I don't know where to start!

[justsk8]

I want to get some software to do graphics because it just seems so cool. :) BUT I have no idea where to even start. The two main ones are Paint Shop Pro and PhotoShop, right? Is one better than the other, or is it just a matter of personal preference? Is one better for somet things, and the other better for other things? Which would you guys recommend? Thanks for any help. :)

ETA- I have also heard of Fireworks, which is a graphics program too, right?

:YS

[GoldenMichelle]

Well alot of people say that Photoshop is a better progam, but I think alot of it has to do with personal preference. I started with PSP, and It has worked well for me. I"m trying to learn Photoshop, but as you can see from my last post its not working out too well. I'd suggest downloading the trial versions of both (I know psp has a trial version, PS probably does too) and messing around with them to see which you like better.

[Grace]

I personally use Photoshop, and it may be a personal preference, but I believe a lot of professionals use Photoshop in the graphics/molding/3Danimation/ field. When I first started, it was a progression from Paint (yes, sadly I used Paint on my first web pages :P), PSP, Microsoft Image Composer (which no longer exists), and then Photoshop 5,6,7

Fireworks *is* used for graphics, but when I used it, it was primarily to combine web design with Fireworks, so I would suggest Photoshop.

I'd go with GoldenMichelle's suggestion on testing the two out. And hang in there Felicia, you'll figure it out - I forget how I figured out how to use Photoshop. Grab a few books from your public library - I think that might be good to learn the basics of Photoshop. After that, you should have a general idea of how Photoshop works, and then you can start to work on the tutorials.

[BatonKwan]

Splits, I think it really depends on what you are using it for. Photoshop is primarily for professionals while PSP is more for hobbyist. It's not because PSP is easier to use; I think it has more to do with the pricing. Photoshop is a lot more expensive than PSP. Personally, I find Photoshop much easier to use, and since I work with graphics for a living, the price was justifiable. I haven't worked much Fireworks, but I do know it's used primarily in making graphics for web sites, especially Flash friendly graphics.

[justsk8]

I'll have to see if PS has a trial version. I know PSP does, and actually the computers in the labs here on campus have the program so I could play around with them here (riight...between all the other required work I have...) Thanks for the info guys!

[mkfanatics]

Splits, i sent fanforver 2 things to install and it worked, it was the data.cab and the setup fro psp7, if you pm me your email address, msn or rinkside (if you have them) i could send you these and you can install that.