3 Replies Latest reply: Jun 6, 2012 9:37 AM by Sharon Steuer RSS

    Using Illustrator WOW! Book with Newer Software

    ZenDao Community Member

      Has anyone used the Adobe Illustrator WOW! books with newer versions of Adobe Illustrator?

       

      I have CS5.5 and I found a good deal on the Adobe Illustrator WOW! C3 and C4 books.

       

      I realize there will be some differences in software features. Just wondering if I would be able to successfully complete the exercises in these books.

        • 1. Re: Using Illustrator WOW! Book with Newer Software
          markerline Community Member

          Well for starters, though i'm not familiar with that volume of training books, if you plan to use CS6 you will find a great deal of difference in the Live Trace which has now become "Image Trace".  It's a brand new tool from the ground up though it retains a few of the similar features from Live Trace.  But working with the parameters becomes an exercise in patience to see which one will trace most optimally for your given scenario.

           

          That's the first thing I've noticed.  Also in CS6 you have the opportunity of working with AI in 64-bit mode if you have a 64-bit OS.   In AI CS5.1 (for Master Collection CS 5.5) you will not have 64-bit AI.

          • 2. Re: Using Illustrator WOW! Book with Newer Software
            Jesseham Community Member

            For learning the fundimentals, you should be fine.  A few things have changed, but the core functionality is still the same.  Learn the pen tool and the concept of bezier curves (how the pen tool draws).

             

            As Markerline said, live trace is totally different, but you should hold off on learning that anyhow, as it can be too easy a crutch when you don't have the other stuff down first...  The other thing that comes to mind is that in CS4 (I think) they changed the way that the pathfinder behaves by default.  It may not affect you when you use it for the book and this will probably go over your head for the moment but in previous versions, when you perform a pathfinder operation, the result is "live".  In later versions, the result is "expanded".  That'll make sense when you get to that chapter. ;-)

            • 3. Re: Using Illustrator WOW! Book with Newer Software
              Sharon Steuer Community Member

              Hi folks.

              I'm the author of The Adobe Illustrator WOW! Books and am delighted to answer your questions.

               

              The WOW! books are filled with intermediate through professional-level lessons, shared by professional Illustrator artists around the world. The book is designed to help you learn specific techniques, a little at a time as you have time.

               

              The way things seem to be updated in Adobe Illustrator, major features really don't change that much from version to version.

              When new things are introduced, the next edition of the WOW! Book incorporates those features.

               

              So, if you're looking for a book that will cover the new pattern editing mode, or details about the new Image Trace, then you'll want a CS6 book. However, if you want to learn how to master the key features that will make you transform you from intermediate into professional, then the current edition is fine. You can see a table of contents and some sample content from the CS5 edition on the Peachpit website:

              http://www.peachpit.com/store/product.aspx?isbn=0321712447

               

              And…

              here's Peachpit's coupon code CS5WOW so you can get the CS5 book at 35%, with free shipping in the U.S, plus the ability to order the CS6 book at discount when it's available.:

              Save 35% off the list price of “Adobe Illustrator CS5 WOW! Book”, plus enjoy free domestic U.S. shipping. Visit peachpit.com and enter coupon code CS5WOW when you reach the checkout page. Offer expires 12/31/2012.

               

              Plus you order “The Adobe Illustrator CS5 WOW! Book” by July 15 and register the purchase at: http://www.peachpit.com/register you'll get a special supplement summarizing new features covered in the CS6 WOW! Book and an opportunity to order “The Adobe Illustrator CS6 WOW! Book” at a discount.

               

              Please feel free to ask me more questions.

              Find me via twitter , Facebook, or contact me via my website.

               

              Most Sincerely,

              Sharon Steuer

              author and artist

              The Adobe Illustrator WOW! Books

               

              _______________

              ZenDao wrote:

               

              Has anyone used the Adobe Illustrator WOW! books with newer versions of Adobe Illustrator?

               

              I have CS5.5 and I found a good deal on the Adobe Illustrator WOW! C3 and C4 books.

               

              I realize there will be some differences in software features. Just wondering if I would be able to successfully complete the exercises in these books.

              ZenDao wrote:

               

              Has anyone used the Adobe Illustrator WOW! books with newer versions of Adobe Illustrator?

               

              I have CS5.5 and I found a good deal on the Adobe Illustrator WOW! C3 and C4 books.

               

              I realize there will be some differences in software features. Just wondering if I would be able to successfully complete the exercises in these books.