The Illustrator's Bible: The Complete Sourcebook of Tips, Tricks and Time-Saving Techniques in Oil, Alkyd, Acrylic, Gouache, Casein, Watercolor, Dyes, ... Pastel, Colored Pencil and Mixed Media (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Learning to perfect and expand the use of your hands will make a big difference in the quality of your illustration..." (more)
Key Phrases: efficient studio, halftone black, frisket film, Daniel Smith, Canson Mi-Teintes, Spray Mount (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Watson-Guptill (October 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823025322
• ISBN-13: 978-0823025329
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #161,649 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #15 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Instructional & How-To > Colored Pencil
  #18 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Instructional & How-To > Pastel
  #67 in	Books > Arts & Photography > Other Media > Mixed Media

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars True to it's title, January 20, 2004

By	Charles Floading (Brown Deer, WI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

So many self education books for artists claim to be definitive, comprehensive, or the only book you'll ever need. I don't know if this is the only book you'll need, but it is a cheaper alternative to paying tuition at an art college. And, unlike many how-to books (and some art colleges), Rob Howard gives very specific and detailed instructions. He's light on the motivational inspiration and heavy on technique. Afterall, a working illustrator (the book's target) doesn't need to get in touch with the inner artist, but rather needs tools to get the inner art out onto the client's desk.

Additionally, Rob Howard is quite talented. Often times people with Howard's gifts are so busy with paying customers that they don't have time to put together such a quality book. Every illustration is professional quality and an inspiration in itself!
The book is packed with photos and illustrations. He lists by name and sometimes manufacturer exactly what materials you need. Covers topics from Prismacolor pencils on Denril to Friskets and masking to pastels, acrylics and airbrushing....etc.

It's only weakness is that it's due for an update. First published in '92 before the internet explosion and before Adobe Photoshop and Synthetik Studio Artist became powerful enough computer based tools, this book focuses entirely on natural media. Just the same, an illustrator looking to set him or herself appart from the pack might want to set aside the software and use the proven techniques in this book!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Book, excellente for artists, February 21, 2006

By	L. Gonzalez "Young Artist" - See all my reviews

the knowledge and in-depth shared in this book is excellent, helps you to go further in the techs, and with tips and trick for the materials and equipment.The only "but" that i find is that it's not a step by step teaching for beginners. Excellente book!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not what I was needing., July 17, 2008

By	Jessie Lofland "cokejazz" (Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

As an art book, this book is very good, but I was looking for tips on how to illustrate a book. The title led me to believe that it was covered in the content, but alas... not so. There are some helpful sections of different type of art mediums and an artist or art student would find it very helpful.