Pictoplasma: The Character Encyclopaedia

Product Description

From the worlds of drawing, graphic design and painting, Pictoplasma examines the latest tendencies in character design. Having closely coincided with the character design movement since 1999, Pictoplasma presents a new, incomparable collection of what has become the world's most popular visual language. Through playful sampling and visual remixing, these characters evade established pictorial norms, and confront the viewer directly and emotionally, regardless of cultural background. Focusing on the graphical roots of contemporary character culture, this volume examines the essential qualities that empower these reduced character depictions with an universal, anthropomorphic appeal. Over 360 pages feature the fresh and surprising work of over 250 international artists, designers and newcomers, including Ana Bagayan, Friends With You, Fons Schiedon, Akinori Oishi, Koralie, Klaus Haapaniemi, Eun-Ha Paek, Nicholas Deakin, and Gary Taxali, among others.Vast in scope and always at the forefront, The Character Encyclopaedia is a comprehensive guide to the most intriguing figures populating the character universe.

Customer Reviews:

Great book for get inspiration.......2007-09-21

Reecently,i discover the world of character design, and im start to research for sites, tecnichs, styles books etc etc, and i find this book.
and the book its realy awesome, u can find tons of character for all over the world.

Average customer rating:

Pretty Fresh Stuff

Pictoplasma: Characters in Motion
Lars Denicke , Peter Thaler , Saiman Chow , and Aaron Stewart
Manufacturer: Actar D/Pictoplasma Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Contemporary Art | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 3981045823

Book Description

Traditional animation's system of interchangeable characteristics and predictable limited movements is being overturned by a new breed of character designers who are redefining the craft. Berlin-based Pictoplasma documents that revolution in this NTSC DVD and book set, which showcases over 50 forward-looking, stylistically outstanding studios, animators and designers in three hours of programming and 80 pages of text. The DVD is divided into chapters, but a specially designed menu allows viewers to create their own playlist sorting by artist, studio, character, style or genre. The book provides in-depth information on and context for the creators and their latest work, featuring contributions by Friends With You and Saiman Chow of the U.S.; Studio aka, Tokyo Plastic, and Passion Pictures of the U.K.; Nathan Jurevicius of Australia; Pleix of France; Ghostmilk Studios of Canada; Studio Soi of Germany and many more.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Fresh Stuff.......2007-02-05

Relatively speaking of course...(If its in a book, then it is not going to be new in the revolutionary sense.) In any case, I would recommend the this book for the lover of character design, character animation and those who are obsessive about continually finding different styles and inspiration from which to draw. Be mindful that because this book has pretty niche stuff and characters of a quirky flavor that you will most likely find yourself absolutely adoring some of these characters and completely cringing your brow in confusion with others. I did buy this book, knowing full well that I might only like 50% but would appreciate the other simply because of the artistry. Having said that, this hardcover should find a place on your bookshelf or in your backpack for a while. It is a collection of quirky, colorful and curious characters and though the book might be light on pages (at 90 or so), it more than makes up for that with its accompanying DVD of short films and commercials. With more than 60 - 70% of the artists/studios coming from countries other than the US/Canada, there is a good chance that North Americans and the World over haven't seen half of these styles or designs... You might be able to find some of this on the internet but most of it would not be in the full form it is on this DVD. I find it to be a good brain starter (one of many in my back pocket) when looking for inspiration on character movement or character stylings. Just remember it is very niche...and you might not like all of what it has to offer.

Pictoplasma 2: Contemporary Character Design

Average customer rating:

The cover is girly-cute but the content may be not
Beautiful and Inspiring
Better than the First
100% eye candy

Pictoplasma 2: Contemporary Character Design
Peter Thaler
Manufacturer: Gestalten Verlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 3899550218

Book Description

Whether they appear as painted stones, smiling houses, Nick Park-like clay figures or classical cartoons, characters are still the best way to create visuals with which one can identify.

