Computer Arts Projects issue 85

For the professional designer, colour is perhaps the most important element of any job you get involved in, so it’s crucial to get it right. Unfortunately, it’s also the one thing that can so easily go wrong.

The big problem with colour is that it’s a very subjective issue. For some, a palette consisting entirely of dirty taupes and several shades of grey is a joy to behold; others prefer a more lively approach. While neither is right, there are ground rules to bear in mind.

In this issue of Computer Arts Projects we deal with those rules, and guide you through the ins and outs of how to select and use the best range of colours and finishes for any print design job you need to tackle.

From mastering the tricky and unpredictable art of blending and overlaying to finding out how to get the best out of spot colours and varnishes, we’ve pulled together some fantastic advice, tips and tutorials which will make the whole process of using colour less hit and miss, ensuring that those pieces of work that come back from the printers look as good as you’d meant them to.

Getting colour right needn’t be tricky – all you need to do now is jump in and make a splash!

Dom Hall,Editor
dom.hall@futurenet.co.uk

IN THE MAG

FEATURES

Showcase
Getting colour right is always difficult. We ask six new designers about their favourites

Bright colour
Cyan, magenta, yellow or black? We examine the print designers' favourites

Colour in print design
Colour is one of the most instant forms of graphic communication, but it can often be overlooked. Top designers and colour experts tell us how to get it right

Expert tips
You can't approach colour with confidence unless you understand what it's all about. Get started with our 20 essential tips

Colour and branding
Colour is used as a shortcut to customers' hearts in global brands. We ask the specialists to explain the ground rules

Find out more
All the best books and websites on how to make a splash with colour

PROFILES

Vault49
From New York by way of London, the Vault49 boys have built a reputation on cutting-edge graphic design which has won them fans among some of the music world's hippest names. We catch up with them to talk hoodies, hip-hop and Hed Kandi

MASA
Venezuelan graffiti artist MASA has carved a niche for creating mouthwatering illustrations based on a host of influences, including Letraset, typography, ancient Mayan motifs and Mexican wrestlers

TUTORIALS

Mix it up
Create new effects through overlaying and mixing colours in Illustrator

Spot on
Fantastic finishes through spot colours

Using gradients
Use Illustrator to create stunning watercolour-style effects

Colour calibration
Make sure you always output true colours

Colour replacement
Find out everything you need to know about Photoshop's Replace Colour tools

Convert RGB to CMYK
Make sure your on-screen images always meet your expectations through converting RGB colours to CMYK

Printing colour
Get colour working for you straight away by exploring the Process and Spot printing tools in Serif PagePlus 8 included on your CD

ON THE CD
Serif PagePlus 8 FULL PRODUCT (PC only)
Fifty royalty-free images
Exclusive by Design DVD extract
InDesign training podcast
...and much more!