April 2012 (#199)

Master digital design with our latest issue, on sale now

Digital design is something we’re all doing more of. Indeed, even here at Computer Arts we’re busy with our latest iPad project – more on that soon. Chances are, whether you’re working in a studio, in-house or as a freelancer, you’re having to diversify your skillset to win bigger clients and bigger jobs.

So this month we bring you a guide to web design for print designers – revealing how CSS is just like the styles you’ve set up in InDesign, and how you can quickly make the transition from the printed page to slick online design. In addition, in The Design Manual, we bring you 10 top tips on moving into digital design whether you want to get into web design or apps.

Elsewhere this issue, we interview The Neighbourhood (check out the ace documentary on the disc – featuring Heston Blumenthal, no less) and the brilliant Rob Bailey. And as always our Creative Skills section is packed with technique and tips to boost your software knowledge and workflow.

Next issue is our 200th edition. And we have something very special planned. Pick it up from 5th April in the UK. See you then.

Rob Carney Editor

Make the move from print to web design

For many print designers, the thought of code and web design can seem daunting. But, as we discover from those who have made the leap, it needn’t be at all
Add depth with spot colours and channels

João Oliveira explains how you can add dimension to your illustrations with special finishes
Building worlds

The founders of prolific studio The Neighbourhood explain how their background in architecture transformed their approach to design
Create a four-colour pattern swatch

Design your own T-shirts, cushions, tea towels and more with Becca Allen’s pro tips for designing your own fabric
Creative processing

It’s spawned some fascinatingly unpredictable visual creations, but how accessible is generative art to the average designer?
The design manual

The modern designer’s guide to everything. This month, we bring you 10 pixel-pushing ways to transfer your print skills to digital