OK designers--now I'm hooked! Which program?

[disneyboundDec08]

I would love to learn how and create my own disigns. Can you recommend what program to invest in that is user-friendly?

 

[Moeluv4u7]

Before investing in any of them I recommend downloading a free trial of one to start with- try it out and then you can move to another one- It will be an experience just learning the effects each program has to offer and how to manipulate them- Once you learn one - or at least the basics- the next one will be a bit familiar and you will be able to figure things out based on the first one and etc- But seriously, I don't recommend spending money on one until you know you can "operate" the program- they are pricey- ranging from about $40- all the way up to $400- plus-
Finding out you spent $40- bucks and can't figure it out or when you do, finding it doesn't do what you hoped unless you also purchase "X" for another $24.95 and so on... OR spending $100 bucks and finding it is way too advanced and you'll never use all of the functions... just doesn't make sense-
The more experienced designers, I am sure, will give you very similar advice- That's where I got mine- All advice and tips from these great DIS-ign guys!
Good Luck!
Oh! You can do a google search of Corel, Adobe, etc and choose from a number of many-

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I was probably the person who gave you that advice Luv... ha ha

I just posted this in my thread for someone else, it might help.

When I first started designing, I first did some free trials online before buying. I did a 30 day of Photo Impact and then when that expired I did a 30 day of Photoshop Elements. I purposely did them separately so that I could concentrate and learn one at a time.

I preferred and still use Photoshop Elements. There are many different programs out there. I suggest trying something for free to see if you like it before paying any money. But, one bit of warning, be patient in the beginning! Oh, and beware, it is very addicting!

 

[Moeluv4u7]

Yes I believe it was you! LOL But the best advice ever- AND Definitely on the patience too- I can't thank you guys enough for being there to encourage me when my frustrations set in- LOL
Good Luck DisneyBound

 

[disneyboundDec08]

Thanks for the advice! After I get back from our holiday trip I'll start trying my hand at this--do you all work with clip-art or real photos? I'm just wondering if I should try to take "real" photos of backgrounds and things while I'm at WDW?

 

[M_I_C_K_E_Y]

I have used both clipart and photos or a combination of both. So click away while you are there. You never know if it will come in handy.