[c22]

Im handy with electronics and enjoy refurbishing damaged music equipment.





An example would be the control names on guitar pedals.


What are some examples of software used for desigining graphics/decals for this type of thing?


I have previously used photoshop and this seems good because ot the measuring tool but takes me a while to do even simple stuff.

 

[c22]

an example would be this

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0045/7952/products/IMG_0528_1024x1024.jpg?v=1520393989

 

[webtrekker]

I'd say stick with Photoshop. How do you apply the new decals, are they waterslide decals?

 

[webmaster]

Illustrator/Corel Draw would be easier to use to size everything properly and get good clean vectors, but photoshop definitely still works well. A dedicated vector program would just make it a little faster once you've gotten familiar with it.

 

[TABOB]

If all you do is text and one color graphics, then use Illustrator/Corel Draw/Inkscape. Photoshop is for photos and drawings (raster).

 

[ProSeparatorNJ]

It sounds like you don't need anything as expensive as Adobe or Corel software. Have a look at Serifs DrawPlus. It's discontinued and now selling for about $25.00, but it is surprisingly capable software. When you go to Serif.com, they're going to try multiple times to steer you towards Serif's newer software, Affinity Designer. While it's newer and slicker and cooler to look at, it's not necessary better. But either are fine for what you're doing plus a whole lot more. The newer software is about $50.00. I have both and both are good programs.

You can also check out Microsoft's Expression Design. Don't let the name "Microsoft" fool you into thinking that this is some office product with clipart in it. Some years back, Microsoft had a set of products called the Expression Suite. They acquired Expression Design from another company that had discontinued it. The software is actually excellent. It feels a little bit like Adobe Illustrator and has a lot of the same methods and key commands, but it's completely free. Also, it's discontinued. Microsoft allows it to be downloaded for free now. I highly recommend it for just making art. You might be surprised.

 

[webtrekker]

It sounds, from your original post, that you may already have Photoshop. You don't need vector software to design and print decals for effects pedals. Photoshop is more than capable of doing this, and very quickly, just take the time to learn to use it properly.

 

[c22]

thanks for the answers.

 

[c22]

I have used waterslide decals up to now but want to move into silkscreen as the decals arent durable enough, or at least the one I've used arent.

I have only used decal pro fx to date and it does scratch off quite easily so no good for equipment like guitar pedals really. You can of course clearcoat it afterwards but then not only does that make powdercoating pointless if you use that method (you loose the glassy effet of powdercoat) but it adds an extra step.


If you have a suggestion for a different product, waterslide or otherwise I'd be glad to hear.

 

[c22]

If all you do is text and one color graphics, then use Illustrator/Corel Draw/Inkscape. Photoshop is for photos and drawings (raster).

Yeah thats pretty much all. I'll have a look into these options thanks

 

[c22]

It sounds like you don't need anything as expensive as Adobe or Corel software. Have a look at Serifs DrawPlus. It's discontinued and now selling for about $25.00, but it is surprisingly capable software. When you go to Serif.com, they're going to try multiple times to steer you towards Serif's newer software, Affinity Designer. While it's newer and slicker and cooler to look at, it's not necessary better. But either are fine for what you're doing plus a whole lot more. The newer software is about $50.00. I have both and both are good programs.

You can also check out Microsoft's Expression Design. Don't let the name "Microsoft" fool you into thinking that this is some office product with clipart in it. Some years back, Microsoft had a set of products called the Expression Suite. They acquired Expression Design from another company that had discontinued it. The software is actually excellent. It feels a little bit like Adobe Illustrator and has a lot of the same methods and key commands, but it's completely free. Also, it's discontinued. Microsoft allows it to be downloaded for free now. I highly recommend it for just making art. You might be surprised.

Great thanks yeah the cost of it did seem alot for what I want it for. The adobe monthy plan seems like a huge cost, at lest for what I want. When I compare I to high end music production software, which I'd imagine has an easily comparible amont of functions and sophistication, it seems like extortion. But then What do I know.


Anyways thanks for the cheaper (and free) suggestions, Ill do a bit of research and see what suits me best.

 

[c22]

It sounds, from your original post, that you may already have Photoshop. You don't need vector software to design and print decals for effects pedals. Photoshop is more than capable of doing this, and very quickly, just take the time to learn to use it properly.

Yeah I dont actually have it myself yet and up to now have only used it on othe peoples machines. This is why I wanted to see if there was better options before I commit.
Yes I suppose the speed comes from becoming fluent no matter the program.

 

[ProSeparatorNJ]

Great thanks yeah the cost of it did seem alot for what I want it for. The adobe monthy plan seems like a huge cost, at lest for what I want. When I compare I to high end music production software, which I'd imagine has an easily comparible amont of functions and sophistication, it seems like extortion. But then What do I know.


Anyways thanks for the cheaper (and free) suggestions, Ill do a bit of research and see what suits me best.

Speaking of high end music production software, I used to dabble in music production so I know what you mean. Imagine, Logic Studio is now about $199.00. Cubase is $559.00. And other DAWs are all much cheaper than they were in the past. FL Studio has a lifetime of free updates. I've had it since 1999 so I can vouch for the free updates from that time.

Cubase, Logic Studio, and other DAWs are the functional equivalent of Photoshop and Illustrator combined in my opinion. These DAWs have everything you need in a single program, yet they are not selling these products with a subscription. I wouldn't doubt if subscription is on their minds though. Adobe pulled it off because for many people there's just no other game in town. I feel the same about Adobe. Using anything else allows me to avoid a subscription, but causes me to wrestle with endless workarounds and waste time. If time is money then that is not a winning situation in the long run. But I'm lucky that Adobe software had everything we needed for t-shirt work a dozen years ago. I still run CS3 which I bought in 2008 and it still gets the job done.

But it's also true that there are a few 2d graphic programs that are worth much more than the cost. Clip Studio Paint is unbelievable at any price, yet it only costs $49.00 right now. I believe it'll be subscription based in the future though since the iOS version is already a subscription. There are also many painting programs that are amazing for under $100.00. So it's a good time to be a creative and many people don't need the kind of tools that Adobe offers.

 

[Jeepcachr]

If you do want a vector program and you don't want the expense of Adobe\corel check out inkscape. It's free and has a ton of support by users. There are videos on you YouTube for just about everything you could want to do with it.