Coming from the world of corporate in-house design, I understand the notion of “no time, no budget”. Which is the reason I kind of love Cover Action Pro v2.

First, let me point out the obvious. Mark Monciardini, a highly-credible Photoshop guru did not create this for designers–he developed it for non-designers, which makes it even better. Its well organized and simple to use with killer results.

Cover Action Pro v2 levels the playing field when it comes to beautiful, life-like client presentations. As an in-houser I’ve worked with dozens of advertising and design agencies–firms like Hornall Anderson, Turnstyle, Saatchi & Saatchi NY, v3 & Wolff Olins–and they all spend a considerable amount of time crafting the way they present their work.

Now, in-house designers and freelancers alike can quickly and easily position their work in the best possible light–like the big guys. And with more and more work being ‘presented’ via PDF, it helps your work stand out. It comes pre-loaded with artwork for books, binders, web pages, business cards, CDs, DVDs and more.

Cover Action Pro (admittedly, not my favorite name) is easy to use and a steal at $197 ($297 for the deluxe model).

Take a look and tell me what you think.

In the “kick ‘um while they’re down” category, BusinessWeek’s Bruce Nussbaum has some things to say about Starbucks.

On a related note: I hear Starbuck’s Marketing and Design departments were hit hard with the latest round of layoffs. We feel for you, our inhouse brothers and sisters.

Go deep on your iPhone: 12 iPhone Tricks You Might Not Have Known

Google goes for gold, sliver and bronze: Google has Olympic fever.

Prepare to be inspired: The Top 10 Catalyst for Great Ideas

Very cool, picture perfect mock-up:  Prototype Packaging using Photoshop Smart Objects.

What did you think? (leave a comment or email me)