The Streetwise Guide to Freelance Design and Illustration

Customer Reviews:

General help.......2000-06-07

I found this book a little too general, not specific enough, to cover the different approaches possible for a freelance designer in NYC. Didn't cover the world of placement agencies, for example.

Much of the info was for illustrators, it seemed.

Every aspiring freelance artist should read this book.......1999-07-15

As I am considering starting my own freelance illustration career, I found this book to be very informative. Every aspect of what you can expect to encounter in the freelance business is covered -- from dealing with people, to taxes, to how to market yourself. Lots of good tips.

Theo Stephan Williams writes in a style that is not only informative, but interesting and entertaining as well. And also encouraging, which I found to be uplifting, as the prospect of freelancing is a bit intimidating. She also includes other "real world" experiences besides her own, with interviews from several successful freelancers.

This book may not cover everything you want to know, but it is a great way to get started in your own business of freelance design or illustration.

There is nothing "streetwise"; just basic information.......1998-10-13

For a book on design and illustration, this book does not set a good example. The book design is bland and the information within is general. It seems that the author did not have enough information to write about and the book mainly consists of her personal history as a designer. This book is adequate for the novice who just wants the basics. But for those interested in a in-depth look at freelance illustration, well-designed with many highly-regarded illustrators portrayed inside, I suggest "The Business of Illustration" by Heller/Fernandes.

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-04

This book has Swamp Thing in outer space for a fair part of it, as he encounters various other dc figures in his travels, such as those from the planet Rann, and the odd Green Lantern, and even the New Gods.

He does eventually end up back on Earth, and is a little peeved with some of the bad guys.

As The Shadow would say, if Swamp Thing is after you, 'The weeds of crime bear bitter fruit.'

Sowing the Seeds.......2003-10-11

Here is the final installment of Alan Moore's tremendous and groundbreaking run on the Swamp Thing series, collecting original issues #57-64. Moore brings to a precise ending his take on the character and his breathtaking development as an elemental spirit, but with plenty of room for future writers to continue the series. We also see the apotheosis of Moore's strong horror (and increasingly, sci-fi) writing, which both resurrected and revolutionized this comic genre. At the beginning of this particular collection, Swampy's spirit is still drifting in outer space, and Moore takes him on a series of adventures that illustrate his very "fertile" imagination. Swampy restores fertility to Adam Strange's nuclear-damaged planet, accidentally mates with a lonely bio-mechanical space station (in a great example of speculative sci-fi), and accidentally enslaves a sentient plant civilization but amends his misdeed with help from the local Green Lantern associate. Moore brings his run to a close by finally reuniting Swampy with his true love Abby, as he ponders his place as an elemental god on his home world. The artwork continues to astound as well, with Rick Veitch and Alfredo Alcala handling most of the duties during this period, while colorist Tatjana Wood continues her moody and praiseworthy work. This is the stupendous ending to one of the great series in comics history, and also one of the best graphic novel collections. [~doomsdayer520~]

Reunion and Departure.......2003-09-01

While the title of the final collection of Alan Moore's Swamp Thing work has an obvious meaning to it, the reunion between Alec Holland the Swamp Thing and his wife Abby, the book is also Moore's last work, so it is just as much his departure from a character he changed in so many ways, helping to create what would someday be DC Comic's Vertigo line.

The final collection features some more of Moore's reworking of the DCU with some horrifying results. Adam Strange, hero of Rann, appears, and Moore suggests that Strange may be Rann's hero, but not for the reasons he thinks he is. As Swamp Thing makes his journey home to Earth after his forced severing from the Green as seen in the previous collection, he makes a variety of stops, some of which show how his abilities and such make him one of the more powerful beings, and as such, Alec's reasoning in the end as to why he doesn't just fix the Earth's ecology for humanity makes a good deal of sense.

Of course, Moore never lets you forget Swamp Thing began as a horror book. Alec's revenge against his would-be killers for separating him from Abby for so long (which, as far as Alec is concerned, is the real crime they committed) takes on terrifying aspects as we see just how powerful someone who can control plants really is. His trip to a planet of sentient plants has similar frightening results as he inadvertantly pulls up a body made entirely of the citizens of the city and needs to be stopped by the planet's Green Lantern, but not before his presense causes internal shifts in a few of the planet's inhabitants, most for the worse, seeing what they really are as opposed to what they believe themselves to be.

Most horrifying (and somewhat confusing) is an issue recounted by some kind of alien creature which it seems is part plant, part asteroid, and part machine, and her capture and what appears to be a rape of Alec trying to get home while his consciousness travels across space.

