Real World Illustrator 8 (2nd Edition)

Graphics and multimedia professionals everywhere know that Adobe Illustrator is one of the most powerful tools available for illustrating and designing publications for print or the Web. They rely on its layered work environment and vector-drawing tools to achieve superior results with logos, advertisements, technical and fine arts illustrations, and more. Real World Illustrator 8 is the no-nonsense, rolled-up-sleeves approach to Illustrator. The revised edition of our best-selling book teaches essential techniques, from basic to amazing, telling you not only how, but also why and when to use them. Written by an award-winning author, presented clearly and loaded with helpful graphics, it will have you creating professional-quality illustrations in no time. Newest edition of this best-selling book. Up-to-date information on every tool and feature of Illustrator 8 Written by an award-winning author of more than 30 books on computer graphics and desktop publishing.

Hands-on instruction makes this a highly valuable and practical guide to Illustrator 8. Users of all levels of expertise, whether working on the Windows or Macintosh platform, can put Illustrator to work right away.

There's a substantial introduction to the program at the beginning. Author Deke McClelland helps you create simple drawings using points, precision curves, normal text, customized type treatment, and graphs. Next, you learn how to make advanced, customized images by modifying and combining paths; using schematic tools such as rulers, guides, and grids; applying transformations and special effects; and creating and modifying raster graphics. Finally, you learn all about color in Illustrator, from working with color models to creating gradations and other fills; using Strokes, Brushes, Blends, Masks, and Special Inks; and creating the best printed output possible. An appendix provides keyboard shortcuts for the current version and past two versions of Illustrator, as well as an overview of Illustrator's Actions feature. --Kathleen Caster