Book Review: Kawaii Doggies by Olive Yong

Title: Kawaii Doggies

Author: Olive Yong
Genre: Art - Drawing - Kawaii - Animals
Publisher: Rock Point - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 9780760379851
Read: March 20, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Learn to draw all kinds of cute dogs doing all sorts of silly things through 75 step-by-step tutorials. 

Whether you are “team dog” or “team cat,” dogs have idiosyncrasies that we all find entertaining! In Kawaii Doggies, the follow-up and perfect companion to Kawaii Kitties, popular Instagram artist Olive Yong (@bichimao) perfectly captures these moments, including playing, sleeping, eating, digging, chasing their tails, being good buddies, wearing cute costumes, and more, along with how to draw your favorite breeds and puppies. 

In addition to the easy-to-follow tutorials, Olive shares: 

• An introduction to the kawaii art aesthetic 
• Suggestions for drawing tools 
• Tips and tricks for drawing and coloring your dogs 
• A facial expression directory 
• Coloring pages swarming with pups for you to decorate 

So, get ready to perfect your drawing skills, as well as be inspired to create your own dog characters or illustrate the daily activities of your favorite pet.

Review: Dogs are full of personality, goofy, lovable, and Olive Yong has made them even more adorable in Kawaii Doggies. But this book is far more than a how-to manual for drawing your favorite drool-machine.

In addition to step-by-step instructions for drawing your own cute doggies, Yong takes the reader on a basic tutorial of kawaii-style drawing: what is it, tools of the trade, and how to get the most out of the book's tips and tricks. After mastering the basics, Yong teaches facial expressions, poses and moods, capturing daily activities and dress-up, favorite breeds and puppies, and so much more. 

Overall, Kawaii Doggies is a great addition to the Kawaii Doodles book series and perfect for anyone interested in the art of kawaii or someone looking to try something a little different with their art.

Book Review: You Can Draw Cute Animals by Yasmina Mattson

 

Title: You Can Draw Cute Animals

Author: Yasmina Mattson
Genre: Art - Drawing
Publisher: Quarry Books - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: January 10, 2023
Read: December 28, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Learn how to draw any animal and turn it into a sweet, delightful creature that always inspires a smile. 

You Can Draw Cute Animals features easy techniques for turning up the charm on 30 animals that run, fly, swim, slither, and waddle. Discover how to create sparkling eyes, blushing cheeks, joyful smiles, and button noses, transforming even the most ferocious beasts into delightful, appealing characters. 

This comprehensive guide to understanding the secrets of cute begins with basic drawing techniques and exercises and a rundown of what factors make things adorable. Yasmina Mattson of Yasmina Creates (Instagram: @yasminacreates) has devised a unique, easy, three-step drawing method that includes observation, simplification and exaggeration using simple shapes, and refining and adding details. 

Those techniques are incorporated in creating a diverse array of animals, including a panda, monkey, kangaroo, tiger, cat, goat, hedgehog, owl, crow, fox, deer, snail, butterfly, seal, duck, flamingo, and more. Even complete beginners will feel confident in their skills to draw any animal in a cute style. Explore ways to add vivid color with watercolor, pencils, and markers, to add even more personality and style. Play and experiment for a creatively satisfying experience. 

Review: Who doesn't love cute animals? Why settle for photos when you can create your own illustrations? Yasmina Mattson presents a step-by-step guide for drawing a full menagerie of cute animals, and it doesn't matter if you're an experienced art or have never picked up a pencil with the intent to drawing anything until now. Her easy writing style and fully illustrated how-to instructions make it super easy to not only learn how to draw basic animals but gives you the tools to explore and create your style.

I really liked that Mattson begins with the story of how she came into her own style of drawing. She then gives a list of supplies and techniques she uses but encourages the reader to find what works for them. While Mattson mostly works with watercolors, if the reader prefers colored pencils and markers or pastels and Conté crayons, it's no problem. The techniques demonstrated in the book are easily translated to any art media. 

Mattson breaks down the art of drawing "cuties," as she calls them, into three simple steps: 1) Observe 2) Play 3) Refine. Each of these is then further broken down with exercises to build confidence. She also covers additional information such as "The Rules of Cuteness," adding accessories and clothing, backgrounds, body shapes, dynamic poses, and storytelling. 

You Can Draw Cute Animals packs a lot of information into 128-pages as well as plenty of vibrant illustrations that are educational as well as inspiring. If you've ever wanted to learn the art of drawing cute animals, Yasmina Mattson offers a book that should be at the top of your must-have list.