- Hardcover: 160 pages
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Oct 13 2009)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1439136874
- ISBN-13: 978-1439136874
- Product Dimensions: 18.7 x 13.6 x 1.6 cm
- Shipping Weight: 181 g
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #435,802 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Review
"Under the guise of letters of advice to a young illustrator, R. O. Blechman has written a profound and witty discourse on the nature of all creativity, not just the artistic kind. It reads like a nimble treatise on life itself." —John Ashbery
"This little book is professionally essential, as well as sweet and wise." —Milton Glaser, author of Drawing is Thinking
"I often receive letters from struggling young artists looking for, begging for, advice. I shall point them to this book for it says all they need to know." —Maurice Sendak
"This little book is professionally essential, as well as sweet and wise." —Milton Glaser, author of Drawing is Thinking
"I often receive letters from struggling young artists looking for, begging for, advice. I shall point them to this book for it says all they need to know." —Maurice Sendak
Product Description
RENOWNED ARTIST R. O. BLECHMAN'S illustrations are instantly recognizable. For more than fifty years, his work has appeared on the covers of The New Yorker, run alongside op-eds in The New York Times, graced the pages of Harper's Bazaar, and, more recently, been featured on The Huffington Post, providing unspoken commentary on the world at large. In Dear James, Blechman has compiled all the wisdom he has accumulated over the course of his esteemed career into a series of poignant yet instructive letters written to an imagined young illustrator, "James." The result is a wise and mesmerizing meditation on creativity.
Flush with wit and candor, Blechman's correspondence delves into his own trash can of false starts and failed beginnings, in addition to his artistic triumphs, to offer James both encouragement and criticism. He urges him to reach his potential as an artist, advising him on practical aspects -- proper technique, choice of work environments, dealing with editors -- and along the way provides invaluable insights on art, and life, that lay bare the challenges James will face as he aims to be successful in this demanding field.
In the tradition of Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet, Dear James is an indispensable tool for any up-and-coming creative person looking for advice and inspiration, as well as a memorable read for those daring enough to chase their dreams.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars (4 customer reviews)
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Celebrating the Chosen Path...and more, Nov 8 2009
By LKP - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Dear James: Letters to a Young Illustrator (Hardcover)
In this small-but-choice book, R. O. Blechman conveys his love of his chosen career, and so much more. This intimate book gives one the feeling of a rare chat with an experienced and generous artist, willing to reveal his bag of tricks as well as some favorite quotations gathered over many years. Far beyond a practical guide for emerging illustrators this book is for ANYone who is fascinated by Where Ideas Come From, and the necessary dance that takes place in the artist's studio.Encouraging, insightful, humorous, moving -- I felt that I had tripped over a wonderful bounty of private correspondence between a wise mentor and an eager beginner. This is a book to be read, and then re-read, and then re-re-re-read. I plan to keep it on the shelf, next to my favorite-quotation journal. Treat yourself!
5.0 out of 5 stars
wonderful advice and encouragement from a master of illustration, April 22 2011
By evelyn "the catbird seat" - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Dear James: Letters to a Young Illustrator (Hardcover)
this is a lovely little volume from one of my all-time heroes, r.o. blechman, an important illustrator of our times, whose commentary through his art is always sensitive, understated, yet effective. his simple style has been copied by many, yet his technique and voice remain unique. blechman gives advice to younger and just-getting-started illustrators, explaining how his business works, and how he approaches projects. i found the book to be motivating, being a frustrated ex-art director/wannabe illustrator. my biggest challenge is getting started and fearing my own lack of perfection, and blechman addresses these and other relevant challenges faced by many creative people. his tone is always kind and encouraging. this is a fast and enjoyable read, for anyone who is or wants to be more creative. it would also make a great gift.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Blechman treasure, Mar 6 2011
By D. Hatcher - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Dear James: Letters to a Young Illustrator (Hardcover)
This book is an absolute delight from the first to the last page. Filled with good common sense advice to an obviously keen beginner but also laced with philosophical musings on the world in general, making it suitable for anyone with an interest in creative work.I've always considered Mr Blechman's art to be thoughtful, witty and sensitive and his writing echos exactly the same feeling. A little treasure I shall re read many times.
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