Book excerpt: 500 Digital Illustration Hints, Tips, and Techniques is the ideal introduction to this popular subject. The book guides the reader from the basics of digital illustration through to more advanced techniques, with detailed sections on the most commonly-used software programs, including Photoshop, Painter, Illustrator, Flash, Cinema 4D, and 3D Studio. This accessible, yet comprehensive handbook covers all the essential technical considerations of digital illustration, such as file formatting and setting up a document, as well as the creative aspects of working with colors, textures, special effects, and more. The book is packed with inspiring images covering a wide range of different illustration styles, and with its colorful blend of step-by-step tutorials, quick fixes, and bullet-point tips it is the perfect antidote to boring technical manuals.