April 2010 (#173)

'Mogollon', as you'll learn from our feature on contemporary graphic design this month, is Spanish slang for 'plenty'. Quite fitting, then, as the NY-based design studio of that name created the cover to this packed issue.

As well as an exploration of the current state of graphic design (and where it's going next), we meet up with world-famous sleeve artist turned interactive designer Malcolm Garrett and Leeds studio Golden. And our Country Focus series continues with an in-depth look at the Spanish design scene.

Our Technique section this issue kicks off in fine form with Craig Shields showing how to inject life into finished pieces with mere doodles, and continues with Matt Booth describing how to control music visually in Flash and Melanie Bowles using Illustrator to create a plaid shirt.

One last thing before I sign off: next month we open our annual Graduate Showcase. This year looks set to be bigger than ever, with a number of interesting developments that you're going to have to wait until next issue (174) to find out about. Until then - Thursday 8th April on the UK newsstand - enjoy the issue.

Rob Carney Editor

IN THE MAG

Output

Creative collage
Meet the designers mixing media

Kathryn Hudson
Meet the Mississippi illustrator making waves

Studio of the Month
Take a look around the house of Parliament

In Depth

Malcolm Garrett
We celebrate the punk turned interactive designer

Graphic design now
Explore the current state of graphic design, and discover where it's going next

Golden
The cutting-edge creative agency in profile

Web tips for graphic artists
Learn how to take your existing design skills online

Celebrating Spain
Discover the passionate designers thriving in this continental creative hotspot

Technique

Create light effects with texture
Add colourful, personal flare to your Photoshop work

Master repeat plaid patterns
Create a signature plaid and prepare it for print

Controlling music visually in Flash
Control the volume and pan of a song via the movement of real objects

Inspiration Workshop
Jim Stoten explains the thinking behind his art

Scaling tricks for pattern prints
Learn how to manually create pattern fills and get them ready for print

Brief Encounter
How the BBC's Winter Olympics 2010 trailer was created

Add 3D depth to 2D imagery
A Photoshop masterclass in giving 2D a 3D edge

Need to Know

Large-format printers
Discover the world of super-sized graphics

Studio options
What to look for when renting workspace

Prepare your artwork for print
Get it right every time with our essential checklist