Computer Arts issue 155

It’s been a very exciting year for illustration. And here at Computer Arts we wanted to recognise some of the extraordinary talent that has been working incredibly hard to deliver stunning brief after stunning brief.

So this month I present to you our top ten illustrators of 2008 – a huge feature bringing together the world’s top illustration talent. If a showcase of these illustrators’ work wasn’t enough, each one brings you either tips, a tutorial or project walkthrough revealing how they create their incredible work. So, who made the top ten? And who is our number one? Find out in the magazine and then, when you’re done, why not discuss it on our forums.

Elsewhere this issue we talk to the seminal Joshua Davis. In fact, it’s a double-whammy as we’ve got the extremely talented artist Chuck Anderson to interview the Flash visionary. And our Technique section this month really is something very special. For a start, the anaglyph-obsessed Nathan Fox shows you how to create illustrations in Photoshop that work both with and without 3D glasses. And UK artist Melvin Galapon follows this up with how to create vinyl installations in Illustrator.

Next up, Research Studios’ Jeff Knowles reveals the InDesign secrets Neville Brody’s company employed when designing the new D&AD Annual – if you want to learn about die cuts, then it’s unmissable.

Elsewhere we have a very special Brief Encounter as photographer Shamil Tanna reveals how he created Keane’s new promo artwork, and all the details of Adobe CS4 can be found in the Need To Know section. As always, let me know what you think of the issue. Email me at the address below with any feedback.

Rob Carney Editor
rob.carney@futurenet.com

IN THE MAG

Output

Kitsch with a twist
Design trends: 1950s nostalgia in design

The Red Suitcase
Karni and Saul’s enchanting new short

Maxwell Loren Holyoke-Hirsch
Keep your eye on this young American illustrator

Studio of the Month
Fluid opens its doors

Microsoft Interactive Canvas
The interactive digital wall launches at ReMIX 08

This Way Up
Smith & Foulkes’ new short is racking up the awards

In Depth

Joshua Davis interviewed
The Flash master speaks to Chuck Anderson

Top 10 illustrators of 2008
We profile the people making waves in the world of illustration and share their creative tips

Technique

Create anaglyphic imagery in Photoshop
Nathan Fox demystifies the art of illustrative 3D

Creative vinyl installations
Large-scale vinyl images, courtesy of Melvin Galapon

Prepare die cuts in InDesign
Research Studios’ Jeff Knowles on the making of the D&AD Annual slipcase

Random realism in animation
Peskimo’s guide to introducing randomness in Flash

Inspiration workshop
The giant rapper-girl character collages of Julia Schonlau

InDesign tips
Use layers to speed up your work process

Create depth and motion
The Ronin’s Rob Chiu reveals his After Effects and Photoshop secrets

Brief Encounter
Shamil Tanna discusses the story behind Keane’s new promo artwork

Need to Know

Adobe CS4 in-depth
Everything you need to know about Photoshop, Flash, Illustrator, InDesign and the rest of the all-new Adobe CS4 family