Open source Publishing Workshops

This workshop is a practical escape route for designers and publishers from the trap of commercial publishing software.

The course runs on two consecutive Thursdays - the 22nd and 29th November. Please ensure you are available for both before booking your place.

What we make is often defined by what tools we can use to make it. This workshop gives designers and publishers a hands-on introduction to the tools and technologies of Open Source publishing.

We will look at three key tools: 'The Gimp' (an open source bitmap graphics tool, like Adobe Photoshop), 'Inkscape' (an open source vector illustration tool, like Adobe Illustrator), and Scribus – an open source layout tool like Quark Express or Adobe InDesign.

But besides specific tools, this workshop moves beyond outmoded boundaries in the publishing process between writing, designing, and printing: between the page and the 'Net.

Attendees will learn the basics, and have an introduction to the techniques and possibilities of integrating workflows between web, design and print. There will also be an in-depth look at the economics and practicalities of 'Print on Demand' and other aspects of the future of publishing.

These workshops will be run by Simon Worthington and Laura Oldenbourg of Mute Magazine and Openmute.