Autodesk Releases Software For Creating Artistic Designs

BOTHELL

Autodesk Inc.'s Retail Products division in Bothell just released Instant Artist, a new software package for personal computers.

The software allows users to create signs, banners, greeting cards, letterhead, business cards, envelopes, postcards and certificates instantly without using drawing tools.

The company shipped the first copies of the DOS version of Instant Artist last week. The Windows version is scheduled to ship Oct. 15.

"Instant Artist is for the business or home user who wants to produce a high-quality sign or announcement, but may not have the time or skill to design a layout or do an illustration," said Pete ODell, general manager of Autodesk Retail Products division. Instant Artist gives users a choice of professionally designed, ready-to-use layouts or lets them mix-and- match graphic elements to create thousands of custom designs.

"You simply sit down at the PC and select from the hundreds of predesigned layouts to fit your need - anything from a pet store sign or an architect's business card to a Mother's Day card or a baseball team certificate," said ODell.

The DOS version of Instant Artist, available now, costs $89.95. The Windows version, available after Oct. 15, will cost $139.95.

Autodesk's Retail Products division originally was founded in 1985 as Generic Software. It was acquired by Autodesk of Sausalito, Calif. in 1989.