Vector Basic Training: A Systematic Creative Process for Building Precision Vector Artwork 2nd Edition

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.

Good starter book for the beginner and intermediate user of vector programs. Most illustrations are simple 2D for quick understanding. The book has some more complex illustrations at the end, but seems to be lacking in that aspect for the more advanced user.The book is a one day read and seems expensive, one would think for the price - should have more pages and content.Overall, pretty good book on learning to be more efficient using adobe illustrator.

Incredibly helpful and easy to follow! Von is an incredible instructor with a system that every illustrator/graphic designer should follow!

Just read about 2 chapters and seems to be an easy read with humor

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.

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.