Abstract

Contains articles on how artists can improve their skills and how collectors can improve their knowledge of fine art. Contains balanced coverage of the art world.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

nice magazine
I've received three issues in the mail now, I wanted to wait a few issues before giving a review so that I could compare them.

I had assumed these would have drawing techniques, etc. for the pen or pencil...but these issues do not. These seem geared toward PAINTINGS not drawings (or at least these issues do). I have yet to see a drawing. Everything so far are paintings, with the exception of 3 color pencil drawings in the back of the magazine in the latest issue.

What I DO see however are various color pages of paintings submitted to the magazine with articles about how the artist did the painting... with little behind the scenes tidbits within the article (like for one painting of the boston skyline, the article said the man took pictures out of an open door of a helicopter).

I was a little disappointed with the lack of instruction, this book does NOT give techniques or advice.

But it IS a wonderful artistic magazine for all artists if you want inspiration and see how the pros do it!

American Artist Magazine Review
I find the information within the pages of American Artist to be extremely valuable. The technical page offers insight to various problems the artist will encounter, and offers detailed advice on how to rectify those problems. The magazine highlights several artists in a variety of media within the same issue, so there is something for every art enthusiast.The artist sections offer a birds eye glimpse into the particular way that they create their art. I find myself referring frequently to past issues, enjoying the artwork that it entails, and often rereading many of the articles time after time. An immense amount of useful information in each issue.Not bogged down with pages of advertisements. I highly recommend The Artist Magazine.

art,painting and drawing
i dont know what can i write . i want anything about art exactly about painting,drawing,modern art ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If your going to read one Beading Magazine this is it
Beading is enjoing a wave of popularity right now and there are more magazines than ever and frankly, I read them all. Beadwork stands above the others in many ways. The quality of the articles is fresh and informative, not the same tired junk recycled over and over. New news in the beading world is never over looked and the patterns are always detailed and sources for materials given. If I could only subscrible to one Beading Magazine Beadwork would definitely fill the bill. ... Read more

Abstract

Photographic essays, without compromise, of the most significant work in photography.
... Read more

Reviews (4)

Pretentious and Plodding
Aperture is THE premier photographic magazine today... which is to say it embodies all the fashionable cliches and pretentions of the contemprary post-modern scene.

Out of focus shots? Ragged borders? All here. Family snapshots reinterpreted as high art? We got 'em. Egocentric self-portraits by the dozen? Step right up.

The "art" in Aperture is uniformly artless, deadly dull, and devoid of any human feeling. But that's what the critics are selling these days.

Joyless Art
This magazine is full of ART (sound of trumpets here). The photographs are unfailingly serious, moody, joyless affairs. There is no room in its pages for smiles, love, or happiness.

As an example, the 50 year retrospective in 2002 had at least three photographs (all technically excellent) of bodies and one of an amputated foot (also technically excellent). Tucked in one corner of one montage was the only smiling face in the entire two issues of the retrospective.

So, if you like your art dark and depressing, subscribe. I'm looking for something a bit brighter.

ARTISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY AT ITS BEST AND A COLLECTIBLE
Aperture has one of the most outstanding reputations for bringing its readers the best in artistic photography. I own several editions of the publication which are put up in areas where they will be kept cool and dry because the magazine is so highly collectible. Some editions on auction have netted hundreds of dollars. And Aperture covers a wide array of subjects, from mailboxes out on country roads, to architecture, from rare plants, to bizarre special effects, Aperture brings you photography you'll want to look at again and again and again. You'll get photographs from some of the world's most renowned photographers, and you'll get them on pages so pristine, you'd think you were viewing them at a gallery. If you want a magazine that gives you "The All" in photography, Aperture has it. Oh, and one more note, from time to time Aperture offers its customers the opportunity to purchase rare collectibles, many of which are autographed by the photographers.

