Detroit InDesign User Group

Meeting Notes Archive

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

With a raging snow storm and temperatures at single digits, 64 hardy souls made their way to our first meeting of 2007. It was held again at Schoolcraft College’s VisTaTech Center, with students from the school’s Computer Graphics Technology Practical Applications class showcasing their work which included a poster for the event. They manned the sign-in table, distributed handouts and assisted with running microphones for the Q & A segments of the meeting. Personal pizzas, cookies and drinks were provided courtesy of Schoolcraft College. West Metro Printing supplied notepads and everyone received an Adobe Stock Photo pen.

We are starting a newsletter to be published in months we don’t meet, with articles and information submitted by group members. Your ideas are welcome and here are some topic ideas we are tossing around: a feature article relating to InDesign (by Chita Hunter); an “Ask Chita” column where members can submit InDesign how-to questions; reviews of books, third party plug-ins, training DVDs (especially the ones raffled off at meetings); resources (Web sites, magazines, etc.) to share and recommend (or not); upcoming events and training; industry contests; tips & tricks; personal success stories; job postings. Drop me a line and let me know what you would like to see in the newsletter or if you would be interested in contributing articles or content on a regular basis. Article submission dates will be published in advance to give you plenty of time to write.

Due to popular demand, another design challenge was announced. This time it will be for our very own newsletter. The winning designer will receive a copy of InDesign, donated by Adobe, which most likely will be CS3 since it will be awarded in September. Check out the challenge details here.

After the chapter business was done, local copyright attorney James Partridge presented an overview of copyright law for the visual artist. He also is an adjunct faculty member in the Visual Arts Technology Department at Washtenaw Community College, where he teaches “Copyright Law for the Visual Artist.” A great resource on copyright can be downloaded at www.aiga.org>Publications>Design Business and Ethics series. James has agreed to write an “Ask the Lawyer” column for our newsletters. Details will be worked out as to how to send him questions and announced at the April meeting.

Then James Alexander, Director and Creator of Adobe Stock Photos, shared a number of tips on how we might use Adobe Bridge and Adobe Stock Photos to boost productivity. While Bridge allows you to manage all of your Creative Suite files in one place, Adobe Stock Photos allows selection, placement of comps, and purchase of stock photography—right from within the application.

After a live, online demonstration of Adobe Stock Photos, the new collaborative meeting feature within the recently released Acrobat 8 was demonstrated with Noha Edell, Adobe’s Business Development Manager, assisting as the client. This is the integration of the Breeze product into Acrobat, one of many incredible enhancements. The feature set includes the ability to video–conference and share desktops between creative individuals and clients or team members.

The evening concluded, as always, with our raffle of fabulous prizes: InDesign keyboard shortcut posters from Publishing Secrets, Inc.; a number of books from our IDUG partners, O’Reilly, Adobe Press and Peachpit Press; Total Training DVDs; Layers magazines and training DVDs; a copy of Adobe InDesign CS2 courtesy of Adobe, and the grand finale, a full version of Adobe Creative Suite CS2.3 Premium, donated by Adobe Stock Photos.

Members who are interested can receive a special limited discount on the InDesign keyboard shortcut posters from Publishing Secrets, Inc.: enter the coupon code IDUG in the shopping cart to receive a 35% discount off total order before shipping. Discount expires on March 31, 2007.

Based on the comments shared through the evaluation forms, the night was a complete success.

“My only complaint is that I wish we had more time.”

“The foresight in the development of Adobe Stock Photos is awesome, heading in the right direction. Great job Adobe!”

“Stock photos through Adobe is an ingenious idea!”

“This was my first meeting, but I am excited about joining. I learned some valuable resources through all the presenters.”

“Copyright law was very interesting and highly relevant to our artistic environment.”

“I didn’t know how to use Bridge and now I know what it is capable of. I also am more informed about copyright. Excellent meeting!!!”

Thanks to everyone who helped with this meeting, members who braved the elements to come and to photographer Rena Laverty for capturing the evening in pictures.

Donna Gniewek
Detroit IDUG Chapter Rep

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