There was a time, as recently as the 1980s, when storefronts, murals, banners, barn signs, billboards, and even street signs were all hand-lettered with brush and paint. But, like many skilled trades, the sign industry has been overrun by the techno-fueled promise of quicker and cheaper. The resulting proliferation of computer-designed, die-cut vinyl lettering and inkjet printers has ushered a creeping sameness into our visual landscape. Fortunately, there is a growing trend to seek out traditional sign painters and a renaissance in the trade. In 2010 filmmakers Faythe Levine, coauthor of Handmade Nation, and Sam Macon began documenting these dedicated practitioners, their time-honored methods, and their appreciation for quality and craftsmanship. Sign Painters, the first anecdotal history of the craft, features stories and photographs of more than two dozen sign painters working in cities throughout the United States. With a foreword by legendary artist (and former sign painter) Ed Ruscha, this vibrant book profiles sign painters young and old, from the new vanguard working solo to collaborative shops such as San Francisco s New Bohemia Signs and New York s Colossal Media s Sky High Murals.

Throughout the history of art, figure drawing has been regarded as the very foundation of an artist’s education and the center of the art-making process. Bill Buchman’s Expressive Figure Drawing presents the classic fundamentals of this genre, but with a distinctly contemporary twist—celebrating freedom, expressiveness, and creativity. This unique method incorporates more than 30 essential exercises, empowering you to draw the figure dramatically and with confidence, no matter your current level of skill. Filled with step-by-step demonstrations, inspiring images, and insightful text revealing a wide range of techniques and concepts, this book presents new ways to think about the figure and use your materials to free the artist within.

"A colorful, fun, and inspirational guide, Happy Hand Lettering offers a simple three-step process for turning your handwriting into hand lettering. It includes an alphabet guide for lowercase and uppercase letters, practice pages, as well as practical applications for project ideas such as ornaments, envelopes, gift tags, and so much more. By hand lettering Scriptures and focusing on life-giving words, creative hearts can release their inhibitions, feeling free to make mistakes, try again, mess-up, redo, and all the while, bask in God's amazing presence and peace."

Illustrated lettering is one of the most recognisable trends in design, but how do you take your work in this area to new levels and make your projects stand out from the crowd? Illustrator, designer and educator Marty Blake takes you through the craft of creative lettering: what you need to know about working with various media and how to incorporate image and text successfully. Each chapter focuses on one technique, covering its history, the tools and techniques needed to achieve it, along with examples from designers and illustrators from around the world – all with critical reflection on what works, and why. Whether you're lettering by hand or digitally, Drawn to Type is perfect for use alongside courses in illustration and typography, and as an inspirational guide for designers looking to give the written word that visual impact.

Comprehensive step-by-step introduction for complete beginners Teaches how to master the basics of watercolors, acrylics, and oils. Readers learn to paint landscapes, still life, people, flowers, animals, and buildings 38 step-by-step projects each illustrate a different painting technique Beginners can quickly achieve immediate and impressive results More than 350 color photographs Practical information on materials and equipment Galleries of professional work inspire creativity

Beautiful brushstrokes step by step! This is the one! The Brushstroke Handbook is your complete reference for mastering more than 50 fabulous strokes. Inside you'll find visual, step-by-step instruction divided into two sections that detail techniques for working with both round and flat brushes in acrylics. Flip through and find the stroke you want, featuring a range of comma strokes, pressure strokes, fan strokes, teardrop strokes, scroll strokes and much more. From the very basics of supplies and techniques to more in-depth guidance for creating unique compositions, this guide offers everything you need to build confidence, have fun and paint successfully--whether you're a beginner or a more experienced decorative painter. This comprehensive guide includes: • Quick-reference photos for finding the right stroke, fast. • Step-by-step stroke instructions that actually build a little painting with every lesson. • Easy-to-follow worksheets for combining strokes to make complete flowers, birds, butterflies, lace, ribbons and more. • 20 fresh and pretty borders painted with round and flat brushes. • Two sections highlighting common mistakes and how to fix them. Plus, this guide offers a bonus section that shows you how to create six gorgeous compositions that feature today's most popular colors and stroke styles. It's all here! The Brushstroke Handbook gives you everything you need to master every stroke and explore a range of decorative painting possibilities. It's the one reference you'll want to have handy for virtually every project.