E-book

Art and Design in Photoshop : How to simulate just about anything from great works of art to urban graffiti

Fancy designing your own classic and contemporary movie posters, books and magazine covers?

Feel like turning your photographs into works by Turner, Matisse and Magritte?Want to create illustrations in the styles of The Simpsons, steampunk and Victorian engravings?

Then you need Art and Design in Photoshop.

In this unique book, acclaimed master of photomontage and visual trickery Steve Caplin shows you how to stretch your creative boundaries. Taking the same tried-and-tested practical approach as his best selling How to Cheat in Photoshop titles, Steve's step-by-step instructions recreate a dazzling and diverse array of fabulous design effects. You'll learn how to design everything from wine labels to sushi cartons, from certificates to iPod advertising, from textbooks to pulp fiction.

Written by a working pro, the clear guidelines pinpoint exactly what you need to know: how to get slick-looking results with minimum fuss, with a 16-page Photoshop Reference chapter that provides an at-a-glance guide to Photoshop tools and techniques for less experienced users. Steve explains both typography and the design process in a clear, informative and entertaining way.

All the images, textures and fonts used in the book are supplied on the accompanying CD-ROM. Imaginative, inspirational and fun to use, this book is a must-have for every creative Photoshop user, both amateur and professional.

* Learn to quickly and ingeniously create fantastic graphic effects in Photoshop, from graffiti to classic art, newsprint and stained-glass windows
* Easy and fun to use with clear step-by-step instructions and hundreds of screenshots.
* Backwards compatible: fully up-to-date with the latest Photoshop release but also relevant for use with previous versions of Photoshop

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The Ultimate Adobe Photoshop CS2 Collection : Four best-selling CS2 books - All on one DVD

Not everyone has the desire - or the finances - to upgrade to the latest version of Photoshop - and that's where this DVD comes in. Packed full of information from four of Focal Press' top selling authors, The Ultimate Adobe Photoshop CS2 Collection is the one stop guide to all things CS2.

The DVD contains the full text of the following books in fully searchable eBook format - as well as all of the tutorials, videos and sample images from the accompanying DVDs:Evening: Adobe Photoshop CS2 for Photographers + all DVD content, Caplin: How To Cheat in Photoshop 3ed + all DVD content, Andrews/Galer: Photoshop CS2 Essential Skills + all DVD content, Andrews: Photoshop CS2 A-Z

Key Features
* Full, searchable eBook versions of all four titles
* All accompanying DVD content - tutorials, videos and sample images
* Less than half the price of buying all four titles separately* Total combined sales of over 100,000 copies!

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Black and White in Photoshop CS3 and Photoshop Lightroom : Create stunning monochromatic images in Photoshop CS3, Photoshop Lightroom, and beyond

Black and white photography has come a long way in the digital world. Feeling overwhelmed by the endless conversion options in (and around) Photoshop, Lightroom and beyond? If so, you are not alone, and this is definitely the book for you!

In this thoroughly up-to-date book that covers all of the new features of Photoshop CS3 and Lightroom, you'll learn how to use methods within an application or raw converter, scripts, plug-ins, and more. Leslie Alsheimer and Bryan O'Neil Hughes show you everything you need to know to uncover the secrets to successful black and white conversion and printmaking. Let the stunning images (presented in both color and black and white) show you just what is possible when you master these powerful tools.

Bryan O'Neil Hughes is a Product Manager for the Photoshop team, and a Product Evangelist for the Photoshop Lightroom Team. Working for Adobe since 1999, Bryan has helped test, develop, drive and demonstrate Adobe's digital imaging applications. Beyond Adobe, Bryan is a published photographer, editor and author.

Leslie Alsheimer is a freelance photographer, and photo educator based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With the Santa Fe Digital Darkroom, Leslie travels around the country teaching photography, Photoshop and digital imaging workshops, as well as working with private clients as a creative imaging consultant, instructor, and trainer. She has worked extensively with many of the foremost digital image makers in the US. She is an instructor with the American Photo/Nikon Mentor Series and a member of the Adobe Beta Testing Team. Leslie is also the Director of Community Photography Outreach.

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Creative Photoshop : Digital Illustration and Art Techniques

"Derek's edge is that he won't stand still. He has a knack for finding new corners of the program to exploit and innovative ways of doing so. He's pushed the boundaries not only for his own art but also for thousands of up and coming artists who also want to create onscreen the visions they have in their minds. If you've bought this book, you're about to discover what I mean."-Garrick Webster, Editor, Computer Arts

Welcome to the world of art and imagination! Derek Lea, one of the world's top 100 digital artists, shows you how to use Photoshop in unorthodox ways to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. His work is a unique combination of original photography, traditional illustration, and digital art.

