Drawing Cartoons (First Steps Series)

Rating:
Summary: Nothing to Learn Here
Review: As a beginning-intermediate cartoonist, there is absolutely nothing to learn in this book that hasn't been done 100 times better somewhere else. Half the time, the writer seemed more interested in cartooning himself in joke (?) situations. Crude drawings compared to others. Don't waste your money, stick with C. Hart books instead. I so disappointed with this book, I am returning it.

Rating:
Summary: Great for would-be cartoonists of all ages
Review: As a novice cartoonist, I was looking for a book to take me through the basics of learning to draw faces with expression and bodies to go with them. Mark Heath's book accomplishes this and more with a blend of humor and commonsense advice. I learned how eyes and mouths can reveal emotions and how a body that stands at ease makes a cartoon seem realistic. Hands (both in and out of pockets) and feet (naked and shoe-d) are also explored; so are clothing, accessories and setting. The book is highly readable - its format (lots of drawing, light on the text) should appeal to would-be cartoonists of all ages. This is a book I will refer back to again and again - my copy is already becoming dog-eared!

Rating:
Summary: The Best "How-To" Cartooning Book Yet!
Review: As a professional advertising cartoonist and part-time teacher of cartoon and caricature art, I read Mr Heath's book in one sitting, and I have re-read sections many times. I share it with my students who find much in it to add to their art, while I am constantly entertained and enlightened by Mr Heath's thoughtful and witty approach to a deceptively simple, yet complex and personal art form. His hand-rendered text and accompanying art make this book the best "how-to" cartoon book I have ever seen, utilizing a unique approach that preserves the reader's intelligence and personal drawing style. "Drawing Cartoons" will be a thought-provoking addition to any beginner, teacher, artist or cartoonist's library.

Rating:
Summary: Funny and fabulous. A "must have".
Review: DRAWING CARTOONS is a wonderful book that shows novice cartoonists what tools to use and how to draw cartoon people, animals, backgrounds and special effects. There are hilarious, endearing cartoons on each page. Mark Heath shows how to portray emotion, mood and movement with just a few strokes of a pen. He shows how easy it is to draw cartoon faces, hands and bodies and how to make them expressive. Readers are encouraged to experiment, have fun and not worry about mistakes. This is a fantastic book.

Rating:
Summary: Delightful and almost magical
Review: I already had several other books of cartooning instruction, including ones that have received five-star reviews elsewhere on the Amazon web site, but there was something special about this one when I picked it up. Funny, I used to be self-conscious when I'd pull out my pen or pencil and notebook to draw basic shapes and lines. I didn't want others to see how crude my first scratchings were. But Mark's special touch with words and drawings helped me overcome that. Now I can be seen on the train during my daily commute with his book on one knee and my sketchbook on the other, happily drawing squares and rectangles and circles and noses and hairlines and eyes, and I don't care anymore how they look, becuase I know they'll get better. Thank you, Mark, for your wonderful instructions and examples and your positive approach.

Rating:
Summary: funny and honest
Review: I got this as a gift. A great book. The author's funny, honest, inspiring. I'm not a great artist, but this book showed me how to make the most of what I CAN do.

Rating:
Summary: Great for beginners.
Review: I have absolutely no talent for drawing, but I write books for my first graders and was tired of cut and paste stuff. I found this book about cartooning, and since I felt that the only thing I could possibly do was something very basic, I decided to try it. I have been drawing now for about 6 months and am really thrilled at my progress with cartoons. Best of all, the kids love the stories and the stupid little cartoons I draw! Okay, Bob Books, move over!

Rating:
Summary: Great for would-be cartoonists of all ages
Review: I have read a number of cartooning books, some by people who are "household names", but never one this good! This book covers what every cartoonist wants to know, cutting through the unnecessary "stuff". I would put this book in the hands of everyone interested in the fine art of cartooning!

Rating:
Summary: A MUST HAVE for anyone interested in cartooning!
Review: I have read a number of cartooning books, some by people who are "household names", but never one this good! This book covers what every cartoonist wants to know, cutting through the unnecessary "stuff". I would put this book in the hands of everyone interested in the fine art of cartooning!

Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: Mark Heath extends a helpful hand to the budding cartoonist in a well thought out and lavishly illustrated book of cartooning tips and tricks that embraces important details other such books have missed. Mark's enthusiasm for his topic and and his gentle, clear and witty guidance make this book one of the best of its kind and a welcome addition to anyone who's wanting to get a grip on the basics. Heartily recommended.