I give this collection four stars for a simple reason, though. In the middle of the book is a single issue Moore didn't write dealing with Alec and the New Gods. Artist Rick Veitch wrote that one. It's not a bad issue, but if you buy this thinking Moore wrote every issue (which may be an impression you get from reading the cover), then you should be warned that this is not the case.

Customer Reviews:

A Good Choice.......2007-09-08

MadLibs have always been a favorite of mine, from roadtrips to random entertainment, and "ready for landing" checks. I bought a bunch of these for a recent roadtrip and we laughed a lot at the different things we came up with. My suggestions i always to ahve one person come up with the random words, or just trading off throughout a carload or ...friendload... of people. Everyone with their own intentions tend to wildly adjust how the story plays out!

A classic, for ages to come, enjoy!

Book Description

Films and Friends tells readers everything they need to know about beginning and maintaining a movie group, from getting started, choosing films, and keeping discussions going, to pitfalls along the way, and the unexpected benefits of close association over the years. Based on the author's and her group's discussions the book includes a transcript of one of their meetings, reflections on what they have learned, a breakdown of all the movies they've discussed, and suggestions for movie rentals with accompanying issues and discussion topics. Fun and informative, Films and Friends is the first book to address film groups, and sets the bar for future similar endeavors.

Customer Reviews:

Films Groups: Great Idea for Friends.......2004-01-30

This is a great book for starting a film group of friends. I truly believe that, especially for baby boomers, film groups are the coming new thing. What a great way to keep your mind active and at the same time have fun with friends! The book is short, very well writen and has lots of good ideas and clever chapters. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Film Groups: The Next Big Wave.......2004-01-30

What a great idea! After reading this book, I am definitely planning to start a movie group. I've talked it over with several friends and we think it would really be fun to get several couples together and try it. Even though we work, we all go to movies at once a month. This book makes it easy to start a group and gives lots of ideas of good movies.

Book Description

The Harpsichord and Clavichord, An Encyclopedia includes articles on this family of instruments, including famous players, composers, instruments builders, the construction of the instruments, and related terminology. It is the first complete reference on this important family of keyboard instruments. The contributors include major scholars of music and musical instrument history from around the world. It completes the three-volume Encyclopedia of Keyboard Intsruments.

Technique and Interpretation on the Harpsichord and Clavichord (A Midland Book)

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Technique and Interpretation on the Harpsichord and Clavichord (A Midland Book)
Richard Troeger
Manufacturer: Indiana Univ Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0253204089

The Clavichord (Cambridge Musical Texts and Monographs)

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One of the most up-to-date book on : CLAVICHORDS.

The Clavichord (Cambridge Musical Texts and Monographs)
Bernard Brauchli
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0521619890

Book Description

The clavichord, forerunner of the piano, was one of the most important instruments in Western keyboard history until the first decades of the nineteenth century. Bernard Brauchli’s comprehensive history fills a major gap in the literature on this instrument. Beginning with the earliest-known references, he traces the clavichord’s evolution up to the mid-nineteenth century, ending with a study of performance technique. The clavichord’s structural developments (traced largely through an analysis of extant instruments), literary documentation (much of it presented here for the first time in English), treatises and iconographical sources are presented in chronological order. What emerges from this study of the various sources is an overview of the essential role this instrument played both socially and musically for more than four centuries, restoring the clavichord to the position it justly deserves in history. Awarded the Nicholas Bessaraboff Prize for 2001, honoring the best book-length organological study in the English language published in 1998/99.

Customer Reviews:

One of the most up-to-date book on : CLAVICHORDS........2000-03-27

For the longest time the clavichord has been the most overshadowed of all keyboard instruments. However, the clavichord, is the most intimate of all. The Clavichord (Cambridge Musical Texts and Monographs) is the only book that begins with the origin of the clavichord (Monochord) to the nineteenth century revival. The book comes with beautiful pictures of the clavichord along with monographs. This happens to be the most elaborate and sought out book for all clavichord enthusiasts.

Harpsichord & Clavichord Music of the Twentieth Century

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Harpsichord & Clavichord Music of the Twentieth Century
Bedford Frances
Manufacturer: Fallen Leaf Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This bibliography gives essential information on some 5,400 works for harpsichord and 174 works for clavichord. In addition to solo compositions it cites a wide array of chamber, orchestra, vocal, dance, tape, and film music. Works are indexed by composers and titles, by performers who gave premieres, and by female composers.

