Adobe Illustrator etc.

[Real Pol]

Hey, I'm looking for some drawing software as I feel my creativity bursting through. I've never used anything other than incredibly basic programs (slightly better than microsoft paint).

Anyone use any programs like illustrator or similar?
How user friendly are these for recreational part timers? I obviously don't need anything on graphic design level, but wouldn't want to get restricted.

Cheers!

[Island Bri]

Honestly, when it comes to art, I feel there's nothing better than doing it all hands on. (but then I'm biased, I'm a graphite artist.

But if you're looking for strictly a computer based program, I'd recommend Adobe Photoshop over Illustrator. You can mess around with the basics on moreso than Illustrator. It would also help if you know a little bit about painting for photoshop. If not, that's fine too.

[RJD]

Photoshop and a good graphics tablet, dont try with a mouse...

[Island Bri]

I concure. Get a Wacom tablet. It'll save your life.

[isaluteyou]

ya illastrator is a ^@@*$#? pain in the ass to learn. photoshop is much more user friendly

[soops]

If you like a freebie try out The GIMP too. Its basically a really nice free photoshop clone and it'll work with your Wacom too

[Real Pol]

Many thanks for your comments, I feel a tablet would stretch my budget a bit too much, I'm looking for something that would create logo type images, so hopefully a mouse would do, straight lines and basic shapes etc!

GIMP eh? I've heard of that, is that open source? I like the idea of saving a couple hundred pounds or a stressful bit torrent download.

What about inkscape, any thoughts on it?

[Island Bri]

That is true. I got lucky as my Dad's an art director so I got his old Wacom tablet free. Though in the future, if you really get into it a tablet is a really good investment.

Oh logos! Well why didn't you say that? Then you'll want Illustrator. I was assuming more artistic adventures like photoshop paintings or concept art. My bad.

[northswell]

I use fireworks for all my web stuff, pretty simple to use.

[Dec]

I use fireworks for all my web stuff, pretty simple to use.

Place firework in USB, light with caution, run like crap. Pretty simple to use fireworks if you don't like your computer anymore.

[MrJoe]

Many thanks for your comments, I feel a tablet would stretch my budget a bit too much, I'm looking for something that would create logo type images, so hopefully a mouse would do, straight lines and basic shapes etc!

GIMP eh? I've heard of that, is that open source? I like the idea of saving a couple hundred pounds or a stressful bit torrent download.

What about inkscape, any thoughts on it?

You'd be best going for photoshop if that's what your after doing! There's a huge fan base for photoshop tutorials too, making the learning curve alittle easier. A good photoshop tutorial site is www.good-tutorials.com