Naoki WatanabeContemporary Fashion Illustration Techniques

I found this to be one of the most helpful books when it comes to learning how to draw fashion sketches. The illustrations are concise, not to mention lovely, and you can easily figure out the techniques just based on the illustrations.That's a good thing, because the text is quite flawed. Apparently it's translated into English from Japanese, by someone who either doesn't speak Japanese or doesn't speak English. Don't worry--you'll get what they're saying, but sometimes you have to stop and think about it, because it's phrased in a really odd, roundabout way. Occasionally there are sentences that you just can't quite figure out. Such as this one: "Develop applications by mastering the flow and movement of hair." I get that mastering the flow and movement of hair is important, but what does it mean by "develop applications"? I haven't a clue! Here's another: "Do not compromise when mixing color." Compromise what, exactly? Does it have something to do with values? That would make sense in a very odd sort of way. And one more: "The arms, serving as the core of sleeves, play a key role in accentuating the model's pose." I understand that it's saying the arms are important, but what a way to say it! Betcha didn't know you aren't drawing arms---you are drawing sleeve cores!All the same, the illustrations are abundant and perfectly clear. Because of this, it really doesn't matter that the text is so quirky. I found it more than adequately teaches the techniques of basic figure drawing, with specifics relating to clothing and accessories. Bonus points: it has sections on drawing patterns (stripes, dots, animal prints, etc.) and a section on rendering different types of fabric, including sheers, knits, denim, tweed, satin, and sequined fabrics. Very helpful! There are tips and tricks, too, that help you make your garments look more realistic.I'll deduct one star for the flawed text, but the illustrations are so good that it gets an extra star, leaving us with a solid five stars. It's extremely useful for artists and fashion designers alike. I've read several books on how to draw fashion sketches, and this is by far the best. Also try: "Human Anatomy Made Useful" by Christopher Hart. It's a great guide to drawing simplified anatomy, such as for fashion sketches or comic book art.

I sew and I can draw, but I have not spent much time with figure drawing and I am terrible when it comes to drawing clothes. Sketching my design ideas has been something I have been looking forward to working on. Finally I broke down and started looking for a book that would teach me the basics of figure and clothing illustration. I was only looking for the basics mind you. I did not really expect to find exactly what I was looking for and more, in just one book!This book is FANTASTIC! It goes beyond "the basics". It studies figure movement, proportions, features, movement, etc. Fabric 2D vs 3D, different drawing techniques for different textiles, how the fabric hangs on the body, coloring/patterns, techniques for different garments etc. Plus MUCH MORE!I cannot recommend this book any more highly. You may think that just because it has the word fashion in the title, that this book is written for fashion students. You would be wrong. It it perfect for artists of all kinds. I really can't wait to sit down and start applying what I've learned! It is worth every penny I spent and more! If you have even a passing curiosity about learning the things I mentioned above, the price of the book won't scare you away. Buy it! You'll be glad you did!

A fantastic book, both the execution and the structure. I have reviewed a ton of instructional fashion illustration books for my students and this one tops my list.A smaller format than some, but don't let it fool you, it's got all you need to get started.The material is presented in a very logical manner, beautifully illustrated and just thorough enough to not be too boring or unapproachable.There are so many bad-taste-80s illustration books out there written by the older illustrators. And they are supposed to be inspiring for the new artists... how?Well, not the case with Naoki Watanabe's book. This one has fresh fashion and fresh styling...Enjoy!

This book is a good manual for beginners in illustration. It will show you step-by-step how to draw a figure in costume. At the same time, it can be not enough for someone who is completely new with drawing, because some important steps are missing. For example, it explains proportions, but there are no information about how to use drawing media, about composition, about such importaint elements of graphic language as line, stroke or stain.Also, I can not say I am very satisfied with the artworks of the author. It is well drawn, but without any creativity or or variability in techniques or styles. It is closer to anime style than to real contemporary fashion illustration.I give for stars also because the price of the book is too high for such a little book, especially comparing to other books about fashion illustration you can buy here on Amazon. Must be much more cheap. There are many better books for this price on Amazon.