Computer Arts Projects issue 132

So here we are, at the start of the second decade of this millennium. In many ways, time’s flown by – but cast your mind back to the days before broadband, Creative Suite and the iPod, and it’s clear just how much the design industry has changed since 2000.

What have we learned? Well, perhaps most importantly, that while the countless advances in software and technology may make the creative process easier, they won’t make you a better designer. As our feature on 10 years of graphic design points out, the explosion of identikit vectors in the early part of the decade eventually became repetitive. It’s the boundary-breakers that people remember.

There’s a similar message from our panel of experts, gathered from across the globe to predict future trends in design, illustration, animation and web design – simply put, style is nothing without the substance to back it up.

In this issue we’ll go behind the scenes of some groundbreaking projects that helped define the noughties, from Adhemas Batista’s vibrant vector work for Havaianas to the lo-fi aesthetic of LittleBigPlanet – part of a full-circle return in popularity for the ‘handmade’ design ethos.

And with craft skills tipped to push clients’ buttons in 2010, next month we pit handmade against digital in a technique-packed issue dedicated to honing your existing skills, and picking up fresh ones – perfect to add to your armoury for the next decade of design.

Nick Carson Editor

IN THE MAG

Project one_ Illustration

A decade of illustration
How a once-declining discipline embraced new technology and reinvented itself

Adhemas Batista: Havaianas
The pioneering Brazilian illustrator discusses his career-defining work for the world’s most famous flip-flop brand

Expert predictions
Our panel of world-class illustrators debate the future of their craft

Project two_ Graphic design

A decade of graphic design
Apple, Starbucks and Coca-Cola: how graphic design defined the noughties

johnson banks: The Beatles stamps
Award-winning designer Michael Johnson gives a fascinating glimpse into his creative process

Expert predictions
Stay ahead of the curve with our expert forecast for where design’s going next

Project three_ Web design

A decade of web design
How this creative discipline has exploded since 2000, from Flash to social media

2Advanced Studios: Ratchet and Clank
Creative director Shane Mielke deconstructs his website design for Sony’s flagship PS3 game

Expert predictions
Some strong opinions take the stage in the third of our future-gazing slots

Project four_ Animation

A decade of animation
From Flash in your bedroom to the latest CGI blockbusters: why the only way is up for the craft of animation

Rex Crowle: LittleBigPlanet
Designing the look and feel of 2009’s IAA Game of the Year

Expert predictions
Our final panel of experts discuss where technology and storytelling will go next

Regulars

Big question
What’s your design highlight of the last decade?

Covers of the decade
Our art editor picks his favourites

Books of the decade
We pick our top 10 titles