Creative Sparks

Rating:
Summary: a nice jump start to the creative thinking process
Review: I found this book in a search for something to help challenge and jump start my creative process. This book is a quirky way to challenge yourself and stimulate creative ideas. It is a small, pocket sized package that can be browsed one page at a time. You can literally turn to a random, new page (which is how I read it) and spend a minute or two learning a new lesson. Though it is directed at graphic designers, other disciplines can pull some really good ideas from it, too. I highly recommend this. It stays in my backpack all the time, and when I find myself with a few spare minutes, I'll thumb through a few pages.

Rating:
Summary: a nice jump start to the creative thinking process
Review: I found this book in a search for something to help challenge and jump start my creative process. This book is a quirky way to challenge yourself and stimulate creative ideas. It is a small, pocket sized package that can be browsed one page at a time. You can literally turn to a random, new page (which is how I read it) and spend a minute or two learning a new lesson. Though it is directed at graphic designers, other disciplines can pull some really good ideas from it, too. I highly recommend this. It stays in my backpack all the time, and when I find myself with a few spare minutes, I'll thumb through a few pages.

Rating:
Summary: Not like his other books
Review: I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this title. If your expecting anything like Idea Index or his other titles, don't buy this book. It is very well produced, however, I think it will spend more time on the bookcase than next to my computer.

Rating:
Summary: A Definite Creative Boost for the Designer/ Artist
Review: I just got this book and I'm loving it. The book is divided into color-coded sections ( Practical Matters, Designer's Notebook, On The Job, Projects and Exercises, Concepts and Life Practices). When you turn to a page, any page, it is cross-referenced by subject to four other relavent pages. Definitely an inspiring, thought-provoking collection of creative sparks that will stay within reach.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, truly.
Review: I've never sent a review before, but this is an execptional book and I feel compelled to say something about it. Forgive me if this sounds corny, but I can only describe this book as an explosion of visual exuberance and I am still reveling in its aftershocks. I was unable to put this one down until well past midnight last night. Not everyone will understand this book (it is non-linear and filled with non-stop images, thoughts, exercises, practical advice, etc.), but i think that true designers and those who really, really love art will know exactly what it is all about. Every spread in this book presents a jewel of information and/or inspiration. I would, if i could give a copy of this book to every person I know who creates art (either for fun or professionally). It is absolutely unique, absolutely wonderful.

Rating:
Summary: Five bright stars
Review: This one took me by surprise. I own a lot of design books and this is very different from the "norm"--but then, as designers and artists, WE are supposed to be outside the "norm," right? This is the least "stuffy" book on design I've seen in a while. It's strikes a good balance between eye-candy and practicality. I find the exercises and concepts presented to be very "real world" and practical--not classroom theory. I was especially able to relate to the "Designer's Notebook" section (I can tell that J. Krause has been around the design biz for a while). Great book.

Rating:
Summary: Five bright stars
Review: This one took me by surprise. I own a lot of design books and this is very different from the "norm"--but then, as designers and artists, WE are supposed to be outside the "norm," right? This is the least "stuffy" book on design I've seen in a while. It's strikes a good balance between eye-candy and practicality. I find the exercises and concepts presented to be very "real world" and practical--not classroom theory. I was especially able to relate to the "Designer's Notebook" section (I can tell that J. Krause has been around the design biz for a while). Great book.