Software to create a graphic

Mack Slayer · 06-26-2003, 03:39 PM

I am looking for advice on what software packages work well for creating graphics. I have a start up business and am putting together a web page for it. I have an idea for a logo and I can't spend a lot of money having someone pretty it up for me. So, I need to find a REASONABLY PRICED software package which will make it easy for me to do a graphic. I run a PC, so Mac stuff is no-go. Any suggestions? Thanks, Mack Slayer

Reelentless · 06-26-2003, 06:57 PM

Adobe Photoshop. An older version shouldn't be that expensive.

Mack Slayer · 06-26-2003, 09:29 PM

I've heard that Adobe Photoshop is great, but the learning curve is really steep. The idea about getting a down-rev version is a good one. Do you use Photoshop? Do you think it's something I could be doing basic graphics on after an evening of tinkering, or would I have to do a lot of reading & tutorials to do even the basics?

Born to be Wild · 06-26-2003, 10:08 PM

The most user friendly photo editing program I have used is MGI PhotoSuite III. Even a dummy like me can use it and become a professional.

First time I tried it I was amazed what I could do without any toutoring. Never had to go to the help option. I am going to try PhotoSuite 4. They are Canadian software I believe.

Photoshop is pretty intense I hear.

Dan

BrionLutz · 06-26-2003, 10:17 PM

Mack Slayer,

I'd recommend Paint Shop Pro.

You can try it before you buy it.

They have a great user support forum.

For out of the box websites, MicroSoft FrontPage is pretty good with built in templates and wizards. Easy to get started.

You need to make sure your web site provider includes FrontPage extentions, most do.

Brion

The Fishing Geek · 06-27-2003, 06:04 AM

For the Windows world, if you are looking for a good software package for the creation of 3D text and some shaping, I've had great results with Ulead Cool 3D for several years. You can pick up version 3.5 for about $45, and version 3.0 on ebay for under $20. I've used 3.0 on Windows 2000, but I'm not sure about whether it'd work on Windows XP, if that is what you use. There are free addons available at Ulead's website, as well as commercial plugins.

Photoshop does have a steep learning curve, and unless you want to steal it the price can be very prohibitive. Even two revisions back can cost you upwards of $100 or more. Paint Shop Pro is a good alternative with not nearly the learning curve. If you would like to try a completely free Photoshop clone that is a very capable product, try The Gimp. It does have a bit of a learning curve, but it's very effective, there are a lot of online resources for Howtos, and a free, guiltless product. I use it regularly with good results, and I'm no artist.

Mack Slayer · 06-27-2003, 03:28 PM

Thanks for all of the input! Did I ever mention that you guys rock?

Reelentless · 06-27-2003, 04:23 PM

For basic tinkering, Photoshop is overkill. I only use a light version of it that I got with my scanner. I am a tinkerer too, so it meets my needs.

Try some of the freebies others mentioned. Can't go wrong there.

Gary Wolfer · 06-28-2003, 06:24 AM

I just bought a new software program called gimp off e-bay for under $10. that is claimed to be as good as Photo shop. I am impressed so far. It also has a high learning curve speaking of curves that is the part I use the most and for my digital camera I can lighted my pictures with curves and it works awsome.e-bay software sometimes called luxurosity(gimp) built by many people over many years in beta version and now on disk for the rest of us dummys.

The Fishing Geek · 06-28-2003, 08:06 AM

Looks like this "LUXURIOUSITY" is just burning Gimp to CDs as a service to those who don't want to download it for free from The Official Gimp for Windows Website. There are two downloads to get Gimp for Windows: GTK+, and the Gimp download itself, both of which are on that page and are a total of just under 8 megs (about an hour over a modem). Install GTK+ first, then Gimp, and all should be good.