7 inspirational books for those looking for an unusual hobby

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

From creating abstract paintings to launching podcasts and stand-up shows.

1. “Fluid-art. Liquid acrylic. Epoxy resin. Alcohol ink. Creation of paintings in modern techniques of interior painting ", Ekaterina Gavrilova

If you want to paint on canvas, but have never drawn before, you should try the fluid art technique of abstract painting. Even a beginner will master it, and the self-instruction manual of the artist Ekaterina Gavrilova will help with this.

To get started, you will learn how to match color combinations and pour out paints so that they themselves flow into whimsical and unique patterns. And then you can move on to more complex techniques: painting with acrylics, painting with epoxy, alcohol ink and even thread.

2. Character Creation for Animation, Video Games and Book Illustration, Kenneth Anderson, Devon Cady-Lee, Cecile Carré, Holly Mengert

This book is suitable for anyone who wants to hone their drawing skills. The form of the tutorial resembles a workshop. Three established illustrators, Cecile Carré, Devon Cayley-Lee and Holly Mengert, take on the assignments of the fourth, 16-year-old artist Kenneth Anderson. The latter acts as an art director: he analyzes cases in detail and gives advice.

The book will teach you how to work with a client brief, come up with bright, memorable characters for games, comics, cartoons and show how the creative process is going on among industry professionals. By the way, Anderson also prepared tasks for readers: creating a talking dog, an alien and other characters.

3. “Every tool is a hammer. The rules of life and work of the permanent host of "Mythbusters" ", Adam Savage

This book evokes a keen desire to immediately grab the tools and make something. And it is no coincidence. In the crazy workshop of "Mythbusters" they did the most incredible things - from a complete set of knightly armor to a fake cargo compartment of a space shuttle. So the show's star host, Adam Savage, comes up with crazy ideas.

If they inspire you, take advantage of the author's advice on where to start and how to set up a workshop. And Adam will also tell you how to create from anything and turn everything that is at hand into tools.

4. “I'm leaving for Stand Up! The American School of Comedy's Complete Dream Guide, Stephen Rosenfield

Comedian with 30 years of experience and founder of the American Stand Up Institute Stephen Rosenfield decided to create a complete guide for aspiring comedians. The guide will help you hone your storytelling skills, teach you how to find funny things in everyday life, and turn what you hear into killer punchlines. He will also explain how to grab the audience's attention from the very first phrase and create spectacular setups.

And if you are not going to joke, but want to laugh, the book will suit you too: there are many funny moments in it.

5. “How to wake up Shakespeare in yourself. Drama training for the first play ", Yulia Tupikina

If you are fond of writing or theater, the book by playwright Yulia Tupikina should please you. And if you are just thinking about such a hobby, then you should know: creating plays is a great way to throw out emotions, relax, and even become famous.

Tupikina prepared 85 creative tasks that will help overcome doubts, find ideas and come up with the plot of the first work. You will learn how to write dialogues, talk about a character without direct descriptions, and make synopsis.

6. "A useful signal: how to become a director of your audiobook", Amir Rashidov, Dmitry Kreminsky

This book will help you have an interesting hobby and teach you how to control your voice. Its authors have extensive experience in this matter. Dmitry Kreminsky has been reading audiobooks since 2000, and also puts on audio performances. Konstantin Khabensky, Chulpan Khamatova, Valentin Gaft and other stars worked under his direction. Amir Rashidov recorded his first story in 2010, and now he runs a YouTube channel about voice acting and audioliterature.

From the book, you will learn how to control intonation and voice, learn how to correctly show the difference between the narrator and the characters, and also understand why some readers are listened to without stopping, but with others they fall asleep.

7. “Explosive podcast. How to create a successful project from idea to first million”, Kristen Mainzer

Another great book about voice work. Anyone who wants to learn how to record, edit, and produce podcasts on their own is a must-have guide.

The author is an experienced podcaster and producer Kristen Mainzer, with a combined audience of more than three million listeners. The book will help you come up with the concept and structure of the show, teach you how to write cheerful introductions, communicate with guests and the audience. He will also tell you how to promote a podcast and get paid for it.