Pleasingly Interesting
Aperture mixes interesting pictures, that are satisfying to the eye with more mainstream pictures that would appeal to all categories of photographers. Aperture is for those who do not like there pictures characteristic of so called "normal family pictures" These pictures are amazing... Aperture magazine is amazing...If you are thinking that it is not worth the price, think again because Aperture will definantly have you taking and seeing your pictures in a whole new light. ... Read more

Abstract

Feature articles, tips, woodworking basics, special techniques, projects and product reviews aimed at the home woodworker.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

A balanced approach to woodworking - tools, techniques, proj
Woodworkers Journal has attracted some of my favorite woodworking experts from the other magazines. Michael Dresdner, Ellis Wallentine, Shondor Nagaslaski are all great tool and woodworking experts and give me the information that I need to advance my skills and keep working in the shop interesting. I can hardly wait for the next issue to arrive. It will have shop tips, jigs, finishing tips and projects. No other magazine has this well rounded approach to woodworking.

Advanced work
I subscribe to several woodworking magazines and have subscribed to Woodworkers Journal since 1990. Each magazine has a character of it's own with a woodworking level reflected in the complexity of the projects it presents. This magazine is a bit more complex than, say Wood magazine. It should be understood that some style and esthetics are usually compromised when a project is simplified. I have one of Woodworking Journal's projects in my living room. It is perhaps the most beautiful piece I have ever made. If you have become an advanced amature (sp?) this magazine will give you projects that you will take pride in making and showing to others. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Antiques Roadshow Insider mimics show
This magazine is great for anyone who doesn't always get the opportunity to see the show on a regular basis. If you watch the show regularly and re-watch it in repeats, the magazine will not tell you anything you didn't already see. It is nice to have it somewhere in writing to make references though. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A must have
Absolutely wonderful magazine. I count the days until every new issue. It offes beautiful patterns for a variety of needlework styles. In every issue it always has knitting section, a couse that introduces you to a new type of needlework (or refreshes you in one that you already tried), a monthly picture in cross stitch (a sampler type, this year it is "the trades").

During the year you can find patterns in most of the popular types of needle work (cross stitch, embroidery, sweedish weaving, chrochet, cutwork, whitework, etc).If you like to try all different kinds of needle work ,"Anna" is for you.

"Anna" Burda's all-purpose needlework magazine
Anna has an assortment patterns for knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, and other crafts, mostly needlework, every month, and the design quality is generally higher than that in American magazines, which currently place a ridiculous emphasis on "Easy," at the expense of design. There are usually some seasonal crafty-crafts included, using paper, paint, etc., for decorating and some purposes which are mysterious to this American reader. (Just what is a "school cone," anyway?) Overall, a very worthwhile magazine, with a lot of truly beautiful patterns. I knitted one tablecloth pattern for my daughter's wedding veil, and it got raves. Well worth the price! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great for beginners especially
This magazine is targeted to newbies, do-it-yourselfers who may not have much formal design training, and those who are looking for quick, elegant solutions to perennial layout and design chestnuts.

Created for both Mac and PC users, the magazine provides how-tos in design and layout, giving instruction for multiple programs (so, not just how to do something in Illustrator, but also Freehand and Corel, for instance.) It also provides good foundation info on the design/printing/production process. And its annual Better-Than-Ever issue is usually very good.

I would especially strongly recommend it for those on tight budgets, or who design a wide range of communications vehicles in addition to their other, non-design job responsibilities. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great all around
This is a great magazine in all aspects of what a quilting magazine should be. There are always a great variety of designs, techniques, and articles describing different quilters and some historical aspects of quilting. This is a 'good read' even if you're not planning to make a quilt.

Lots of Variety in Quiltmaker Magazine
This magazine has lots of different types of quilts for the quilter who likes variety. I've been buying it off the newsstands for a while and have found it to be one of my favorite magazines. It has tons of quilts in every issue. Everything from tradtional, and scrap quilts to kids and foundation piecing. If you quilt for children you'll love the great ideas that come with every issue. The magazine is in full color with clear and easy instructions. many patterns also include instructions for different sizes. Lots and lots of fun and original ideas. This is not your run-of-the-mill quilt magazine. If you're looking for creative quilt patterns and the latest on notions and tools, this is the magazine for you. I've made 2 quilts from this magazine in the last 5 months and can't wait to get the next issue and pick my next project. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

One of the Best
This magazine surprises me. It looks like just another mass media pulp magazine, but it's really solid on the inside. These guys actually go to the shop and do woodworking. They are enthusiastic, thorough, honest, and funny. The articles seem to aim toward the moderately experienced amateur, but there's plenty of stuff for beginners. And the price can't be beat. This and Fine Woodworking are my favorites - put them together and you have everything you need.

