Farewell to an art monkey

One of the aspects of Computeractive that readers often comment on is how easy the pages are to read. Another is how the illustrations and photographs we use in feature articles instantly communicates the content of the piece. That's no accident - we spend a lot of time thinking about the images that complement the writing, and this is particularly true of someone Computeractive is saying goodbye to today.

Nick Palmer has been with the magazine's art team (affectionately known as 'art monkeys' in the publishing trade) since March 2001, three years after our launch, and was promoted to art editor in November 2004. Today is his last day with us before moving on to the freelance market. 

We don't often publish blogs on comings and goings at the Computeractive office but in Nick's case I felt it was important to note his contribution to the magazine over more than a decade.

The basic ethos of Computeractive is explaining how to get the best out of consumer technology in language that everyone can understand. It can be a dry subject at times, particularly when we're dealing with some of the more arcane aspects of Windows and computers. 

Nick has consistently found ways to transform these subjects with illustrations and page layouts that give readers the gist of the article. He has used a broad range of styles, from cartoons to 3D-rendered models, all the time retaining the distinctive character of the magazine. 

Many of the creations are originals by Nick, who is, to put it lightly, rather good with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and some examples are included in this blog.

Above all else, it's going to be really odd in the office next week without him. Partly because he's quite noisy and it will take some readjustment to get used to the peace and quiet. But he's been a great guy to work with and I know I speak for everyone at Computeractive when I wish him the best of luck with his new career.