Action Illustrated vs Advancedtshirts.com design base

jdavis4082 said:

So, I have used Action Illustrated software for some time now, I rarely use it for its full Template Editing functions, but more for color combinations and just some other trickery. I am not super impressed with their clip art. I was just wondering if there is anyone who has used both Action Illustrated and Advancedtshirts.com Design Base.

Additionally how well do you think the clip art packs from Action Illustrated would load up in the Design Base, if at all? Mainly the template files.

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I will step lightly here as I have never used the Action Illustrated designer.

1. We are working on a module that will let you add any art to your design base but that is about 4 to 6 weeks out in development time.

2. Just to clarify the Desing Base itself is free, you do not have to pay for it. Version 1.2 can be downloaded for free and works with X3 thru X6 currently. I did this so we could develop it step by step and keep improving its functionality while offering free downloads of the upgrades.

We did have a few users with issues on the last release, that I know of 5 users with problems but those things should be cleared up within a week or less. But when you are developing for Windows XP thru Windows 7 and CorelDRAW X3 thru CorelDRAW X6 at the same time you are bound to hit some issues.

From what I have seen Action Illustrateds art looks amazing to say the least. They seem to have a comprehensive library per my review of their websites.

I really look forward to trying the design base, it seems to have some features that Action does not, plus you cant beat that price. I was just really excited to get Action Illustrator about a year ago and it ended up being really helpful but not as exciting as I wanted it to be.

jdavis4082 said:

I really look forward to trying the design base, it seems to have some features that Action does not, plus you cant beat that price. I was just really excited to get Action Illustrator about a year ago and it ended up being really helpful but not as exciting as I wanted it to be.

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The Design Automation System is free but not the art. The best thing to do is Install it and there is a free content pack with some outlines and evelopes and t-shirt comps in the free section of our site.

You can test it out by loading some your Action Illustrated templates and then using the text effects and comps that are free with them. Nothing to loose with that approach..

But I believe you said Action Illustrated has some color swaping in their in thier system. Design Base will not do that. We have SimpleSeps for that which is another paid plugin for automation of color management and color separations in spot color formats.

AdvancedArtist said:

The Design Automation System is free but not the art. The best thing to do is Install it and there is a free content pack with some outlines and evelopes and t-shirt comps in the free section of our site.

You can test it out by loading some your Action Illustrated templates and then using the text effects and comps that are free with them. Nothing to loose with that approach..

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I will be doing that tonight, hopefully..

AdvancedArtist said:

But I believe you said Action Illustrated has some color swaping in their in thier system. Design Base will not do that. We have SimpleSeps for that which is another paid plugin for automation of color management and color separations in spot color formats.

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Their color management system is there but leaves much to be desired. I need to get SimpleSeps, but will have a hard time convincing the boss that it is necessary. Hopefully, Design Base, will be convincing enough to get a bit of funding allocated for some of your other products.

Now you mentioned a module for allowing users to load artwork, is that timeframe pretty concrete?

Advanced artist clipart is good. We are opening a shop inside a baseball practice facility. We are probably going to jump on the new sports clipart pack they just released a few months ago. Check it out good stuff less hassle.

I have all 19 books of action illustrated and the instant designer, and i also have the design base,simple seps,fasion factory and all of 3 packs of brushes and the sports pack from advancedartist.com and somehow i end up using advancedartist plug-ins 95% of the time just because my customers complement my designs from the graphics of advancedartist.com Plus there is tons of free training on their site, and the pricing is unbelievable, especially if you buy the bundles, worth every penny! With fashion factory you can do those shirts you see at walmart with all those half tones and mma graphics.Unbelievable!!

Toms products are unbelievable and so is the prices I have design base but haven't used it much just because of our work load. I don't think a day goes by we don't use simple seps or at least some of the techniques I have learned from videos.

I would avoid Action Illustrated they were at UK Show today so thought why not 1200euros got 19 printed books and a little tin with a usb business card asks for activation code none exists and all there telephone numbers are fake. So i have crappy books and a USB Drive saying that ive formatted the drive so paid 1200euros for a 15gb drve and a loads of photocopied books with tacky clipart in.

Action illustrated is not fake. Email them unless you got someone posing as them you can get what you paid for. You say tacky clipart then why did you buy in the first place. In the US here they have all the books to look at so you can make a informed decision.

Formatting the USB drive may not have been a wise decision until you were able to contact them.

Caged said:

I would avoid Action Illustrated they were at UK Show today so thought why not 1200euros got 19 printed books and a little tin with a usb business card asks for activation code none exists and all there telephone numbers are fake. So i have crappy books and a USB Drive saying that I've formatted the drive so paid 1200euros for a 15gb drive and a loads of photocopied books with tacky clipart in.

