Computer Arts issue 135

Globalisation. It sounds like some insidious capitalist trend, but if you’re a designer in any discipline, it can be your best friend. Great visual ideas know no borders and if you’ve got the skills and the talent, and are willing to put in the time, seeking international clients or even a job abroad can be an extremely rewarding endeavour.

It’s more than just a boast when big agencies point out that they have offices in New York, London, Paris, Milan and Tokyo. They’re trying to prove that they are effective in a variety of markets and can communicate to people of many cultures. Without wanting to sound rhetorical about the internet, the tools are at your fingertips, and in this issue of Computer Arts our lead story will hopefully inspire you to reach out to overseas markets.

The rewards of doing so are plenty. Money – well, that’s obvious. However, if you add foreign clients to your list it shows that you’re flexible and interested in branching out and other potential clients both at home and abroad might well be impressed. Chances are the experience will inspire you as well. Working for a Japanese, Finnish or Argentinian company can get your brain working in different ways and enrich your creativity.

If you’ve already worked for companies outside your own country – either as a freelancer or part of a studio – we’d love to hear your experiences. Read our cover story and drop us a line to tell us whether what we’re saying compares to your experiences. Or make a posting on the forum.

GARRICK WEBSTER, EDITOR

IN THE MAG

TUTORIALS

CALLIGRAPHIC STROKES
Create custom brushes and make decorative flourishes using Illustrator CS2

ANIMATED STICKERS
Make an animated Flash sticker for your web page to grab your visitors’ attention

STYLE PAGES WITH FLASH
Add text and image effects to simple HTML pages using Flash and Javascript

ORGANISE YOUR SYMBOLS
Build a library of vector graphics from photographs using Live Trace in Illustrator

ADDING INTERACTIVITY
We show you how to transform a simple InDesign layout into an interactive PDF

CREATIVE CITYSCAPES
Use Illustrator to create fantastic city scenes from your photographs

FEATURES

BRANCH OUT!
Find out how easy it is to sell your design skills abroad, or even make the move...

CREATIVE SUITE 3
We preview Adobe’s all-new collection of cutting-edge web and design applications

BEHIND THE SCENES
Creative design agency Uniform has produced an innovative video pitch that blends the classic with the new. Find out how they managed it

Q&A: CAROLINA MELIS
We talk to an illustrator and animator influenced by dance choreography

PROFILE: SWIFTY
Up close and personal with an independent-minded typographic artist

MAGAZINE DESIGN
Explore the latest layout trends

CV: MICHAEL LEWIS
A Leeds-based character illustrator reveals his aspirations for the future

ON THE CD

PHOTOSHOP LIGHTROOM 1.0 TRY-OUT (MAC+PC)
Test-drive Adobe’s new photographic tool, aimed at digital SLR users

PLUS! PHOTOSHOP LIGHTROOM ESSENTIAL TRAINING (MAC+PC)
Over an hour of video tuition to get you up to speed with Adobe’s latest offering

LINEFORM 1.3 TRY-OUT (MAC)
Mac users are in for a treat with this super-quick and low-cost alternative to Illustrator

100 FOTOLIA IMAGES (MAC+PC)
A tonne of royalty-free stock images free to use in your creative projects

NEWSSTAND SECTION (MAC+PC)
A compendium of extracts from the coolest magazines published in print and online

28 BITTBOX ILLUSTRATOR BRUSHES (MAC+PC)
An array of brushes for making your own custom swoosh, swirl and curl designs