What graphics programs do you use?

I'm partial to Adobe Illustrator, but use Paint Shop Pro for small gif jobs. I have trouble with Photoshop, but sometimes have to use that as well.

 

I use Photoshop CS3 when I'm editing PSDs... which is only minor things, as I have no graphical design skills whatsoever.

For editing of regular images and quick manipulations, I use Paint.NET - one of my favorite image editors of all-time.

 

I use All of the Adobe Products, CS4 being my primary graphics editor.

I also like Fireworks and Flash.

 

While I have no graphic ability whatsoever, I primarily use CS4.

 

I use PS CS4 for all my work, and I have to say that I absolutely love it

 

Boy, everyone says they have no graphics ability! Well, neither do I...

 

I do not have any graphics ability but when I edit some small things then I use Photoshop CS4.

 

Adobe Photoshop Elements, The Gimp, Paint.net, and Inkscape are all on my computer. They are only used for manipulation of existing images as my graphical skills fall somewhere between those inherited by a sea lion and a walrus. That is to say, pretty non-existant. Just changing the text on a PSD and then exporting it for the web is an hour long deal of frustration so I usually just end up paying someone 10-20 dollars to do it for me.

I have mastered the art of copy and paste though. Probably why I love alpha-transparent PNGs so much. Very easy to work with, layer and manipulate. GIF and PSD? Hate them with a passion. Only use JPEG if its the original file format or a photograph.

 

I feel like I definitely have the capability and creativity for doing graphic design. My problem is two-fold. One is lack of time and the other is lack of knowledge in using the programs.

What's the most effective way of learning to use Photoshop?

 

If I was the only person to ask than I would say a course at the local community college. However you lack time so that is probably out. Plus I don't know what it would cost in Florida. Here in California, a community college course is $50.00 per credit and such a course would be 3 credits. You would also need to buy the software and books required.

There are a number of tutorials online. They would probably work if you follow step by step and don't experiment. I have never been able to create anything that looks remotely like the tutorials though.

 

Just do a bunch of online tutorials. Start out with beginner ones and in a few months you'll have enough of a grasp on the program to work with bigger and harder images.

I use Photoshop CS4, Illustrator.

 

I prefer to use paint shop pro as i find it a lot more user friendly, but for certain jobs (.tga;s mostly) i will use cs2

 

This is why I really prefer the vector illustrations; it's so much easier to move, resize, and recolor.

 

Photoshop CS4, Illustrator CS4, Fireworks[not all the times], Flash CS4, and After Effects CS4.

http://psd.tutsplus.com/ and trial & error!

 

I use a myriad of programs - I loath Photoshop - Primarily I use PhotoImpact by Ulead

Jacquii.

 

I've never heard of that before - then again, I am "graphically stupid". It's clearly working for you, however. As always, your work is superb.

 

I'm like Wayne and Jacquii - I hate photoshop with a passion.

I use Paint Shop Pro 7 for my main graphics designing. I also use Fireworks 8, The Logo Creator, and Axialis.

 

If anyone dabbles with vector/vectoring I strongly suggest using Inkscape. I create my online work using photoshop and for my offline job it's illustrator.

Sometimes Inkscape. I started designing using Ulead photoimpact. I have nothing bad to say about it, it allowed me to progress to other software and other aspects of designing.

 

I used Inkscape for a good month. I never got used to it.

 

Do you prefer using the pen tool in photoshop FMB over inkscapes vectoring capabilities?