I need some advice.

from WinCustomize Forums
Ok, I need some help. I am absoloutly DYING to have the ability to make somewhat decent wallpapers. The only thin I have is photoshop elements 4.0(That probably just killed a nerd somewhere.) and I would like to at least know how i can get the other drawing softwares. My first guess would be lotsa $$$, since, if i'm not mistaken, make skins and such for a living. does anyone have any suggestions as to how i can perhaps get some of these programs?
4,024 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
hey,
well for free I got paint .net. I use it to skin ObjectDock. I'm happy with it. there's also GIMP. both can be found on the web. I'm just not sure of the addresses but their easy to find
enjoy...
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I use Adobe Photoshop
When you frist start useing it seam hard to use but after a couple hours playing with it you will by able to make some real nice stuff,
Also there are lots of sites with good tutorials on useing it and makeing things, http://www.good-tutorials.com is very good for them.
Star Control: Origins
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
My advice would be is not to ask for advice.   Go with the free programs till ya learn how to use them and can save some cash.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Check out Purplus.com. Link

They have some really good prices on graphics hardware. Check specifications to see whether it is boxed, OEM or CD only. I ordered Carrara from them and got it in about a week.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
also try Artrage (free) for walls
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You can get special education discounts on programs like Photoshop. There are great deals all over the net.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
are special education discounts better than regular education discounts?
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
This is what happens when I get 4 hours of sleep a night.

You know what I mean...


...I don't even know what I mean.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
did you get the really good discount?
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I got Creative Suite 2 through my school for $349, but I think a regular education discount is a bit more.

I looked around and the only real discounts are for education. You can get a OEM or license version, but it's not as flexible as the full. I'd say if you're serious about doing digital art, then get the software. If you just want to play around, and money doesn't grow on trees where you live, go with one of the free, or cheaper graphics programs.

Keep in mind that expensive supplies don't make great art. Great artists make great art with whatever they have.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Thanks for all the advice you guys- My final plan is probably just to fool around and get used to the interface. Also, is there any kind of freeware that is or similar to Bryce, that I can just "fool around" on?
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Go with GIMP. http://www.gimp.org
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Freeware like Bryce is Blender...Blender is free and is as good as all the other 3 d proggys out there....OPen source like Blender and GIMP are the reasons artist have acces to good tools....Oh did I mention they are free...And when you go to pay for it...remeber it is free.....So here is a coupon good for a free copy of Blender and GIMP...which is FREE......
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
are special education discounts better than regular education discounts?

Who said you could get off the bus?