Right now I do all of my design work in Photoshop CS2 :shifty: , while it's a great program, there are some things I don't like about it. Nevermind about those tough. I would like to expand into some better vector software, but don't have deep enough pockets right now to afford Illustrator.

I've heard talks of Xara (not sure which platform) and Flash (too expensive) and would like to know where I can get my hands on some freeware like Xara. I'd appreciate if you could go into some detail about why you like the program you're using.

I would also like to get an opinion based discussion on what graphics editors you guys feel are the best. I'm continually impressed by hankd's (sp?), logoholik, and glenn gould's images. Feel free to give me some insight on what you're using, and how you get your inspiration for the work you do.


- Anthony Lane

you really need decent vector software if your serious about logos and that. microsoft has this:

http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/

from what I understand it's free right now as it is still in beta. Haven't tried it myself, i've been using Illustrator for some time- it's going to take something really special to break from my habits.

Yeah, I'm a huge fan of Illustrator, just don't have a copy for myself. I'm trying Xara Xtreme right now and it feels like I'm working with my hands tied behind my back.

I also love Illustrator, even though I haven't really used any other programs for logos it's the best espcially if u have all the filters to do all the extra tricks.

I cant bring myself to use anything other that Illustrator for vector.

Shakespeare;11085 wrote:

Yeah, I'm a huge fan of Illustrator, just don't have a copy for myself. I'm trying Xara Xtreme right now and it feels like I'm working with my hands tied behind my back.

If its legal and all can you send me Illustrator as a attachment through email? I lost my copy of it when i switched computers. Very sad day.

That wouldn't be legal. If you had a legitimate copy, you should have it on CD (I believe that is the only way Adobe sells it).

Personally I use CorelDRAW 9. I get crap from the illustrator guys, but I can open my corel files in Illustrator and save them just the same.

Try ebay, you can get a slightly outdated version of Illustrator or Corel for a fraction of the full cost.

I also use mainly Corel Draw. I did some comparisons with Illustrator and found out that the same thing that takes me 5 minutes to do in Corel Draw takes me almost double the amont of time if done in Illustrator.

dextracer;14433 wrote:

I also use mainly Corel Draw. I did some comparisons with Illustrator and found out that the same thing that takes me 5 minutes to do in Corel Draw takes me almost double the amont of time if done in Illustrator.

Agreed. I've tried to switch over a few times just to get familiar with Illustrator and I have to say that it is far less intuitive than Corel; what takes three steps in Corel takes a dozen in AI.

MissLee;14479 wrote:

Agreed. I've tried to switch over a few times just to get familiar with Illustrator and I have to say that it is far less intuitive than Corel; what takes three steps in Corel takes a dozen in AI.

I'd've (:cool: ) said the same thing about Corel really. I think a lot of it has to do with what you've started out with. I started with the GIMP and still do everything (mostly anyway) with it just 'cos I feel the most comfortable with it and when I need a vector image etc.. I just redo in Illustrator (sounds daft I know but it never takes long isagree: ) ).

I only just got Corel and I really don't like it...:sick:

I use:

Corel Draw
AI

and for freeware try

Inkscape.

Inkscape uses SVG to draw the vector objects. All my first drafts are done with Inkscape as I save a bundle of time using it. For some reason I find the interface and ability much easier then AI or corel.

The only drawback I have with Inkscape is that it cannot save gradients in EPS.

So what I do is draw my flat color graphic with inkscape, export it as EPS and then import it into AI to do the final coloring.

But inkscape is free so you might google that one and see how you like it.

corel.

photoshop still fine

for vector, i realy like corel but seems there are alot of requirement for ai, now i play with illustrator too. (corel does know AI format, but lack of compatibility). For some occasion, freehand (nearly dead app).

in linux, I use inkscape (there are win and mac version, too) This is the best freeware for vector graphic program.

In my opinion, you need Illustrator. I worked with other vector programs and none have the capabilities that Illustrator has in my opinion, or at least the ones I have used. There are an insane amount of things you can do with Illustrator and I have been using it for almost 7 years and I am still learning techniques. So if you can't afford it, go with another vector program because you need one to be serious about logo work, but down the road definitely invest in an Illustrator package.

**If you are a college student you should check Adobe website, they sometimes carry discounts for students**