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Does, or has anyone used Adobe Illustrator CS2? I am thinking about getting it, but I wanted to know if it is easy to use? was it worth the money? I am interested because I read the post that featured the tutorial from Go Media. I loved the design quality and the layered look that it creates.
Right now I am drawing all my designs by hand, but I would like to start using the computer. I'm not the smartest person when it comes to computer design, but I can usually figure things out if the instructions are clear.
so, if anyone has or is using the newest version of adobe illustrator, I would love some feedback!
thanks,
ashley
Last edited by abrac001; February 8th, 2007 at 08:12 PM.
Reason: spelling errors and I forgot a sentence...
I use CS2 and just luv it! Adobe makes great software. Get yourself a good book or online tutorial to get started because it can be complex if you start from scratch with computer designs.
As the other guys have said, you can do incredible things with CS2 - with the combo of PhotoShop and Illustrator, the only limits are your imagination and degree of knowledge of the software capability. The latter is not something that comes overnight, though. I think the learning curve for both PS and Illustrator is steep indeed (I started with zero knowledge of either, or of any other graphics software...I know a lot more now, but have barely scratched the surface). So, I'd give CS2 both thumbs up, with the addendum that you can expect to put in long hours getting to learn the programs to reasonably competent standard.
I agree with previous posts...YES to both Illustrator and Photoshop...they do different things and work well together. Learn the Pen Tool in Illustrator--it's the most critical tool...it's tricky at first but with a little work, becomes second nature. (I tell my students it's sort of like learning how to ride a bike---at first, you think you'll never get it because it feels so un-natural...keep trying and and then it clicks--you just get it.)
If you are a student (or have one?), go to journeyed.com, academicsuperstore.com, campustech.com or whatever (google: student software discount). The retail for CS2 is $1200--the student price is about $389. Then you own it and can upgrade later if you don't want to wait for CS3.
Ditto all of the above. Illustrator and Photoshop are fantastic. But there is a steep learning curve, especially if you've never worked with any graphic design software before. Like with all things if you keep at it, eventually you'll get it.
one of the things i've noticed from my peers in the industry, is that those with freehand illustration skills often pick up on illustrator much more quickly. my freehand skills are mediocre at best. it took me longer to figure out how to do draw things in illy than those around me that were more experienced in the pen & ink world. it will take practice, but you will get it (probably faster than i did!)
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"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others." Groucho Marx
I just recently bought CS2. It's a great set of programs. I've had Corel Graphics Suite 12 for a couple of years and just added Corel Graphics Suite X3 which is an improvement over 12, but I'm keeping both Corel programs on my 'puter. With the addition of the Adobe (CS2), I'm finding it VERY convenient to tell my customers, "I don't really CARE what format/program you use to send me your artwork, just as long as it's for a Windows-based PC and not a MAC."
I'm finding it VERY convenient to tell my customers, "I don't really CARE what format/program you use to send me your artwork, just as long as it's for a Windows-based PC and not a MAC."
i don't think you should have to tell your customers this. i cross platform between mac and pc on a daily basis with no trouble. give it a try
__________________
"Those are my principles, and if you don't like them... well, I have others." Groucho Marx
I agree with previous posts...YES to both Illustrator and Photoshop...they do different things and work well together. Learn the Pen Tool in Illustrator--it's the most critical tool...it's tricky at first but with a little work, becomes second nature.
The pen tool is important in Illustrator and Photoshop even though they are a little different. for those of you, who use the pen tool alot try FREEHAND, the pen tool is by far the best out of both programs. That is one of the tools in FREEHAND that you will notice a big difference between other programs!
I just got it - I'm old to Photoshop but new to illustrator, and it seemed a little heavy at first but the LiveTrace feature is the bomb! It vectors your line art images in a blink of an eye for blowing up or tweaking with the pen tool or just exporting back to photoshop. Live Trace (and Live Paint) was a breeze to learn and they are oh so recommended!
adobe illustrator CS2 
