Fantasy World-Building: A Guide to Developing Mythic Worlds and Legendary Creatures (Dover Art Instruction) Kindle Edition

The artwork was awesome but Im not a artistSo this was bot what I was looking for

This book is full of great information that really takes art from a single random character living in a box of white paper to a fully in depth character that is telling a story with his outfit, weapons, clothes. The scene itself tell you about the world your character lives in. Wonderful book.

As a freelance illustrator that occasionally has the opportunity to dabble in the fantastic I found this book an absolute vital addition to my collection of reference materials. Many may think this is another art book. It is that, but yet it is so much more. It is a delight for the eyes (which is breath-taking in and of itself) but even more importantly it opens your mind and imagination to the possibilities of inspiration that surrounds you every day. Who knew a bone could be a spaceship (other than Stanley Kubrick and Mark Nelson)? Drawing ability is of course critical but learning to let your mind roam down endless corridors of questions and answers is possibly an even harder skill to master. This is a book of full of who's that, what if's and so then's. It helps to guide you in how to look for the next step in the logical (and sometimes fanciful) progression of a world and the creatures that live there and alternately shape and in turn are molded by its environment. Never settling for a mere patina of creation this book endeavors to give you an insight on how to breathe life to deep, tangible and fully realized worlds and their denizens. Take a deep breath and dive into new worlds that you never knew existed until you dreamed them!

Love the ideas in here. Beautiful artwork

First I will say that this review is not a reflection on the artist or his work. The art contained in the book is beautiful, and frankly does not need my approval. That said, this book is misleading. It's basically the author illustrating a bunch of his own ideas and presenting them to the reader so they can riff off of them. It's like he had a bunch of ideas that he didn't know what to do with, and just put them in a book and said here, you guys figure it out. When I searched for books on world building, I expected a book that explained more macro level how-to on... you know... world building. Instead it's just Mark Nelson's awesome drawings with "ideas" for people with no imagination. Not what I was looking for at all. I have my own ideas and was looking for something to help me construct/further develop the world that's in my head, and work through the issues and questions I have. This ain't it. Not by a long shot.

As the others have said, Mark Nelson's "Fantasy World-Building" is gorgeous little book. It's filled to the brim with exciting and imaginitive artwork. Mark Nelson has had a long and storied career, and with the caliber of work shown here it's easy to see why. You can turn to nearly any page and find something worth examining.However, when it comes to the writing it can be a bit hit or miss. The book's writing is clear throughout, but some of the subjects feel like they were only talked about because they needed to be mentioned. This isn't the case for all the chapters. There is some good depth to be found here, but that just makes the weaker ones all the more jarring. Compared to other world-building books this the only point where I feel this book doesn't push the envelope.

Mark is a Veteran in the game of world building, and this book shows!! His work as an instructor really shows in relation to how easy it is to absorb the knowledge! His phrasing is incredibly digestibleIf you're interested in renovating your world with more character, complete thoughts, and starting from the base, he has words of wisdom for beginners and advanced designers alike! I have been devouring this book front to back more than once already!It doubles as an art book since the quality of the prints is absolutely stunning! Seeing the pencils, Inks, and then the finals is a real delight that helps break down the process-- but the thought behind why specific designs and story-telling are where Mark really shines! There's so much story-telling in every piece! Even just the drawings of his trees and rocks have so much movement and energy you'll be excited to get to work yourself!I love it, and I'm certain that you will love it too!

“Fantasy World Building” is a highly motivating and inspiring guide for ANY visual artist, whether the art you make falls within the "Fantasy" realm or is something entirely different. The tools to create your OWN imagery that is original, plausible and tells the story only you can share are presented with an informative and positive "anything is possible" vibe. The author outlines his own drawing process, discusses mediums, and asks questions to prompt your own line of discovery, in a spirit of adventure and playfulness. It gives you SO much to think about and explore, but is not overwhelming because the lessons are in manageable, bite-sized chunks. This book will serve as a great go-to guide to refer to again and again, and at the same time is a treasure trove of mind-blowing ART, text aside! You're left impressed, encouraged, and feeling like "I can DO this!" I recommend you have a sketchbook and pencil right alongside you as you dive into the endless possibilities within.

What more could you want? (aside from a lottery win of course!) Whether you're an aspiring visual artist or currently working as one (like myself), or a fan and appreciator of immensely intricate and beautiful awe-inspiring artwork such as Mark A. Nelson's, or both (again, also like myself), this is a MUST-BUY.Many a time, I feel out of ideas or want to try something new, or even to try to perfect and hone my own practice but don't know where to begin – this book provides invaluable jumping off points for all of these three scenarios. Not only does Mr Nelson assist you with the technical aspect of things ranging from values, line weights, colouring and composition (and more), he also, crucially, makes you THINK!In this increasingly distracting and noisy world of ours, with ringtones and message alerts distracting our gaze and dulling our senses to the world around us, Mr Nelson through this book, pulls us back into ourselves and reignites our imagination and re-opens our eyes to our surroundings and history. Combined with a healthy dose of mutliversally fantastical ideas and tangents to work from, he aids and empowers us in asking the important and pertinent questions in formulating ideas and world-building: from the land, sky and sea and everything in-between!ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED: for the student, amateur and professional artist, to the art appreciator, comic book fan, and kat next door! There's something for everybody!

A very enjoyable book to browse or to look at in depth. Very interesting to see the authors ideas on the different phases of creating your own world. Flora and fauna and all other aspects, very diverse and inspirational. Such an enjoyable book to peruse.

I dont know why i gave up 'pen and wash'.this book has me re-thinking the technique. This is the book you need for a change or to sharpen your skills.

There is at least one thing to learn or to be inspired by on every single page here. It is generously packed with detailed, imaginative designs beautifully rendered.It's a bargain. It is refreshing to see no space wasted on filler content about materials, usually it's photos of pencils etc.

Xmas gift for grandson said is a good book