License too restrictive  
By A1Y49B2AWXAE17 on 2007-11-22
I was going to buy this book when I saw it in a local bookstore. I decided against it, however, when I read the highly restrictive license the authors/publishers placed the book and CD under.
Basically, I'm prohibited from using any derivative works I create with this book for any reason, any time, without paying royalties. So, if I really like the look of the _arm_ of one of the characters in the book and attach it to a character of my own creation in one frame in my 30 page, 180-frame comic, I'm screwed.
Other clip art books (e.g., Dover) wisely note that the clip art is for actual use, and as long as I don't try to sell their clip art in a clip art book (thereby competing directly), or make a derivative work that is mostly their stuff, they allow me free use of the art I purchase. Unfortunately, Crossley (or his publisher) doesn't understand the purpose of clip art books, and sadly places his "valuable" intellectual property safely out of my reach in any practical way.
Thanks, but no thanks.
Great Resource
By A38VZB5LZ0AV09 on 2007-07-09
This book provides a wealth of top-quality fantasy art resources which can be used for all sorts of creative projects - including board, card and even video games. It's a really attractive book to own, with top quality color printing throughout. If you know your way around Photoshop, but don't have the talent to create artwork for yourself then this book is a complete gold mine.
|
