Computer Arts - England

Among the goodies that CA has included in recent years are full versions of programs such as 'Freehand 8,' 'Canvas,' 'Amapi 3,' 'Poser 3,' and the learning editions of 'Maya' and 'Softimage XSI,' all of them with accompanying tutorials and valid registration keys. Likewise, with each issue the reader gets to sample the latest releases from big names like Macromedia, Adobe, and Procreate, allowing you to try and design before you decide whether to purchase or not. Many times they include special upgrade rebates, Photoshop plug-ins, and free (very expensive otherwise) images from important photography sources. Suddenly, the price of the magazine doesn't seem as high when you consider all these freebies.

But the free goodies are not the only good thing about CA (and its sister magazine Computer Arts Special). The in depth tutorials have covered all aspects of print, web design, font creation, animation, movie-making, and every imaginable area in the artistic field. They always include the necessary files and keep a good number of old tutorials and resources at their own site, computerarts.co.uk. Moreover, the beautiful images and creations that adorn each issue make it a great purchase, even if it is only to keep as coffe-table decoration (for those who enjoy art but can't create it).

All in all, Computer Arts is the BEST publication in a market full of tepid, irrelevant, and boring computer magazines. Oh, and the moderate amount of advertisement allows the reader to enjoy the images and witty columns without unnecessary distractions. The popularity of CA has proven to be such that some of its old issues have gone on e-bay at prices that exceed one hundred or more dollars. Furthermore, the local bookstores here in Miami always seem to run out of their many copies before the next issue's arrival. It is quite a shame that there isn't any magazine in the U.S. that comes even close to CA's greatness. Still, even at a relatively high price, this is a worthy buy and subscription.


Ideas, software, and lessons, oh my!   January 6, 2004
Edward D. Sepulveda Jr. (Dallas, TX United States)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I just discovered this magazine recently and it has changed my my perspective on using the computer. This magazine has allowed me to explore different software and gives me cool projects and tutorials as an environment to understand how proficient users take advantage of the software. This gives you an idea on how to make the most of the software. New ideas and type are also introduced. New releases of software and other resources (i.e. books) are reviewed. What more can a budding computer artist ask for?


,,,   October 9, 2003
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

Thia is a great magazine. It tells you the latest products and softwear, has readers art profiles. But it dosn't stop there. They give you a demo cd and the totorials to go with it. Also the art fearoured is amasing. There isn't anything missing in it wich anyone would want.


great tutorials, and a great read every month   March 27, 2004
E. D. Daniels (tampa, florida United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is one of my favorite reads as far as digital arts from the UK, well written the tutorials are the off the hook and they always give you a cd with software to use. And as a graphic artist this is a book you learn by doing which i think is the best way to learn.


Great magazine.   December 22, 2005
tallshoe04 (usa)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

For the passionate web designer, this is the best magazine out there. Each issue comes with a cd and is packed with useful information. This cost seems a little high - about $70 more than the on the Computer Arts site (after the currency conversion). You can't go wrong when purchasing this magazine.