Scrap Girls Digital Scrapbooking Forum: Photoshop - Illustrator - Scrap Girls Digital Scrapbooking Forum

I will start by saying that I LOVE illustrator and that to many computer artists it is a priceless asset... but I will then move on to my advice: I dont think its worth the time in training and money invested if at-home scrapbooking is what you have in mind. A few reasons why:

You will need to invest in the program, time for training, cost of training (?) and a wacom tablet is a good idea if you dont already own one. I mention cost of training because a lot of people know how to make bad graphics in illustrator... if you want to get beyond the "cheap" graphics look you'll want to really understand the tool and what it can do.

Further details if interested:

Vector vs. Rastor graphics: Illustrator draws images using math (vectors) whereas photoshop uses pixels (little dots/squares of color). The cool thing is Illustrator's vector graphics can be resized to huge proportions and never pixelate. But the deal is, this doesnt apply to us scrapbookers. I know my element will be used on a 12x12 paper, at most, not blown up to fit on the side of a bus, so I can stick with photoshop and its rastor (pixeled) images and be just fine.

Time: it may look similar but it is a different program compared to photoshop. The gradiant tool looks completely different, layers are used slightly differently, many of the quick keys are different and there are complex and wonderful features like the mesh tool that can require some training to use properly. If taking the plunge you'll also want to subscribe to at least a month of training on a site like the following I recommend. You can view the intro and a few of the other videos for free before subscribing: http://www.lynda.com...ng/58710-2.html

Instead of illustrator I'd recommend REALLY learning the pen tool and brush features in photoshop. It can seem intimidating but the pen tool is your photoshop key to creating crisp lines. You can create the papers/elements with the pen tool and then apply the brush of your choice to create the same look we can make with illustrator. I will point out that it is a blast using the brush tool in illustrator because you draw a single stroke and you can just FEEL how smart the program is as it smooths and bends the line to artistic aesthetic... but don't limit your creativity to your tools. You can create the same stroke in photoshop. Most digital painters I know use photoshop and brushes there to create amazing works of art.

I hope that helps. You'll love illustrator if you make the investment, but remember that you, not your tools, are ultimately responsible for your creativity.

All the best,

LisaAnne

Thanks LisaAnne for taking the time to really explain Illustrator & what it all involves.

I use Photoshop myself and subscribe to lynda.com to learn it. I can also get the basics of Illustrator before making any purchase. Also, most Adobe programs give a 30-day trial, which would be a great way to combine both to see if it's what you really need. Hope this helps.

I use Photoshop, and have a yearly subscription to www.Lynda.com. There are also some great tutorials on youtube. I would advise that Photoshop, or Photoshop Elements would serve you well. Good luck with your designs!