Interpretation of 16th-Century Iberian Music on the Clavichord (Keyboard studies)

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Interpretation of 16th-Century Iberian Music on the Clavichord (Keyboard studies)
Nelly van Ree Bernard
Manufacturer: Frits Knuf Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9060276086

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Harpsichords and clavichords
Cynthia A Hoover
Manufacturer: Smithsonian Institution Press; [for sale by the Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Off.]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006CCXBQ

1926 Johann Sebastian Bach the Well Tempered Clavichord

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1926 Johann Sebastian Bach the Well Tempered Clavichord

Manufacturer: G Schirmer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000EVHK0I

35 Sonatinas for Keyboard Instrument (Clavichord, Harpsichord, or Piano)

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35 Sonatinas for Keyboard Instrument (Clavichord, Harpsichord, or Piano)
Georg Benda
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0193722445

The Art of Playing the Fantasia (Explorations)

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The Art of Playing the Fantasia (Explorations)
Fray Thomas De Sancta Maria , Almonte Howell , and Warren E. Hultberg
Manufacturer: Latin American Literary Review Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Bach and the Pedal Clavichord: An Organist's Guide (Eastman Studies in Music)

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Bach and the Pedal Clavichord: An Organist's Guide (Eastman Studies in Music)
Joel Speerstra
Manufacturer: University of Rochester Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

History & Criticism | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1580461352

Book Description

Original and brilliant study...Anyone interested in keyboard instruments of any kind will find in it a great fund of information and insight into matters of general musical interest, especially the performance of Bach's music. EARLY MUSIC TODAY Friederich Griepenkerl, in his 1844 introduction to Volume 1 of the first complete edition of J. S. Bach's organ works, wrote: "Actually the six Sonatas and the Passacaglia were written for a clavichord with two manuals and pedal, an instrument that, in those days, every beginning organist possessed, which they used beforehand, to practice playing with hands and feet in order to make effective use of them at the organ. It would be a good thing to let such instruments be made again, because actually no one who wants to study to be an organist can really do without one." What was the role of the pedal clavichord in music history? Was it a cheap practice instrument for organists or was Griepenkerl right? Was it a teaching tool that helped contribute to the quality of organ playing in its golden age? Most twentieth-century commentary on the pedal clavichord as an historical phenomenon was written in a kind of vacuum, since there were no playable historical models with which to experiment and from which to make an informed judgment. At the heart of Bach and the Pedal Clavichord: An Organist's Guide are some extraordinary recent experiments from the Göteborg Organ Art Center (GOArt) at Göteborg University. The Johan David Gerstenberg pedal clavichord from 1766, now in the Leipzig University museum, was documented and reconstructed; the new copy was then used for several years as a living instrument for organ students and teachers to experience. On the basis of these experiments and experiences, the book explores, in new and artful ways, Bach's keyboard technique, a technique preserved by his first biographer, J. N. Forkel (1802), and by Forkel's own student, Griepenkerl. It also sifts and weighs the assumptions and claims made for and aga

Book Description

Your dose of gaming goodness for Xbox, PlayStation, GameCube, GameBoy, PCs, Macs, and Linux! The 2006 Gamer’s Tome of Ultimate Wisdom: An Almanac of Pimps, Orcs and Lightsabers is filled with entertaining reviews, previews, and commentaries on all gaming platforms and the gaming industry as a whole. The book takes a month-by-month look back at the significant game releases of 2005 and looks ahead to the exciting titles you can expect to see in 2006.

Along the way the Gamer’s Tome offers insights into anything and everything that has to do with gaming, including why sports games are the biggest rip-off in the industry, advice on how to talk about games in public without being shunned by “regular” people and even what energy drinks give you that extra oomph you need to get through an all-night LAN party. This book is for you if you view gaming - be it PC, console or handheld gaming - as a major component of your life!

Customer Reviews:

Best ever!.......2006-01-19

This book is the best damn book in the history of mankind! The level of detail and craftsmanship is not to be believed. I bought fifty and handed them out on the street to change people's lives. There's a rumor that after reading this book, a scientist was inspired and found cures for 4 different diseases!

Actually, I bought the book and it's very cool. "Wild" Bill Abner is a gifted writer and his love of gaming comes through in every page.

One word describes this book: Fun!.......2006-01-19

Don't let the title of this book fool you, this is not your standard Almanac. Bill Abner has crammed more information into this title then I though possible.

The format is terrific with one page essays on the games of 2005, Closet classic's, older titles and of course my personal favortie the corporate graveyard. Besides being an incredible fun read, this book is informative. The little tid bits at the bottom of each page and the quotes from developer interviews just ads so much to the book.

No matter how much you think you know about games, Abner knows more and he will pass these gems of knowledge on to you in this title.

