Coolest.Technology.Ever.

While reading my weekly posts from around the design web, I ran across this amazing new tech called Augmented Reality. AR, as it is referred to in the industry, integrates 3D objects into live video, the video is digitally processed and “augmented” with the 3D components. In other words this digital processing mixes real and virtual worlds together, in real time.

So after researching this a bit and finding cool video snippets (see below), I actually was able to demo this myself using several websites (see further below). After playing around and showing this to the office, I can say that this is the coolest thing I have seen come out of technology in a long time. Leading the way with AR is Total Immersion.  They have even signed with Topps Baseball Card Co. who is jumping the shark and using AR in their 2009 lineup of specialty cards.

Video examples of AR:

2007 demonstration:



Mini Cooper Germany Demo:

Topps Baseball Cards Website. 

Demonstrations. In both cases, you must print out the marker PDF and have a webcam. 

Demo #1 (scroll past demo video to see directions)

Demo #2 

Take the next step...

In August 2008 the Creative Transitions Conference inspired participants to evolve into creative supergenuies in just 3 days. The CTC team knows professional development can't stop there, so we're bringing on the NEXT STEP in your evolution, the Creative Transitions Series '09!

We identified three hot industry topics that will help supercharge your skills:

* Web Skills for Print Professionals
* Best Practices in HTML Email and Social Media Marketing Implementation
* Advanced InDesign Skills to Enhance Workflow and Efficiency

Each $99 session provides participants six hours of expert instruction and, as take-aways, video tutorials and printed reference materials.

C2 Events plans to expand the series to provide year-round professional development opportunities for creatives in Madison and Milwaukee. Our April C2 NYCU newletter will provide more details about the Creative Transitions Series '09.

Why can't I just learn Dreamweaver?

Let's talk about web design for a minute.

In the print world, if you know how to use InDesign or Quark you essentially know how to create any document or page (with a couple caveats based on background knowledge like: placed images need the proper resolution, no accidental spot or RGB colors, etc). What you see is what you get.

Web design is different in that just knowing the Dreamweaver program does not allow you to make proper web pages. Or maybe a better way to put it is that there is much more required background knowledge before you will be able to build a professional, useful, successful web page. With that knowledge, Dreamweaver is a great tool for building websites but that background knowledge needs to come first.

What do you need to know before Dreamweaver is useful?

1 - You need to learn the rules for saving images for the web. Easy.

2 - HTML is how you get "stuff" on the page. You need to learn HTML and semantic markup (a fancy way of saying "tag things by their meaning, not their look"). It sounds like programming but it's really not, it's typing. You have to learn about 10 basic tags for HTML and then you're up and running. You can get a working knowledge of HTML in a couple hours. Fairly easy to learn.

3 - You need to learn CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). This is, admittedly, the difficult part of web design. Everything you think of as "Design" is CSS on the web - from font control to page layout. CSS has to be created by hand by typing text to create a set of rules - you can't use a tool like the frame tool InDesign to draw a box. This isn't as difficult as it may sound - you only use about 20 CSS properties on a regular basis so that's another 20 words to understand. But yes, CSS takes a while to learn because it's really more about judgement and problem solving than learning some "code words". And that's why when people ask me "Why isn't there a program where I put stuff where I want it then makes a web page for me?" I have to tell them there isn't a program like that because the act of laying out a web page involves creativity, judgement and problem solving and no program can do that for us (yet).

Acceptance that web design is not done the same way as print design is the first step.

We have 3 web related classes:

In our Standards-Based Web Design class we use Dreamweaver as we learn the 3 topics above and we create websites at the highest level of professionalism - what's known as "Standards Based web design" - This class has my strongest recommendation.

We do have a Dreamweaver specific class that teaches all the "parts" of Dreamweaver but it is for people who are part of a team that already uses Dreamweaver and that person is not responsible for creating pages but maybe updating them or doing a couple specific things using Dreamweaver. Recommended only for special cases.

We also have a class dedicated to Creating HTML Email - even though they may look the same, the rules are completely different for web pages and email HTML pages. This class uses a very specific subset of Dreamweaver's tools along with Photoshop.

Flash CS4 Tips and Tricks

Remember the new tweens live on the object, NOT the timeline, so select the object first then move the red playback head to the new frame and make your changes. The changes are "property changes" not "keyframes".

You want an object to finish its tween then stay in that state for an extended time? Shift-drag the last frame to the right (if you just drag, you extend the animation).

Be very careful with the scroll wheel on your mouse when you are over an editable field in the property or motion inspectors - most of the fields are active the moment your cursor is over them and scrolling the wheel changes values (handy if you're aware it's happening, annoying when you're trying to navigate).

