If you happen to come across Computer Arts (or Computer Arts Projects) magazine at an actual bookstore, you were probably going to buy it until you saw the price. Here in San Francisco, the typical price for the magazine is $18.45 at the checkout. The higher cost is a result of being a UK-based magazine and being packaged with a CD that has various shareware, fonts, links and tutorials, etc. Personally, they should just lose the CD completely (or make a digital version available for subscription). At first glance, the magazine itself seems very flimsy (around 100 pages per issue) for such an expensive magazine.

That is, until you open up the magazine. Then, if you’re like me, you end up buying the darn thing every single time.

Almost each month, there is a detailed technique or article that completely justifies purchasing it. Not to mention, the magazines are getting very inventive with their packaging, which is seldom seen here in the U.S. For instance, the August edition of Computer Arts Project came inside a clear plastic zip-lock portfolio. One or two issues ago they packaged a stencil kit based off a font they made for the magazine. Great stuff to have around to add to your creative juice. Not to mention, they give new designers a large amount of press that unarguably gives their careers a well-deserved boost.

But the coolest part of Computer Arts is that they make their best tutorials available as downloadable PDFs! There’s a lot of good stuff on the site, especially for new designers. Sure, the tips may use Freehand instead of Illustrator, and talk about mailing through Royal Mail, but I’m sure you’ll adapt.

A few Brand Peel favorites:

Make a 3D business card

Build your own customized box to send your portfolio.

Make your own paper container

Making custom packaging templates using Illustrator CS

Great tips for making your first brand package

Create a self-promotional book

An usual article about making a typeface 3D (it’s not what you think)

Design a portfolio slipcase

Tips on printing your portfolio

Designing a portfolio magazine

A guide to spots and varnishes

Designing a flatpack toy