Graphics Design

[PaulSonny]

Hello all,

I am really looking to get into graphics design.

Would you recommend Photoshop or Paintshop Pro?

Also can anyone recommend a good drawing pad to use with my computer. I think they are drawing pads, tablets?

Regards, Paul.

[Shelley_c]

I would recommend getting photoshop if money isn't a factor. Overall, it's got all the options and features your ever likely to use 10 fold. I would say go for wacom Based brand with regards to graphic tablets.

[PaulSonny]

i've been doing a little digging and some recommend drawing the sketch on paper and then scanning it in and then colouring it in.

Which tablet would you recommend from that site?

What would you recommend?

Regards, Paul.

[Shelley_c]

Personally I would sketch, scan it in and then re-colour. There's something about re-colouring from a scanned image that gives off that personal feel to a project. I have a wacom tablet and for 2 years, I've used it 2-3 times which leaves it redundant in my designs.

Again, if money is no object I would personally go for the Cintiq as you will be working onscreen which outweighs drawing on a tablet from your desk.

You can see the Cintiq in action here.

[PaulSonny]

Ah right so if you sketch and scan then you dont really bother with the tablet?

Sorry for all the questions - but which cintiq model?

Regards, Paul.

[southernlady]

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

[PoetJA-1975]

Hey PAUL, SHELLEY & SOUTHERNLADY - I can actually recommend PhotoImpact by Ulead - It's a very nice program and can work with psd and layers as well - It's easy on the wallet at only $69.99 - Highly recommended.

Hey SHELLEY - still gonna take you up on the PS lessons one day :P

Jacquii.

[southernlady]

Jacquii, I have that one and if I hadn't already had my head wrapped around PSP, I'd be using it. I've been using PSP for 7 years now.

I signed up for lessons at PS_BW but had to stop due to real life and haven't had a chance to go back. I still have the email from my mentor starred so that once I get a chance to go back, I can email her and ask for her.

There ARE differences but it is as GOOD as PSP, you're right. And the differences are mostly in the names of what things are called. Once I had the "code" word out as to what a tube in psp is an object to you unless it's a multiple, then it's a stamp but then it's still a tube to me, I was okay...it's just learning a new language. And since PS X3 is by Corel, it's almost the same horse. Not quite but close.

I've discovered that tubes are called renders in photoshop. But they aren't neatly as popular about being used/shared the way we use them.

Now, if you really want to go to graphics suites...Corel Draw Graphics Suite is a good SOLID one, can rival the Adobe one and is much cheaper. And it seems that Corel is going after a new market with their Corel DESIGNER Technical Suite X4 One that Adobe can't come close to touching.

I don't know if PI has native vector support, never got that far in my classes, but it's in the Corel and the inherited Jasc PSP products. I know that is one thing that adobe has to have as an add on...it has it but it's not native to ps, at least not yet.

Paul, if you decide to try PSP, if you have XP, go to ebay and try and find version 9...works as well as verson X2 but has Animation Shop as part of it. Corel took Animation Shop out with Version X and made it a separate program. It's still a separate program on the version 9 disk but it works within 9. Then if you ever upgrade to Vista, AS will still work in Vista very easily even when version 9 has to run in compatible mode.

Liz

[Shelley_c]

I really do like having these debates with you every several years about your love for corel/jasc products. To be honest, I haven't followed their products in a number of years and they have come along way since the jasc days but you always seem to revert back to explaining about tubes/plugins etc... If I wanted to render some tubes I would load up 3ds and construct/render tubes which would surpass anything that these programs can render, More wire framing/points and superior rending capabilities. As for plugins, I've never used plugins, plugins are for lazy people who want a one click solution in creating a specific affect, when infact it can be achieved using multiple blending modes/using other features to get a far better desireable more realistic affect. Sure, it takes a lot more time... but you learn from it, and mostly you learn how to create designs by using multiple tools and features instead of the one click solution.

Example: You see all these sig/tube creators post their creations and what have they learned? nothing. They have only learned how to create a tube/signature by clicking 2-3 times and voila job done. Nothing learned.

I always noticed to have always been anti photoshop (for reasons unknown) but without posting the pros of the industry standands (adobe) features and strengths your comments are biased and suggestions a tad flawed. Like I have said 3-4 times to you liz, every program has it's own strengths and weaknesses, that's a fact. Mostly, (and I've always stated this) a program is only as good as the person that uses it. It's what the person behind the wheel feels most comfortable with to get that desired result.

Like I stated. This one click solution you have praised in promoting plugins/tube creation is very much a flawed selling point if at the end of the day the person using the program is not going to learn. By learning the tools of the trade, you know beforehand what features and tools you are going to use before the design is even on paper and when you have got to this stage plugins are a thing of the past and most people will never ever use them. So, If you would like to use (plugins/filters etc) for that one click solution then go right ahead, you willnot learn from it.

Anyway, just my 2 cents factual piece so that the original poster keeps an open mind and makes the correct purchase. If you hunt around on ebay you can pick up adobe photoshop prity cheap. Try going for cs2.

[southernlady]

Actually I don't use the plugins that much myself. I prefer blending as well and the effects that come standard to the program. I was just letting the OP know that all the Corel products use the plugins.

I know you like to debate with me on this subject...it gives others a chance to see both sides since I am not gonna change your mind and you aren't gonna change mine.

Copy of PSP X on ebay...BIN 24.95 (couldn't find 9 but PSP Users Group has AS available for download)

Copy of PIX on ebay BIN 23.94

Copy of PS CS2 BIN on ebay 329.95.

If he's gonna play with one, PSP or PI are the cheaper ones to play with, IMO.

Liz

--------------- Added [DATE]1226758837[/DATE] at [TIME]1226758837[/TIME] ---------------

I have one question, Shelley. Have you ever used PSP or PI? Liz