If you are a digital artist, illustrator, cartoonist, graphic artist or designer who is familiar with Photoshop, but want to push the program to the limit, this book is for you! Learn how to get professional results from the paint features in Photoshop. Create sharp illustrations by combining vectors and pixels. Explore less-than-obvious composition methods, and discover the hidden potential in unlikely artistic resources and materials. Play around with texture using spray paint effects and scanned elements, or age faces and objects. Use stencil tags and comic book coloring techniques. Learn how to bring 3D art to life! Maximize your creativity AND efficiency with invaluable information on working between Photoshop and Illustrator.

This book/CD package provides clear, step-by-step tutorials that make it easy to emulate Lea's techniques in your own work. With all the images from the book to play with, you'll be creating stunning artwork in no time!

* Learn from an award winning digital illustrator how to think outside the box and create stunning art with Photoshop
* Be inspired by a wide range of artistic styles and real world techniques that you can adapt to your own work, including graffiti spray art, comic coloring, and antique effects
* Practice new skills with FREE tutorial files on the CD

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Creative Suite 3 Integration : Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Flash Pro, Acrobat, Bridge and Version Cue

Learn how to integrate the new versions and features of all design programs within Creative Suite 3 with this definitive guide. Improve your productively by achieving professional results faster and more collaboratively. Simplify both your creative and production tasks as you move your creative elements freely between applications while maintaining editing capability - all in one unified design environment.

With this book, you get a unique combination with...

* Focus on integration so that you can work most efficiently with the Suite's packages together as part of your overall design workflow, saving valuable time
* Colorful, practical tutorials that use multiple programs for real-life projects
* Look-up reference and troubleshooting organization for cross-program issues - even if you use just 2 or 3 of the CS programs
* Coverage from basics for readers who are just beginning with the Suite through in-depth, comprehensive info for cross program mastery

From print, Web, or multimedia projects to PDFs, you get the most hands-on approach to cross-Suite issues. Exciting real-world projects include building entire websites and multi-chapter books. Produce effective and efficient PDFs for approval and print or screen using Acrobat with content from Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign.

Whether you work with design, editorial, advertising, or production, you will not find this information anywhere else!

Praise from Ginna Baldassarre, Sr. Product Manager, Creative Suite, Adobe Systems Inc.

"After reading this book, I was so happy to see that we have a great resource/tool that really highlights the strides Adobe has taken to really integrate these products. Keith's book is so easy to follow and really targets the benefits and efficiencies gained by having all the creative tools work seamlessly. Keith really makes you feel like you are in his studio with him, watching him work, and learning about all the different products. It's almost a magical experience.

After reading this book, I know that you will continue to fall in love with all the new features the CS3 applications have to offer..and perhaps learn some new things that you didn't know! I know I did."

* A unique guide showing you how to use the 7 packages within Adobe's Creative Suite 3 together and efficiently as part of your overall workflow, saving you valuable time
* Produce professional results with highly illustrated, practical how-to tutorials
* Ideal to use as a look-up reference and trouble shooting manual for cross-program issues - even if you own just 2 or 3 of the CS programs
* Bonus CD packed with project files so you can work right alongside the examples in the book; sample images, partially completed layouts and graphics from the projects; and links to useful online resources

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Flash Catalyst Workshop : Rich Internet Applications for Designers

Master Web and interactive design with the powerful new Flash Catalyst toolset. Tutorial exercises demonstrate how you can use artwork and assets from your tool of choice, Illustrator orPhotoshop for example, and transform them into complex, data driven applications.Yes, now you can design Interactivity without coding! You get step-by-step instruction on how to build projects from a simple button component to a searchable video application. Topical articles address issues critical to your new workflow, whether you want to publish projects to the web or collaborate with developers using a single project file. Key Features:

* Detailed projects reveal multiple workflow alternatives including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Fireworks
* Design/development processes are detailed to improve workflow
* The companion Web site features Catalyst-based interfaces that are deconstructed within the book

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Flash + After Effects, Second Edition : Add Broadcast Features to Your Flash Designs

Flash Designers, push Flash to the next level with After Effects' robust toolset. Combine these two powerhouse applications to expand your multimedia horizons. Flash + After Effects gives the experienced Flash designer a working understanding of the After Effects toolset with professional techniques that raise the design bar for Web, HD broadcast, or CD/DVD delivery. The companion web site contains project media that permit you to practice essential After Effects skills that include:

* Working with live video in Flash and the After Effects timeline
* Using alpha channels for keying and enhancing interactivity
* Exporting layered After Effects compositions for Flash
* Building interactive 3D environments with video, cameras, and lights
* Enhancing character animation using IK and Puppet Tools
* Experimenting with Pixel Bender between Flash and After Effects
* Exporting video in HD and for the Web

You also get a video primer, render and file optimization techniques, and publishing and streaming guidelines.

