The Art Direction Book

Contains the work of 28 of the world's top art directors and provides an invaluable insight into the last 40 years of advertising. In their own words they discuss the finer points of their work and offer inspiration and advice to both professionals and th

This book is a highly informative, highly entertaining introduction to what art direction is and what art directors do. Written by two of the world's leading experts on the subject, it covers the role of art director in numerous environments, including magazines and newspapers, advertising, corporate identity, museums, and publishing. It also provides an insight into what makes a successful art director, what an art director actually does all day, what makes things go right, and what makes things go wrong. Alongside perspectives on typography, illustration, and photography, there are case studies of successful art direction in different spheres, from McSweeney's to Vier5's web design. The authors have also invited pre-eminent international art directors to interpret their roles in special sections of the book that they have art directed themselves. The result is an impressive, enlightening, and often very funny diversity of perspectives and approaches. Clearly written, including a glossary of handy art director sayings, an "art director test," and more, Art Direction Explained, At Last! will provide students with insights into the world of art direction and professionals with a perceptive overview of their profession.

Art Direction examines the key techniques, approaches and 'secrets' involved in the development of creative advertising concepts. Mahon provides tips on how to use surprise, simplicity, provocation and visual drama to communicate the advertising message. The book examines the process of visualizing and exploring different ideas, and discusses the use of moving image, photography, illustration and typography to realize these ideas. It also explores the use of different advertising media, from traditional formats to new and alternative channels of communication.

Practical, comprehensive on-the-job manual for art directors from an established Hollywood insider.

Who can forget the over-the-top, white-on-white, high-gloss interiors through which Fred Astaire danced in Top Hat? The modernist high-rise architecture, inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, in the adaptation of Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead? The lavish, opulent drawing rooms of Martin Scorsese's The Age of Innocence? Through the use of film design—called both art direction and production design in the film industry—movies can transport us to new worlds of luxury, highlight the ornament of the everyday, offer a vision of the future, or evoke the realities of a distant era. In Designs on Film, journalist and interior designer Cathy Whitlock illuminates the often undercelebrated role of the production designer in the creation of the most memorable moments in film history. Through a lush collection of rare archival photographs, Whitlock narrates the evolving story of art direction over the course of a century—from the massive Roman architecture of Ben-Hur to the infamous Dakota apartment in Rosemary's Baby to the digital CGI wonders of Avatar's Pandora. Drawing on insights from the most prominent Hollywood production designers and the historical knowledge of the venerable Art Directors Guild, Whitlock delves into the detailed process of how sets are imagined, drawn, built, and decorated. Designs on Film is the must-have look book for film lovers, movie buffs, and anyone looking to draw interior design inspiration from the constructions and confections of Hollywood. Whitlock lifts the curtain on movie magic and celebrates the many ways in which art direction and set design allow us to lose ourselves in the diverse worlds showcased on the big screen.

A wealth of information from Preston's experiences in the film industry.

Book of Ideas series Vol.2 - suitable for art and design students, freelancers, art directors, graphic designers and all other creatives looking to grow their career. Book of Ideas - vol.2 continues what designer and creative director Radim Malinic started in the first edition, offering yet more indispensable advice on making it in the creative industries. Chapters cover issues ranging from creativity for good, how to decode our own creative DNA, embracing limitations, using humour and how to entertain the right wrongs . It discusses how to improve design work through more skilful use of language, and in doing so, how to stir the right reactions and present well-rounded creative projects with confidence. Among the ideas and the work illustrating them, Book of Ideas - vol.2 offers holistic guidance on better understanding yourself as a creative and how to approach your life and work in a mindful, smart way to make you a better designer, creator and thinker, at any point in your career.

Written by an author with over 30 years of working experience, this book takes a practical, thorough look at the duties and skills of art directors and production designers. It teaches readers how to analyze a script, develop concepts that meet the needs of a script, develop sketches and construction drawings, work with directors and producers, and operate within budget limitations. The book has been updated and expanded to include interviews with professionals at all levels in the art department. A chapter on digital effects as they relate to the work of the art director has been added to this new edition. Students, novices in the profession, and persons from other art/design fields who are interested in expanding into film and video will find this is a valuable resource. Written by an author with over 30 years of working experience, this book takes a practical, thorough look at the duties and skills of art directors and production designers. It teaches readers how to analyze a script, develop concepts that meet the needs of a script, develop sketches and construction drawings, work with directors and producers, and operate within budget limitations. The book has been updated and expanded to include interviews with professionals at all levels in the art department. A chapter on digital effects as they relate to the work of the art director has been added to this new edition. Students, novices in the profession, and persons from other art/design fields who are interested in expanding into film and video will find this is a valuable resource.