Summit No. 11: InDesign Boot Camp

TOPIC: InDesign Boot Camp
MODERATOR: Kevin Cannon & Nick Straight (in absentia)
DATE: Thursday, February 2, 2012
TIME: 6 – 6:30 pm (right before the Cartoonist Conspiracy Jam)
LOCATION: 1618 Central Ave NE, Ste. 216, Nordeast MPLS

InDesign is the second cartoonist-friendly Adobe program we'll be tackling this winter. Unlike Photoshop, InDesign is probably the least well known of the big three design programs, which is too bad because there are tons of features inside that can help you create great looking comics. InDesign is what I use in my day job as a book designer/producer, and from what I can tell it has replaced Quark as the industry standard tool. But for your needs -- assuming you're an independent cartoonist -- you'll find it helpful when compiling pdfs and, although it's beyond the scope of this Summit, ebooks.

As with the previous Summit on Photoshop, we're going to assume that you've never used InDesign before. A half hour is not a ton of time, so we're just going to walk through the basics of the program and show you some of the key tools you'll need to know. As a framework for the talk, we'll be compiling a four-page comic into a pdf.

Our good friend Nick Straight was scheduled to co-host this event, but unfortunately he ran into a scheduling conflict. The good news is that he has produced some great print-outs that explain some of the stuff I'll be covering, including shortcuts, etc., and you'll be able to take that with you after the event.

As always, we’ll have Nordeast-themed beverages on hand, and you can grab a bite downstairs at Diamonds. The Summit starts right at 6pm, so come a little early if you want to grab a seat on what Jordan Shiveley calls “The most comfortable couch in Nordeast.” Then, after the Summit, wander downstairs and draw your heart out at the Cartoonist Conspiracy Jam (6:30-10pm)!

We will be filming the Summit for the archives, and in theory will post those videos at a later date. And if you have an idea for a future Summit, or would like to lead a particular discussion, let me know in the comments or send an email to nordeastcomics [at] gmail.com

BONUS: Follow us on THE TWITTER for updates on future Summits!