Cartooning - The Ultimate Character Design Book

Chris Hart’s how-to-draw books have sold in the several millions of copies. Now, in his latest, he delivers detailed instructions, inspiring ideas, and invaluable tips for creating appealing and original manga-style characters. Character design is the key to success in comic books and animated films, and with this clear step-by-step guide, it’s a skill that can be quickly learned. Starting with the basics body types, facial features, costumes, and expressions Chris shows how to draw a hyper kid, bratty teen, lovable pooch, cool rapper, and many other distinctive types. Then, he takes the reader on a guided tour in search of original characters in places that range from suburban malls to the glitter and glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

Age Range: 12 - 17 years

Grade Level: 7 - 12

Paperback: 144 pages

Publisher: Chris Hart Books; 1 edition (May 6, 2008)

Language: English

Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 0.5 x 10.9 inches

Shipping Weight: 1 pounds

Reviews

"It must be good - my daughters fight over who's turn it is to use it (Both aged 10). They like to copy some of the characters out of the book, plus they change and modify what's in the book. Keep 'em quiet and practicing. I love the book!"

- Daniel Quick

"I have several of Chris Hart's books and am pleased with all of them. This one is my fave! It is a very comprehensive book that takes you through the process of drawing cartoons. While a beginner could get decent results, I think this book is more for those with some drawing experience. These are more like guidelines for drawing cartoons and not a step-by-step tutorial. You will find people and animals in this book along with different environments to put your characters in. He also includes ideas for drawing shoes, hands, eyes, mouths and a lot of other things. It's a great book for those with some drawing experience and a good book for beginners to work up to."

- M.J.Z.

"Good for learning to cartoon."

- Debra McQueen

"I'm teaching a cartoon class in the fall that was offered to high school students for the first time. I'm hoping this will help me!"

- Donna J. Doherty

"This is a great book for helping you in creating your own characters. I like the "neighborhood" concept of characters and how really looking at people around you will be a great aid in developing your own characters."

- Mary A. Wilson

"Good author, Love his books! Very informative and fun to read and easy to learn"

- Shaer

"Got this for my 11 year old, fantastic product. Detailed descriptions and step by step guide to creating your animated characters."

- Coilltebabe

...

About The Author

Christopher Hart is the world’s best-selling author of How-To-Draw books. Readers have gobbled up over 7 million copies of his titles, and his work has been translated into more than 20 languages. Chris has had the rare distinction of having the top 1, 2 & 3 art books in the country, simultaneously, as reported by Nielsen BookScan.

Chris is known for his ability to create cute and dramatic characters, brimming with personality. He focuses on the most contemporary styles, genres, and techniques, in order to give his readers and fans the very latest in art instruction.

He has hosted How-To-Draw episodes for Comcast’s Activity TV channel and has been featured on 20 videos for Howcast. His work has been licensed to art kits, board games and sports equipment. In addition to his artwork, Chris wrote original screenplays for 20th Century Fox and other networks and was a staff writer on several NBC prime time comedies.

Chris studied art at the California School of the Arts, Paier School of Art, and the Silvermine School of Art. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University.

Chris loves interacting with his readers. He says, “It’s a privilege to be published as a cartoonist. I’m grateful to my readers, who make it happen. So if I can give something back, by offering a little encouragement, answering a question, or giving advice, why wouldn’t I?"