26 Aug
2010
Following a long-running thread on the Adobe Illustrator forum [click here to read], it emerged that there are different methods to measure the area of a vector path within Illustrator. It was interesting to see that each approach was different – and free – and included a plugin and a hidden window within Illustrator intended for debugging by the development team. Each of the two methods has it own advantages, but both have the same disadvantage; they can only provide a result for simple paths – not compound paths, clipped paths, etc.
In this tip, we’ll have a look at both previously-disclosed methods plus a third option making unique use of Phantasm CS Publisher’s advanced Ink Coverage tool which caters for all object types, including compound paths, editable text, groups and even images!
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Posted in Tips and Tricks
20 Aug
2010
This shorter article rounds off the mini-series dedicated to handling artwork for flexo printing within Adobe Illustrator using the Phantasm CS Studio and Publisher plugin. In this piece we will show a method of checking for areas of artwork which would be cut-off from the final result due to flexo printing’s ink drop-off levels.
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Posted in Flexo, Tips and Tricks
20 Aug
2010
Professional cartoonist & cartoon illustrator George Coghill has just published a review of Phantasm CS over at the popular design blog GoMediaZine!
We advise that you read the review in full [click here], but here are some great quotes:
Phantasm CS can best be summed up by saying it offers Photoshop-esque functionality to Illustrator. Want to apply Levels? Check. Need to access the Curves? Got it. Need to adjust Hue/Saturation? Bingo.
Phantasm CS … offers the user an insane array of extremely well-implemented features that you may have since long given up on having within Illustrator.
If you are a seasoned Illustrator user, trust me you will have a tough time getting used to the fact that you can do all of this right within Illustrator. As I mentioned above, your brain will tell you “can’t do that” and you will need to re-learn that you now have the capability. That’s probably the biggest learning curve for Phantasm CS.
What more is there to add?
Posted in Reviews
19 Aug
2010
Whilst covering drop shadows and glows in the previous object-specific flexo ink drop-off article, the matter of producing accurate cut-off levels for mixed value process CMYK shadows and glows was mentioned. The problem with generating these was due to the way in which drop shadows and glows are created internally within Illustrator (refer to details).
The best practice prescribed imposed significant limits on the shadow and glow colors possible as each ink had to be defined at 100% tint.
This article provides an Illustrator Action set that uses a clever combination of Illustrator and Phantasm CS Studio and Publisher tools. These automatically generate a cut-off drop shadow or glow based on any process CMYK color, applied to any embedded object type. The Actions, perfected over several days of testing on both Mac OS and Windows, allows this process to be completed in seconds – and all within Illustrator – as opposed to a significantly longer period if produced manually in a combination of Illustrator and Photoshop.
Note: This technique is not compatible with Illustrator CS2 or below due to a lack of Device-N (multi-ink) image support which was introduced in Illustrator CS3.
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Posted in Flexo, Tips and Tricks
18 Aug
2010
This article covers the specifics of handling spot color when simulating or compensating for flexo printing within Adobe Illustrator using Phantasm CS Studio or Publisher. It should be read in conjunction with the earlier articles in this mini-series.
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Posted in Flexo, Tips and Tricks
18 Aug
2010
Continuing the mini-series targeting the issue of ink drop-off in flexo printing using Adobe Illustrator, this article concentrates on specific object types and situations to watch out for. Once again, the ability to simulate or compensate for drop-off levels is possible directly in Illustrator exclusively with the use of Phantasm CS Studio and Publisher. However, note that we will also be adjusting some objects types such as drop shadows using tools only available in Phantasm CS Publisher.
Why detail the handling of specific object types? Well, Illustrator is a much more complex animal than Photoshop in terms of the number of different objects that may be created or placed within a document. Many of these various object types have an array of possible applications and uses. The most common objects which require special consideration and attention are to be found in this article.
Important: before you continue reading, it’s essential that you have read the first article in this series: Handling flexo printing ink drop-off in artwork using Illustrator.
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Posted in Flexo, Tips and Tricks
17 Aug
2010
This article commences a new mini-series targeting the issue of ink drop-off in flexo printing and how to handle this whilst operating within Adobe Illustrator using Phantasm CS Studio and Publisher. It’s intended for all designers and operators of Illustrator in the packaging and flexo print industry as well as designers who may be required to produce packaging artwork.
If you want an introduction into flexo – or “flexographic” – printing, it’s suggested you refer to this Wikipedia entry and the introduction video produced by the industry promotion group Flexo4All. Flexo printing is used widely in the packaging industry where printing is possible on many substrates including plastics.
In this introduction article, we’ll cover the basics of ink drop-off and how to adjust an embedded image to either simulate the issue or compensate for it. Following articles will concentrate on the specific requirements to control drop-off levels within Illustrator on objects such as drop shadows and gradients, and attributes including transparency.
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Posted in Flexo, Tips and Tricks
13 Aug
2010
The last tip in this series – which we hope you’ve enjoyed and found of use – simply contains two main points (you’ve read enough, we’re sure!)…
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Posted in Avoiding 10 Illustrator publishing pitfalls, Tips and Tricks
This article is published as part of the exclusive AG blog series
New Illustrator CS5 WOW! Book
26 Aug
2010
1 Comment
Looking on the office shelf, I can see a copy of Illustrator CS WOW! books ranging from CS through to CS4. I only joined the Adobe Illustrator crowd at version 10, and when CS appeared back in 2003, I wanted to learn a little more and it was Sharon Steuer’s book that I reached out for. I found it invaluable and it became part of a process which culminated in the launch of the Phantasm CS plugin for Illustrator.
Today is a good day because this morning I received the latest incarnation of the long-running series: The Adobe Illustrator CS5 WOW! Book published by Peachpit Press.
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Posted in Comment, Reviews