Adobe Illustrator CS4 WOW is way beyond the basics.  It is eye candy for any designer or vector illustrator regardless if they are a beginner or advance user. It is packed full of tips and techniques including step-by-step instructions that will have you mastering skills in lightning speeds!

Particularly interesting, is Chapter 2, "Zen of Illustrator" the instructions on the "finger dance".  I agree, once an illustrator masters this technique ... every skill, shortcut and exercise will be easier and faster from that point forward.  (This skill is especially important for someone using A.I to produce vector files in a fast-past, deadline-orientated work environment.)  

There are too many favorite sections to list, but some new features are mentioned on page 402 turning vector objects into flash ready symbols. I also enjoyed the chapters on "Tinting a Scan" on page 294. Something I wouldn't have thought about doing in A.I. but perhaps in Photoshop only.   

In chapter 9, "Transparency" a real workout can be achieved on combining objects and gradient meshes.  These techniques can be used in a variety of ways to create digital collage/paintings or to create graphics for marketing presentations.

Some examples of techniques in the A.I. WOW book that were super easy to follow are on page 230, Chapter 7, "Antiquing Type"; page 228 and "Brush Your Type" see my "Favorite" graphic example here:

And one of my all time favorites is on page 224 "Masking Words".  In this graphic I masked some of my own fine art used in my logo to create a sign for recent art show event.

The past few years, I've fallen behind with various AI upgrades and have renewed excitement with the level that Adobe Illustrator CS4 WOW book provides.

It is a must have for any Adobe Illustrator user!

gg burns ~ designer/illustrator & Adobe user for the past 19 years

http://ggsfunctionalart.blogspot.com

http://www.picturetrail.com/ggburns

http://www.ggsfunctionalart.com