More than a movie.

 Hi Friends!

Design and art have always held a particularly special, emotional place in my heart. 

Growing up my introduction to fantasy was Star Wars. I wouldn't call myself a superfan anymore, but it did teach me what kind of fan I was (and still am). 

If you've played any open-world type video game, you know there are two kinds of people:

a) Straight through the objectives to finish the game 

b) What's in this corner? I should probably go over here to this tree, just in case..

I'm the second kind of person.

I want to know every detail, all the backstory, all the side adventures and quests, and that's really informed how I look at the world.

When it comes to a movie that I love, I feel the same. And especially when it comes to art and art direction. 

I love art books. Truly.

They are, in my opinion, the best way to delve farther into the world and it's potential. They give me so much pure joy.

Here are some of my most recent art book / movie inspired recommendations! 

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse -The Art of the Movie

An absolutely groundbreaking animated movie, with such unique character design, and blend of styles. The book really lays out the development of the characters, how they evolved, what their roots are, and of course, some really cool alternate looks for your favorite characters. It also has some of the beautiful panoramic scenes of the movie in full page layouts. 😍

Accidentally Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson's inimitable style in real-life locations. That's right, the real world spots that were used, or hold the same aesthetic as what he would use in his perfectly paletted, symmetrically pleasing scenes. Paired with the website by the same name, you can even map out a trip of Wes Anderson locations to visit!

Star Wars Storyboards: The Original Trilogy

Like I said, I'm no longer a super-fan, but I still love Star Wars. This book specifically is a little different than the other two books, in that it is storyboards along with directing for the movie. Almost like a rough cut comic book that includes notes on how the movies should be filmed and acted. It's incredibly unique, and a unique insight into the scenes you may be intimately familiar with already!

Hit me with any art book or coffee table recommendations that you have! I'd love to spend way too much on them! 

- Ryan

be curious, not judgemental