love the chapters concentrating on gear, movement, posture and characterization. You will enjoy reading the book as well as be amazed at the work and if you follow the easy directions you will be able to draw hip hop. This is the only book I have found on this topic that is on point. I highly recommend it for beginners as well as advance artist. Great Job!

4.0 out of 5 stars very good, November 19, 2008

By 

C. madera-rolon "Calamity Jane" (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Draw Hip Hop (Paperback)

I am very pleased with this item. I like how the authors have created a story line to help with instruction. I would definitely recommend to anyone who is interested in learning this unique style.