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Comment on your design or creative career or design tips or tricks and you may be selected as our BOOK OF THE MONTH winner... see all of our department heads, for this month's BOOK OF THE MONTH! RSS

Celtic Art & Design

Celtic design and illustration can evoke an acient look and feel to any project -- or can also give a very modern look! These books offer a huge value in both usable art and inspiration for design ideas -- at very affordable prices. October 31, 2011

Top 10 Steve Jobs Books

Here is my selection of the best books for learning about and being inspired by the late Steve Jobs! I have read or thumbed all (except two, not yet published) of these, and can recommend them for your own, personal benefit -- or as a superb gift for anyone on your gift list this year! October 29, 2011

Calligraphy & Penmanship Gift Guide

Whether you use the pen craft professionally, or just for personal expression, it embodies a tradition of beauty and discipline that few other crafts can match. Here are my favorite learning guides for mastering the time-honored art and craft of calligraphy, lettering and penmanship -- for young and old! The first time someone sees you writing in pure copperplate and exclaims "Wow, how did you learn that?" you'll know you've gained a skill few others posess. Any of these books will also make a superb gift for anyone on your list. October 27, 2011

Copperplate Calligraphy

I've preached about the beauty of copperplate calligraphy before -- arguably the most beautiful form of hand lettering. I've encouraged you to at least try your had at producing it by hand, because by doing so you experience the true are and craft of penmanship. Here's some help to get you started September 30, 2011

Retro Fonts : the real thing

One of my serious on-going complaints in the graphic arts industry is the use of the term "retro" -- fewer and fewer designers actually know what it means. We're seeing literally hundreds of tutorials titled retro-this or retro-that. So, listen up young designers: here's the quintessential reference on the use of 'retro' fonts. In fact, it's called RETROFONTS! September 29, 2011

Just My Type - A Book About Fonts

Simon Garfield's new book "Just My Type" is a wonderful romp through the world of fonts and typography ... a little bit history, a little big rumor, a lot of background and a pile of really fun insights into type, letters and letterforms -- required reading! September 19, 2011

Metal Type in the 21st Century

Of historic and educational note, here's a fascinating design documentary by Richard Kegler that captures the personality and work process of the late Canadian graphic artist and type designer Jim Rimmer. August 25, 2011

Professional Portrait Retouching Techniques

Scott Kelby has published a lot of books, but I believe "Professional Portrait Retouching Techniques for Photographers using Photoshop" is one of his best books! This one has it all! June 27, 2011

Chasing Light

Digital photography month is upon us, and each time you snap the shutter on your digital camera you should think about LIGHT. Why? Because light is the only reason the camera actually works. So you need to use it wisely. Let expert photographer and educator Ibarionex Perello help you May 31, 2011

Extraordinary Corel Painters

Step inside the studios of some of today's top artists, illustrators, designers, and photographers working with digital art tools ... it's the Secrets of Corel Painter Experts: Tips,Techniques, and Insights for Users of All Abilities... April 29, 2011