Actually, I use Paint Shop Pro X2... (I have version 7, 9 X, and X2 on my system)
Which does everything that PS does and can export into layers and psd files, uses vectors natively, uses the same plugins, and is less than $100. Also you can try it for 30 days for free to see if you like it. There are more than enough classes out there, in fact I teach at one. I know of several others.
IF you EVENTUALLY decide you want to shell out the money for PS, then go for it...I have a copy, it gets opened about 2 times a year. My psp stays open.
Liz
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