Get help with creating your t-shirt graphics. Discuss t-shirt design software, special effect techniques, or other topics related to creating a t-shirt design on your computer.
Great forum....and helpfull people...
ok, I've been printing for about two years... now I'm being asked for designs that require more power than I am using (Photoshop elements 5.0). I cannot trap, do channels or halftones. I'm making a new exposure unit using a 400 watt metal halide light & vacuum bag, so I think I might be able to bring my screens up a notch ( as much as my manual press will allow). If you noticed, I am making the exposure unit, yep money is tight as I'm sure it is with all of you.
anyway, the question is what sofware do I go for???? CS4 seems a bit pricey @ $800.00, though I've found CS3 on line for $128.00, though I'm not convinced it is the full version... it might be an up grade. What do you who know use??
Thanks much
Larry C
CS3 is more than good enough for creating killer artwork. Or CorelDRAW X4 or X3 which you can find real cheap on eBay. In my opinion those sofware suites are for creating and editing art. Although you can do your seprations in them, I would use SPVR or FastFilms if you are going to print art with gradients, translucent areas and indexed colors. A lot of guys here say you should learn to do your own seps in Photoshop or Illustrator even if you are doing more than spot colors, that it will help in the long run. Maybe they are right, but I don't have the time, and SPVR and FastFilms are great in my opinion.
I have been using the trial version of Adobe CS4 Illustrator and I feel that it is AWESOME!! So I did a little looking around and found Adobe CS4 Illustrator at a company called viosoftware.com for $300.00 USD....I believe they are based out of Denver. I received my software very quickly and customer service has been helpful with my concerns due to their policy of not accepting the return of opened software...I have not yet opened it and I wanted to know if what I had received was a new full version of the software and not previously owned and registered...I was assured that it was new and unused. I am the cautious type normally, and I also looked them up on the BBB website and they gave them an A rating. As soon as I get my new PC I will install it and give an update as to how it went...not sure if any of this will be of help to you but hey it may be worth looking into if you are wanting Adobe CS4..Take Care!
watch out the illegal copies out there (if you care)... You can also ask for the serial number on the box and call Adobe to verify if it's a legal one and ask for the transfer of license of their website. I did that once I bought out of Ebay. If a seller refuses to tell you what is the serial number outside on the box (not to confuse with the serial # of the software) then it's a red flag. As for using CS3 or CS4, honestly unless you are doing motion graphics with After Effects or have an Intel mac, even the first version of Adobe CS or CS2 will do it well.
watch out the illegal copies out there (if you care)... You can also ask for the serial number on the box and call Adobe to verify if it's a legal one and ask for the transfer of license of their website. I did that once I bought out of Ebay. If a seller refuses to tell you what is the serial number outside on the box (not to confuse with the serial # of the software) then it's a red flag. As for using CS3 or CS4, honestly unless you are doing motion graphics with After Effects or have an Intel mac, even the first version of Adobe CS or CS2 will do it well.
Thanks for the warning I really do appreciate it..but I was way ahead of you on that one! Not quite sure of how to take it when you said "(if you care)" but just so you know I am NOT a thief and I will NOT buy ANYTHING bootlegged or pirated! With that said...just as I stated earlier in my last post I checked out the company before hand, and once I got my software I checked with Adobe to see if the serial number was legit (after I peeled the label covering it without opening the shrink wrap). Adobe said everything was good to go, and I have installed it with no problems and it works beautifully! You may be right where the earlier versions are concerned, however if I can get the most recent version for half the price then why not?..I saved up for it and will treat myself
Tommy
Last edited by TA2211225; 1 Week Ago at 09:48 PM.
Reason: Misspelled, added comments
that sounds like a good deal! good for you.
I was just saying in case if you care as I didn't wanted to sound like the police. I prefer also to buy my software, as I know I am doing money also as a designer.
I have been using Corel for years, currently CDX4. It is easier to use, and a heck of a lot cheaper than CS4. You can get brand new anywhere between $249-$399, depending on where you look.
What design software??? 