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Reformatting the Flash Drive deletes everything on the flash drive. This customer actually never paid their agreed upon payment plan, then sold there business to other unsuspecting individuals. Action Illustrated has since coordinated with the new owners and sorted everything out.
We at Action Illustrated are not perfect and we recognize that, we may not do everything perfect but we will always bend over backwards if necessary to take care of our customers if we ever make a mistake. Unfortunately this customer never gave us the opportunity to help before going to Forums, thankfully the new owners took the time to contact us and get everything sorted out.

Best regards,
Kenneth Wallace
Action Illustrated EU

I have action illustrated and I am glad I bought it.
It along with products from advanced artist have helped me understand different techniques for tweeking art.
Customer service from action has always been outstanding and I will continue to do business with both companys for many years to come .


Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using T-Shirt Forums

Agree with OSSKOBRET

I have the Elements of Design 1-3 package from Action illustrated and it's not bad. After going through the books I found that most of the templates I don't know if I will ever want to use, but the ones I have decided to use and tweak I've been happy with. I'm not much of an artist so having something to start with helps a lot.
I am in the process of saving up to pick up the Advancedtshirts preseason bundle. If I can't get it before the sale is over I probably won't get it since I can't justify spending $110-1600 right now except on new equipment.

I have everything action has to offer. It is expensive and I regret the decision. It is just way too expensive for what you get. I have also had issues with it causing any other add on for corel x6 to crash. I spent several hours with Tech support and they couldn't fix it either.

The sales person gave me a copy of corel X6 with "one" install left on it. Nope, it would not allow registration. The only good part was they split it up in monthly payments. I could have spent my money in a much better way. Lesson learned.

Noe AdvanceTshirts, WOW!!! Super bargan for what you get for the money and absolutely top notch customer service and support!!!

Caged said:

I would avoid Action Illustrated they were at UK Show today so thought why not 1200euros got 19 printed books and a little tin with a usb business card asks for activation code none exists and all there telephone numbers are fake. So i have crappy books and a USB Drive saying that ive formatted the drive so paid 1200euros for a 15gb drve and a loads of photocopied books with tacky clipart in.

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I am having a nearly Identical experience. I bought the 21 pack yesterday in Indianapolis at the show and I did not get the activation code with it. I emailed the sales rep waited several hours then called their tech support who wanted a copy of the receipt. I emailed the receipt, then they said they wanted the yellow invoice copy. I wasn't able to locate that so I responded with another email to them and I also copied the sales person. I waited 6 hours hours with no reply and called them again and was pretty much told they will let me know on Monday (this is on a Friday afternoon).

Overall my first impression of Action Illustrated is not satisfactory at all. I'm actually very nervous about the purchase at this point. And for the record I did purchase it from the company at their booth. It was not a knock off.

GeekMan said:

I am having a nearly Identical experience. I bought the 21 pack yesterday in Indianapolis at the show and I did not get the activation code with it. I emailed the sales rep waited several hours then called their tech support who wanted a copy of the receipt. I emailed the receipt, then they said they wanted the yellow invoice copy. I wasn't able to locate that so I responded with another email to them and I also copied the sales person. I waited 6 hours hours with no reply and called them again and was pretty much told they will let me know on Monday (this is on a Friday afternoon).

Overall my first impression of Action Illustrated is not satisfactory at all. I'm actually very nervous about the purchase at this point. And for the record I did purchase it from the company at their booth. It was not a knock off.

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Maybe they have to wait till they get back in from the show to sort things out. Call early Monday, I believe they are based in Phx

Thanks for all the kind words regarding our older software and graphics. Since 2012 we have added much functionality, use-ability, and graphics options. Also, we at Action have never charged for tech support, even if you have our older stuff, we'll make sure it works, even with newer versions of Corel. Feel free to ask me questions too, [email protected] happy to help.

GeekMan said:

I am having a nearly Identical experience. I bought the 21 pack yesterday in Indianapolis at the show and I did not get the activation code with it. I emailed the sales rep waited several hours then called their tech support who wanted a copy of the receipt. I emailed the receipt, then they said they wanted the yellow invoice copy. I wasn't able to locate that so I responded with another email to them and I also copied the sales person. I waited 6 hours hours with no reply and called them again and was pretty much told they will let me know on Monday (this is on a Friday afternoon).

Overall my first impression of Action Illustrated is not satisfactory at all. I'm actually very nervous about the purchase at this point. And for the record I did purchase it from the company at their booth. It was not a knock off.

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That was 2 years ago i believe they have had plenty of time.