Christmas Gifts - it's ok if you buy them for yourself!

Hiroshi Tanabe #2

Indisputable master of the two-dimensional plane, Hiroshi Tanabe’s unique fashion illustrations are revered by fashionistas all over the globe. A graduate of the Tama Art College in Japan he developed his unique, individual style early in his career and immediately won applause for its dynamic, off-register, almost 3-D appearance. Tanabe's illustrations have been published in Arena, Vogue, Marie Claire, New York Magazine, the New Yorker, Rolling Stone, Visionaire and Wallpaper. His corporate clients have included Ann Taylor, Barneys New York, Redken and Shiseido. In the early 1990s Tanabe studied at Milan’s Accademia Di Brera and was awarded the Brithish Vogue/Sotheby's Cecil Beaton Award for fashion illustration in 1994. In 1999 his first book, "Blue Mode", won a gold medal for illustration and design from the Art Director's Club. This book presents a brilliant collection of work by one of the world’s most sought after fashion illustrators. (Synopsis from publisher's site) (Hardcover with plastic sleeve, $46)

 

Giant

Mike Giant has achieved fame as a graffiti artist, illustrator and tattooist. Black ink is GIANT’s specialty and whether his medium is concrete, paper or skin his signature style - made up of equal parts Mexican folk art and Japanese illustration - is unmistakable. This book is GIANT’s first monograph and it features beautifully executed drawings on paper, full scale wall art and impeccably photographed tattoos. A distinctive, cloth-bound hardcover volume GIANT is a must have reference book for all those interested in exploring the possibilities of heavy ink! (Synopsis from publisher's site) (Cloth hardcover with gold foil, $38)

Vinyl Will Kill

VINYL WILL KILL! is a fascinating insider's look at the process behind 3D vinyl figure production. VINYL WILL KILL! traces the development from initial concept to the insane world of high-end collector's stores and finally to collectors around the world; showcasing new yet-to-be-released vinyl figures direct from the artists along the way. The new genre of 3d collectibles is further explored through a series of one on one interviews with some of the best and hottest vinyl designers and producers on the planet including Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, Scary Girl, Enid by Dan Clowes, Dorbel by Jim Woodring, Mars 1 by Recon and Strangeco to name a few. VINYL WILL KILL! is the ultimate backstage pass for collectors, product designers, or anyone interested in the how a great idea makes its way to finished product. (Synopsis from publisher's site) (Boxed set includes 232-page book, large poster and 36 trading cards. $49.95)