Software Essentials For Graphic Designers

Today's software packages and, more specifically, their user manuals have become huge and complex, making them daunting prospects for beginners or those in need of a refresher course. Now Mark Gatter presents a groundbreaking book, aimed primarily at new graphic designers and students, which imparts the essential basics that professionals will need on a day-to-day basis to run seven major graphics and web-design programs used the world over. Each chapter familiarizes the user with the screen, menus, windows, tools, navigation system and basic procedures specific to each piece of software. There is a logical flow of information and methods, complimented by colour illustrations, which enables the learner to start using the program immediately, regardless of the version they have installed. All instructions are provided in both Mac and PC format.

"A guide to the seven leading software programs in graphic design, presenting the essential basics that students and professionals need on a day-to-day basis to use Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, QuarkXPress, Dreamweaver, Flash, and Acrobat, including: seven chapters that focus on a separate program and familiarize the user with the screen, menus, windows, tools, navigation system, and basic procedures specific to each piece of software; overviews of all the software applications and descriptions of how they interact with one another, and features a full glossary of terms; information on such wider aspects of digital technology as color management and printing processes; and instructions in both Mac and PC formats." - product description.

Creating effective, eye-catching designs and layouts is a matter of both inspiration and practical know-how. This book integrates clear explanations of the concepts behind great design with instruction in the use of the core software packages - Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign. It helps beginner learn the essentials of graphic design.

Learning by doing is the best way to get to grips with new ideas, and graphic design is no different. Weaving together creative strategies and design principles with step-by-step Adobe software guidance, this unique book helps you to immediately put into practice the concepts as you're learning them so they become second nature. Covering all the introductory topics a designer needs to know – from working with colour and layout, to editing images and designing apps – this fully updated edition of the hugely popular Graphic Design Essentials includes plenty of hands-on instruction and real-life examples to give you a thorough grounding in the fundamentals. This new edition includes: - Coverage of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign - Examples of designs from the UK, US, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, China, the Middle East and Australia - Smaller supporting activities alongside major project exercises - New design formats, including apps and infographics - Downloadable resources to use within the software instruction

Creating effective, eye-catching designs and layouts is a matter of both inspiration and practical know-how. Graphic Design Essentials is the ultimate guide to great design for aspiring designers. Written by a leading teacher and practitioner, the book integrates clear explanations of the concepts behind great design with instruction in the use of the core software packages - Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign . It is written especially to help beginners learn the essentials of graphic design quickly and to reflect the fact that the creative process needs to involve a thorough integration of design principles with software capabilities. Illustrations and analyses of classic designs sit alongside step-by-step introductions to the design and software skills necessary to achieve powerful results. The book follows a clear formula of design concepts, examples, analysis, software skills and projects. This encourages both successful development of design fundamentals and the capability to produce graphic designs.

This book combines beginning design principles with design skills and software instruction. Using a hands-on approach, ideal for the introductory student in graphic design, the book starts each chapter with a design "masterwork" by a well known graphic designer then walks the reader through the concepts being covered and shows them how to use the appropriate software to produce their work.

DON'T use comic sans (except ironically!) but DO worship the classic typefaces like Helvetica and Garamond. Graphic Design Rules is a handy guide for professional graphic designers, students, and laymen who incorporate graphic design into their job or small business. Packed with practical advice, this spirited collection of design dos and don'ts takes readers through 365 rules like knowing when to use a modular grid—and when to throw the grid out the window. All designers will appreciate tips and lessons from these highly accomplished authors, who draw on years of experience to help you create good design.

'The Language of Graphic Design' provides graphic design students and practitioners with an in-depth understanding of the fundamental elements and principles of their language, what they are, why they are important and how to use them effectively.