 Need help on graphics software |
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 May 16 2009, 01:50 PM
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#16
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 Member  Group: Members Posts: 102 Joined: 15-May 09 From: New Jersey Member No.: 332,160  |
That's the link for the Xara products range. Not sure which program he was talking about specifically, as I've never personally used them myself. If you're doing this as a hobby than I'm sure anything that works would be fine. But, if you're trying to pursue graphic design as a career, I'd strongly recommend going for the Adobe products. They're the most widely used so compatibility issues with other designers/clients/co-workers/whoever will be almost non-existent. It also depends on what specifically you want to pursue, as things like CorelDraw and Quark might also be necessary to learn. |
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May 16 2009, 09:20 PM
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#17
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 New Member Group: Members Posts: 8 Joined: 14-May 09 From: Miami/Los Angeles Member No.: 331,654 |
xara.com. The program is Xara Xtreme Pro 4.
Xara exports illustrator files. Xara, like Illustrator, is a big program that takes time to learn. I got started with it over a decade ago. I do professional design work and only once or twice have had problems with compatibility.But I work for myself and deliver finished products, so I don't often have to interact with other designers. I'm sure the Adobe suite is a great product, too. I'm not knocking it, just mentioning that there is another option for professional design work. |
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May 17 2009, 12:41 PM
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#18
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Member Group: Members Posts: 102 Joined: 15-May 09 From: New Jersey Member No.: 332,160 |
Well, options are definitely a good thing. Maybe if Adobe had some more competition they'd lower their outrageous prices.
The reason I mentioned compatibility is because I was recently forced to upgrade from CS3 to CS4 due to the fact that CS3 Indesign files can't be opened in CS4 unless they are saved down. There's some kind of bug in CS4 that doesn't allow you to pre-flight a saved down file. Whether or not there was a work around, I don't know. Time was an issue and I was forced to upgrade. But, I guess that's more of an Adobe issue, anyway. |
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May 17 2009, 05:42 PM
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#19
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Senior Member Group: Members Posts: 475 Joined: 20-May 07 Member No.: 131,991 |
I do with adobe would consider lowering their prices, because then i'd be more than willing to pay for their software. I'm considering a student edition or something priced for students this fall when i enter college. I'm not really planning to major in that area though.
-------------------- Q6600, 4GB g-skill, 8800GT, P5N-D motherboard  My art |
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May 17 2009, 06:47 PM
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#20
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 Member Group: Members Posts: 131 Joined: 7-December 08 From: Texas Member No.: 266,703 |
Adobe's prices used to be a lot more reasonable (although they were always on the high-side) prior to their acquisition of Macromedia and their bundling of so many titles in so few choices of editions.
As I've posted before, if you are a higher education student, you can still get Adobe products at an extremely reasonable rate. Those of us who are educators who teach this software that used to be able to get the same prices as the college students (and after all, we are required to learn this software but not provided with the package so we must purchase it out of our own funds) now must pay nearly double what we had paid previously. If you are freelancing, creating a file and saving it into a compatible format is acceptable. But if you go in for an interview and a skills test with a firm that wants to see your proficiency with Illustrator, InDesign, Quark, or CorelDraw, you need to be able to manipulate those programs specifically. If hired, you're then provided with that software and you are expected to be able to perform their required tasks at their desired level on a daily basis. Transfer of knowledge is one thing. Knowing the finer points of a particular piece of software is another. "The more tricks you can pull out of your pocket, the more marketable you are." -- advice from my Dad when I entered college. Hasn't failed me yet. This post has been edited by txtchr: May 17 2009, 06:48 PM |
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May 18 2009, 10:15 AM
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#21
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New Member Group: Members Posts: 8 Joined: 14-May 09 From: Miami/Los Angeles Member No.: 331,654 |
I understand the problems that come with working in an organization where Adobe is the standard. I also know that Adobe’s prices are outrageous largely because of a lack of competition. Fortunately, I don’t have to put up with the problems of a corporate “job,” so I’m able to take advantage of other options (not only with respect to the design software I can use). All of this is one reason I mention Xara. Obviously, if the software can’t do the job, it’s not worth any price, but I continue to believe there is another option for those of us who don’t have to work in an office.