Combine two powerhouse applications to:
* Add motion graphics and visual effects
* Build interactive 3D video environments
* Enhance character animation
* Prepare Flash animation for HD
* Save development time

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Flash Advertising : Flash Platform Development of Microsites, Advergames and Branded Applications

Create awe-inspiring, mind-blowing Flash ads, microsites, advergames, and branded applications that engage consumers and demonstrate their worth to clients. Creating Flash Advertising delivers the nuts and bolts of the development process from initial design conception to ad completion. You'll learn the best practices for:
* Mastering the myriad of ad specs, deadlines, quality and version control issues
* Creating ads that balance campaign goals with design constraints
* Preparing and building ads with team and QC standards
* Using forms and data in ads without file bloat
* File optimization techniques for swf files
* 3rd party rich media technologies that transcend the 30k banner
* Integrating video into sites and banners
* Social media applications
* Trafficking and tracking ads for impressions, interactions, clicks, and conversions* Using ActionScript to save development time and implement team standards

* Real-world examples of rich media ads and AIR applications
* Industy insider tips and workflows from award winning designers
* Companion Web site with case studies, and re-usable AS3 and Flex code snippets

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How to Cheat in Adobe Flash CS5

Need to solve problems quickly to develop creative projects to time and to budget? Want to hone your Flash skills so you can concentrate on your animation? Then How to Cheat in Flash is for you! Chris Georgenes shows how to work from the problem to the solution - from the viewpoint of an animator who has been commissioned to create a job and is working to a deadline and to a budget.

With his in-depth knowledge of the little-known secrets used by the pros to produce creative, professional animations, Chris isthe go-to guru for designers and animators who want to create great animation, applications or motion design with Flash.Fully updated for CS5, How to Cheat in Flash CS5,is a goldmine of artistic inspiration, timesaving practical tips, tricks and step-by-step workthroughs that you'll wonder how you survived without it.

Each techniquesis designed as a double-page spread so you can prop the book up behind your keyboard or next to your monitor as a visual reference while working alongside it. Many of these workthroughs are real-world client projects, with the source files supplied for you to open and explore. With these real-life professional projects you'll discover how to:bring objects to life with cool motion effects, make it rain, snow or set your world ablaze, develop flash mobile applications and many more tips and tricks not found anywhere else!

* Work over the shoulder of Chris Georgenes, renowned Flash expert,and apply thepractical techniques, tips and tricks to yourown projects.
* Bestselling How to Cheat coverage of Flash CS5 - proven format for successful learning
* Learn a myriad of tips and tricks based on real-life working methods to help you work faster and more efficiently and to budget!
* Work from the problem to the solution, to gain the best possible results from Flash CS5!

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Flash Cinematic Techniques

Apply universally accepted cinematic techniques to your Flash projects to improve the storytelling quotient in your entertainment, advertising (branding), and educational media. A defined focus on the concepts and techniques for production from story reels to the final project delivers valuable insights, time-saving practical tips, and hands-on techniques for great visual stories. Extensive illustration, step-by-step instruction, and practical exercises provide a hands-on perspective.Explore the concepts and principles of visual components used in stories so you are fluent in the use of space, line, color, and movement in communicating emotion and meaning. Apply traditional cinematography techniques into the Flash workspace with virtual camera movements, simulated 3d spaces, lighting techniques, and character animation. Add interactivity using ActionScript to enhance audience participation.

* A unique focus on the principles and techniques of the visual art in storytelling.
* Concepts are illustrated with deconstruction of technical issues, step-by-step instruction, and exercises.
* CompanionCD-ROM contains digital examples and media files for exercises

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Real-World Flash Game Development

This book covers Flash for the everyday developer. The average Flash developer doesn't have luxurious timelines, employers who understand the value of reusability, or the help of an information architect to design a usable experience. This book helps bridge the gap for these coders who may be used to C++, Java, or C# and want to move over to Flash. Griffith covers real-world scenarios pulled from his own experiences developing games for over 8 years in the industry.