Peter Thaler has built upon the success of "Pictoplasma", one of dgv's best-selling titles of all time. Avoiding the lure of creating a straightforward sequel or the simple repetition of his winning formula, he has once again distilled a fine selection of first-rate works from over 9,000 entries.

While the traditional role of these loveable icons as commercial branding tools remains important, this volume also touches on the vital new design impulses that have enriched the picto realm during the last few years. More and more often, designers are taking their favourites from the drawing board and computer to the streets as customised objects, urban art and graffiti. Parallel to an overall trend to shake off the shackles of two dimensions, even more of Thaler's selections have made the jump into the third dimension. For example, cute to grotesque action figures, which are increasingly coveted by adult collectors, are spread across the pages in perfect harmony with traditional graphic design and illustrations by both talented newcomers and stars like Peter Fowler.

No matter if it's scribbles, freehand or vector designs, puppets, street art or abstraction: Pictoplasma 2's prime focus remains the development of interesting character ideas and the fertile exchange between different styles and media.

Customer Reviews:

The cover is girly-cute but the content may be not.......2006-07-07

From drawing to real toys and street art it showcase the end of cute characters - the nastier the better. (Ok, there is still some bunnies and panda bears... BUT just a few!)
Great catalogue, pretty extensive.

Beautiful and Inspiring.......2004-11-28

Chockful of inspiring characters and styles which will be fun to look back at 20 years from now. The puffy and embossed hardcover creatively packages the book without making it annoying when finding a space on your bookshelf.

Better than the First.......2004-01-04

It was great to finally get a copy of this publication after hearing about it for months. I even went to the book release opening at a gallery here in new York , which really enhanced all that the book was about. Great character designs, 3-D characters, posters, stickers and street art from some of the greats out there like Kaws, Dalek , Esm-artificial and others. The bad part about the book is that there are way too many mediocre artists/designers involved who contribute very little to the overall vibe of this book. i think maybe if it was screened down a little it would be more successful but still it's a cool little publication.

100% eye candy.......2003-12-18

if you've seen the first 'pictoplasma' book you'll know what to expect: an inspired collection of character designs from around the world- this second volume expands with sections on kubricks, dolls (of the really cool plush variety), and street art.
nearly every page is candy for the eyes and worth the price of admission early on. excellent, excellent book.

Average customer rating:

Do not buy this book
This is a must have!
Technology behind the book
Inspirational Ecstacy
eye candy

Pictoplasma

Manufacturer: Gestalten Verlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 3931126587

Book Description

„Dot, dot, comma, dash - smiley face in a flash“ (German proverb)

Pictoplasma, a collection by the eponymous Berlin-based project around Peter Thaler and the first ever documentation of modern character design, presents a comprehensive overview of this truly global graphic language and illustrates the remarkable status figures (the picto element) with lively traits and faces (plasma) have achieved in our society, culminating in a visual feast.

As likeable, global identifiers they act as indispensable mediators in the era of multimedia, serving purposes as diverse as branding, logo design, game design (Pokemon, SuperMario), web design, icons or mascots.

Selected from more than 6,000 excellent entries Pictoplasma offers both independent artists and corporations an international platform. Countless styles and techniques divide the figurative images into freehand drawings, vector, pixel, encyclopedia and 3-D styles, gaining in complexity during each respective chapter.

From cartoon to collage, from grafitti to PopArt - Pictoplasma lends the world of characters a new face.

Customer Reviews:

Do not buy this book.......2006-04-13

I am a student exploring character design-designer toys. This book is not worth your time or money. I wanted to be awed every page, when only about 3 designers were actually interesting. Yes, it is printed very nicely, and bound nicely, yet I would highly recommend you take a peak at their web page before you purchase it. Not for me.

This is a must have!.......2006-04-02

If you are at all interested in charter illustration or design you must include this book in your library. It is the only book that I have bought in the last few years which contains so many sources of inspiration. You will find your self thumbing through this title over and over again.

