Getting back into woodworking

Thanks to all of you for the warm welcome to lumberjocks! I’m anticipating tremendous growth in my woodworking skills as a result of “rubbing elbows” with you fine people.

I’ve been a graphic artist and illustrator for 12 years now. Until recently, my work and family have captured the majority of my time and I have had little to spare for woodworking projects. But now things are opening up and I have two projects I’ve given myself.

1) My wife wants a pair of book shelves each measuring 2-1/2’ wide, 6-1/2’ tall, 10” deep. This isn’t too daunting a task for me but if anyone has suggestions I’m very open. Not sure what type of wood would be best but I’d like to keep them as light as possible.

2)I want to build a drafting/drawing desk that will accommodate my computer, monitor, printer as well as my art supplies. I want the tilt desk top on one side and the stationary top on the other, wide drawers that can hold large sheets of paper, open casing for the computer so it can breathe. I will be using a graphics tablet and graphics programs to paint my illustrations so It would be nice to figure out a way to position my flat widescreen monitor on my desk so I do not have to crane my neck while using the adjustable section of the desk. Same situation on this one for wood. This thing could be a monster if I use heavy wood so I’d like to keep it as light as I can.
Any suggestions on this or plans would be great. I’ve looked at a design done by DaveR here:
http://lumberjocks.com/topics/5590
I think it’s very good but I would need to make some adjustments to it to fit my needs.

Anyway, I will be posting progress reports and images as I go.

Wish me luck and share anything you might feel would be useful info.

-- "What if there is no tomorrow? There wasn't one today!"