I’ve been using the trial version of Adobe Illustrator CS2. I keep thinkin’ that I like it a lot as I fumble through the program trying to figure it all out in my brief 30 days. The picture above, in its coloring-book style, took me a couple of days to figure out how to make. I like to think that once I’ve figured it all out, it would help me to design a very snazzy website shop. I’d love to have this program as well as Photoshop. Is it worth it? I mean, it costs oodles of dollars.
And, is it just me or does it seem like everyone has these programs? Are there more affordable programs that do the same things? Will someone, anyone, please clue me in. I’d really appreciate it.
I know there is a free program somewhere….that I’ve heard is good…but what about Adobe elements? Have you tried it and can it do what you need it to? When I was doing illustration friday I only used elements. Here is adobe’s page about it http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopelwin/ Quite a savings over the hundred you spend for cs2
oops I meant hundredS…elements is only about $99.
I love CS2, but I am a graphic designer & use these programs daily. If you are wanting to use primarily Photoshop, I would suggest a less expensive version – Photoshop Elements. You might research that a bit. I haven’t used it before, but I believe a lot of digi scrapbookers use it & love it. Do you use a drawing a tablet? If so, this program would probably work great for what you’re wanting to do.
I am also lucky enough to have access to these programs at work! Of course, for your own business, at least you can write them off on your taxes.
well…i am certainly not one who could possibly give advice on this but i just had to say i LOVE your illustration!
If you can find an educator (teacher or otherwise) or a student willing to partner with you, you could get these programs at a educational discount online. It is still expensive but it saves A LOT of moolah!
Hope this helps!
Carolyn
For a photoshop substitute try The Gimp. It’s free, isn’t as user friendly as PS, but there’s a bunch of really good tutorials online. My hubby and I don’t know of any good subs for Illustrator though. Personally, I received both Illustrator and Photo Shop for free, but I’d buy them if I had to. I’m just very used to them.
We’ve been having similar discussions in our house. I purchased Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 years ago for my photography and a project Greg was doing that needed web graphics. Definitely the deal of the century given its price tag relative to the full version of Photoshop. I’m not expert enough to know what features I don’t have.
Recently Caitlin wanted me to look into Illustrator. Besides wanting to exploit talented child labor for my own gain 🙂 she would like it to do illustrations and cartooning in. I’ve been putting off starting up the 30 day trial until I’m ready to really know how to test it. I tried scanning in her pencil drawn cartoons and enhancing it with Elements but never was able to create the lovely black lines you have with your illustration. This could certainly be user error.
Definitely look in to the educational rate for the software. It appears that homeschoolers would qualify with a bit of red tape. Several hundred dollars cheaper than retail. Sorry for the long post but it really resonated with me and I’d love to hear where you come down on it.
Shhhh. I download torrent files and sort of, um be a pirate. That’s how I have illustrator and photoshop.
Through your skill by far surpasses my own. I love your scarfed lady.