I see virtue in both the tutorial suggestions and books recommendations. I learnt FrontPage and Cool Edit Pro - which are no doubt simple in comparison with PhotoShop or Illustrator - partly by trial and error and consulting web tutes and forums, and in the former case, I also used an Idiots Guide. All had their merits. Only thing is, I still have basic gaps in my knowledge, because I always learned only what I had to use at a particular time. There is something to be said for methodically learning all the basics in an organised way, then consulting tutes for specifics once you have a handle on the fundamentals.
DickTees.net and Moo,
I have ordered Adobe Classroom In A Book for both PShop and Illustrator CS2. It's great that, from what you say, these books take you through from go to whoa and cater for the beginner who is starting with zero knowledge - just what I want.
However, I was interested in your comment, Moo, that you are now able to apply your PhotoShop knowledge professionally. Was there enough info in the Classroom book to get your knowledge to pro level, or did you start with the basics that the book taught you and develop your knowledge through hands-on practice? If the latter, aprox how long did it take you to get proficient, please?
Also, I'm wondering if anyone can answer the questions posed above in relation to Illustrator? It seems that vector graphics are the way to go for Tshirt designers, and that Illustrator is therefore an important program - maybe more useful than PShop for non-photographic designs generally?