Technology behind the book.......2004-10-14

What I find interesting about this book, besides the high quality of design technique for characters, is the technologies people implement to create characters. It covers hand rendered, vector, raster and 3D formats for character design. Pure computer generated graphics, as well as applying real textures scanned in from nature. This book is a bit like an encyclopedia to world wide character design, applying a vast range of techniques and methods in creating them. Very useful.

Inspirational Ecstacy.......2004-06-05

Not knowing what to expect from this book, i was flat out blown away not only by the vast amount of images, but the level of talent that was chosen.

as a vector illustrator, i would highly suggest this to be on your shelf because something will inspire you to push your own work higher.

joshua
http://www.hydro74.com

eye candy.......2003-05-15

As an illustrator I highly recommend this book for all character designers... great book.

Colour Me, Pictoplasma!: The Character Colouring And Activity Book

Average customer rating:

Different Cover

Colour Me, Pictoplasma!: The Character Colouring And Activity Book
Lars Denicke , and Peter Thaler
Manufacturer: Actar D/Pictoplasma Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 3981045815

Book Description

This limited edition, Colour Me, Pictoplasma! Character Colouring and Activity Book, allows you to join forces with the international masters of cute and cool: its 80 pages of illustration outlines are hungry for color, its connect-the-dots mysteries and spot-the-difference games cry out for your pencil, and its character puzzles and labyrinths are printed on rough 'n' tough coloring paper covered in a high-gloss dust jacket and packed in a lovingly customized bag with a surprise poster and other mouth-watering goodies. Includes illustrated double spreads by the global superstars of contemporary graphics, illustration, character design and urban art, including Genevieve Gauckler of France, The London Police of the Netherlands, Gary Baseman and Dalek of the U.S., Jon Burgerman of the U.K., Nathan Jurevicius of Australia, and many, many more. Rainy-day fun for your inner child.

Customer Reviews:

Different Cover.......2006-07-09

Great little colouring book but when I received it, the front cover was completely different from the one that was first listed on amazon. The esm-artificial cover has been switched to this current cover by matos which is not as pleasing.

The book makes up for it by having obey giant, flying fortress, dalek and rinzen. i wish the pages were bigger so some of them could be framed as they are more like art pieces.

Average customer rating:

Pictoplasma 2005: Weekly Calendar
Peter Thaler
Manufacturer: Gestalten Verlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback

General | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The overwhelming success of the 2004 Pictoplasma Calendar was a pleasant surprise. Although the format is the same, the 2005 Pictoplasma calendar features a different character each week with a selection that is totally fresh. Containing contemporary material not yet seen in the best-selling Pictoplasma books, this calendar is sure to delight throughout the year.

Average customer rating:

Pictoplasma: Vol 2
Peter Thaler
Manufacturer: Die Gestalten Verlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JZ6WI0

Book Description

Each book in the Art School series explains all the materials, techniques , methods and contains inspirational and practical projects, expert ideas and approaches, clear instructions and examples and at-a-glance, step-by-step images that every artist will value. This book covers mixing paints, use of color and general techniques, such as brushwork, knife painting, underpainting and glazing. More specialized methods such as sgraffito and snapping back are then explained for more advanced and sophisticated effects. The contains 175 color images including an inspirational gallery, and is filled with practical guidance on how to treat classical subjects such as Still Life, Landscape, Figures and Portraits.

OILS ACRYLICS: STEP-BY-STEP TEACHING THROUGH INSPIRATIONAL PROJECTS (ART SCHOOL SERIES)

Average customer rating:

OILS ACRYLICS: STEP-BY-STEP TEACHING THROUGH INSPIRATIONAL PROJECTS (ART SCHOOL SERIES)
HAZEL HARRISON
Manufacturer: SEBASTIAN KELLY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SH4OJI

