The Big Book of Pop Culture: A How-to Guide for Young Artists

by Hal Niedzviecki

It's culture creation made easy by a master of the independent art scene. Join indie-guru Hal Niedzviecki on a how-to journey through the world of pop culture. In his upbeat, spirited style, Niedzviecki first provides a quick history of entertainment -- from its origins through to the present day, when corporate powers largely determine what we read, hear and watch. Niedzviecki then shows how to reclaim cultural expression by encouraging everyone to use the tools of modern print (self-publishing zines, comics and books), video (making movies and shows), CD (creating original music) and the indie-paradise of the Internet (websites, blogs, video games). Quick and easy do-in-a-day project ideas are included, so emerging artists will feel ready to tackle more ambitious works. Punctuated by inspiring interviews with young creators, engaging sidebars, and zine-style graphics that capture the spirit of the indie movement, The Big Book of Pop Culture is an empowering guide to original artistic expression.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art

183 pages, Hardcover

First published April 13, 2007

About the author

Hal Niedzviecki is a writer, culture commentator and editor whose work challenges
preconceptions and confronts readers with the offenses of everyday life. Hal works in both the fiction and nonfiction genres. He is the author
of books including, in fiction, the novel Ditch, and his latest novel The Program. In nonfiction, his most recent work is The Peep Diaries: How We're Learning To Love Watching Ourselves and Our Neighbors (www.peepdiaries.com). He is the
current fiction editor and the founder of Broken Pencil, the magazine of zine culture and
the independent arts ( www.brokenpencil.com). He edited the magazine from 1995 to
2002. Hal’s writing has appeared in newspapers, periodicals and journals across North
America including the Utne Reader, the Globe and Mail, the National Post, Toronto Life,
Walrus, Geist, and This Magazine. He was the recipient of the Alexander Ross Award for
Best New Magazine Writer at the 1999 National Magazine Awards and has presented his
work at events across North America including the International Festival of Authors in
Toronto. Once dubbed the “guru of independent/alternative action” by the Toronto Star,
Niedzviecki is committed to exploring the human condition through provocative fiction
and non-fiction that charts the media saturated terrain of ever shifting multiple identities
at the heart of our fragmenting age. For excerpts, reviews, samples of past articles and
more, visit Hal’s website: www.smellit.ca

Reviews

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

We spend our lives immersed in pop culture and the cult of celebrity to the degree that celebrity obsession has been identified as an actual clinical condition by psychologists. This book is for anyone who has ever paused to truly consider what the "pop" in "pop culture" actually stands for, and whether there can be an alternative to the small handful of people who increasingly decide what voices and faces reach the masses. Enclosed is a brief history of popular culture, followed by ideas for creating alternatives and having your voice heard. Consider yourself a writer? You already are - now start a blog or zine! Ever wanted to play in a band? Grab instruments with some friends and do it! You can help shape discourse by adding your voice to the mix.

--Ian

[Liam O'Donnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pop Culture is everywhere. And for Hal Niedzviecki, zine-maker and author of The Big Book of Pop Culture, that is a good thing. Told in casual style, with excellent art by Marc Ngui, The Big Book of Pop Culture takes teens through the history of Pop Culture and gives them the tools to create their own. How-to lists and easy-to-do project suggestions are mixed with interviews with independent Pop Culture creators, to cover the basics of DIY Pop Culture from blogs to zines and everything in between.

By deconstructing corporate Pop Culture and showing readers how to give voice to their own stories, Niedzviecki has created a must-have manual for aspiring writers, film makers, musicians and artists of all kinds. The Big Book of Pop Culture is a great pick for creative teens everywhere.

[TheTyee.ca]

Reaching for the stars is a sham, says Hal Niedzviecki in his latest book, The Big Book of Pop Culture. Shows like American Idol showcase a "false model" of talent, and don't help people at all.

Niedzviecki has published The Big Book of Pop Culture as an antidote. Through culture commentary and do-it-yourself tips, the book guides readers through...
Read more...
http://thetyee.ca/Books/2007/06/13/Be...

[Agathafrye]

Had to return this one before I finished it. I'll report back later.

[Jess Figgles · Rating 4 out of 5]

for the indie deprived