Top 5 Magazines For Creative Inspiration

With the Internet being such a great research tool and resource for ideas and inspiration, it’s easy to forget that there are some great resources to be found in print. Yes, good, old-fashioned print. I, for one, am inspired by all types of print publications. Below are my top five.

1. Photoshop User - The monthly bible for serious Photoshop users, Photoshop User is full of great tips and tutorials. What’s more, if you join the National Association of Photoshop Users your subscription is included. This is where you’ll find inspiration from the likes of Scott Kelby, Dave Cross, Matt Kolskowski, Corey Barker, Deke McClelland and many other Photoshop masters.
2. HOW - I’ve been reading this one for years. It’s very topical and full of top-notch designers and designs. HOW also has a professional yet fun approach, a quality I think can be attributed to editor Bryn Mooth. I met her years ago in my previous incarnation as a Creative Director at a big ad agency, and I remember her being very approachable while still having the highest expectations with regards to her publication’s content.
3. Before & After - The subtitle of this publication is “How to design cool stuff”. It’s not focused on Photoshop or image editing, but is still an outstanding source of design inspiration as well as the nuts and bolts and how tos of using techniques. It’s published by John Wade, whom I don’t know very much about, but I can say that if this publication is any indication of his design knowledge, he’s an absolute master.
4. Photoshop Creative - This publication hails from England. Being an import, it tends to be a bit expensive (I pay $15.50 an issue at Barnes & Noble), but just like Photoshop User this publication is positively brimming with tips and tutorials. I also like the fact that they are less focused on photography than Photoshop User, plus, some of the tutorials include a very cool “Layers structure” that is a vertical exploded view of the completed tutorial’s layers. This magazine also comes with a CD ROM full of goodies.
5. Communication Arts - This list would not be complete without the addition of this publication directed at design and communication pros. I don’t want to mislead anyone: Communication Arts is not about Photoshop. You won’t find tips and tricks. What you will find is a showcase for today’s best design, illustration and photography work. If you want to see the best design and communication work being produced, this is the place.

That’s just my short list. I do, however, regularly review many other print publications, so this list could grow. I’d also really like to know what your list is, as well as if you hate anything on my list and why.

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Keywords: Deke McClelland, Photoshop User, HOW, Before & After, Photoshop Creative, Communication Arts, Scott Kelby, Dave Cross, Matt Kolskowski, Bryn Mooth, John Wade

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