Which should I Buy?

[xplohd]

I have a little bit of experience with both Photoshop and Illustrator, but definitely not as much as most of the people here at DesignContest.

I can't afford to purchase the Adobe Suite of software, but I would like to get either Photoshop CS2 or Illustrator CS2 individually.

I was wondering which one is better to start out with. I understand that both programs have their strengths and in most cases compliment each other, but just to get started, should I work with Photoshop first or Illustrator first?

Thanks for your help!

XPLOHD

[INFIN8]

You are correct that both programs complement each other. Its a tough choice between the two...As you probably know, Illustrator is a Vector Graphics application while Photoshop is a bitmap editor, although it has some vector capabilities.

I guess it depends on what you want to do with the programs. If you see yourself leaning twords logo or print design, then Illustrator might be better to start with. On the other hand if you see yourself doing more web design or photo editing, then Photoshop is definitely the way to go.

Probably the best thing for you to do is download demo's for both and play around with each of them. After working with them for a while you'll probably have a good idea of which application you are more comfortable with....or you'll be convinced that you should save up and buy both!

Hope this helped...

[David Y]

The first alternative for Adobe Illustrator for me is: http://www.inkscape.org/
Maybe its not the same as Illustrator but it is advanced. You can see the screenshots on their site. And its FREE

[Al3x]

As INFIN8 said, download the trial versions of both and see which you like best. Also I wouldn't consider not getting both, mayb if you get the version lower than CS2, CS or 7 for example give the same results.

[psyris]

Not too sure where you can get second hand software, but personally i find photoshop easier to use and more powerful, but is probably becuase i use it more than illustrator, it is a very hard decision to make, but there are other open source products out there such as GIMP, which is an opensource of photoshop, not as powerful but does give the basic feel of it.

[Al3x]

Yes, and who could forget MS Paint???

[raghav]

I would suggest you to take illustrator, It is really vast and in some steps more better then Photoshop.