Being a successful graphic designer today requires more than knowing the essential features of industry-standard software applications. It also requires an understanding of how to integrate these programs into a seamless whole while producing work that conforms to design principles-and client expectations. This fully revised edition of The Graphic Designer's Digital Toolkit, 2nd Edition provides a comprehensive overview of the "Big 4" digital design programs used in industry today-Adobe Illustrator«, Adobe Photoshop«, Adobe InDesign«, and QuarkXPress. The book examines the essential features of each, then reveals in practical detail skills and technology into effective design for print and Web media. This project based book features a highly visual introduction to the essential tools and functions of each application from the perspective of the working designer. Readers are then given the opportunity to put what they learn to work by tackling design projects from concept to completion, with assignments drawn from the everyday world of professional graphic designers.

One of the most important skills in graphic design today is the ability to integrate different software programs into a seamless whole. Yet software books continue to teach one program at a time without regard to the integration issues that lie at the heart of good digital design. The Graphic Designer

One of the most important skills in graphic design today is the ability to integrate different software programs into a seamless whole. Yet software books continue to teach one program at a time without regard to the integration issues that lie at the heart of good digital design. The Graphic Designer's Digital Toolkit provides a comprehensive overview of the "big three" digital design programs used in industry today- Illustrator, Photoshop, and QuarkXPress. The book then examines in practical detail how to merge results of these programs into good, workable designs. The Graphic Designer's Digital Toolkit features a highly visual introduction to the essential tools and functions of each application from the perspective of the working designer. Readers are then given the opportunity to put what they learn to work by tackling design projects from concept to completion, with assignments drawn from the everyday world of professional graphic designers.

Allan Wood is Associate Professor in the Visual Communications Branch at McIntosh College in Dover, New Hampshire, where he also serves as the Program Chair for the school?s Photography and Digital Imaging program. Drawing on his extensive experience in industry, owning his own business, and as a curriculum developer, Allan has developed a number of innovative courses at McIntosh that teach contemporary graphic design and web design concepts and technology.

Introduction. Unit 1: Getting Ready For Production. Welcome to the Land of OS. Designing for the Client. Unit 2: Image Editing: Adobe PhotoShop. Exploring PhotoShop. Working with Selections. Using Layers. Restoring and Retouching Photographs. Unit 3: Digital llustration: Adobe Illustrator. Exploring Illustrator. Working with Brushes, Symbols and Layers. Precision with the Pen Tool. Integrating Illustrator and Photoshop. Unit 4: Desktop Publishing with QuarkXPress. Exploring QuarkXPress. Getting Ready For Press. Appendix. Glossary.