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Subject:Re: art as role in tech writing From:"House, Barry" <BHouse -at- LRS -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 7 Aug 1998 07:47:57 -0500
Creating any kind of 'image' is where I draw a very straight, bold line.
As I've mentioned before, I feel that layout and page design are very
much a part of technical writing because good design will help
communicate the technical content. But I'm not an illustrator, I'm not a
graphic artist, and not even the most advanced software will make me
one. When high-quality graphics are needed, a high-quality artist is
needed.
Having ranted all that, you mention having 'an extensive art
background.' Perhaps you could draw some art the old-fashioned way, scan
it, and enhance it as needed with the appropriate graphics software.
For the rest of us, I recommend hiring an artist. If nothing else, get a
freelancer to work on a project-by-project basis.
Barry House
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Cyndy Davis [SMTP:kivrin -at- ZDNETMAIL -dot- COM]
> Sent: Thursday, August 06, 1998 5:20 PM
> To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
> Subject: art as role in tech writing
>
> I'm wondering how many techwrlers out there produce
> graphics/illustrations as part of normal projects. Currently I am
> working on designing a CD splash screen, cover and label for the
> actual CD. Since most of my training, education has been in writing
> and literature, I don't have a lot of experience with graphic
> programs. I have an extensive art background but not with computers.
> I'm getting better since I have the basic understanding of design
> principles from "old-fashioned" drawing classes, but I would love to
> produce really professional looking images for my company.
>
> Does anyone have any great tips on how to quickly learn graphic
> programs (CorelDraw, PhotoShop)?
>
> Do most tech writers find design issues on their desk? I'm not
> referring to flowcharts and simple diagrams(line art) for manuals, I'm
> referring to actual marketing, advertising images. I'm beginning to
> think we need a graphic artist on staff.
>
> Thanks for any hints or tips in advance!
> Cyndy Davis
>
>
>
