The Adobe Creative Suite has a variety of options for switching between screen modes. If you are going to be showing a client a design on your screen, it can be distracting for them to see all of your panels and menus. To hide your panels, press the tab key and they will disappear until you press the tab key again. The following showcases the features of each program’s view settings.

InDesign

You can change the visibility of the document window using the Mode buttons at the bottom of the toolbox or by choosing commands from the View > Screen Mode menu. When the toolbox is displayed in a single column, you can select view modes by clicking the current mode button and selecting a different mode from the menu that appears.

• Normal Mode  – Displays artwork in a standard window with all visible grids and guides showing, non-printing objects showing, and a white pasteboard.
• Preview Mode - Displays artwork as if it were output, with all non-printing elements suppressed (grids, guides, non-printing objects), and the pasteboard set to the preview background color defined in Preferences.
• Bleed Mode  – Displays artwork as if it were output, with all non-printing elements suppressed (grids, guides, non-printing objects), the pasteboard set to the preview background color defined in Preferences, and any printing elements within the document’s bleed area (defined in Document Setup) showing.
• Slug Mode  – Displays artwork as if it were output, with all non-printing elements suppressed (grids, guides, non-printing objects), the pasteboard set to the preview background color defined in Preferences, and any printing elements within the document’s slug area (defined in Document Setup) showing.
• You can also tap the letter “w” on your keyboard to switch between Normal and Preview, Bleed or Slug (depending on what was chosen last.

Acrobat

• Enter Full Screen – Cmd (ctrl) + L
• View menu > Enter Full Screen

Photoshop

• To display the default mode (menu bar at the top and scroll bars on the side), choose View > Screen Mode > Standard Screen Mode. Or, click the Screen Mode button  in the Application bar, and select Standard Screen Mode from the pop-up menu.
• To display a full-screen window with a menu bar and a 50% gray background, but no title bar or scroll bars, choose View > Screen Mode > Full Screen Mode With Menu Bar. Or, click the Screen Mode button in the Application bar, and select Full Screen Mode With Menu Bar from the pop-up menu.
• To display a full-screen window with only a black background (no title bar, menu bar, or scroll bars), choose View > Screen Mode > Full Screen Mode. Or, click the Screen Mode button in the Application bar, and select Full Screen Mode from the pop-up menu.
• You can also tap the letter “f” on your keyboard to switch between these various modes.

Illustrator

You can change the visibility of the illustration window and menu bar using the mode options at the bottom of the Tools panel. To access panels when in Full Screen Mode, position the cursor at the left or right edge of the screen and the panels will pop up. If you’ve moved them from their default locations, you can access them from the Window menu.

• Normal Screen Mode  displays artwork in a standard window, with a menu bar at the top and scroll bars on the sides.
• Full Screen Mode With Menu Bar  displays artwork in a full-screen window, with a menu bar at the top and scroll bars.
• Full Screen Mode  displays artwork in a full-screen window, with no title bar or menu bar.
• You can also tap the letter “f” on your keyboard to switch between these various modes.

Manually placing every artboard on every page of an InDesign layout can be a drag. Luckily there is a script to help! The PlaceMultipagePDF script that comes with InDesign will also work on the Illustrator file since Illustrator files have a PDF wrapper surrounding them.

Running the Script

1. Double-click on PlaceMultipagePDF (located in the scripts panel under window > automation > scripts) and it will prompt you to find the pdf (or .ai).

2. Chose the document and which page you want to begin placing the artboards on.

3. Sit back and watch the magic

Observations

• All of the links will be placed in the upper left corner regardless of your reference point.

• I tried using this script to place a multi-page InDesign file inside another InDesign file, but InDesign ended up locking up on me. Maybe with some tweaking of the script it could work with other InDesign files, but for the time being I would only recommend that you use it with PDF and Illustrator CS4 files.

• Even though you are using a script that says “place PlaceMultipagePDF” each artboard will be linked as an individual link to the Illustrator file.

creating communications visuals will rage on forever.  Given that, it can’t hurt to throw

my two-cents worth into the mix.

Reason Number Five: Illustration allows you to tell a story without the need

for elaborate sets. This affords both the Art Director and Client maximum

flexibility when crafting their message within a limited budget.

