Humongous Book of Cartooning

by Christopher Hart

Chris Hart's Humongous Book of Cartooning is a great value book covering everything the beginner needs to master cartooning. It teaches how to draw cartoon people, fantasy characters, layouts, background design and much more. This latest cartoon title from Chris Hart, the world's bestselling author of drawing and cartooning books, packs a wallop. It's the cartooning book that has it all: cartoon people, animals, retro-style "toons'", funny robots (no one has ever done cartoon robots in a how-to book before, and movies like "Wall-E" and "Robots" were smash hits and prove their appeal), fantasy characters and even sections on cartoon costumes, character design, and cartoon backgrounds and composition. The Humongous Book of Cartooning is humongous, not only because it's so big, but also because it includes a huge amount of original eye-catching characters and copious visual "side hints" that Chris is famous for. There is more actual instruction in this book than in any other of Chris' cartooning titles. In short, if you want to know how to draw cartoons, Chris Hart's Humongous Book of Cartooning is for you.

Genres: Art, Drawing, Nonfiction, Reference, Comics

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

I started drawing character designs and storyboards for a small animation studio in while in High School. Cartooning and animation was a magical experience to me. I try to bring that experience, as well as art tips, to my readers. Their enthusiasm also motivates me.

Early in my career, my cartoon work got noticed by Watson-Guptill, a premier publisher of art books. They asked me to do a book for them on drawing cartoons. It sold 200,000 copies, which is a healthy number. So we kept going. I discovered that I enjoyed the art of creating books, which has its own special requirements. I also worked as an author for Random House, Quarto and Soho Publishing. In total, I have had 8 million books sold, and have been translated into 20 languages.

My book, "The Master Guide to Drawing Anime: How to Draw Original Characters from Simple Templates" has sold over half a million copies to date and is still very actively in print. An earlier book of mine, "Manga Mania: How to Draw Japanese Comics:" reached the number one art book in the country, according to Bookscan.

I've also been a cover story on the industry trade magazine, "Publisher's Weekly." And if you've read this far into my Bio, then I'm more impressed with you than you are with me!

Thank you so very much for letting me offer some inspiration to you in your art adventures.

Christopher Hart

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start this review with my favorite quote: "I don't agree with the point of view that says you should focus your energy on correcting weak points before moving on. Doing so is bound to be draining and frustrating, and it won't bring you to a higher overall skill level. To raise your artistic skills, push yourself in those areas where you show signs of strength, where you excel, or where you are most inspired and driven...see where your talent leads you."

That quote really sets the tone for this whole book - positive, inspiring, and entirely down-to-earth.

This "Humongous" tome contains a lifetime of wisdom from the author, who makes his drawings look effortless. I've finished reading the book, but I'm not finished with it - I'll be referencing this for many years to come.

The book contains a great mix of basic principles, instructions, examples, and tips. I'm approaching it as a mid-level artist, and I've already been able to apply some of his principles. However, he breaks everything down into easily digestible steps that a beginner could easily pick up and run with.

Most of all, I appreciated his tone throughout the book. The instructions are clear and approachable. He explains areas of difficulty in a calm way, but doesn't over-complicate anything. It's full of encouragement.

Overall, I know I'll revisit this volume again and again.

[Huda Fel · Rating 5 out of 5]

<3

[John Wharton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good beginners cartooning book, loads of reference material to work from.

[Izan Morillas Cano]

yttrjr

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a super fun book which takes artists through step by step guides to drawing a wide variety of cartoon characters. I had lots of fun working though it.

[David Erkale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll spell out my opinion of this: I-T-S I-N-T-E-R-E-S-T-I-N-G.

[Danielle Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simplified detailed book of cartooning. Easy lessons probably would be great for a child learning to draw.

[Jadwiga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Z pewnością bogate źródło inspiracji i porad związanych z rysowaniem komiksowych postaci. Jednak jako kurs i przewodnik, nie sprawdza się najlepiej, zwłaszcza, że autor pokazuje głównie jak krok po kroku przerysować jego postacie, a nie jak je tworzyć.

[Lisa Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and necessary!

If you’re planning on becoming a cartoonist then this book is definitely a perfect place to begin! The instructions and drawings are easy to follow and the book is very thorough.
I absolutely enjoyed it. Thanks Chris for writing such an awesome book!

[Nojood Alsudairi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is humongous and thorough. A must have manual for those who like to draw cartoon.

[Tasneem Zafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's GIGANTIC, it's ENORMOUS, it's GINORMOUS, IT'S HUMONGOUS, it's just AWESOME!!!
it is a complete guide to the art of drawing cartoons! i absolutely love it!
thank you muuuch Dr. nojood!

[레쇠용 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best cartoon book ever!

[Jim friel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooper

This book, for the money, is a sooper buy. Easy to read but with ample illustrations . Well worth the paltry fee.