Book Description

This comprehensive guide is a must-have for the multitude of fans of today's best-selling popular music. The latest in the definitive series, the All Music Guide to Hip-Hop offers entertaining and informative reviews that lead readers to the best recordings by their favorite artists and help them find new music to explore. Informative biographies, essays, and "music maps" trace hip-hop's growth from its roots in urban soul and old-school MCs and DJs, to its mainstream breakout during the '90s and the myriad branches that thrive today.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2004-10-02

This is one of the best music books I have ever purchased it has reviews on almost every hip hop album ever made for all the Youngsters of the rap game that have no education in hip hop buy this book at once and find something out on Kool DJ Herc-Grandwizard Theodore-Grandmaster Caz the originators if you dont know the Message you dont know rap-Good day

Very Nicely Put Together.......2003-12-06

Just to reiterate what was mentioned earlier, this book goes nicely in depth, going back to originating artists as well as current mainstream as well as underground heavy hitters. I have alot of fun looking through this guide. Any big Hiphop fan should love this book. There were a few artists I felt should definitely have been included in the book, but were not. However, there was a good effort put into this book.

This is the real thing.......2003-10-12

This is the real kind of rap music, not just the kind you hear on the radio. This book goes into detail not just the mainstream artists of rap, but also underground favorites. It also rates each artists albums out of five stars. It provides a (usually)small biography on the artist as well as who he/her worked with in the past. The book also gives you a well rounded vision of hip-hop in general by showing you where all the different genres of rap originated, and what distinguishes them. Every time I go to buy an album I look it up here first. It is also very recent, going all the way up to the summer of 2003. Overall, well worth your money.

Book Description

A cutting-edge collection exploring identity-making in East Asia

This is an interdisciplinary study of the cultural politics of nationalism and national identities in modern East Asia. Combining theoretical insights with empirical research, it explores the cultural dimensions of nationhood and identity-making in China, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The essays address issues ranging from the complex relations between popular culture and national consciousness to the representation of ethnic/racial identity and gendered discourse on nationalism. The cutting-edge research on the diverse forms of cultural preacceptance and the various ways in which this participates in the construction and projection of national and ethnic identities in East Asia illuminates several understudied issues in Asian studies, including the ambiguity of Hong Kong identity during World War II and the intricate politics of the post-war Taiwanese trial of collaboration.

Addressing a wide range of theoretical and historical issues regarding cultural dimensions of nationalism and national identities all over East Asia, these essays draw insights from such recent theories as cultural studies, postcolonial theories, and archival-researched cultural anthropology. The book will be important reading for students of Asian studies as well as for serious readers interested in issues of nationalism and culture.

Kai-wing Chow is Associate Professor of East Asian Languages and Cultures. Kevin Doak is Associate Professor of History. Poshek Fu is Associate Professor of History and Cinema Studies. All three teach at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Average customer rating:

If you know only Patsy, you don't know Joanna!

Stare Back and Smile (Isis Series)
Joanna Lumley
Manufacturer: ISIS Audio Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 185089874X

Customer Reviews:

If you know only Patsy, you don't know Joanna!.......2004-07-07

Granted, the immeasurably-talented Miss Lumley will be forever associated with her inimitable "Absolutely Fabulous" boozehound, Patsy Stone ("...39, international beauty and fashion guru") -- but as much as we may adore Pats, Lumley's best-known role belies the fascinating and articulate woman behind the character.

From her birth in India, through her modeling years in Swinging London, through an early small-screen career including virtually every British sitcom you've ever heard of, Lumley approaches both the adventure of world travel and the drudgery of trying to make it in the business with equal good humor, and a charming mix of eloquence and intimacy.

Do not, however, expect a racy show-biz expose; while honest and earnest, Lumley is downright coy about romantic involvements (and quite tight-lipped about the birth of her son).

And that, I am happy to report, is extremely refreshing.

I haven't read the newer biography on Lumley, and I'm not terribly anxious to just yet; after all, Stare Back and Smile is straight from the source -- and I rather enjoy keeping an image of Joanna Lumley (not the actor, but the woman) in my mind just as she intended the reader to envision her.

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