What kind of programs do you guys think is best in doing your graphics?
I like photoshop cs2, although i think its best to be all rounded knowing how to use illustrator, and other types of programs that are best in their fields but for me i think i can pretty much do anything with photoshop.

My favorite is Illustrator. I also like to use Flash. I can't animate in Flash, but it is easy to draw things in Flash. I am sure I would like Photoshop if I would ever learn to use it! lol!

I've always liked my Paint Shop Pro but with each successive release the memory usage has gotten worse and worse. I have ordered CorelDraw but will probably be looking at a noncurrent version of Photoshop soon.

I have had PSP XI for less than a week and I hate it.

Corel is okay and I like the fact that in coreldraw you can change the tools layout to be similar to illustrator i have both but i use corel as i know the program better

it's kind of like....
don't send a boy to do a mans job

if you have something that needs done good
1.photoshop
2. coraldraw
3. Illustrator

if you have something to hurry up get it done
psp-
gimp
photoimpact
photo elements

RDP isn't bad

If you want something done good, find a designer who has some skill and can do wonders using ANY program. If a designer uses PS to design something good and can't design that exact same thing in AI, then they aren't as good as they think they are.

Since mostly all programs PSP, PS, AI, PI and so on come with the same basic features and some share the same advance features, it's obvious the good work (skill) is in the designer not the program. Programs don't make designs they just supply tools. However most clients are looking for psd and ai files types so in that case you'd want to use PS or AI for that reason only; not because you think it's going to give you a better looking design. That really depends on your skill-level as a designer. SVG file types can be edited in AI (some elements of it anyway) and are becoming more popular.

EDIT: By the way, I have quite a few programs on my system (PS, PSP, AI and more hehe). Just depends on what file type the client is looking for will determine which program I use so the file type is from its origin program versus being saved as a psp via another program. Same for other specific file types a client wants. There are rare occasions a client seeks a psp file type; very rare but has happened a time or two.

I've always liked Photoshop, PSP, and The Gimp as my top graphics programs. The Gimp is my main program right now, very powerful, and can work well on even an older system. It suits my graphics needs, of course I've always done the coding and template designing for the most part and simple images, whereas my better graphics have been done by friends. Those friends were more just into graphics, and not much else computer-wise.

Originally Posted by HTMLDesigns

If you want something done good, find a designer who has some skill and can do wonders using ANY program. If a designer uses PS to design something good and can't design that exact same thing in AI, then they aren't as good as they think they are.

Since mostly all programs PSP, PS, AI, PI and so on come with the same basic features and some share the same advance features, it's obvious the good work (skill) is in the designer not the program. Programs don't make designs they just supply tools. However most clients are looking for psd and ai files types so in that case you'd want to use PS or AI for that reason only; not because you think it's going to give you a better looking design. That really depends on your skill-level as a designer. SVG file types can be edited in AI (some elements of it anyway) and are becoming more popular.

EDIT: By the way, I have quite a few programs on my system (PS, PSP, AI and more hehe). Just depends on what file type the client is looking for will determine which program I use so the file type is from its origin program versus being saved as a psp via another program. Same for other specific file types a client wants. There are rare occasions a client seeks a psp file type; very rare but has happened a time or two.

yea, its good to be well rounded, but not everybody is going to have knowledge on how to use a certain program, so they could stick to just one, since they are already skilled in it, im learning AI, but as of now, i have pretty great knowledge with ps cs2, and can create any graphics that can be done, i feel its a well rounded prog depending on you skill. and like you said, "they are just simply tools to help out" even though i hear most people use vectoring in AI, i can do the same with ps cs2, and preferable more comfortable.

well i have been with photoshop for the past 1 year and half, i think its a pretty good software, thats what i have used so far to do all my graphic works..

Xara3d is a good 3d Simple software.

But i like CS the best so far.

I only use and like Adobe photoshop not problem with version usually use 7

I personally use Photoshop and Flash, I'd like to add more but the trial versions I have tried are all pesky and tell me the trial period is over, the same day I install them dispite me getting the serial from their ligit website.

I think a graphic software is a tool, it doesn't matter what you use as long as you get the job done right. Yes it's the designer and not the software that matters; it's the photographer and not the camera that produces great pictures.

Iv used Photoshop CS2... and still like Photoshop 7 better XD.

Once you learn to use one program... or at least master the basics, you have the fundamental tool (or at least knowlege of the basic tools) To use most of the other major Graphics programs.

If you start off In GIMP, and move to a program like Photoshop, you have pretty much all of the same tools, just more power.
But, at the same time (as with me) If you start off in a program like Photoshop, and try to move back into GIMP... its difficult. Although you know how to use it, little things get very frustrating...

Still, to each there own eh.

I depends, I use illustrator for my logos, photoshop for web, sig and etc. I use adobe(macromedia) Fireworks for weblayouts, it easier... that is what i use..

I'm comfortable using fireworks but I also like Photoshop CS2

I use Fireworks. I love it and always have. I find it does the jobs that I want and easily.

Photoshop is too complex for my liking (or needs).

photoshop cs ,yippie........

photoshop cs ,yippie........

All time best: Microsoft Paint

But i am using Firesworks 8, great tool if you need quick editing. Usually, I'll rather model complicated images/designs in 3D rather than do it in 2D.

All these Photoshop users - Adobe are making a handsome profit from all of you

I could never get on with PS myself, I have tried a few versions but I've never got to grips with how it works, and it's logic in performing various functions - simple tasks always seemed to be too cumbersome to do.

I've always enjoyed working with Photoimpact, it suits my needs well and I can create and manipulate web graphics and other images with it.

Just my 2p's worth!