April 2013 (#212)

We’ve all heard the horror stories of designers getting work ripped off. It may even have happened to you. Whether it’s a cheeky live-trace or stolen vector; speculative pitch work cropping up in a live campaign; or a plagiarised piece used as someone else’s portfolio centrepiece – the fact remains that this kind of thing really undermines the integrity and profitability of the design industry, and it needs to stop.

This month’s cover feature delves into some examples of what can go wrong – and has – for some of the world’s leading creative professionals. And, crucially, it also reveals what steps you can take to protect your own precious design work, and hopefully avoid a hefty legal bill.

Elsewhere, we dig into why so many designers and illustrators are tackling 3D for various creative purposes, and what the dyed-in-the-wool 3D pros make of it all. Plus Brooklyn-based agency Domani reveals why cutting-edge technology lies at the heart of all its creative endeavours.

So, next issue is a pretty big deal for us here at Computer Arts – we’ve kept it under wraps so far, but can now reveal we’re totally rebranding and relaunching the magazine, with brand-new sections and a totally fresh design, not to mention a fully-interactive iPad edition (at last). See the mag for more on what’s changing, and how to make sure you get your hands on a copy. We look forward to hearing what you think.

Nick Carson Editor