Computer Arts issue 170

What does 2010 hold for you? Hopefully, a huge client list and a raft of successful projects. The new year is always a great time to reflect and take stock of your working life. It’s an opportunity to look at the past year and, more importantly, what you intend to achieve over the next. With this in mind, we bring you a series of features looking at how you can make 2010 your best ever – creatively and financially. The industry’s top designers discuss whether you should go freelance or join an agency, what’s involved in starting your own studio, how to win more clients and build a great print portfolio, plus ways to make more money and be more creative. I hope you find something that will inspire you to do your best work over the coming year.

Elsewhere this issue, we bring you incredible tutorials from the likes of João Oliveira, our number one new designer Jessica Walsh, the ever-talented Matt Booth (who has created a sublime Flash toy) and Anna Wray. Also in the section you’ll find a Brief Encounter from Serial Cut on how the studio created this issue’s cover.

Next issue, we bring you a cover from the multitalented Vasava. Look out for the coloured foil block on newsstands from 14 January in the UK (and about three weeks later in the US). All that remains for me to say is have a great new year – and if you’re reading this in January, all the best for the next 12 months.

Cheers,
Rob Carney Editor

IN THE MAG

Output

2009 in design
Looking back over the year’s finest design and illustration

Us & Them
The music poster maestros answer our questions

Studio of the Month
Artillery shows us around its seaside studio

In Depth

Make 2010 your best year ever
Our series of invaluable features kicks off

Get your dream job
Insiders’ tips on moving up the creative ladder

Start your own studio
Pro advice on launching a successful design studio

Get bigger clients
The tips and techniques to bag the biggest briefs

Perfect print portfolios
How your folio can unlock creative success

Make more money
How to earn more cash from your creativity

Be more creative
Top tips to keep your creative juices flowing through 2010

Technique

High-impact light effects
João Oliveira’s Photoshop lighting masterclass

Playful type in Illustrator
Add shape to your custom letterforms

Webcam light painting in Flash
Jaw-dropping Flash for painting with light

Inspiration Workshop
Discover Bel Johnstone’s intricate work

InDesign effects
Accept&Proceed takes us through some text effects tricks in InDesign

Layer masks the easy way
Paul Tysall shares his top tips for fast masking

Brief Encounter
Serial Cut reveals how the cover was created

Character pattern masterclass
Follow Anna Wray’s fast route to pattern work

Type essentials
Jacob Cass gives you five crucial Illustrator pointers

Need to Know

Studio printers
Our guide to the latest print technology

CMS explained
The options available for your portfolio site