Reason Number Four: Illustration allows you to own your story, exclusively

maximizing the impact of the image. There is an advantage that comes with a

commissioned illustration. The advantage is that not just any Tom, Dick and Sherry will

own the rights to use the final image. This is a huge advantage over stock photography

or stock illustration.

Reason Number Three: Illustration affords a creative team the ability to

concept a difficult subject/message that may or may not be physically captured

with technology. For instance, your mind’s eye sees differently than the norm.

Reason Number Two: Illustration can reflect trends much more cost-effectively

than stock photography or stock illustration that generally has not captured

what hasn’t been seen yet.  Ever wonder why futuristic comic books

don’t use photography?

Reason Number ONE: Illustration is cool.

One last thought.

“Everything’s within walking distance , if you have enough time”

….if you can, please give us a little more time.

Matt Zumbo

Illustrator

The JavaScript family:

Interactivity for Designers 1 – No programming knowledge required. This class introduces designers with a knowledge of both CSS and HTML to several pre-build JavaScript projects that can be implemented with virtually no programming. Lightboxes, slideshows, tooltips, simple form validation are all covered in this 4-hour class. This class is an excellent introduction to interactive concepts for designers wary of programming.

Interactivity for Designers 2 – No programming knowledge required but Interactivity for Designers 1 is recommended. This 4-hour class shows designers with HTML & CSS knowledge how to configure and modify pre-built JavaScript projects without having to dive deep into JavaScript programming. This class is an excellent introduction to interactive concepts for designers wary of programming.

Introduction to jQuery – Most professional web developers don’t feel like re-inventing the wheel, so over the last 5 years the use of JavaScript libraries for web page interactivity has skyrocketed and jQuery is one of the most popular libraries available. This 6-hour class introduces the web developer with a solid understanding of HTML & CSS to the programming concept necessary to start building highly interactive web pages using jQuery.

The Flex/ActionScript family:

Introduction to Adobe Flex – This 6-hour class is an introduction to Adobe’s Flex framework for anyone interested in creating and deploying highly interactive web applications.

Creating Adobe AIR projects – Adobe’s AIR technology allows designers & developers to create multi-platform standalone applications using a variety of technologies underneath the skin.

Introduction to Adobe Catalyst – Adobe’s new development environment aimed at designers – use the tools you already know and love (Photoshop & Illustrator) to create functional, dynamic user interfaces that can stand alone or can be handed-off to a developer for advanced functionality.

Just a sampling of some of the things we’ll be unveiling soon. Let us know what you think!

Milwaukee Talent

Web Designer and developer all in one package

Adria is an experienced graphic and web designer with a diverse portfolio.  She designed multiple sites including small business, not-for-profit and exclusive corporate clients.  Adria tested solid in Flash and very good in Web Development.  She has Master of Arts with an emphasis in Visual Studies.  She understands and applies solid hand coding. Adria is available part-time or full-time on a project basis only.

Outstanding Creative Director with exceptional ideation skills

Brad is an accomplished, award-winning creative director with 25 years’ expertise developing and executing all aspects of integrated marketing communications campaigns designed to meet and exceed strategic marketing objectives. Very strong in concept development and art/photo direction. Experience in a broad range of B2B and B2C categories. Proven creative leadership talent with demonstrated strength in developing high performance and dedicated teams. Deep understanding of online, print, broadcast, experiential/event marketing. A persuasive presenter and a passionate listener who leverages relationship management talents to achieve consensus across all levels and organizational boundaries.

Quarkalicious Art Director with quintessential production skills

Dave C. tested at exceptional level in Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign/Quark, close to expert levels.  His portfolio reflected good art direction/design skills, and he clearly can take any project from concept to completion. Dave is just completing a long term assignment at Reader’s Digest.  He is available full or part-time, on temporary, temp to hire, or direct hire basis.

