Illustrator 10 for Windows and Macintosh (Visual QuickStart Guide)

Rating:
Summary: A no-nonsense, "user friendly" instructional guide
Review: Collaboratively written by computer experts Elaine Weinmann and Peter Lourekas, Illustrator 10 For Windows & Macintosh is a no-nonsense, "user friendly" instructional guide to teaching oneself Illustrator 10. Taking a highly visual rather than textual approach to demonstrating basic and advanced techniques, this superbly organized guide supplements its pictures and sample demonstration artworks with extensive step-by-step, where-to-click, instructions to using each possible tool. Illustrator 10 For Windows & Macintosh is a "must-have" reference for all Illustrator 10 beginner through intermediate level users.

Rating:
Summary: A Lifesaver
Review: I purchased this book last year when the company that I work for migrated to Illustrator from Freehand. As a graphics professional, I had used Macromedia Freehand almost exclusively for over 10 years and had very sketchy experience using Illustrator. Since the company was not going to pay for us Freehand users to be re-trained in Illustrator, I looked around quickly for a reference that would fit my needs. I immediately thought of the Visual Quickstart series since I had had good expeiences in the past with some of their other guides. I'm very happy with my choice and am now up to a good level of expertise with Illustrator.

Rating:
Summary: A good introductory manual
Review: Skip the manual and read this book instead. Text is appropriately detailed and clear. Many illustrations and examples. Overall, the book is a great introduction to the program and a good reference. However, this is not a step-by-step project guide or tutorial. Don't be fooled by the beautiful color illustrations in the middle of the book...this book won't make you an expert, only an advanced beginner.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This book makes it easy for beginners while offering a vast amount of information for advanced designers as well. The step by step instructions are easy to follow. Great illustrations and graphics. A must have for ANYONE who wants to use Illustrator, whether you are just a kid playing around, a student, or a professional artist.

Rating:
Summary: A MUST HAVE
Review: This Visual Quick Start Guide Book is excellent. Easy to follow directions for anything that you want to do in Illustrator. Highly recommended for beginners, and experts too.