So guys, I'm finally posting this lesson. The REAL lesson. Great, huh? I think so. Anywho, it's all about what program would be best for you. I'm only putting up the ones I personally have used, but if you have anything to add, feel free to PM me and I'll edit the post!
I'll start with two programs that you have to pay for (unless you want to download them, but photoshop is incredibly difficult to crack, believe me I've tried). These are for people who are very serious about their graphics, and it's a pretty big investment.
The first one is
Adobe Photoshop Creative Suite 3 (PSCS3). Guys, this program is amazing. I love it, and I only wish I had the full version. It does amazing things, and people will tell you it's not worth it, but it is, for SELECTIVE COLORING! It's one and only downfall is that it costs $999 dollars from Adobe, somewhere in the 600s on Amazon, and around 300 with a student discount. You can get a free trial on the Adobe website, but trials are down until July 1st, so not right now. I'm in love with this program though. *sighs, then looks ashamed because Jim is watching me*
The second is
Corel Paint Shop Pro (PSP). I'm sure you've all seen Alice's graphics, this is the program she uses. It's fairly user friendly, very easy to find tutorials for, and not nearly as costly as Ps, hanging around 80 or 90 dollars. You can download a trial on the Corel website.
Next I'm going to talk about some free, downloadable programs. These are great for people who are serious about graphics, but aren't ready to spend the money for PSP or Ps.
The first is
PhotoPlus. I'm fairly certain Brandy (dyingtobeacullen) uses this one (correct me if I'm wrong...), and it's quite impressive. Reminiscent of Photoshop, but without some features. Most tutorials are translatable, though it's hard to find ones specifically for photoplus.
The second is
GIMP. A lot of people use this program, and it's very similar to Photoplus. I haven't used it much, so I won't go into detail.
Lastly, I'm going to tell you about some websites/programs that are included on your computer. These are for people who like making graphics, but don't really think they need a program on their computer, or want to take the time required to learn how to use one.
The first is Lunapic (www.lunapic.com). It's my favorite website for editing, and many people use it. While you may be limited by the lack of layers and many of the things we take for granted with a program, Lunapic is great for adding effects. Oftentimes I'll make a graphic in Ps or Photoplus tthen add to it on Lunapic.
The second is Photobucket. (www.photobucket.com) They just recently started offering an editing program, and it runs very slowly on my computer, so I can't really tell you much about it. I know that it can make some great things though, and that it's fairly popular with TA 'students'
The third is Paint, which only applies to those on PCs. It's very basic, but very useful, and great for beginning banner makers. If you know how to manipulate it correctly, paint can do great things, so don't take it for granted! Anything made by missmack123 was in paint.
Well, That's all Folks! Exit the ride to your left and have a nice day here at Twilight Academy. Don't forget to rate our lesson so that future rides can be even more enjoyable.
Subject: The right program for you 
Thu Jun 12, 2008 8:46 pm