Word Up! on this Awesome Designer

Paul R tested solid+ in Illustrator, Photoshop and Flash and solid in InDesign.  He is a talented designer with strong production skills, and a great portfolio including packaging,  logos and branding, ad campaigns and several web site designs.  Paul performs with speed, accuracy and a delightful attitude.   He is available full or part time, for projects, temp to hire or on a direct hire basis. His portfolio may be viewed at http://prauwerda.com

Multi-faceted Multi-talented Art Director

Vanessa is a multi-talented art director/graphic designer who can lead a project from concept to completion. She tested very good in Illustrator, Photoshop and solid+ in InDesign. Her portfolio displayed samples of photo editing, branding and identity packages, electronic newsletters, as well as copy writing, PR, brochures, catalogs, books and PowerPoint presentations for mid-size and small businesses. She can also update and edit web pages and banner ads.

Madison Talent

Web savvy, smart and all that!

Andrew G is a talented problem solver with a passion for aesthetics, web standards and usability.  In his previous role he was at the forefront of user interaction for a Midwest technology company.  He has examples of strategy documents and usability reviews on his website.  Originally a design practitioner for print, he successfully evolved into the interactive space serving as both a web development manager and as a creative director in an interactive agency.  He tested at exceptional level in Illustrator and Photoshop and more than professional in Flash and InDesign. He tested at EXPERT levels in web development. He is available full or part-time on a project or interim basis, temp to hire, or direct hire.

Graphic Designer Ingenue

Ashley is an adept disciplined graphic designer with a clear, fresh eye and nicely executed portfolio.  She tested solidly in InDesign and solid+ in both Photoshop and Illustrator.  She presented samples of posters, illustrations, inventive packaging, campaigns, identity and exceptional attention to detail.  She likes clean, simple designs and works to not over design pieces.  Ashley is currently completing a digital editing project in After Effects but was not tested on it.  She works well with others, and is available full or part-time, for projects, temp to hire, or direct hire basis.

Creative, Versatile, Fun and Easy to Work With

Brian is a talented graphic designer/creative director for print, video, animation and multimedia.  He is an Expert at Illustrator, exceptional at Photoshop and professional+ with InDesign. He’s spent the majority of his career working on creative teams in agency settings. His portfolio reflected his strong creative/design and solid production capabilities. He is available full or part-time, for projects, temp to hire, or direct hire.

Mega-star Designer/Art Director

Meghan is a gem! A multi-talented art director/designer who also has extensive B2B experience in multimedia and web design.   She tested at professional level in Illustrator, Photoshop  and InDesign, exceptional in Dreamweaver and exceptional+ in Flash.  She can art direct a project from concept through creation-in Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, Dreamweaver, Golive and more.  Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, and still works well well with others. She is available full or part-time, on project, temp to hire or direct hire

July 14 Web Design for Print Designers Made Easy seminar is SOLD OUT! We’ve opened a second session at the same venue on August 11, click HERE to register.  (Coming to Madison as soon as we find a host location!)

July 24 Third Ward GALLERY NIGHT with the kids from OnRamp. Come to the lobby at 222 East Erie Street to see and purchase the cool Milwaukee-centric T-shirt designs of the 12 ambitious high schoolers who participated in OnRamp.  Want to see some of the designs and learn more about the program? Click HERE

OnRamp organizers were recently interviewed by 89.7 Lake Effect…Listen HERE

August 21 $5 Friday: The Art and Business of Professional Illustration + Advanced Digital Illustration Techniques  Register HERE

More pro devo: Want to attend upcoming AAF-Madison, AIGA, AMA, BMA and other local (Madison and Milwaukee) professional organization, meet-up and user group events?  Check out our PIPELINE!

Only 30 seats available for any of these events, register quickly if you’re interested.  Beverages and snacks provided.

August 21, 9 am – 12 pm: The Art and Business of Professional Illustration + Advanced Digital Illustration Techniques

Join two prolific professional illustrators, Mike Kasun & Matt Zumbo and an accomplished illustrator rep, Tom Stocki to discuss the value of original commissioned illustration versus use of stock illustration or other media.  Our panelists will share case studies that clearly “illustrate” the value of custom illustration for use in advertising, marketing or design as well as providing resources for finding the right talent for your job. They’ll also share some industry best practices for working with illustrators and illustrator reps. The second half of the presentation will cover some advanced, sexy, yet pragmatic, illustration techniques, tools and shortcuts using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop CS4, facilitated by Kevin Stohlmeyer, C2 instructor. Register HERE

