Contemporary Fashion Illustration Techniques [ペーパーバック]

Just purchased this book for the holidays and I must say I am in love with it. Not only are the croquis right on target with fashion illustration, but everything else within the book is as well. If you're wanting to be inspired or want a different technique this is the book for you. The illustrations look effortless and are absolutely beautiful. I recommend this book for anyone that enjoys drawing fashion illustrations. This is a keeper.

I found this to be one of the most helpful books when it comes to learning how to draw fashion sketches. The illustrations are concise, not to mention lovely, and you can easily figure out the techniques just based on the illustrations.

That's a good thing, because the text is quite flawed. Apparently it's translated into English from Japanese, by someone who either doesn't speak Japanese or doesn't speak English. Don't worry--you'll get what they're saying, but sometimes you have to stop and think about it, because it's phrased in a really odd, roundabout way. Occasionally there are sentences that you just can't quite figure out. Such as this one: "Develop applications by mastering the flow and movement of hair." I get that mastering the flow and movement of hair is important, but what does it mean by "develop applications"? I haven't a clue! Here's another: "Do not compromise when mixing color." Compromise what, exactly? Does it have something to do with values? That would make sense in a very odd sort of way. And one more: "The arms, serving as the core of sleeves, play a key role in accentuating the model's pose." I understand that it's saying the arms are important, but what a way to say it! Betcha didn't know you aren't drawing arms---you are drawing sleeve cores!

All the same, the illustrations are abundant and perfectly clear. Because of this, it really doesn't matter that the text is so quirky. I found it more than adequately teaches the techniques of basic figure drawing, with specifics relating to clothing and accessories. Bonus points: it has sections on drawing patterns (stripes, dots, animal prints, etc.) and a section on rendering different types of fabric, including sheers, knits, denim, tweed, satin, and sequined fabrics. Very helpful! There are tips and tricks, too, that help you make your garments look more realistic.

I'll deduct one star for the flawed text, but the illustrations are so good that it gets an extra star, leaving us with a solid five stars. It's extremely useful for artists and fashion designers alike. I've read several books on how to draw fashion sketches, and this is by far the best. Also try: "Human Anatomy Made Useful" by Christopher Hart. It's a great guide to drawing simplified anatomy, such as for fashion sketches or comic book art.

I have been looking all over the place for a fashion drawing book that shows and teaches the drawing style coming out of the fashion schools in the here and now. There are books out there that show abstract rendering techniques, bland color palette, that isn't what they are cranking out of the top fashion schools because that isn't what real clothing companies are demanding to see. I have found some that are but they are expensive compendiums for real fashion students and designers.

For outsiders looking into this world, you want to start out with something light and simple but covers everything one needs to know including digital techniques. The price here is very very good. I offer a copy to the mature students(junior high school and up) because many younger kids are uncomfortable with looking at the nude female form even if they are only drawings, but its only a handful of pages. I was hesitant to buy but I saw this at my local art store. I bought it there for $25 w/tax. I should have waited and bought it off of here for the cheeper price but then I would have had to wait for over a week to get my hands on it and offer it to my students. But I didn't want to wait. Too much good stuff in here. :)