Computer Arts issue 154

Inspiration often comes from the most unlikely of sources, and when you least expect it. But we’ve worked hard this issue to talk to a wide range of creative professionals in the hope that they’ll inspire you in your own projects.

For starters we showcase some of the most talented and influential illustrators and artists using type in their work. Non-Format, Marian Bantjes, Craig Ward and Job Wouters all make an appearance. Then first-time Computer Arts contributor Ronald Kurniawan runs you through his process of illustrating for the likes of Wired and Men’s Health.

For further inspiration, take a look at Output. Bringing together intricate drawings from Laura Laine with fashion-boutique chic by Mogollon and new toys from TADO, it gives you an insight into the best illustration, design and motion graphics around at the moment. Make it your first point of call every issue for new trends and projects.

Jonathan Barnbrook – a man who has inspired thousands of illustrators, designers and typographers worldwide – is the subject of our Design Icons interview this month, and Logan tells you all about its recent Metal Gear Solid project.

Finally, I have to mention our incredible cover image. Johnny Cheuk is no stranger to Computer Arts – he illustrated the cover of issue 112. However, his recent change in style is a testament to the talent of the illustrator. It’s not easy to reinvent yourself – but you never know when you’ll find the inspiration to take your work in a new direction. I hope this issue will help you do that. I’d love to hear from you if it does.

Oh, and how could I forget? This issue sees operations editor Seth Burgess leave the magazine. Thanks for your hard work Seth, and good luck for the future.

Rob Carney
Editor

IN THE MAG

Output

Dark allure
Design trends: sinister themes

Studio of the Month
Nando Costa gives us a guided tour around Nervo

In Depth

Jonathan Barnbrook interviewed
The typographer and designer speaks his mind

The new art of type
The creative collision of illustration and type

Logan
Cutting-edge motion graphics from the US studio

Repeat performance
The designers pushing patterns in new directions

Round Table
Self-training or professional courses? Our panel debates

Technique

Illustrate for magazines
How Ronald Kurniawan creates his illustrations

Single-colour T-shirt design
Olly Moss explains his T-shirt techniques

Album art for MP3 and CD
Music design for the digital age

Inspiration workshop
Douglas Lee’s disco flyer

Image pop-ups
Product zooms for websites

Photoshop fundamentals
Removing a background using Alpha Channels

Flattener Preview
Avoid printing problems

Mobile portfolios
Make your online portfolio work with mobile devices

Adding impact through colour
How Tobias Warwick Jones develops a drawing

Brief Encounter
Hort’s limited-edition basketball book for Nike

Need to Know

Font technologies explained
How you can take charge of your fonts

CMYK for print
Getting it right for the four-colour process

Acrobat 9
Adobe takes PDFs to the next level

Invoicing tips
Get paid on time