I'm in need of a serious graphics program that will allow me to do substantial photo rework, create line art, and produce small catalogs with lots of graphic elements. My first thought is that Adobe Photoshop might fit the bill, but since I'll be spending upwards of $600 I want to make sure that's what I need and that there isn't something better for a comparable amount. TIA for any and all help. E-mail answers would be fine and wouldn't add to the bandwidth load on the HAMB. Mike
Unfortunately, there is not a SINGLE program that will do a good job at all the different areas you have outlined. For "substantial photo rework" = Photoshop is the best "create line art" = an illustration program like Adobe Illustrator or Freehand "produce small catalogs" = a layout program such as Pagemaker, InDesign or Quark . Adobe now sells a combo called "Creative Suite" which includes Photoshop/InDesign/Illustrator/GoLive (web authoring) but it is not only going to be seriously difficult to get up to speed on all of these - requiring some serious learning curve, but is expensive as well. Plus you will likely have to upgrade to a high-end computer to make it all work right - preferably a Mac if you want to be compatible with the service bureaus who will output the files. I have had many/many/many/many clients over the years who have thought "heck...we'll just buy the software ourselves and have so-and-so in our office layout our publications." They go out and dump all kinds of money into software computer updates and training and then finally come to realize that they just can't pull it off very well and it ends up costing them a bundle. They run into substantial issues (postscript vs. truetype fonts / not understanding the difference between PMS/CMYK/RGB/Index colors / low resolution issues, etc., etc., etc.) when they try to output their "in-house" files for printing and it becomes a lost cause that they eventually abondon and go back to contracting to designers such as myself.
25% is in the software, 75% in the user. Adobe Creative Suite would be the right choice, and Cleatus is 100% right in all his recommendations. I´ve learned my stuff from reading books and magazines about the subject and a lot of trail and error. Though Im not a pro I think I can handle Photoshop and Indesign, not perfect but as least good enough to produce stuff good enough for our custom car club´s newsletters and magazine. These are a few of the newsletters I´ve made. I have a quite good computer as well, but a PC not a Mac. For the photos I use Photoshop and for magazine production I use Indesign. I did spend alot of money on that, as well as a lot of time. Still, sometimes I make misstakes that shows up when the papers get printed...
That's some quality design work there Per. I'm really looking forward to checking out your Lead News - have you sent it out? Av8 - don't get me wrong...I'm not trying to discourage you. But don't waste the money unless you are willing to put a WHOLE LOT OF TIME into figuring it all out.
If your runnin' a Mac pm me and I 'll hook you up with some stuff Other wise, just get the apps. that Cleatus had mentioned but for a pc. Late, mike
I can comment on Newbie status of photoshop. I've been at it for 11 months and work daily to improve my skills. I don't know ANYTHING compared to some of the people on this board. There is alot to learn, especially if you want to learn two or three new programs...impossible for me unless learning is all I do all day, then it would still take me years.
Cleatus: Lead News is delayed, due to myself and my computer. Long story... But I will send a Lead Letter and an older issue, then later when the printing is done the new one will arrive in your mailbox.
The Jalopy Journal
