Design Programs (Novice Question)

[- Maverick -]

Cut a long story short, I somehow ended up doing alot of graphic work for some companys, my work isn't that good but i think it could be better,

Ive been doing graphics for a while but im pretty novice when it comes to what other people can do, ive played around with a few packages and generally stuck with photoshop.

But now I need to start making some more interesting pictures,

I need some ideas of what people use for there work so i can set about figuring out what software im gonna need.

Can anyone recommend any 2d/3d packages? and if it would be suitable for making web graphics aswell

Thanx for any help in advance

[KingDaveRa]

Photoshop is definately where its at, in terms of web work. Some really wierd types might use Fireworks, but for the most part, its PS.

That's not to say Photoshop can do everything. I personally think its structured graphics tools suck hard. I find them clunky and inflexible. My structured work (if any, as I don't do that much) tends to be done in Corel Draw!. I've used Draw! through many of its recent (1998 onwards) versions and I find it very good, intuitive and quite flexible.

[Chicane]

fireworks is great

but photoshop is better

[Gunsmith]

Mav, see me at i19
ill give u a quick tutorial on photoshop if u want

[FeAr]

i agree, fireworks is great... for layouts and things it superior imo...

[Elye]

Gunsmith - can i signup for the Photoshop based tutorial too plz?

[- Maverick -]

Originally posted by Gunsmith
Mav, see me at i19
ill give u a quick tutorial on photoshop if u want

I will proberly take you up on that offer thanx :p: Ive used photoshop for a while but never really been showed how it works properly so any help would be grateful :D

[Zenith]

This is my personal preference, so don't give me a hard time about it. :)

2D graphic manipulation
1. Corel Draw
2. Adobe Photoshop
3. Jasc Paint Shop Pro

All of the above have layer, raster and vector support.

3D modelling
3D Studio Max 5

I found 3DSM5 to be FAR easier to use than Lightwave.

[Gunsmith]

Elysium, Mav, sure nps

i use PS5 mainly and i use 7 too

the principle is still the same :)

[Mamacita]

*whisper*paint shop pro*whisper*

[Limi]

3D Studio Max for the 3D work, but youll find it quit hard without buying a book.

[Gunsmith]

Originally posted by Mamacita
*whisper*paint shop pro*whisper*

its nothing more then an image browser with a few little painting tools on it :)

[Zenith]

Originally posted by Limited
3D Studio Max for the 3D work, but youll find it quit hard without buying a book. The built in tutorial with 3DSM5 is excellent. Step by step and click by click.

[afty]

If you ever want to get into the "Industry" you should be using 3DSMax for 3d work as it's fairly standard, and most other programs can be picked up quick after that.,

For 2d work it's a bit more complex. Vector logos/font work etc. should be made up in Adobe Illustrator (latest ver you can get) and then saved out as JPEG optimised EPS with little to no loss on compression.

After that import such files into a raster package such as Photoshop (Industry Standard again) for manipulation for screen/etc.

If you're going to print (or occasionally might in crossover) consider getting Adobe InDesign as it's rapidly taking over the industry from Quark which is archaic and has a team that don't seem to be able to keep pace with modern development.

3DSMax
Illustrator
Photoshop
InDesign

[- Maverick -]

I never intended on getting into the graphic industry, it just sorta happened.

But now im doing this, im enjoying it, so I want to start getting into it properly,

From what people are saying it looks like i should just improve of my photoshop skills, and start playing with 3d max studio.

thanx for your help

[Cheez]

I find lightwave easier than 3DS Max. Although I'm still learning the basics. Once I've got better I suppose moving between Lightwave and 3DS Max should be straightforward.

[Cabe]

I cant reccomend lightwave enough, although once you have gotten to grips with a software package you tend to get stuck to it.

I must be the anti-christ of the grapshics world what with using PSP as well :)

for those that doubt its abilities, go look at the movie poster thread.

[Techie]

never used photoshop myself, i always use psp, never had any problems it's all straightforward and does pretty much everything you can think of. as for 3d i ain't got a clue, i never do any 3d stuff, only things i do are banners for websites mainly. and if i get bored, manipulating photo's to make people look freaky.

Ste (I-Radio)

[FeAr]

and thats all you probably could do with PSP

i feel that there is a reason PSP is £90 and Potoshop is around £600 (inc. VAT)

[afty]

The main reason is market penetration and extensibility to be fair PSP has come on in leaps and bounds over the last few years and *is* a very powerful tool, however if you're trying to get into the industry, and you put "PSP" on your resume most HR managers or Creative Directors would go "huh?" - it's just not used outside of tiny companies and the amatuer circle.

Photoshop is the professional industry standard for 2D raster editing - there is no alternative. To all those who are suggesting PSP yes it's very nice, but can you name half a dozen decent sized companies who use it as their standard 2d manip. package?

[FeAr]

JASC might do ;)

[afty]

Originally posted by afty
can you name half a dozen decent sized companies who use it as their standard 2d manip. package?

Furthermore, JASC might not be considered a "decent sized company" - and they're a programming company not an arthouse/creative studio.

[Mamacita]

At the end of the day - if you're **** you're **** no matter what package you use. If you're looking to go pro and do it as some kinda job then go for PS.

I myself didn't even know PS existed about 5 years ago and was sent straight to PSP 3 or some such. I'm not looking to go pro, it's a hobby, but still a hobby I can earn money with. So it does miss set in her ways burnett, fine ;)

[Elbonio]

Originally posted by Mamacita
At the end of the day - if you're **** you're **** no matter what package you use.



i dont think that's necessarily true. These days there is always a programme so idiot proof that anyone can produce virtually professional looking standards without too much knowledge or effort.

It comes down to creativity and imagination more these days than it does technical ability

[Mamacita]

Originally posted by Elbonio
[B]i dont think that's necessarily true. These days there is always a programme so idiot proof that anyone can produce virtually professional looking standards without too much knowledge or effort.

********

It comes down to creativity and imagination more these days than it does technical ability

That was my point ?

[Elbonio]

terragen is an excellent example.