Computer Arts issue 176

While there may be no exact science to amazing design, illustration and digital art, there’s certainly methods you can employ to make yourself think about your ongoing work in different ways. That’s why we made it our mission this month to scour the best of the creative industry and get advice for you in key areas of design – including composition, perspective, colour and using textures. The result is 101 nuggets of essential practical and theoretical creative advice, and, no matter your skill level, there will be words of wisdom that inspire and inform.

We’ve also been speaking to Rex Jung, a neuroscientist at the University of New Mexico. “Why?” You may ask. Well, we wanted to try to get a grasp of the science behind creativity – and how you can stimulate your brain to generate great ideas every time. Check out Rex’s research in the mag.

And with the World Cup kicking off (or having kicked off, depending when you’re reading this), we thought we’d celebrate the occasion by looking back at the history of the posters accompanying the tournament. Whether you like football or not, it’s a fascinating retrospective of design from 1930 to the present day.

We’re also continuing our call for entries for this year’s Graduate Showcase. And next issue, on sale 01 July in the UK, we bring you 89 secrets to succeeding as a freelancer. See you then.

Rob Carney Editor

IN THE MAG

Output

Augmented Reality
From magazine covers to creative canvases

Script & Seal
Experimental design from Liz Meyer and Gavin Potenza

Studio of the Month
RARE opens its doors to show us around

In Depth

Miles Newlyn
We chat with the logo design legend and typographer

101 ways to make better images
From illustration to graphic design, learn the time-tested tips and rules

The World Cup in posters
Every World Cup poster from 1930 to 2010, and the designers behind them

The science behind great ideas
Ride your brain waves to new levels of creativity

Technique

Fake a studio shoot
Use Photoshop to fake it in style

Abstract portraiture
Tom Lane’s masterclass in striking portraits

Create charismatic characters
Peskimo turns a signature style into a character

Gesture-driven interfaces
Combine Photoshop and Flash for stunning interface design

Dynamic manipulation
Make your images leap from the canvas

Inspiration Workshop
Nathan Jurevicius tells of the genesis of Scarygirl

Brief Encounter
Crab Creative on how it scaled the heights of the latest Berghaus brief

Need to Know

Perfect proofing
The tools and technology to keep colour spot on

Launch your own exhibition
Top tips for creatives running the show