UPDATED 6.10.21 My web design and development toolset includes desktop as well as cloud-based applications. I use the tools for brainstorming, thumbnail sketching, design comprehensives, and implementation of code. I'm always open to trying new things. Sometimes, I'll explore a new program, love it, and make the switch. PINTEREST Visual discovery platform I use Pinterest to find, store and categorize images and ideas. It serves as a great reference archive for my designs and … [Read more...] about My Web Design and Development Toolset
Adobe Illustrator
Packaging Illustrator Files
Adobe introduced the package feature for Illustrator with CS6. Prior to this welcomed update, we had to manually duplicate our Illustrator files and collect all of the associated images and fonts into a folder. Talk about opportunities for error! Unless you were extra careful, it was inevitable that a font or image (or two) would be missing from the folder that you sent off to the print vendor. You can't simply email the Illustrator file to whoever needs it. You must provide the Illustrator … [Read more...] about Packaging Illustrator Files
Create an Illustrator File with Bleeds
Adobe Illustrator is primarily a drawing tool for vector art. But, you can also use it as a layout program, and there will be times when you need to include bleeds if the final piece is going to be printed. Posters, magazine covers, business cards, and postcards are some of the 1- or 2-sided layouts you can create in Illustrator. If the project has more than 2 sides or pages, then I recommend using InDesign. Creating a file with bleeds in Illustrator is actually pretty similar to what you do … [Read more...] about Create an Illustrator File with Bleeds
Paste in Place: Moving Objects with Power
Most computer users are familiar with the "Paste" command. You copy an object, then place it somewhere else via "Paste": go to the Edit drop-down menu and select it there or use the keyboard shortcut CMMD-V (Mac) / CNTRL-V (PC). Why "V" for "Paste", you might ask? "P" is used for "Print", that's why! There is another, more powerful method of placing objects in InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator: "Paste in Place". It was added to the Creative Suite tool chest beginning with CS5 (at least … [Read more...] about Paste in Place: Moving Objects with Power