More secrets from the private sketches of 38 master artists The idea may be derived from anything really--a flash of sunlight, the tilt of a head, a glass on the table...but the sketch is where it all begins, the point where inspiration meets artist. Gloriously free of the need to get it "right," the sketch is where possibilities are explored, compositions are found, and visions come to life. A brilliant follow-up to the first Sketchbook Confidential, this book grants you access to 38 of art's most creative minds via their sketchbooks. Whether created in studios, subways or the middle of a farmyard, these sketches represent art in its raw form. Up until now, this work has been tucked inside drawers or on studio bookshelves. Now the artists lay it out for all to see, along with intimate musings on the art of sketching and how it helps them commune with a subject, find their path to a finished piece or discover even greater rewards in the journey itself.

Have you ever seen something so moving you wished you had the ability to commit it to paper? Now you can with sketching school - an easy to learn as you go guide that helps you create works of art that can be enjoyed for years to come.

A globe-trotting, behind-the-scenes look at the dazzling world of flowers and the fascinating industry it has created. Award-winning author Amy Stewart takes readers on an around-the-world, behind-the-scenes look at the flower industry and how it has sought—for better or worse—to achieve perfection. She tracks down the hybridizers, geneticists, farmers, and florists working to invent, manufacture, and sell flowers that are bigger, brighter, and sturdier than anything nature can provide. There's a scientist intent on developing the first genetically modified blue rose; an eccentric horticultural legend who created the most popular lily; a breeder of gerberas of every color imaginable; and an Ecuadorean farmer growing exquisite roses, the floral equivalent of a Tiffany diamond. And, at every turn she discovers the startling intersection of nature and technology, of sentiment and commerce.

Pulsing with ideas, energy and inspiration, Sketchbook Confidential offers a rare peek inside the personal sketchbooks of 40+ master artists. From colorful painted sketches to spontaneous napkin doodles, from the intensely personal to the purely whimsical, most of the work here was produced quickly and never intended for public view. It is honest and immediate, fresh and fearless. In their own words, the artists share the intentions and inspirations behind their sketching. For some, it is a cherished, everyday habit—a way of wandering through the ideas in their mind, playing around with new subjects, or just having some anything-goes kind of fun. For others, sketching is a deliberate tool for problem-solving—working through a composition, capturing a moment's light or test-driving a color scheme. As you turn the pages you'll be immersed in the creative processes of these individuals, arriving on the other side with a feeling of kinship and a renewed desire to boldly capture life in your own sketchbooks!

Publisher's description: In this ambitious publication, some one hundred of the world's leading graphic designers and illustrators open up their private sketchbooks to offer a privileged glimpse into their creative process.

Arranged by designer, it reveals how nearly 120 of the world's leading designers and typographers continually strive to find new and exciting ways of communicating through letters and words, and provides fascinating insights into their work.

Create your own manga characters! The manga universe is diverse--full of cute chibis, soulful romantics, cunning villains and sassy schoolgirls. Whether you want to tell love stories, create fantasy worlds or explore the drama of everyday life, you can do it with the help of self-taught manga artist and YouTube celebrity Sophie-Chan. You'll learn to draw personality-filled characters and create unique manga stories from start to finish, even if you've never drawn manga before! Inside Manga Workshop: • 30+ start-to-finish demonstrations teach you to draw women, men and children of all ages, perspectives and personality types, including classic manga schoolgirls, the boy next door, businesswomen, rock stars and gothic vampires. • The Face. Using simple shapes, draw different eyes, noses and mouths to create endless expressions, from blushing surprise and happiness to full-blown tears--even cool hairstyles! • The Figure. Follow easy guidelines to create proportionate characters--chibis and children, high schoolers and warriors--and place them in scenes. Plus, learn the secrets to drawing accurate hands and feet, including shoes! • Color. Learn to color your manga with colored pencil, markers and digital drawing programs to reflect setting, genre, time of day and personality traits. • Bonus pages show variations on facial expressions, common poses, extra outfits and how to use each in your story, plus special drawing demos, including an angel, vampire, witch, a magical cat and Chan's own characters. Includes publishing tips, words of advice and insider secrets!

This book is also available in the Indie Author Confidential Anthology series, where you can get all the books in this series in bundles. The ground-breaking, behind-the-scenes look at a working writer continues with Vol. 2! Prolific writer M.L. Ronn (Michael La Ronn) shares his lessons learned on his journey to become a successful writer. You’ll discover writing, marketing, business, and other miscellaneous tips that you don’t hear every day. Covered in this volume: • How Michael wrote 100,000 words in one month • Why & how authors should think of their books as data • Michael’s gigantic sales failure this year that cost him several hundred dollars • How Michael built an artificial intelligence engine to help him with his editing The information in this book is what writers discuss over beers at writing conferences. You may find it useful on your journey to becoming a successful writer. It just might make you more money and help you satisfy your readers, too. Are you ready to dive into the world of Indie Author Confidential? V1.0

Ready to play? Whether you think of yourself as an artist, a doodler, a dreamer, or none of the above, this book will jump-start your creativity. Popular art instructor Carla Sonheim offers fun, engaging ideas on every page, from drawing upside down to imagining new worlds (down to their silly hats and strange animal species). All you need is a pencil or pen and your imagination.

Pure coloring bliss! Life is not all sunshine and roses...it's also bunnies, birds, butterflies, teapots, seashells and a feast of other adorable subjects! Jane Maday sets the mood with her crisp, delightfully detailed designs...you bring them to life with your medium of choice. Stroke by stroke, you'll be transported to a whimsical world of irresistible animals, sentimental settings and flowers galore. From kittens romping in a strawberry patch to cottages in the clearing, Super Cute World will bring a little peace and "pretty" to your every day. Includes 15 pages of color-and-cut projects--bookmarks, cards, gift tags, cupcake wrappers and more!