Book: Creating 3d effects for film

This book educates readers on the same art, techniques, technology, and approaches used to create digital effects such as water, smoke, fire, crumbling buildings, and virtual sets in big-budget Hollywood films. The author's credit list includes some of the biggest effects films in recent history: "The Fifth Element," "Titanic," and "Armageddon." The book discusses fundamentals and techniques for creating visual effects without regard to a particular software package, which should increase readership by including users of all digital effects programs. A practical application takes the reader through a real-world set of effects shots, just like at a Hollywood effects studio. To round out the learning experience, the Companion Web site provides readers with a wealth of examples.

Cheer Up

I've always preferred the happy-sounding Cheer to the oceanic sound of Tide or the kittenesque Snowy. And now, with this new lower-case logo with the Kabel-derived extended "h," Cheer appears to have broken the conventions of the detergent-dress ghetto. What's more, the introduction of a new trade character (bottom), the Cockney-accented Rose Spires, the Cheer Laundress--whose motto is "I fight for the brights"--is a new oratorical persona on the commercial stage. Here's Rose on the subject of dingy: "Dingy is the opposite of clean, love. It's dull, grayish, faded, grimy, grubby, mucky, and just dreadfully dirty." And here is what she does on her day off: "I fancy you'd find me drinking pints with my mates at the local pub or walking my corgi, Spencer." Thank you Cheer for brightening me day.

Book: Color Design Workbook

Designers know that color is an extremely vital part of any design project and not a subject to be taken lightly. For better or for worse, it affects moods and elicits reactions.

Color Design Workbook invites readers to explore color through the language of professionals. As part of the Workbook series, this book aims to present readers with the fundamentals of graphic design. It supplies tips regarding how to talk to clients about color and using color in presentations.

Background information on color such as certain cultural meanings is also included. Color Design Workbook breaks down color theory into straightforward terms, eliminating unintelligible jargon and showcases the work of top designers and the brilliant and inspiring use of color in their design work.