BONUS TIP: If you are using the scroll wheel to change values, adding the SHIFT key changes the values by 10, COMMAND-Mac/Control-windows changes values by .1

Help Bring Back Bridge Home.

Having been a big advocate for Adobe Bridge over the years, I was shocked and sickened to discover this message when I started up my Bridge this morning. 

Adobe Bridge Home was one of the best assets available and a bragging point for Adobe Bridge. Having experienced the confusion and frustration trying to find information about my products via the Labyrinth that is Adobe.com, I was always pleased with the experience and ease-of-use from Adobe Bridge Home. Where else can you find one place that has tutorials, tips, product information, upcoming events related directly to your Adobe Products? Now you will have to search several pages in Adobe.com to find the same information housed in one source. 

Shame on you Adobe for abandoning something that your users 1. actually used and 2. worked great without the need for major updates. 

If you feel the same way I do, I encourage you to email bridgehome@adobe.com and let them know it. 

Hopefully we can bring back this very important asset to all Adobe Users. 

User Groups and Networking Overload!

As I am writing this, I am attending the first meeting of 2009 for the Milwaukee Adobe InDesign User Group. This made me think of the great opportunities for graphic designers, marketing gurus, and web heads to gather and share their creative mojo. 

In these troublesome times for employment and job hunting, marketing yourself and networking is a great way to keep yourself informed of the latest trends and opportunities. 

This can become a little overwhelming at times, I know firsthand with all the memberships I try to keep straight. For instance:

Tomorrow night (Wednesday) is the Milwaukee Adobe User Group meeting here at C2 as is our $5 Friday on Adobe Fireworks (held oddly enough on Friday). Also Friday is the I Love the Eisner Event (XOXO) which is the very fun and exciting fundraiser for the Eisner. 

Then there is also the Web414 group, Web Meetup, Graphic Design Meetup, Madison Adobe User Group, Adworkers, Ad2 and so many more. It can really make your head spin. 

Thats where C2 comes in. 

Check our C2 Pipeline for the latest meeting information for all of these groups. Think of it as your Networking Concierge. 

Do yourself a favor and bookmark it to your browser. If you haven't already, shame on you. 

Instructor Tips and Tricks

InDesign tips and Tricks:

Cmd+Opt+G will select all of the guides on any given page.

Cmd+click to select objects that are underneath other objects.

Shift-double clicking on the ruler will put a guide across the spread to the nearest tick mark.

Everyone knows that Cmd+A selects all, but few people know that Cmd+shift+A deselects all.

New in CS3 - Double-click to switch between the black and the white arrow.

New in CS3- If you are typing, hit ESC to "escape" out of a text box and select the box with the black arrow.

Duplicate and copy & paste is so last century. Opt+drag to drag a copy of whatever you are working on.

Are there any jobs out there?

Are there any jobs out there?
As the Placement Specialist at C2, clients and talent ask me this question daily. The answer is YES, of course! However, looking for a new position may take longer than it used to, and you may have to re-qualify yourself and look in different places. Employers have the advantage in this competitive market and Talent must stand out among their peers and shine above the rest! Increase demand for YOUR brand and make yourself more attractive by following these 6.5 steps:

1. Update Your Resume—Today!
Get your resume updated NOW! Ask several people to proof it. If you can’t do it yourself, find someone to assist you, or pay an expert copywriter or proofreader. Your resume reflects directly back to you. This includes getting your skills updated if you aren’t current for the market. Take some courses in the classroom or online to make it happen. Just as importantly, make sure your portfolio is current and doesn’t have dated, irrelevant material in it.

2. Keep in Touch!
Make sure that you are collecting contact information for friends and colleagues in case your company is “restructured.” Review your business cards and reconnect with anyone you haven’t communicated with in the past six months to say hello. You never know who can help you find your next opportunity.

3. Link In!!
Using LinkedIn is a great way to expand your network. Search for current and former colleagues or friends and link in. Use your completed resume (see #1 above) to start your profile on LinkedIn, and ask former associates for recommendations.

4. Why You?
Make sure you can succinctly tell someone who you are and what makes you stand out! Prepare a 30-second elevator speech and write it as if you were riding the elevator with a famous person you admire. Summarize what makes you unique, interesting and the best fit for a potential new position.

5. Network, Network, Network!
Attend events in your industry. Volunteer to help with these events or for nonprofit organizations in your neighborhood or religious organization. Donating your time helps the community and exposes you to new opportunities. Actively participate in organizations and associations that can benefit your career and your professional development. Use these events as opportunities to meet people who can give you advice (not a job!) and be a reference. Don’t bring your resume, asking, “Do you know anyone who’s hiring?” Being a good networker means being a resource – sharing your expertise and advice and asking people for the same.

