7 dream books for concept artists.

Remember books?

We used to hunt for rare books related to concept art for hours and hours.  I still can't pass by a used book store without looking at the 'movie shelf' and the 'anatomy drawing' shelf.  Here are a few books and authors to keep an eye out for while browsing through your local stack of used books.  In some areas a first pressing is worth six bux, while in the studio they can be priceless. With a keen eye you might just find a thousand dollars worth of 'old stuff' on the shelf..

Kronolog: Boxed Set  or any unprinted Syd Mead book.  Kronolog is nearly impossible to find.

Lebbeus Woods, Anarchitecture: Architecture is a Political Act (Architectural Monographs No 22) or any Lebbeus Woods book out of print.

Bridgman's Complete Guide to Drawing from Life or Figure Drawing for All It's Worth must have anatomy basics for concept artists.  The current prints are cheap and great for the studio.

The ILLUSION OF LIFE: DISNEY ANIMATION This book was out of print when I went to school..  We found a rare copy here and there, but if you were not lucky full price at the time was nearing a thousand bucks.

The World of the Dark Crystal Another warm and great book for the studio.  The original print is amazing. The current print is good for the studio.. you don't want a co-worker putting a coffee cup on the original.

The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia .. so many SW books to choose from.  This is good enough I suppose.

Nira Works Yasushi Nirasawa is the root for much of the entertainment imagery out of ACCD throughout the 90's.  Nira Works is a rare, and coveted book. Creature Core 2&3 Dimensional Works Original Demons & Monsters is another great and rare book from Nirasawa.

Do note, some of the re-prints are easily available.  The valued editions of books are usually the first printings.  I suggest picking up the re-prints for the studio.  Unfortunately, I've seen important books walk out of the studio or classroom more than once.