LOS ANGELES, Oct 24, 2006/ FW/ --- From Pencil to Pen Tool is a well-researched and detailed book describing the evolution of fashion illustration and presenting a step by step base of what one needs to learn to become a contemporary fashion illustrator and or designer.

In the 399 pages, the student learns about socio-economic backgrounds of the fashion consumer, including their fashion edge – baby boomers, generation X and beyond. The body is looked at in terms of the Ten-head Fashion Figure – showing how proportions work into the basics of body illustration segueing into body movement and attitude. .

There is extensive visual reference indexing silhouettes and styling details such as pant styles, skirts, blouses, dresses and cuffs. Coupled with the history and understanding of the consumer market it is a springboard for the designer in the making.

The book leads the novice through the new vocabulary that one needs to make the leap from pen-and-ink, charcoal and Bristol board to computer terminology such as scanned images in vector-based or raster-based programs. The CD Rom which is included with the book guides you through the software basics of Adobe Illustrator CS. It goes on to discuss Advanced Illustrator and Photoshop Techniques.

Guiding the student to professionalism in their fashion illustration work, the book has the added bonus of how to coordinate successful resumes, portfolios and how to approach and interview.

The illustrations by Jemi Armstrong are fashion gems. Lorrie Ivas is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of fashion. Wynn Armstrong is the stronghold when it comes to the technical aspects presented in this exceptional textbook.

This is a book (and CD) that I would highly recommend to anyone exploring the world of creating fashion.