So many artists are secretive about their process of making art. As if the magician revealed his tricks the magic would be lost.
Thanks to my wife, I’ve recently become inspired by the crafting community (see my posts on D.I.Y. and Maker Faire.) These folks not only peddle their art, they show you how they made it, and invite you to make along with them.
I’m working on a “how-to” section for my book so that people can try our their own poems. I’ve been pillaging my own favorite how-to books for inspiration. Books that don’t just show you how to make art, they’re works of art in themselves. These books have a spirit of generosity and inclusiveness. They believe that anyone can make art. They invite you to play and make along. Here are four of my favorites:
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One! Hundred! Demons!
by Lynda Barry
Barry begins her book with a comic strip about how she discovered the japanese sumi-e brush and ink, and how it opened up a whole new world of creativity for her. She says she “hopes you will dig these demons and then pick up a paintbrush and paint your own! Sincerely! Pass it on! I had so much fun!”
And after 200 pages of her “autobifictionalographic” comics, she has a 10-page section in the back detailing what type of brush, ink, and inkstone you’ll need to try your own. “Come on! Don’t you want to try it??”
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What It Is
by Lynda Barry
Barry’s next book follows roughly the same structure: half the book is a crazy collage/comic memoir, and the other half is a “how-to” writing workbook based on her Writing The Unthinkable! workshops.
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Whatcha Mean, What’s A Zine?
by Mark Todd and Esther Pearl Watson
Rad book about making mini-comics and zines. As Mark and Esther say in the introduction, “We wanted to make a book that we would have loved to have found when we first started our mini-comics.” It includes sections by comics superstars like Ron Rege, John Porcellino, Anders Nilsen, and Dan Zettwoch.
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Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book: Make A World
by Ed Emberley
This is a book from the late 70s I’ve only recently stumbled upon. Ed Emberley shows you how to “make a world” with just a few simple shapes, step-by-step. I love the emphasis on simplicity: if you can draw a triangle, a square, a circle, and a line, you’re good to go.
Here’s a great little video review of the book by Chris Glass.
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What are your favorite “how-to” books?
How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way!
Actually not a favorite, but that was what I was stuck with as a young aspiring comics artist.
Abel and Madden’s new comics textbook “Drawing Words Writing Pictures” is worth a look.
I’ve always really liked how Stephen King includes a section in his short story collections about how and why those particular stories came about. I’m thinking of “Nightmares and Dreamscapes” in particular.
As far as screenplays go, “Save the Cat!” by Blake Snyder is pretty good, breaking down the specific beats of the 3-act structure.
I was able to pick up an original 1972 copy of Make a World at Amazon for $10. The book is in fairly decent condition and I’m really enjoying drawing in this style. I’m still waiting for my copy of Whatcha Mean, What’s A Zine? to be delivered but I’m totally hooked. Thanks for the recommendations!
Good stuff!
I just say cool stuff, and thanks for sharing!
Love you Austin Kleon
If I remember correctly, I think I had Ed Emberley’s book on thumbprint-drawing when I was young. I spent dozens of hours drawing stories with my ink pad, thumb, and felt-tip pen!
I LOOOOOOOVE HOW-TO BOOKS! THEIR ONE OF MY FAVOURITE KINDS OF BOOKS ESPECIALLY WHEN I GET TO MAKE ONE! LAST TIME IN MY CLASS WE GOT TO MAKE ONE,MINE’S WAS TEACHING HOW TO MAKE ANTS ON A LOG WHICH IS A SNACK. THE MATERIALS YOU NEED IS: A KNIFE,PEANUT BUTTER,CELERY AND RAISINS. I FIRST MADE IT WITH MY FIRST GRADE TEACHER MRS.CUDDY SHE LET ALL OF US TASTE IT IT WAS DELICIOUSO BUT WHEN I REACHED SECOND GRADE SHE LEFT TO LIVE WITH HER HUSBAND IN PENSILVANIA IF YOU READ THIS COMMENT YOU’RE NICE IF YOU DON’T YOU’RE A MEANIE BO BEANIE!