Good mag for the regular joe Woodworker
This magazine does well for the regular joe woodworker geared to a garage shop or small separate shop (less towards a pro or highend furniture maker, but plenty of tutorials to help get you there.)...nice to have tips and tricks that i would actually use, and a decent companion website.

four stars only because they need to do more of what they do best and drop the tool issue and replace with a regular issue.

as with all wwing mags it is only 6-7 issues per year.

Great Magazine!
I look forward to every issue. The projects are top notch. I have subscribed to several woodworking magazines. Popular Woodworking is one of the best.

Mediocre
This magazine tries hard, but its quality is perhaps the lowest in the woodworking magazine field. Photos not lighted well, illustrations lacking in detail, and lots of rambling text pretty much sums it up. The annual tool issue is a wasted issue IMHO.

Popular & Practical Woodworking
While I appreciate tool reviews and tips and techniques for woodworking, what I like most in a woodworking magazine are projects which I find interesting and attractive. I have found Popular Woodworking to be the woodworking magazine that meets my expectations in this area.

Yes, there are tool reviews, which are particularly useful when considering the purchase of a new tool (with prices these days, we need all the help we can get) and there are plenty tips and techniques.

But I do enjoy the projects the most. Don't get me wrong, not every issue has a project I want to tackle (thank goodness, or I wouldn't get anything else done), but I will usually find something that I want to make or that illustrates a method of work which will help me with other woodworking projects. Also, the projects are not just limited to pieces of "fine" furniture, they also include things like functional outdoor woodworking and practical furniture.

This is one of only two woodworking magazines to which I regularly subscribe. If you like woodworking projects, you may like this magazine. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

the most inspiring book availibe
If you are open minded and passionate. Flaunt is for you. The most amazing photoshoots, with a vision that only a freak can relate too (in a good way). the creativity is always has a unique flavor with a new twist monthly.

Such a cool magazine!!!
GREAT photos! Cool little articles, though i would really only get this magazine for the excellent photography because it doesn't really focus on mass-media current events that you'd find in, say, a People or an Us Weekly. It has an upscale feel to it, and you can tell that there is a true vision behind this product. Anyone that is into the arts, particularly coiture, modeling, and photography would love this magazine for its visual energy and eccentricity.

Strange, but refreshing
I saw this magazine while browsing a local bookstore and it was a magazine that stood out for some reason...I picked it up and flipped through a few pages and came across an article on Maggie Gyllanhall. I had recently watched "Secretary," and I liked her, so I bought it. I'm not much for fashion magazines but this is much different from others like Vogue. After buying my first Flaunt magazine, I wanted to buy more, but needless to say, the bookstore has not gotten any in for a long time...:( This magazine will be great for readers who are bored with the same crap churned out in every other magazine out there...

Cool before it was cool to be cool
This magazine offers a glimpse into what it means to be truly hip. It also has a little nudity in each issue, so you really can't go wrong.

Great Style/Fashion/Design Magazine
The magazine is really great. Before i started reading flaunt i read surface* and wallpaper. Flaunt has more pop culture articles that I find more interesting than those in other magazines which seem like they are just made for rich people. Another good thing is that they avoid having too many articles about Europe and "Spring Break-like" travel articles which are reused in other magazines over-and-over. Another good magazine to read is Architectual Record. "One" was a really good magazine like flaunt, i don't even know if its still published anymore. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Shutterbug Magazine Review
Shutterbug magazine is a great magazine for people intersted in purchasing camera equipment due to the large amount of advertisements included in the magazine. Also the magazine includes reviews and previews of new camera equipment. The one problem with the magazine is that it gives very little photographic advice. So if your interested in purchasing new equipment and reading reviews and previews for new equipment, shutterbug magazine is for you. Because not only does shutterbug tell you about whats new and what to buy in camera equipment, it has around 30 different camera stores advertising cameras with two of the stores each with around 20 page ads.If your not interested in purchasing new equipment, and your just interested in photography advice, stay away from shutterbug.

