Computer Arts issue 152

Hello there. Some of you may remember me from a few years back when I was deputy editor on this very magazine, and subsequently editor on our sister title Computer Arts Projects. After a couple of years away exploring other creative avenues, I’m back where I feel I belong. But that really is enough about me…

Issue 152 of Computer Arts is pretty much essential if you’re aiming to improve your software skills. In a fast-paced, high-pressure creative environment, familiarity with a little-known shortcut or workflow trick can shave vital time off the job and give you more chance to think creatively about the brief in hand. No one wants to be bogged down in manuals, so we’ve done the hard work and brought together 70 tricks to save you time on every project. Whatever your discipline, and whatever your choice of software – Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash or Dreamweaver, we have something for you.

Elsewhere we interview arguably the most famous figure in graphic design David Carson, and explore Jamie Hewlett and Damon Albarn’s wonderful branding for the BBC’s Beijing Olympics coverage. There’s also a stunning Brief Encounter piece, in which Perfect Fools’ Patrick Gardner reveals how he and his agency created the Mentos Kiss Cam. It’s a fascinating insight into a revolutionary project.

Finally I’d like to encourage you to write in and tell me exactly what you think of the magazine – how it can be improved, who you’d like to see featured and anything you think could be better. My email address is below, and I look forward to hearing your comments.

Rob Carney, Editor

IN THE MAG

Output

Rushes Soho Shorts
See the animation making waves at this London festival

Zeptonn book
How illustrators collaborated in black and white

The Airfix Lewis Hamilton
Golden Square’s hot ad spot

In Depth

David Carson interviewed
The legendary designer on his amazing career

Sharpen your design skills
Work faster and smarter in five top design apps

Kate Moross
The hot young illustrator explains her approach

Round Table
Are design degrees worth anything?

Gorillaz journey East
How the BBC’s Olympic idents were created

LOVE Creative profiled
The Manchester agency discusses its work

Technique

Create a wall mural
Anna Wray shows you how it’s done

Brief Encounter
Perfect Fools on the Mentos Kiss Cam

Lab colour
Make your images sizzle

Inspiration Workshop
With Linn Olofsdotter

CSS drop caps
Dreamweaver advice

Create 3D type
Nik Ainley’s secret method revealed

Illustrator tips
Make custom brushes

Photoshop tips
Get the most out of dual brushes

Particle explosions
Make Flash go boom

Nest your styles
Essential InDesign skills

Need to Know

Project management
Meet the software solutions that’ll do the hard work for you

Pantone Goe
Are you clued up about this new colour system?