Vector Basic Training: A Systematic Creative Process for Building Precision Vector Artwork

This is not a how-to book. You will not learn how to draw an awesome tiger or a sweet ninja in the Vonster style. You will not find any magical buttons in Adobe Illustrator that autodraw your work.On the other hand, this is definitely a how-to book. You will learn how to think, follow a creative process and you will learn how to construct vector artwork.As a designer, creating quality, polished vector art can often be the hardest part of the job. Frequently, the construction methodology and the 'Why?' takes a backseat to other things while you're in school; it takes time to learn these once you're working in the field. Von generously pulls back the curtain and gives everyone a long, detailed look at the steps his creative process takes, but also the reasoning behind everything he does. It's rare to have such an in-depth, practical look at creative methodology and this book offers exactly that.I cannot recommend this book enough. If you're a pro or if you're a student, it doesn't matter. If you're in design school you need to own this book. I promise that your portfolios will be better for it when you graduate. I followed Von's blog for years, learning lessons where I could to enhance my own skill set. It's wonderful to see his process in this richly deconstructed view and understand that you too can produce quality vector artwork if you'll apply the theories and practices he puts forth. It's a little like taking a digital illustration course from the man himself, only you don't have to commute or wake up on time for class.UPDATE: I wanted to add to the review I wrote for the 1st edition. Glitschka has included many pieces of new artwork and dedicated a chapter to Color and Detailing, which is very well-thought out. The tone is clear and direct and the visual examples are easy to understand, making this edition a must-have for beginners and pros alike.

The professional reviewers and the other reviewers previous to my entry have summarized and praised the book well. Anyone working in Illustrator needs this book in their reference library. I bought his first edition and read and highlighted every line and as a result my work improved a 100%. However, like any book based on computer software you have to upgrade your reference materials to keep up with the software.The first part of the book has the same basic information as the first edition. Understanding and following Glitschka's basic principals: analog to digital, PPP (precise point placement) and the "clock method" will take you from mediocre vector artist to a great one. There is no need to mess with perfection.What is new and what I appreciate it is the overview of the Astute Graphic's plug-ins, which while not absolutely necessary, do speed up your work tremendously. Given the work I do (animal illustrations) I can no longer work without Astute Graphic's Vector Scribe, Stylism, Smart Remove Tool, and Collider. All these tools make Illustrator's native tools seem clunky and archaic. The last three chapters are worth the price of the book. These chapters, especially the coloring, are a manual to the the tutorials on the Peach pit site that come with the book (plus his tutorials on lynda.com). I found the concepts of layering gradients on top of each other with the myriad transparencies and tints difficult concept and having a book to follow is extremely helpful. Understanding Glitska's meticulous workflow can help give your work that extra edge to rise above your peers in the fast moving digital design and illustration business.

As a graphic design student. I’ve sifted through a ton of books. I’ve also wasted money on books that are overly technical, which I did not enjoy reading, and got very little take away from. This book is now on my “best” list. It’s informative, easy to follow and actually fun to read. Im sure I’ll continue to reference it as I move forward with my career! I only wish I had a paperback copy but kindle was the only new option I could currently find. Still, totally worth it. Plus it’s packed full of Von’s fantastic artwork. Highly recommend.

This book is amazing! It does exactly what other books in it's class fail to do. It provides a practical and straight forward explanation on how to build productive habits in Illustrator. I was a fan of his work and bought his book because of this and I was surprised at how it's focus is developing your WORKFLOW more than simply just showing you how to recreate vectors. I can't recommend this book enough for any aspiring illustrators or designers.

There is no better resource for vastly improving your vector skills from the ground up. This should be required reading in art school. I've been using Illustrator for years, but this has opened up a new world to me and greatly increases efficiency and productivity. The only way to fly. GET IT!

NOT ONLY DID I PURCHASE THE PAPERBACK I ALSO PURCHASED THE KINDLE VERSION! Von's instruction using the complicated vector drawing tools in AI make this book a must have. you can tell he put a ton of work preparing this book.

I've become good friends with Von through his books and Lynda.com courses. Anytime Von shares something you can tell it's been unbelievably well thought out and what's truly amazing is how much of it there is. The amount of content he provides and on such a high level is truly amazing. He's not only a great designer/artist but a great teacher as well. If you want to be an artist/designer and don't necessarily want to do vectors still follow Von and pick up this book you'll get tons out of it.P.S. I have over 3 large bookshelves filled with art books and I think this is my first review...that should tell you something.

As an amateur graphic designer, this book was amazing with illustrator. Plus it was fun to read! The pictures and guides made sense, great step-by-step tips, and tips and tricks made projects fly by with ease. highly recommended for those still learning!

Great book for anyone looking to get into vector design or illustration work! Vector can look a bit stiff and robotic, but this book shows you how to make dynamic, organic artwork!

updated with Astute graphics plugins! Nice book with easy to follow tutorials

Easy to follow tutorials. Great tips and videos

In my opinion is Van Glitschka too proud of himself and his drawing method with the clocks. He seems to be a good designer, but good authors and teachers never show off with artwork.I have also the assumption, that his wife Becca helped him a lot writing this book.But the worst part is that he intimidates his students and nearly forces them to draw to become a proper designer.So, I have to ask myself, why on earth, I give him three starts. That is my problem, that I am scared by Van Glitschka and other arrogant teachers, writers and doctors.Concerning this book, I knew his wife did the hard part and the attention Van Glitschka gets is only because: EMPATHIE IS FOR FREE, ENVY has to be earned.I enjoy superficial people who are so proud of their attention, when everybody else just know, that all the people are scared to say them, how badly they perform in business, science and in the social sector.The people in a team you can rely on are the ones who workes in details, who does the difficult jobs. DER TEUFEL LIEGT IM DETAIL.

Mit seiner "Clockwork Methode" habe ich die Vektorgrafik für mich neu entdeckt. Das Buch finde ich ein Muss für alle Grafikdesignern und Illustratoren, die mit Vektorgrafik arbeiten. Enthält viele Tipps und interessante Infos.