6. “I’m Gumby, Dammit!”
The real Gumby was optimistic, flexible and friendly. He was resourceful and a great problem solver who never allowed obstacles to get in his way. Silly analogy maybe, but sometimes we allow salary, location, job title or some ego-threatening idea become an impediment to working for a great organization. Be open, be flexible and be friendly. You never know who will be impressed. Use resources like C2, the premier boutique staffing agency for contract and direct hire talent in the creative industry. Utilize our friends at Jobing.com and Big Shoes Network, and other niche job boards and resources out there for creatives.

6.5 Keep the faith!
If you follow these steps, what’s the worst that can happen? You’ll have a current resume, have expanded your skills and your professional development, updated your portfolio and met some wonderful new people and organizations along the way, enriching your life and helping you grow. Best-case scenario? You’ll be offered a new job!

Friday Good Stuff

Typolution

20/20 and John Stossel tackles Graphic Design

And just so that you are not screwed. Here is Paul Rand...

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Mac

Believe it or not, the Apple Macintosh turns 25 this Saturday. Everyone give a collective cheer for the two geniuses responsible for saving our creative lives. 

Also, be sure to check the Apple website Saturday for a surprise. 

What is Adobe Fireworks?

A common dilemma when creating websites is the efficient interaction between the designer and the programmer. When the designer isn't happy, the design suffers. When the programmer isn't happy, the site suffers. Success is dependent on the compromises made between the two.

Adobe Fireworks is the middle ground between these individuals. Its environment caters to both the designers and the programmers. Fireworks supports native Photoshop and Illustrator files (which makes the designers happy) and it exports flawlessly to Dreamweaver (and the programmers rejoice).

Advantages for the Designer:
Fireworks is a pixel editor and a vector editor, which means it is a combination of Photoshop and Illustrator. It also supports multiple pages and paragraph styles just like InDesign. Since InDelutratorshop wasn't a very good name for a program, Fireworks had to do. Rollover buttons, hotspots and drop down menus can be designed without having to touch any code. Common elements like form elements and buttons are built into the program which makes laying out a webpage a breeze.

Advantages for the Programmer:
WYSIWYG features for the designer are great, but if they caused the programmer grief when they build the webpage, trouble might be brewing. Thankfully, image exporting for the web is fantastic. With the entire layout intact, you can choose exactly what pieces or area that you would like to export and fine tune the compression settings to the level that you require. Even form elements that the designer put in the layout can be exported into correct form tags in the HTML.

Exporting a click-through website is a hidden strength of Fireworks. Anyone can easily export the prototype of the website for a client to test drive. This is not a finished website by any means, but it will give your client an understanding of the functionality of the site. It can contain rollovers, drop-down menus and hyperlinks, all without the need for any programming. This is important because if the client changes their mind, you are still early enough in the design stage that you can accommodate the change without having to retool everything.

This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg of Fireworks. Don't miss out on this month's $5 Friday and see Fireworks in action. When you are ready to learn more, contact Kate about our upcoming Fireworks classes.

Photoshop Goodies and Fun

Adobe Photoshop CS4 Goodies

Check out this great article by Derrick Story from Macworld.com. Some of the features are just mind blowing (bird's eye view) and others will really help push your workflow in a faster direction. 

Whats in Photoshop CS4?

Scott Kelby and the gang at Photoshop User TV have come out with a series (this is part 1 of 4) on what is so great about Photoshop CS4. A lot of good inside tips and tricks are revealed and some bad jokes as well.  

Keynote 09

As a designer, I use the Adobe Creative Suite on a daily basis, however there are some projects that require me to use other apps. One of those that come up more frequently than most is creating a presentation or slideshow. 

Now I know what you are thinking - PowerPoint right? Nope. Keynote. I actually used PP for years and still teach it from time to time, but ever since Apple launched iWork with Keynote, I haven't found a compelling reason to switch back.

At this year's MacWorld Conference Apple announced iWork 09. Now in the spirit of full disclosure, I don't use any of the other apps in iWork except Keynote. If you use Pages, stop reading, look to the left of your screen and take an InDesign Class. 

Here are some of the new features of Keynote:

Better Animations and Transitions. Apple has really ramped it up with Text Based Transitions, including Anagram, Slide In and improvements to Shimmer, Sparkle, among others. Slide transitions include the very cool Object Zoom, Object Push, Twist and many more. Even object animations are greatly improved with Magic Move. Click and record the movement for easy animations. 

Enhanced Themes. Not that I use themes a whole lot, but these are a very cool way to start a new presentation quickly and just modify for an original look. 

3D Charts and animations. This was an unexpected improvement. 3D Charts were around in previous versions, but now the animations are specific to Charts. Watch them pop up and enhance your graphs. 

