Book Club
As I settle in to my new home and job, I’ve found some time to catch up on some reading and personal study. I thought I’d write a few thoughts on the books I have been reading, in case anyone out there is looking for something new and inspiring to read.
“Drawing basics and Videogame Art” by Chris Solarski
Initially, the cover and title had me feeling sceptical that it would turn out to be anything more than a shallow exploration of videogame art. However, this book extensively outlines the importance of traditional art skills and is challenging me to explore my processes and theory on a daily basis. It provides a great way to get away from the computer each evening, developing new skills and techniques that will be invaluable to your development as an artist.
The author draws on years of experience as a 3D artist at SCEE and, crucially, his learning from a two year period of self guided study in life drawing and fine art; to provide a fantastic cross section of art practise and approaches.
Every page has sketchbook exercises and examples, ranging from the basics of holding a pencil, to lines, shapes, volumes, value and colour; including lighting, and atmospheric perspective, before exploring anatomy in some detail. By the end of the book, the author outlines how to utilise this knowledge and experience when designing characters and environments.
Due to the practical nature of the book, I’m getting through it very slowly at the moment, but can’t wait to see how my art improves as a result over the next few months. I would wholeheartedly recommend this to any artist looking to fill gaps in their knowledge or revise certain areas, as well as to anyone interested in videogames and art looking to make their first pencil marks.
“A Theory of Fun for Game Design” by Raph Koster
This one will undoubtedly be well known to many!
Always one to approach videogame creation from a Gestalt perspective, I am never content just to develop and specialise my art. I’ve been meaning to read more in depth into game design for a while now and this book is providing an accessible and illuminating entry into this.
I am only a short way through this book, but it has already helped solidify concepts previously only understood intuitively as well as providing stimulating discussion demonstrating how revealing game design can be about human psychology and society.
“One Thing I Know”
I’ve started reading this today, having received it in the post. It looks to be a really useful read for anyone in the creative industry thinking about, or currently working on, building their own company from the ground up.
It is filled with insights and essays written by well known, experienced creative entrepreneurs, as a means to pass their experience down to the next generation of creative thinkers. The book is organised into practical chapters that discuss getting started, getting work, maintaining balance as well as how to build and choose the right ideas and teams in order to be creative and make money.
“One Thing I Know” is also beautifully designed and illustrated to boot.
Anyone in the UK can currently get it for free, if they pay postage. So check out some of the articles on the website here
I’m always keen to receive recommendations on Twitter about what to read next, so send them my way!
