Computer Arts issue 171

I hope you’re having a great year so far. We’re kicking it off by bringing you an issue packed full of inspiration, technique and, of course, great design. The theme of the issue is ‘design secrets’ – bringing you the skills you need to become a better designer this year. Our Technique section kicks off in fine fashion with regular contributing designer Tom Lane showing you how to create type with style in Photoshop. Then, Alex Donne Johnson brings you part one of an amazing tutorial using Cinema 4D and After Effects to create explosive motion graphics.

Continuing the theme of secrets, we take an in-depth look at Acrobat Pro – a misunderstood and under-used part of Adobe’s Creative Suite. Find out how it might just become your new best friend in our feature.

One thing you certainly shouldn’t miss is our tour of some of the world’s best studios. The idea was to give an intimate, at-a-glance look at some of the more secret, dusty corners of top design houses. Let me know what you think.

Finally, without giving too much away, there’s a web address somewhere in the magazine that might bring you the chance to win a signed Vasava print. And if you’re reading in the US, you’ll find the Vasava secret cover somewhere in the mag as well. I’ll say no more.

Cheers,

Rob Carney Editor

IN THE MAG

Output

Future trends
Spotting the styles that will shape 2010’s design

Josh Cochran
Meet the young creative putting print in the mix

Designed for Life
Designer trinkets, gadgets and artistic ephemera

In Depth

Icon Interview
tDR’s Ian Anderson rises from the flames

Discover the hidden power of Acrobat
Unlock the true power of Adobe’s most undervalued creative application

Profile: PetPunk
The Lithuanian duo searching for the future of design

Open Studios
Take a peek around some of the most famous studios on the planet

Technique

Adding character to type
Tom Lane’s Photoshop typography masterclass

Commercial characters
How to successfully mix character and branding

Create Flash photo mosaics
Build photo mosaic art via your webcam

Inspiration Workshop
Spiral Studio explains its haunting artworks

Table tips in InDesign
Jo Gulliver brings simplicity to the table

From Illustrator to Flash
Tips and tricks to move smoothly through Flash

Explosive animation
Alex Donne Johnson shares his incredible motion technique

Brief Encounter
Nick Scott Studio celebrates Google’s life

Make abstract communicate
Gordon Reid shows you how to clear the way in abstract design

Need to Know

Creative 3D tools
What the latest 3d creation techniques mean for your work

Cross media tips
Ensure your artwork’s right for every output