Keynote Remote. This is still a big unknown with me. It has the potential to be cool if 1) you have a iphone and 2) you have a WiFi connection to run your presentation through. A less expensive alternative is to use your Apple Remote. 

The only draw backs that I have noticed and its really been an ongoing issue, is that with each new advance, Keynote becomes less and less compatible with PowerPoint. This is a critical issue in mixed usage workflows. You can create a cool preso on a Mac, but then when you export it for your client or coworker to work on in PP, all hope is lost for keeping your cool design. The other is I wish Apple would sell Keynote as a stand alone app, and not part of a package with other useless apps (anyone use Numbers instead of Excel?)

New Years Resolutions for Photoshoppers

After reading all the posts on the net about the "Year in Review", I thought it would be good to have a "Year in Preview" for Photoshop Users. This is my list of things to look forward to in 2009 and have the potential to make you geek out in a good way.

First is the advances in Photoshop CS4. We've all talked about it, posted about it, and shown you a lot of cool things, but I know people are slow to adopt. But when you do, watch out and be ready for a great time. CS4 makes Photoshop fun again (not that it really wasn't before...).

Second is Photoshop World Conferences. With Apple pulling out of MacWorld after this year, and Adobe following suit, this poises PSWorld to be the biggest Adobe related conference outside of the über expensive MAX.

Be sure to check out Photoshop User Magazine and subscribe here. PS User Magazine and its counterpart, Layers are the two best resources for Adobe Creative Suite applications that I have found. Plus, as they are the main sponsors of PS World and The Photoshop Tours, you get insider information and discounts to events hosted by them. The website alone is worth the subscription cost. Be sure to click the link posted here for a bonus DVD with your order. 

Next, I am really looking forward to the new Intel chips (dual-core nano processors, etc.) and what they can mean to both Mac and PC users. Im expecting a big ramp up on speed and in turn more Photoshop wow from Adobe. 

And lastly is something that I talk about from time to time – Adobe Labs. This is Adobe's cutting edge tech available for you to preview and read about before it is released to the masses. 

Adobe has released two really awesome applications/plug-ins for Photoshop in the past two months and they are really going to push the app into the new year.

First is Pixel Bender. If you haven't hear the gossip about this, Pixel Bender allows everyday users an interface to create their own complex filters using simple coding interfaces and a small number of tools that are sufficient to write complex image-processing algorithms (ie. Filters or Effects.

Next is Configurator. This Flex App allows you to create your own custom Photoshop panel with tools, menu options and information specific to your needs. Think of it as a way to simplify all the panels in Photoshop to fit your workflow. 

So that is my short list of what I think will be the big news for 09 with Adobe Photoshop. Id love to hear what geeks you out with your favorite app. 

Steve Jobs Responds to Rumors

Apple has published a letter today from Apple CEO Steve Jobs that addresses speculation surrounding his health. Steve Jobs reveals that he has been recovering from a hormone imbalance that has been causing an unhealthy weight loss.

Dear Apple Community,

For the first time in a decade, I'm getting to spend the holiday season with my family, rather than intensely preparing for a Macworld keynote.

Unfortunately, my decision to have Phil deliver the Macworld keynote set off another flurry of rumors about my health, with some even publishing stories of me on my deathbed.

I've decided to share something very personal with the Apple community so that we can all relax and enjoy the show tomorrow.

As many of you know, I have been losing weight throughout 2008. The reason has been a mystery to me and my doctors. A few weeks ago, I decided that getting to the root cause of this and reversing it needed to become my #1 priority.

Fortunately, after further testing, my doctors think they have found the cause - a hormone imbalance that has been "robbing" me of the proteins my body needs to be healthy. Sophisticated blood tests have confirmed this diagnosis.

The remedy for this nutritional problem is relatively simple and straightforward, and I've already begun treatment. But, just like I didn’t lose this much weight and body mass in a week or a month, my doctors expect it will take me until late this Spring to regain it. I will continue as Apple's CEO during my recovery.

I have given more than my all to Apple for the past 11 years now. I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continue to fulfill my duties as Apple's CEO. I hope the Apple community will support me in my recovery and know that I will always put what is best for Apple first.

So now I've said more than I wanted to say, and all that I am going to say, about this.

Steve


Apple's board of directors also distributed the following statement:
It is widely recognized both inside and outside of Apple that Steve Jobs is one of the most talented and effective CEOs in the world.

As we have said before, if there ever comes a day when Steve wants to retire or for other reasons cannot continue to fulfill his duties as Apple's CEO, you will know it.

Apple is very lucky to have Steve as its leader and CEO, and he deserves our complete and unwavering support during his recuperation. He most certainly has that from Apple and its Board.