Computer Arts Projects issue 115

The sheer range of print projects in production – from magazines and books to brochures, flyers and posters – mean it’s an exciting area of design. But in an increasingly digital world, what is the future of print?

The Studio 8 team, one of our two interviewees this issue, firmly believe that print is still relevant, and will become more inventive and of a higher quality to compete with interactive media. You can see this for yourself in our Showcase pages, and also on page 60, where we’ve gathered together the 10 most innovative print projects from the last 12 months, and look to the developments in the future.

Whether you’re new to print design or have years of experience, you’ll find plenty of practical advice too – our tutorials cover setting up grids and guides for consistent design, working with pagination on projects of all sizes, and experimenting with CMYK and overprinting, spot colours, and special finishes. If you’re thinking of launching a new print title, the Pigeons & Peacocks launch has heaps of great lessons, and we finish off with advice on choosing the right method for printing your project, and a guide to paper stocks.

If this issue influences your next print project, I’d love to see the results – you can email me at the address below.

Kate Evans Editor
kate.evans@futurenet.com

IN THE MAG

Project one: The fundamentals of print design

Build better page grids
Master your grids and guides in layout software with Alistair Dabbs

Design and launch your own magazine
Dan Grabham has expert advice from the team of Pigeons & Peacocks

Master page numbers and sections
Follow Roddy Llewellyn’s guide to effective page navigation

Designer challenge
Three designers create an opening spread for a fictional fashion magazine

Project two: Unusual designs

Studio 8 interview
The editorial design team tell Ed Ricketts why print isn’t going away

CMYK in production
Combine CMYK printing techniques in Rodney Dive’s essential project

Paragons of print
Caroline Archer uncovers the 10 most innovative examples of print design

Spot colours and special finishes
Special inks and spot varnishes can transform your print projects, as Alistair Dabbs explains

Project three: Producing your project

Luke Hayman
Nick Spence catches up with the influential figure in editorial design

Get to grips with Acrobat’s PDF/X format
Tom Dennis guides you through preflighting a PDF/X document

From pixel to paper
Follow Mark Sparrow’s advice on choosing the perfect printer

Get to grips with paper
Find your way through the sea of paper choices for your projects, with Dan Grabham’s complete guide