Shutterbug Magazine (ads,ads, info, and then some more ads.
I find this magazine an excellent source for finding some current prices for equipment, but it falls short on the technical side. It is printed in a large format with many, many full page photographic dealer's ads. I have ran across some good articles, but find it more of a collection of... well... ads!

Not for point and shoot
Shutterbug is not an 'art' photography magazine. It's focused more on gear and commercial techniques than on artistic photography. (If you want artistic, check out Lenswork or a similar publication.)

For me, one of the more interesting features is Joe Farace's column that reviews photography websites -- looking for both great photos as well as good web design. As I keep my photos online (http://www.theragens.com/photos), this is a column that I look to for interesting ideas. Other columns are also interesting.

Still, I give this three stars. I read it every month but I look for inspiration to Popular Imaging for basic techniques and to Outdoor Photographer (UK magazine) or Outdoor Photography (US magazine) for topics that are more of interest.

Junk
I am cross posting this most of these photo magazines are published by the same company under a different name. I have read them ALL!

First, 77%+ of this magazine is advertisements. That leaves under 25% of material. The material that does remain is bare minimum informational and tends to just show "pretty photos". Coverage on camera gear appears skewed since EVERYTHING is GREAT. This leads me to believe advertisers sway them.

In short, this is an advertising pamphlet with a cover price. If you need information, typing "photography" in any search engine will give you more information in 30 seconds then a 10 year subscription.

I wrote the main company about the 77% issue and they stated that they are aware of the amount of advertisement and quoted a percentage higher then I stated. That this was necessary to continue producing a magazine of this quality.

Quality? OK, if this is quality then I don't know what to say other then the semi professional magazines are free of charge from the publishers, contain actual subjective information, and are produced on high quality paper with fewer than 30% advertising.

99% Commercial Magazine
I don't want to talk a lot about this magazine because the reason is so simple THERE IS NOTHING IN THIS MAGAZINE except ads and ads and ads from the very first page till the last one !"you will find few pages of ads even before the index "
it might have 7 or 9 good pages in each issue but so what ? you can find such info anywhere !!
...
lets say an honest word about it
if you are one of those who likes to sell and buy cameras it might be good for you , but if you are interested in real art photography think of something else ... Read more

Abstract

Aimed at photographers, provides informative articles on all aspects of amateur photography, how-to features, columns and portfolios.
... Read more

Reviews (7)

A decent introduction to photography with unhelpful reviews
This magazine is basically composed of how-to articles and reviews. The articles are a good introduction, the reviews are unhelpful.

I learned most of what I know from reading this magazine and other "enthusiast" magazines like it. If you read it for awhile, you'll notice that the how-to articles repeat themselves fairly often, so the articles eventually get old. Although they are helpful for new photographers, they would be better off just buying a good textbook on beginning photography.

The reviews, like those in all magazines I've encountered, are almost entirely a waste of time. They will always be very positive (the mag won't bite the hand that feeds it), and don't offer meaningful critiques or comparisons to the competition. Find a good review website, like dpreview.

Garbage
I am cross posting this most of these photo magazines are published by the same company under a different name. I have read them ALL!

First, 77%+ of this magazine is advertisements. That leaves under 25% of material. The material that does remain is bare minimum informational and tends to just show "pretty photos". Coverage on camera gear appears skewed since EVERYTHING is GREAT. This leads me to believe advertisers sway them.

In short, this is an advertising pamphlet with a cover price. If you need information, typing "photography" in any search engine will give you more information in 30 seconds then a 10 year subscription.

I wrote the main company about the 77% issue and they stated that they are aware of the amount of advertisement and quoted a percentage higher then I stated. That this was necessary to continue producing a magazine of this quality.