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May 18 2009, 01:43 PM
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#22
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New Member Group: Members Posts: 1 Joined: 18-May 09 Member No.: 333,134 |
Hello, I use Xara Xtreme too. Not only is it fast and capable of doing what Illustrator can do, it is very easy to learn. I designed my website using Xara Xtreme Pro and their website design program Xara Website Designer. My website is http://www.goodmorningsunshine.ca if you want to take a look.
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May 18 2009, 05:27 PM
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#23
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Member Group: Members Posts: 131 Joined: 7-December 08 From: Texas Member No.: 266,703 |
QUOTE(lfdow @ May 18 2009, 10:15 AM)  I understand the problems that come with working in an organization where Adobe is the standard. I also know that Adobe’s prices are outrageous largely because of a lack of competition. Fortunately, I don’t have to put up with the problems of a corporate “job,” so I’m able to take advantage of other options (not only with respect to the design software I can use). All of this is one reason I mention Xara. Obviously, if the software can’t do the job, it’s not worth any price, but I continue to believe there is another option for those of us who don’t have to work in an office. You are so right. But for those people who eventually want to migrate into the confines of "corporate America," no matter what level, they need to at least be made aware of what is considered the industry standard. It's the same with using Open Office vs. Microsoft Office. We all may feel that Microsoft's pricing practices are not particularly fair, but it is the software that the majority of offices do use, so being familiar with its "quirks" is a definite advantage. You have to remember that your proficiency at Xara, no matter where you go and what you do, is still a plus. Again -- the more you know, the better you are 
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May 19 2009, 04:40 AM
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#24
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New Member Group: Members Posts: 8 Joined: 17-May 09 Member No.: 332,912 |
+1
for Adobe products. Very intuitive to use and powerful. Amazon.com has great deals here and there, definitely worth checking out! |
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May 25 2009, 08:13 AM
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#25
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 New Member Group: Members Posts: 6 Joined: 19-May 09 From: CA Member No.: 333,407 |
The most professional softwares is Adobe. At adobe.com you can download several free trial outs of many programs (for 30 days).
I would suggest Photoshop CS2, there are a lot of on line tutorials, and really great stuff can be done with it. |
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Jun 2 2009, 04:45 PM
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#26
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New Member Group: Members Posts: 8 Joined: 14-May 09 From: Miami/Los Angeles Member No.: 331,654 |
I have nothing against Adobe products but I also have no reason to spend a fortune and not get any gain. Certainly, one impediment is that learning these programs is in itself, very time consuming. Another is the cost. But, mostly, there’s little incentive because do using Xara I’ve yet to not be able to accomplish anything I wanted. I understand that many folks are wedded to Adobe and I’m happy for them just as I’m happy with Xara.
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Jun 18 2009, 11:01 AM
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#27
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Member Group: Members Posts: 29 Joined: 17-June 09 Member No.: 342,786 |
Academic Superstore is also a good place to find discounts on the Creative Suite 4 (http://www.academicsuperstore.com). I would recommend the CS4. I have it and it is a must for any graphics professional. Though I have to make you aware that Mac is the way to go with this profession and software.
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Jun 24 2009, 03:33 PM
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#28
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New Member  Group: Banned Posts: 1 Joined: 24-June 09 Member No.: 344,963 |
I LOVE Corel Draw - have been using it for many years, and each version just gets better and better. X3 and X4 have some really great tools, which for illustrating and design purposes are so useful AND time-saving.
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Jun 30 2009, 03:01 AM
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#29
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New Member Group: Banned Posts: 1 Joined: 29-June 09 Member No.: 346,452 |
personally I LOVE Corel, it's the program I first learned to do vectors on and it's the one I'm most comfortable with...
I think you should at least give the new one a try , I'm on X3 now but I'll be upgrading veeeery soon!! |
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Jul 1 2009, 02:56 PM
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#30
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Member Group: Members Posts: 75 Joined: 28-June 09 Member No.: 346,224 |
Corel is infact a good choice, adobe i believe imho is the better choice but can be a little more complex to use, but its an industry champion and very powerful. Depending what exactly is the target goal here (ie what kind of design and end product) then check out as much info as you can yourself on all the products mentioned and you may just be able to make the correct descision yourself. But my money went on adobe cs4 and i havent looked back since!
High500 |
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