… well, I could live without software of course, but being creative is very important to me. And my digital design software offer vital tools in the processes of my digital design, my paintings, my web work, and even my craft blog, FineCraftGuild.com. I’ve recently been shopping for graphics & digital editing software, and found some good deals on Amazon, that I thought I should share with you.
With the right tool, digital design is easy, fast and fun.
My focus in this article is on graphics software that (could offer) pro results for commercial design, and that can and should be used for all kinds of design. There is another ‘branch’ of creative software that supports the creative crafts of knitting, digital scrapbooking, quilting, pattern making, etc, etc. I will dedicate a separate blog article on these, evaluation the best ones on the market. Actually, I’ve written about this kind of software in ‘Craft Software‘.
Good Deals on Great Graphic Software
My #1 Favorite Graphics Tool: Adobe Illustrator
Sometimes, you try to do something in Photoshop and it just does not work. That’s where Illustrator begins. Great for illustrations, web site embellishments, manga art, invitations, and what not?! Learn more on Amazon.
I use Illustrator and Photoshop in tandem. Like the Butterfly Design I’ve created here by way of illustration. Made with Illustrator and then finished off with Photoshop.
Both Photoshop and Illustrator are ‘must-have’s in my digital toolbox.
Must-have Photo / Image Creating & Editing Software I Use At All Times: Photoshop
Many people like Photoshop Elements, because it is considered a good option for photographers who haven’t spent the many, many hours needed to learn the full version of Photoshop. That’s not to mention the extra $ the full version will set you back.
Painter!
I used to LOVEEEE painting on the computer, and my software of choice is Painter. Macromedia sold it to Coral and now it’s different but … still good. We’re now at Painter
I’m lucky I have a little Einstein painting by him. Jeremy is one of those guys who has really taking Painter and made it his digital easel, canvas, brush box, …. ~ his entire ‘art studio’ is on those computers… (he has a few… ;-). It’s funny that on his website, you can see him with a big psychical paintbrush, but honestly, I have NEVER seen him use one. Nor have I ever seen him in an apron. I guess it conveys that he is a ‘real’ painter, because he is. To me, it omits the delights of digital painting: absolutely no mess. Having said this, after intensive computer work, I need to be creative with my hands, natural things and ‘no screen’ for a while. I think that’s what really inspired me to start FineCraftGuild.com…..?!
What else?
I use Adobe Premiere.
Take full advantage of the latest features of Premiere. This is extremely versatile video editing software, that for a modern blogger simply has become a must-have.
Conclusion
There is a lot of professional software to be had. You might want to start with the lite or student versions, and build up from there. As well, before buying a gazillion books on how to use your graphics software, browse the web, check out vendors like adobe.com and find some tutorials for you to start with. No doubt the software comes with a tour around the features of the software, which is another good investment of your time. Next, browse this site and other websites to learn digital techniques and digital how to tutorials to complete projects* and to create certain designs.
* if you are interested in a tutorial on how to make this butterfly in Illustrator, tell me below in the comments section.
