Foundation Illustrator 10

Today's designer is called upon to wear multiple hats in the task of creating for various media. The ability to generate graphics from a blank page, in a way that they can be effectively repurposed for both print and web delivery, is crucial.

But where to start? And how? Foundation Illustrator 10 takes an approachable and authoritative look at Adobe's staple vector graphics package, teaching the fundamental skills required to design graphics for web and print.

It looks at the benefits of using vector graphics in design, examining each of the tools in the well-honed Illustrator toolbox. It gives good advice on how to organize work and evolve good workflow habits, and how to bring out the best in color artwork.

After this solid grounding the book breaks out into open waters by trying out more complex effects, taking an in-depth look at paths and the varying way in which objects can be created.

After the creativity, readers are given all the information they need to prepare their work for print or web. The end result will be enough solid knowledge to negotiate the print and electronic design world with ease, while packing a potent punch with some swift Illustrator moves.

Foundation Illustrator 10 is an entry-level book, giving readers a firm foundation in vector graphics production. It draws readers through the learning process, by means of a working Case Study. This gradually builds throughout each chapter, making use of the techniques most recently examined. This intertwining approach enables users to get that crucial practical experience under their belt, while learning and developing at their own pace.

Summary of Contents:

1. Introducing Adobe Illustrator
2. Introducing Components of Illustrator Artwork
3. Creating Artwork
4. Working with Color
5. Drawin Paths
6. Transforming Objects
7. Creating Complex Shapes: Using the Pathfinder palette, Clipping Masks and Compound Paths
8. Creating Painterly Effects
9. Creating Artwork Efficiently: Using Symbols, Brushes, Styles and Actions
10. Filters and Effects
11. Transparency
12. Organizing your Artwork
13. Creating Text and Graphs
14. Working with Imported (Photoshop) Images
15. Preparing for print
16. Preparing for web delivery
17. Saving and exporting