This is the best practical study book on the subject that I have yet come across.

This book covers EVERYTHING! (prior to the introduction of computers, that is). Yes, once upon a time the airbrush wasn't simply another icon on your toolbar, but was actually connected to a compressor on the floor.

The book covers: Typography, hand lettering skills, roughs and mock-ups, finished artwork, even photo retouching and special effects.

All your old friends are pictured in here too. Remember when Magic Markers came in glass bottles! What about rub down Letraset and Letratone, and drawing boards the size of a kitchen table. Who could forget the Grant Projector (aka Grant Enlarger). Or the PMT machine? Ahh! Memories...

The book uses real life projects to guide you through various stages of design work. Film posters such as: James Bond, A View to A Kill with Roger Moore and Grace Jones, and The Emerald Forest.
Album covers: Touch Me, by Samantha Fox.
Book jackets: Second Sunrise, by Francesca Greer.
Ads: The Psion Organiser.
...all help the reader understand the process with familiar images (from the 1980s).

This book is packed full of photographs and illustrations, step-by-step guides and tricks of the trade.

Today computers have taken much of this over, but almost all the techniques described in this book are still being practiced in many other areas of the industry.

Great book!

I know it is also a bit of nostalgia. So, sue me! ( )