Intro

[Java]

Hi People,

Well, introducing oneself looks like a polite thing to do here. I'm new to this forum and it looks like a good one! Lots of nice creative people. Just what I like!:)

I run a small desktop publishing business from home. As a former writer, I like doing projects like newsletters and brochures, which combine the graphics with text. However, I have done strictly graphic work for some clients too.

Doing both sometimes confuses people. For instance last year I did a ton of design work for our local nonprofit jazz group. They think of me strictly as a designer and they can't seem to "get it" that I can write/edit too, even though I have paid my dues as a journalist and have good credentials in that area. I also do résumés, and have done some graphic ones.

I learned this stuff using Adobe products on a Mac. Right now I use the CorelDRAW suite on a PC -- I'm on version X3. Why I switched is a long and not particularly interesting story, but I like DRAW. Since I'm not interested in working for an employer, I don't have to follow the establishment "rules" and use Adobe. I sort of don't like rules.

But I don't rule out trying other programs or going back to Adobe.

Oh, and I have a cat, DaVinci (aka Vinnie) who "helps" me a lot with my work.;)

Enough about me. I look forward to reading more about all of you.

Java

[EC]

welcome java!

[urstwile]

Hi Java, welcome to GDF. It's kinda slow here on the weekends, but things pick up during the week. Nice to meet you. :)

[Kool]

Hi Java, welcome to the forum. http://home.comcast.net/~rnick9/koolsmiley.gif Wow I can't believe that username was still available. :D

[morea]

welcome aboard, Java!

I know a lot of talented designers who use Corel.

Lots of cat people here. Do post a pic of Vinnie when you get a chance! ;)
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21849

[jimking]

Welcome Java. If you do alot of offset printing, switch back to Adobe. Sorry Corel fans, long boring story about ripping and fixing and compatibility issues and time constraints. Most offset printing companies (and there are hundreds of them) in my area have scrapped this product long ago and ask clients to export this turkey as a eps. I will say, however, if the corel files are prepared properly, no problem outputting. But, what most printers have found out is that most do not prepare their files properly, leading to extensive labor overruns which most printers will not pass on to the client. Sorry again. :)

[Danger_Mouse]

Welcome to GDF!

ONe thing I really like about Corel is it impositioning option. Brilliant.
I'm an Illustrator user myself (just preference).
Great combo of skills you have there, journalistic and design!

[Java]

Wow, thanks for all the great replies!

Yes, Jim, Corel has had its drawbacks for printing. However most of our local printers want PDF files now and that's no problem -- all Corel products make their own. This is what they have asked me for even for full-color runs, no EPS.

I should explain that I have kind of fallen into a niche doing stuff for small biz clients or individuals who do not need huge print runs, so this is working for me right now. I'm not saying I will stick with Corel forever, but I do tend to go with whatever works for me.

I think the experience of teaching myself to use Corel was definitely a good one, although I was cursing every moment of producing a brochure right after installing it. The worst part was the client wanted her wrinkles removed from her pic and I was having to figure out how to do that ASAP in Photo-Paint. Dreadful weekend, but I did it. She loved it.

Yes, I was glad to get that user name, as I have used it before many many times. It is one of my alter egos, easy to remember. One of my DILs calls me Caffeine Queen, but that is kind of long.

My cat is gorgeous -- a little like your avatar, Kool, but white chin and paws. He's a Ragdoll, so he is a sweetie, but did not have papers. His eyes are kind of greenish blue instead of true blue, so maybe there is a glitch in the parentage, but who cares. I will post his pic soon.

I see I'm in good company with all the cat people! I almost tried for a user name to do with cats, but had trouble doing that elsewhere.

Love the quote, Urstwhile. I have seven grandkids -- of course I'm way too young for that!

Love all the avatars. Have to dream one up for myself I guess.

Java

[Danger_Mouse]

:eek: cat people????!!!!!

OH and I suppose I am just a dirty rodent huh? heh heh

Once again I will point out some GREAT mice of our times....

DangerMouse, Mighty Mouse, speedy Gonzalez, Mickey and Minnie, Pinky and the Brain, Jerry, scratchy....or is it itchy?, the three blind mice, ....then there was that president of the world that was a mouse.....what was his name? OH wait...I am making that up.
Also do not forget the , MAIN device you use for your graphic design and computer skills is named....a Mouse. (could you image useing your mouse and it being called your Kitty? (barf) "right click your kitty", "use your Kitty scroll to scroll down".....see what I mean. Don't sound right does it.

Sorry, cats get all the glory sometimes I gotta say my peace for my squeak peeps.....oh don't get me wrong I love my pussy too.:eek:;)

[Java]

Danger Mouse, you are TOOOOO bad!

That would be Mighty Mouse who was pres of the world, wasn't it? But you are right, mice are important and your user name/avatar are pretty clever. Where would we be without mice??? I know my cat likes mine a lot.

Java

[Red Kittie Kat]

Well here come another Kat..... :D


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/RedKittieKat/welcomes/welcome28.gif


Welcome Aboard Java!! Can't wait to see Vinnie :)

I have Ivory, Rusty, Leo and Frosty ;)

[Danger_Mouse]

:eek:!!!!



;)

[cornfed]

Welcome Java! I love these introduction posts cause you just never know which direction they'll go in!

[Red Kittie Kat]

:eek:!!!!



;)

Don't you be giving me those big surprised rodent eyes DM ..... they make me....... hungry :D

[Danger_Mouse]

haha are you going to eat me Kitty? hahaha

[morea]

*thump*

[Samakimoto Graphics]

*Karibu* Java!



DM get you mind out of the sewer you rat you!