September 4, 3 – 5 pm: Best practices for integrating 3d with Flash, Illustrator, Photoshop & Dreamweaver

Technical illustration, logo animation, POP or packaging design and architectural rendering all benefit from the addition of a third dimension. Now, more than ever, 3d software is accessible and plays nicely with many of the Adobe products for print and web. If you want to see and learn how easy it is to incorporate 3d into your design skill set, join Brad Krause, Radiance Media, and the C2 instructors for this enlightening session. Brad, a 3d professional, primarily uses Lightwave and Maya to develop static and animated 3d art for clients.  Old Style Light will be served! Register HERE

September 18, 2 – 5 pm: SEM, SEO, PPC, HTML, CSS and other important web acronyms demystified!

We work in a quickly evolving industry. New versions of software, browsers and social media launch so often, keeping up can be challenging. Today clients expect that creative professionals, regardless of title, know it ALL! C2 understands your pain. We found a smart partner, Andrew Wintheiser and the team from Lightburn Designs, to clarify and simplify some of the more complex elements of search engine optimization (SEO), pay per click (PPC) and search engine marketing (SEM). Andrew and Jim Conway, C2 instructor, will fill the afternoon, and your brain with industry best practices, resources and case studies to help demystify these crucial web acronyms. Register HERE

Step 1: Take your two objects and select them both.

Step 2: While selected, click on the object you want to lock in place, and have the other objects align to. Note: Click on it, do not shift click or double click.

Step 3: Select your alignment from the align palette or the options bar at the top of your window. Viola! The objects align to the key object!

Have fun! Kevin

As you may have noticed, I haven’t been blogging much as of late, but I have a good excuse.

I recently returned from Adobe’s headquarters in San Jose, CA and have been busy compiling all the information I received on the latest version of the Adobe Creative Suite and other Adobe applications.

Lucky for you, I will be presenting this information (at least what I can say publicly without prosecution) on June 12 for our latest 100% Fresh presentation. More information to follow with the News You Can Use. The next few months will really be informative so be sure to follow along with C2 for the latest in Adobe news!

Think of it, without the foresight of these two scientist/mathematicians, we would not have the great applications that are industry standards today. Its hard to believe that in 1988 was the first version of Adobe Illustrator, and three years later, in 1991, Adobe Photoshop was launched. (Makes you feel old doesn’t it?)

So Happy Anniversary Adobe! Click the links below to see great video and interactive material from Adobe Systems, Inc. on their silver anniversary!

Kevin

History of Adobe Interactive Timeline
Adobe: 25 Years of Magic Newsletter
Adobe 25 Years of Innovation Video

By booking your classes by the end of next week we’ll help you use up your budget before the end of the year and save money by honoring 2007 rates for all classes booked in the first quarter of 2008.

We’ll even come to you! Our instruction for up to 4 hours of on-site training for up to 6 people is only $850.00* and for up to 9 hours of instruction is only $1400.00*. What if you don’t have a training room? You can also rent machines from us and we’ll set them up for your staff’s use during the training! (*plus travel if you’re more than 30 minutes away).

And don’t forget, all of our instruction comes with a reference textbook & follow up support from our Certified Instructors.

We currently have the following days open for your on-site, custom training – just contact Tiffany (that would be me) to arrange your class!

Photoshop/Illustrator Instruction:
December 17 December 19 December 27 December 28
January 2 January 3 January 4 January 9
January 10 January 16 January 17 January 23
January 23 January 24 January 30 January 31

Quark/InDesign Instruction:
December 17 December 20 December 28 January 2
January 3 January 4 January 8 January 11
January 14 January 15

Flash/Dreamweaver Instruction (including Actionscripting 3.0!):
December 28 January 9 January 11 January 18
January 23 January 24 January 28 January 29
January 30 January 31

Video Instruction:
December 19 December 20 January 2 January 3
January 4 January 14 January 15 January 16
January 18

And don’t forget about $5.00 Fridays! January 18, in conjunction with Studio Two, we’ll go over tips & tricks in deciding whether or not to use stock photography vs. original and we’ll show you time-saving trips for color correction & retouching. Get more information.

Did you miss the How to WOW with Direct Mail $5.00 Friday in October? We’re having round two on February 22. We ran out of space last time, so get your seat early.