Quality? OK, if this is quality then I don't know what to say other then the semi professional magazines are free of charge from the publishers, contain actual subjective information, and are produced on high quality paper with fewer than 30% advertising.

An Equipment Junkie's Magazine
Like most magazines aimed at the amateur, Photographic is predicated on the idea that better equipment equals better photography, and that to be a real photographer one must constantly be upgrading to the latest and the greatest. Sure, there are also columns and articles on "technique"- though often as not they're about using a particular piece of equipment you haven't yet purchased but which is obviously exactly what you need to makie those great Ansel Adams pics you've admired.

I read Photographic for many years- my father subscribed to it- and when I was a child I, too, bought into the idea that better gear would make me a better photographer. Fast forward 20 years, and I found myself doing some magazine illustration work with a 20 year old Nikon F2 and a hand held light meter. No automation, no modern electronics, and nothing in my camera bag made after 1978. And surprise of surprises, the photos came out just fine.

Not For Me!!
I just reviewed American Photo with enthuiasm. I am not a professional and certainly love photography for the beauty of looking at it, not shopping shopping shopping for it (I mean lenses, cameras, tri-pods, etc etc)! This mag is selling way too much [stuff] for me. Maybe a professional appreciates it a lot more? But my boyfriend is such professional and seems to agree with me. There are a few things in there but they seem to be few and far between. Not worth the subscription to me!

Products&How to - magazine
I used to get PHOTOgraphic magazine from the stand since several years, and read total issues of >6 issues/year. I found it easey to read and injoy, but it lack the depth and comperhensiveness. I encourage every amature and technique oreinted photographer to have it every month. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Brilliant!
Although it may be slim, this magazine is filled to the brim with great ideas and tips on creating great looking materials. I would highly recommend this subscription! Also check out the book by John McWade.

Best. Magazine. EVER!
No ads and relatively small, but packed chock-a-block with plenty of practical design solutions backed by REAL design theory -- worth every penny! If you're looking to refresh your designs, seek ideas, and learn from the best, look no further. This is an entire communication design course in a magazine. I've been getting it for years, and this is by far, THE BEST design magazine on the market today. Period. Glad to see it's back!

Every issue is a treasure!
Before & After is an invaluable source of design ideas and inspiration. Each magazine is full of step-by-step information about how to improve design. If you are a designer, desktop publisher, marketing businessperson and design print or Web materials, you'll love this magazine. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Okay - if you're a beginner
I'm a fairly advanced beader, and was hoping for some new ideas when this magazine appeared. The projects are pretty, but if you have more than a year or so of beading experience, this one isn't for you. The magazine uses shortcuts rather than teaching the more standard techniques, and teaches newbies bad habits they'll have to unlearn. There's also very little about how to find quality beads, which seems to be the hardest thing to learn when beginning this hobby.

Like all of the beading magazines currently available, there is at least a page of advertising for each page of content. Normally, that's fine with me, but Step-by-Step takes it to a new level. It's misleading to accept ads from dealers who only work with members of the trade and put them in a beginner hobbyist's magazine. A full page ad with great prices is terrific, until the new beader discovers that the company only deals with wholesalers and has a minimum order of hundreds of dollars. It would be far more ethical for the publishers to limit wholesaler's ads to more high end publications.

To decide whether beading is for you, and to see what pretty and fashionable jewelry is available, this is a good magazine. However, understand it as a beginner's guide, and know that if you decide you want to advance in the craft of jewelrymaking, you'll need to unlearn some bad habits and buy much better tools and supplies than those recommended in this magazine. More advanced beaders and jewelrymakers will probably want to skip it - there's nothing new here. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It is great!!
This is a really great magazine. I would recommend it to any doll lover or collector. It has information on happenings, gives you info on doll artists, new collectibles, and they have the annual Doll of the Year (DOTY) awards. Great magazine!! ... Read more

Abstract

How-to craft magazine for today's busy woman. It presents crafts for the mature womanwho is comfortable with contemporary fashions and styles.
... Read more