Going Digital: An Artist's Guide to Computer Illustration

Rating:
Summary: A sturdy bridge from tradition to technology
Review: For any artist working in traditional media, this book will open your eyes to the world offered by the computer. In an age of technology, it is necessary to keep an open mind to survive in art. The computer does not have to signal the end of art as we know it but give us another avenue to explore and expand our creativity. Going Digital: An Artist's Guide to Computer Illustration is an excellent source of insight as well as inspiration. I recommend this book to anyone who has not yet experienced the true potential of the computer to enhance art.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting for artists with NO digital experience
Review: When I bought this book, I had fairly good Photoshop skills, a little Bryce 3D and not much more.

I was looking for something that would give me a few more advanced pointers and techniques on creating illustrations in the Digital media and "Going Digital : An Artist's Guide to Computer Illustration" sounded promising.

However when I received the book, I was somewhat disappointed... it is a good book for its intended audience, but not for my needs.

It's intended audience are traditional media artists who are wondering what Digital Art is all about but most likely had never turned on a Mac.

It is an overview on what digital art is, the benefits of using it, some very fine examples of what can be done, discussions on how to set up your digital studio and the costs involved, and an overview of the steps etc... but not much actually useful tips in creating digital art.

So it could also be summerised as "A Traditional Media Artist's Guide to Going Digital." In this light it would be worth five stars.

The illustrations are sumptuous and beautifully executed and fill the book and certainly act as an inspiration.

But I'm afraid that if you want some hands-on pointers on illustrating in Photoshop or Painter etc, it's best to look elsewhere.