Welcome to Parka Blogs!
Parka is my online alias and I'm a Singaporean dude. I can't remember how I came up with the name though.
On this blog you'll see art related stuff, reviews of art books that I read and collect. The art books are mostly related to animation, movie and comics.
How I started
Parka Blogs started as a personal blog about random musing.
That was until I posted a few reviews of Pixar art books which received favorable response and that led me to review more books.
I found out there were readers, just like me, trying to figure out what's inside these books. Often, when you're buying books online or even in bookstores, you can't see what's inside. You can't buy what you can't see. That's especially true for art books, because art is subjective to the individual.
The purpose of the reviews is to help readers make informed purchases. The mission statement of the blog is to make sure you know exactly what you're buying..
Where do the books come from?
Most books are bought.
Many are borrowed, from friends, the library and some from my sponsor Basheer Graphic Books, a local art bookstore that I visit often — those books are also marked clearly as review copies.
I rarely receive free books from publishers.
Yes, I spend a lot on books monthly.
Are the reviews biased?
I spend real money on the books. I like to think that I can write more unbiased reviews that way.
Art is subjective. So that's where the pictures and videos I posted come in handy. You know quickly if you like the book just by looking at pictures posted.
Just because I like a particular book doesn't mean it will appeal to everyone, vice versus. I normally state the group of readers who will enjoy it most.
Sometimes it's just easier to show it with a picture.
What's with those Amazon links?
Those are affiliate links. If you purchase a book through those links, I get a little commission which I use to fund the blog and organize contests and giveaways.
The existence of those affiliate links doesn't mean the reviews are biased in such a way to sell the books. I do give negative reviews for books, e.g. Neoludica, The Art of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Digital Painting Tricks & Techniques, Muscles in Motion, Web Design: Video Sites, Expressive Drawing, Abstract Comics, Figure Drawing Without a Model, Exploring Character Design, etc.
Most of the books are bought or borrowed for review. They are seldom from publishers. The money made from the blog goes to buying these books. I do this so that there's no conflict of interest.
Can you scan the pages of an art book for me?
No. It violates the Copyright law.
There are more information why I won't do it here:
http://parkablogs.com/content/i-was-served-copyright-violation-notice
It's cool to support artists who have spent great effort on their books.
It's free to promote your art books on Parka Blogs
Your book must be related to art, animation, movies or comics.
If mail a complimentary copy to me, I can review and promote it on the blog for free. Electronic version of your book is also fine, actually preferable.
No promises on a positive review though. I've given negative reviews for books someone mailed me before.
Do not send me abstract art books because I'm not into abstract art.
Ways to support Parka Blogs
A few ways.
1. Link to Parka Blogs from your website. Even the mere mention in your blog post helps.
2. Purchasing books through the Amazon or Book Depository links on the blog. It doesn't cost you anything extra.
3. Hit the Facebook Like button for articles you like.
4. Contribute by submitting your own art book reviews.
Contact information
You can contact me through Facebook or Google+ or teohyc at gmail dot com
