I just noticed via my blog stats that I was receiving traffic from Wikipedia; turns out my blog post on the Pixelmator release is being cited as a reference on the Pixelmator Wikipedia entry in regards to criticism of the software — specifically the lack of graphics tablet pressure sensitivity.
In the post I actually mention that the Pixelmator creators have that feature on the drawing board for a future release, but I suppose it is a bit of a criticism. I still think Pixelmator is great stuff, but as a Wacom geek the pressure sensitivity is something I have come to rely on in a graphics application.
Continue reading 'Wikipedia Goes Legit'
by George Coghill -
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A quick overview comparing the two new image editors Pixelmator and Acorn by designer John Whipple. I would have to agree with most of his points. The one thing I really, really like about Acorn is the handy resizing & cropping keyboard modifiers: hold Option and drag to resize, hold Control and drag to crop. It’s a very clever and very handy way to do things quickly. The zoom slider at the bottom of the window is nice as well. Oh, and the integrated screenshot tool.
Continue reading 'Pixelmator & Acorn: Quick Comparison Review'
by George Coghill -
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The much-buzzed image editor Pixelmator has just been released in all it’s 1.0 glory, which means the rest of us can download the demo and if so inclined pick up a copy ($59).
I have played around a bit with it and it seems pretty darn cool. Once I have a chance to compare it to Acorn I’ll get a review up here.
Continue reading 'Image editor Pixemator hits 1.0'
by George Coghill -
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I have recently become an invited artist over the community illustration blog Sugar Frosted Goodness. If you aren’t familiar with the site, it’s a great community site for illustrators where not only do members post artwork, but also a weekly theme is put together where the contributing artists all submit their interpretation. Similar to the Illustration Friday concept as well as other community artist sites who maintain similar events.
There is lots of great artwork over at SFG, be sure to check it out. It’s a great site to see regular work as well as find some inspiration and creative community.
by George Coghill -
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I just set up a Jaiku illustrator channel for Adobe Illustrator users and vector artists. If you aren’t familiar with Jaiku, it’s a chat-based social networking community similar to Twitter. Both are also referred to as “microblogs” in that the “posts” are limited to 140 characters. It’s designed for quick thoughts and comments.
Continue reading 'Illustrator Channel on Jaiku'
by George Coghill -
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A recent project, “Major Change” was developed for a Canadian client looking for a cartoon character mascot for a promotional campaign. Interestingly enough although it was a Canadian client, they preferred to go with a United States military officer for the iconic quality. Kind of a bummer to think that when people think “military”, they think “United States”. I guess for some people that’s a positive thing. And before this post gets too political…
For some reason I had it in my mind from the initial discussions that somehow the character was to be a gruff bulldog chomping on a cigar, General Patton-style. The cigar remained, but I was set straight on the proper direction early on. Another reason to make sure you have plenty of dialog with your client before starting projects.
Continue reading '“Major Change”'
by George Coghill -
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A cartoon illustration & design project for a friend’s party required the resulting art to be suitable for reproduction on a photocopy machine. After some trial, error, Google search, trial, error, Google search, trial, error I discovered the magic combo that allows you to create a halftone in Photoshop for an image and print it out on your inkjet printer so the art will be perfect for photocopying.
This technique is perfect for flyers, newsletters or any other short-run printing needs you have where the cheapness of a photocopy is desired, but so are grayscale images.
Continue reading 'Cartoon Art & Halftones Tutorial: From Inkjet Printer to Photocopier'
by George Coghill -
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Just posted this funky cartoon skull illustration to my iStockPhoto illustrator account. I was trying to get a good chunk of Halloween imagery uploaded for the upcoming holiday, but with other work projects I just have not had the time to get much done, and it’s getting pretty close to printing deadlines for October/Halloween this year.
Regardless, I have always loved drawing skeletons, and anything Halloween related - monsters, zombies, The Mummy, Frankenstein, Dracula - you name it.
Continue reading 'Cartoon Skull & Pumpkin Halloween Art Available for Licensing'
by George Coghill -
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Pantone just released a brand new color matching system, touted as a “complement” to the PMS system they’ve used for 45 years. Once Adobe gives it the OK, PMS colors will be out the window. This has been in the works for about 4 years, so it predates the X-Rite buyout.
Supposedly the new numbering system is much more logical and expandable. It even comes with it’s own software now — even those who just opt for the standard fan books. Adobe hasn’t yet embraced the new system, but I can’t see why that won’t happen eventually.
Continue reading 'Pantone Announces New “Goe” Color Matching System'
by George Coghill -
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Illustrator extraordinaire Von Glitschka has a very cool podcast out that I just started listening to, The Illustrative Designer podcast. Each podcast is basically an interview by “the Vonster” (as he calls himself) with a chosen professional illustrator, cartoonist or designer. The most recent illustrator interview was with (the unimaginably prolific) cartoon illustrator & designer Bob Staake.
The “illustrative designer” moniker comes from Von’s idea that when asked to describe his work, he says he’s not a graphic designer that can draw, but rather an illustrator who can design. Hence, “illustrative designer”.
Continue reading 'Podcast review: The Illustrative Designer'
by George Coghill -
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