The Illustrator 10 Wow! Book by Sharon Steuer

Users at all levels will find The Illustrator 10 Wow! Book very helpful, but it is aimed at the medium to advanced user.

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This is not your basic Illustrator book, but if you are a novice and are willing to spend the time required going through this book you will become a very competent Illustrator user. Be forewarned, it will take time.

According to the author, Sharon Steuer, “take these lessons in small doses, in order, and at a relaxed pace.” Transparency, tracing and appearances are covered in their own separate chapter that includes many advanced techniques. The CD contains a great tutorial "Universal Zen of the Pen" covering basic Bezier curve techniques for the Illustrator user who is still having problems with Bezier curves. A great chapter on "finger dances" discusses using Illustrator's power keys rather than spending a lot of time going back and forth to the Toolbox. The "Type" chapter includes many type functions including Illustrator 10's new features of Warps and Envelopes.

If you are a seasoned Illustrator user, you will find many new techniques, tips and tricks that will make its purchase well worth the money. The book even has a chapter titled Illustrator & Other Programs. Most of the Other programs are other Adobe products. However, there are two excellent articles on using Illustrator in conjunction with Photoshop.

--By Tanya K. Metaksa