Simon de Colines (1480-1546) and his contributions to the modernization of book design was underappreciated -- until master typographer and historian Kay Amert conducted research on the Parisian printer who experimented with dynamic page layouts and pioneered the use of italic types in France during the Renaissance. For the typography buff, historian or lover, this work sheds fresh light on typography from the Renaissance that shaped publishing as we know it today. December 14, 2012

Everybody has gone bonkers over HDR photography. Simply HDR is an incredibly powerful tool that will instantly create stunning imagery from otherwise bland subjects and compositions. No experience necessary ... December 13, 2012

Having a graphic design portfolio that stands out from the pack is important, even more so in today's tough job market. Here's a new feature article by creative director and co-founder of Carbonmade Dave Gorum revealing the five best portfolio practices. December 13, 2012

When it comes to sales, marketing, and PR there's one common misconception among clients: this is will instantly get me to the top. What authors often fail to realize is that publishing their book isn't a standalone ticket to success. In a great new article, publicity veteran Sandra Poirier-Diaz dished the details on 12 essentials for translating publicity efforts in sales. December 11, 2012

Ainsley Bevis shares this Photoshop tutorial to help you learn how to make a Christmas theme print-ready postcard in Photoshop!you'll be designing the front and back of the postcard using various shapes and helpful methods -- as well as opportunities for customization! Print at home, or I've provided the 'work-n-turn' method for running quantity! Have fun. December 2, 2012

Creative inspiration is not always easy -- but it can come in the most unexpected forms and places. Follow along with this edition of Creative Tidbits:
* Hurricane Sandy relief floods in from college student’s T-Shirt graphic
* Goodwill & Art Center College of Design Upcycling Collaboration
* UK’s first student type foundry is ‘font’ of knowledge
* Graphic designer to talk 'social change'
* Pedro Paulino's Portfolio
... and more ! November 30, 2012

* DECEMBER Happy Holidays
* Secrets of Designing a good Logo
* Photoshop Madness for the holidays
* Photoshop Tutorial: Festive Postcard ready to print!
* Web Critique : GoBop Festival and Event Website
* Favorite Photography books
* CREATIVE Tidbits : Holidays
* Social Media Update : November
* 100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People
* iWork gets a new collection of Elements for Desktop Publishing
* Top 10 Tips for Self-Publishing Success
* Your photos make the perfect Wall Calendars gifts
* Transform your Photos and Videos into Professional Pencil Drawings
* Logoist makes cool effects, not logos
* Cinefy is an Amazing Mobile Video Special FX Studio
* Photo Sense 1.8.0: The Easiest Photo Editing Software for Mac and iOS
* Photoca iOS - Advanced Photo Editor Creates Pop Art Masterworks
* The Top Ten Things Everyone Should Know About Fonts
* Google’s Remarketing for Search could have huge impact
* The Sustainability of Tablets
* The Top Tech Gifts This Season
* December's Twelve gives way to THIRTEEN! November 30, 2012

A lot of attention is being poured into the IOS scene these days -- and the photo apps just keep getting better and better. Many of these apps -- like this one -- rival the most sophisticated software and equipment. Photoca is a real pleasure to work with -- and can put some real tricks up your sleeve November 29, 2012

PHOTOSHOP MADNESS is where you practically go mad trying to find the most useful stuff for Photoshop! You can believe we went totally mad when we got caught in a stalker site, supposedly of "great Photoshop downloads" and couldn't get out! The only thing we could do was shut down the computer -- which lost a bunch of work on this month's column. Sheesh.

We did find these Adobe Photoshop items for the 2012 Holiday Photoshop Madness surf . . .
* Create Christmas Greeting Card with CS6
* Photo to aquarel painting tutorial
* A Simple Christmas Star tutorial
* Amazing Christmas Card
* Some Christmas Dock Icons
* A Merry Christmas Tree
... and more! C'mon in ... November 28, 2012

Over the years I've seen them all -- and from time to time, when I see someone giving out design advice online, I'll ask: where did you obtain your formal training? Many times, they'll confess they have no formal training. I recently followed a discussion in a Designer's forum about designing logos. A person asked the group to share their "secret tactics" ... here's what they said : November 28, 2012