Gifts from Griffith's REAL-WORLD experiences include: Game design templates and pre-written scripts to automate tasks within Flash; Classes for handling common math computations used in gaming, so that game developers can see how to set up a simple game flow; Powerful debugging tools for your games(debuggers for Flash games are hard to come by, and this book provides them for you).

The associated web site offers: Code from the game examples in the book with fully build-able source files. Additional code snippets, classes, and utilities. Scripts for automating tedious and repetitive tasks within Flash. Template game-design documents for planning game proposals in the same manner outlined in the book. Links to other helpful online resources for both Flash and game development.

*Teaches Flash users the most effective ways to leverage Flash as a game development tool. Concrete, relatable approaches to Flash game development.
* Provides sound strategies, and realistic goals for success - with REAL-WORLD examples and code included so that programmers become quickly empowered to make their own Flash games. *Covers ALL the aspects that come into play when developing a game in Flash, including art, animation, scripting, and optimization.

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Layout and Composition for Animation

This essential, hands-on guide is filled with examples ofwhat a composition should look like and example of poorly designed layouts. Spot potential problems before they cost time and money, andadapt creative solutions for your own projects with this invaluable resource for beginner and intermediate artists.With Beauty and the Beast examples and Simpson character layouts, readers will learn how to develop character layout and background layout as well as strengthen composition styles witha creativetoolset of trick shot examples andinspirational case studies. A companion website will include further technique based tools,finalized layout and composition examples and tutorials for further artisticskill development.

Adaptkey techniques, tips and tricks of an an experienced layout artists with 30 years of experience to yourfilm, television and animation projects.
Save time and moneywithworkflow solutions and avoid common mistakes and problems with troubleshooting tips and tricks. Implement creative solutions for your own projects with this invaluable resource for beginner and intermediate artists with examples ofwhat a composition should look like and example of poorly designed layouts.Create professional character layouts and background layouts as well as strengthen composition styles witha creativetoolset of trick shot examples, inspirational case studies and professional Disney examples and Simpson character layouts.
Further your artisticskill development with an interactive, companion website which will includefinalized layout and composition examples and tutorials.

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Hybrid Animation

Artist imaginations continue to grow and stretch the boundaries of traditional animation. Successful animators adept and highly skilled in traditional animation mediums are branching out beyond traditional animation workflows and will often use multiple forms of animation in a single project. With the knowledge of 3D and 2D assets and the integration of multiple animation mediums into a single project, animators have a wealth of creative resources available for a project that is not limited to a specific animation medium, software package or workflow processs.

Enhance a poignant scene by choosing to animate the scenic background in 2D while the main character is brought to life with 3D techniques. Balance the budget demands of a project by choosing to integrate a 2D or 3D asset to save time and expense. Choose which medium Hybrid Animation, learn the systematic development of the 2D and 3D assets and the issues surrounding choices made during the creative process.

* Achieve 2D and 3D character interactions and learn to animate beyond the mediums of classical animation with class exercises, projects and step by step tutorials for students and advanced amateur animators.
* Produce high-quality 2D and 3D narratives, regardless of the software you use; featuring Photoshop, Corel, Flash, After Effects and Maya workflows.
* Learn from other's experience with featured interviews of industry leaders who have successfully integrated 2D and 3D assets into their own workflows.
* Think critically about visual styles, the effects of 2D/3D overlaying in animation creation and the entire pipeline from start to finish.
* Explore hybrid animation techniques and insider tricks with the global animation community with an online forum and companion website.

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Write Your Way into Animation and Games

Launch your career in writing for video games or animation with the best tips, tricks, and tutorials from the Focal press catalog--all at your fingertips. Let our award-winning writers and game developers show you how to generate ideas and create compelling storylines, concepts, and narratives for your next project.
Write Your Way Into Animation and Games provides invaluable information on getting into the game and animation industries. You will benefit from decades of insider experience about the fields of animation and games, with an emphasis on what you really need to know to start working as a writer.
Navigate the business aspects, gain unique skills, and develop the craft of writing specifically for aniamtion and games. Learn from the cream of the crop who have shared their knowledge and experience in these key Focal Press guides:
Digital Storytelling, Second Edition by Carolyn Handler MillerAnimation Writing and Development by Jean Ann WrightWriting for Animation, Comics, and Games by Christy MarxStory and Simulations for Serious Games by Nick Iuppa and Terry BorstWriting for Multimedia and the Web, Third Edition by Timothy Garrand

* How to break in to the industry and have a career in writing for animation or videogames.
* How to fine tune your narrative, characters, world, and dialogue--with this comprehensive guide to writing.
* Companion Web site includes all of the key multimedia and resource components from the original Focal Press books.

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