Brilliant and fun essays on an enormous range of gaming topics.......2006-01-18

Sticking a date and the word "almanac" on this really does a bit of a disservice to this fine collection of essays. The word conjures images of data and trivia when in reality Bill Abner has provided nothing less than a compelling piece of gaming literature. This work functions as so many things: a state-of-gaming address, an introduction to gaming sub-genres, a guide to classic gaming and, as they say, "much, much more."

The unifying thread which keeps this collection from disorder and disorganization is the lively and straightforward writing of Bill Abner. Abner is an absolute authority on gaming who couples his knowledge with a witty and direct writing style that never threatens to get geeky or preachy. The enthusiasm and energy Abner brought to this project is palpable not only in his writing but in the breadth, and sometimes obscurity, of the topics covered. He places games into the context of the greater gaming world, extending back to its obscure origins in the late 70's and early 80's, rather than simply reviewing 2005. Best of all for the reader, his enthusiasm is contagious and will leave you smiling, reminiscing and certainly searching out several new games.

A great book for gamers and for readers.......2006-01-15

I was introduced to gaming in 1994 when my wife bought me a bargin bin PC football game at Target. The game was Front Page Sports Football Pro, and it led me to start playing PC and then console games. Along the way, I read Bill Abner's reviews and thoughts in the form of website or magazine reviews or usenet posts and message board comments. His thoughts were always well written and intelligent. If he liked a game, chances are it was a good game.

One game in particular was High Heat 2000. I had been on the outs with baseball after the last big strike and had not given much of a thought to baseball - real or in a game - for several years. Bill's reviews of High Heat 1999 and comments on the upcoming 2000 version made me interested in a game that apparently had depth and a lot to offer, and eventually that game even brought me back to the real game on the field. After taking that good advice, I started following his reviews closely. He always gives his honest opinions and never tries to oversell or undersell a game. When there were bugs in High Heat, he pointed them out. When the AI was questionable in a game, he made that clear in his review -even if he understood that his audience might not care as much as he did about the dropped passes in NCAA 2005. There were games that Bill disliked but that I ended up playing and liking, but that did not stop me from enjoying his perspective.

He does the same thing in this book. He gives his honest thoughts about the games he has played. In fact, the best thing I can say about this book is that there are pages about games that I could care less about and will never play - but I read them anyway. I am a limited gamer - mostly sports games with an occasional FPS thrown in for variety. But that did not stop me from enjoying his essays on adventure games or puzzle games or even children's games.

The reason is that he is a good writer. These essays and reviews are written by someone who is passionate about gaming and has the knowledge and imagination to convey his thoughts and opinions. He was faced with a difficult task - writing about a subject that moves faster than the speed of the internet and games that are old news a week after release. But what he writes is not old news. The games may be months or even years old, but the essays hold up. I have no doubt that I will discover a game from the pages of this book that I would not have played otherwise. It might be an old game I pick up in a bargin bin, or it may be a new game by a developer he brings to my attention in this book.

If you like playing computer or video games and you like good writing, this book is for you. If you want to learn about video games this is a great place to start. The book is well written and well edited. It is easy on the eyes - not an issue to many gamers but an old timer like me appreciates publishers who use a good font/font size and utilize intelligent layout and production values. It is also well priced. While you are waiting for that new game to appear on the shelves, you can spend your time reading this book.

The Perfect Book to Get Caught Up.......2006-01-04

I bought this for my dad, who loves games but doesn't really know what's out there. I can tell him what I think he should buy, but this book was a perfect read for him. There was a lot of stuff I hadn't even heard of like the game Fate. Great stuff. Dad particularly liked the Bargain Bin stuff (good games for $20 or less.) It's a pretty big book but it's a very very easy, fast, and fun read. It's a very unique book. I dont know of anything else like it.

I personally enjoyed the grab bag essays and even though I already know most of the games discussed in the book, for a newbie gamer or for someone just getting back into the hobby this is A+ material.

A word of warning: this is NOT a book to buy if you want to dig deep into each game. Each game gets 1 page but there's SO much content in it I think it makes it a faster and better read. Plua you can go online if you want to get more info.

Also, this is not a book for people wanting all the dirt on the PS3. It's barely covered. Still, I think it's worth getting, particularly if you're not a super hardcore gamer.

Book Description

Recognizing the efforts and achievements of employees at all levels is critical to organizational success! Yet most people quickly run short of ideas on how to recognize others. And far too often, recognition is seen as a "top-down" responsibility of managers alone. As a result, acknowledging and reinforcing good performance doesn't happen as often as it could or should. This handbook will help you change that!

The proven techniques and practical strategies found in these pages will get EVERYONE in your organization walking the recognition talk. It will help you encourage positive, productive performance and build a "magnetic" culture that attracts and retains the best and brightest people.

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