DebbrahF
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Computer work... looking for tips
Computer software question...
I've just been using Paint to do some basic editing when translating a picture into a form I can blast. I want something that will do more and would appreciate any suggestions.
I want something that lets me play with lines and colors pretty easily. My dream is being able to take a whispy drawing, select a section and beef it up without having to retrace everything.
Being able to strip colors or work a finished pic back to a line drawing or a high contrast piece is also high on my list of needs.
The people I have been working with on my equiptment have a tutorial for Photoshop elements 4... but I see 7. How much difference is there between 4 and 7? Some of what they teach would still be VERY useful. And the more advanced techniques with halftone blasting (I could do photos....) make me drool. Should I just get 4 (which they have) and upgrade later after I know it well enough to not need the tutorial to do the same things?
Are there better programs?
I also have seen tablets... any advice on those?
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For good or ill, luck and opportunity are 90%+ preparation...
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3/13/2009, 2:49 am
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de Corbin
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Re: Computer work... looking for tips
I have Photoshop Elements 5, and I'm very happy with it - it will do everything you want to do, and give you ideas for much more.
Of course, you could go a step up and get Photoshop itself, but, my personal feeling is that for most people, the difference between the two is not worth the extra $400. That $400 could be better spent buying tools & materials.
As far as different versions go... well, I think that the software companies want to sell you another $100 program every year, so they make a few tweeks and claim it's NEW! IMPROVED! - And I'm sure it is - there is probably some moveable pallet that will save you 2 or 3 seconds if you ever remember to use it when you need to. But is it worth the extra money to replace your old program... IMHO, no. I'd spend the money on something else...
There's probably a big difference between Photoshop Elements 2 and Elements 7, but not between 6 and 7. Very often you can buy the old version at a big discount right after the new one comes out - thet's what I generally do.
The big problem with older versions is that they may not work with a new operating system - so, If you're going to switch to Mohave soon, get the most current version.
By the way - if you are a student, or you can talk a student into buying your software for you, check out internet sources that specialize in "educational softeware" (do a search using that search phrase to find them). You can often buy the exact same program at considerable savings (often several hundred dollars for big name softeware).
Photoshop Elements is a big, complex program because it can do so much. If you get it, be sure to also get a good tutorial book to go with it. Like a lot of programs, the supplied manual is only useful if you already know what the program is capable of doing. - So you might want to look for a version that has a good book to go along with it. One version difference probably won't make much difference, but four or five might.
As far as tablets go... I don't have one, but I've been told that you really need one to do quality work. Maybe Meaveschild or Andy30 will come along and give you some advice on those. I know they both use them extensively...
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3/13/2009, 7:14 am
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TexasMadness
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Re: Computer work... looking for tips
I LOVE tablets. I let my brother borrow mine (he makes a "living" at being an artist - as in he's not really making money - so I figured that he needed it more than me) a few years ago and I miss it terribly. Mine is a wacom and it's the only brand I've used (also used it in art school). I think they are pretty cheap these days. I highy, highly recommend one.
I'm all for the full blown Photoshop (I have CS3) but I haven't used Elements so I can't compare. It is expensive...unless you know someone that has a promotional or student copy. 
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3/13/2009, 9:34 am
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DebbrahF
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Re: Computer work... looking for tips
I found I can get a Wacom tablet (bamboo fun or bamboo craft) for $100-$200 including Photoshop Elements 6.... I think that is going to be the route I take. I'll wait to see about full out photoshop until I've used it a while. Then if it is worth it I'll make the investment in what is new then instead of wasting my money before I know what I need....
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For good or ill, luck and opportunity are 90%+ preparation...
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3/20/2009, 1:22 am
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