Go Back   Graphic Design Forum > Software > Other Software

Other Software Questions on Other types of Software

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 10-30-2012, 01:42 PM   #1
php
Junior Member
 
php's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Essex, England
Posts: 4
Which program?

Hi, I wanted to try and learn some sort of graphics program like Photoshop so that I am able to design my own logos and make them look really good.

I wanted some advice on what program is the best to learn? I have heard of GIMP which is free but I want a professional one which would have some standing if ever I was looking to be employed by someone. I could say I am more than capable in Photoshop for example, which they are most likely to embrace. If I was to say the same thing about GIMP I think they would not be so impressed.

Anyway, what program would you recommend me to buy?

Labtec.
php is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2012, 02:01 PM   #2
PanToshi
Blunt Dullard
 
PanToshi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,728
Hi php and welcome to GDF!

Pro Graphic Designers use a suite of software programs to design. Photoshop for photos, Illustrator or Corel Draw for vector art and InDesign for layout and composition. Additionally there are the programs designers work with to prepare their artwork for production (printing/web/signs etc.)

We ask that all new members take a few minutes to read through important threads here and here. These will explain our rules, answer frequently asked questions and explain some of the long running jokes you'll run into.

Enjoy your stay.

PS: Logos should never be designed in photoshop or raster program.
__________________
- The sketching process not only helps you to come up with good ideas, it also helps you to get past bad ones.
PanToshi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2012, 02:03 PM   #3
PrintDriver
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 30,605
You don't make logos in Photoshop.
You would use Illustrator and not use effects. Basic logo first. Bling is for later.
Learning software isn't going to make you employable. You need design and marketing theory for that.
PrintDriver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2012, 02:12 PM   #4
KitchWitch
Ginger Mod
 
KitchWitch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 7,071
Welcome. A vector program like Illustrator is better for logos. Photoshop is for photos.

You also need an education in graphic design if you hope to one day be employable. Learning how to use the tools of the trade will not make you a professional designer, just as learning how to use a plunger will not make you a plumber. Check into education programs in your area, or maybe online schools. The job market is already flooded with designers with four-year degrees, real world experience and program knowledge. You'd have to be able to compete with that.

Good luck to you.
__________________
"Do you want my leftover bacon?" Said no one ever.
KitchWitch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2012, 06:15 PM   #5
php
Junior Member
 
php's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Essex, England
Posts: 4
Thank you for your replies.

So just for clarification, I need to use a program like coral draw or illustrator to design the logo and photoshop is for adding the effects and making it look pretty?

Sorry, I know absolutely nothing about graphics design. I am into coding websites and I wanted to be able to make my own logos rather than asking monkeys to do it.

Hell, what do I want for free

Kind regards,

php.
php is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2012, 06:55 PM   #6
KitchWitch
Ginger Mod
 
KitchWitch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 7,071
Quote:
Originally Posted by php View Post
Sorry, I know absolutely nothing about graphics design.
Then I think you should learn graphic design or hire a professional.
__________________
"Do you want my leftover bacon?" Said no one ever.
KitchWitch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2012, 07:18 PM   #7
Brie
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: central Florida
Posts: 5,213
Quote:
Originally Posted by php View Post
Thank you for your replies.

So just for clarification, I need to use a program like coral draw or illustrator to design the logo and photoshop is for adding the effects and making it look pretty?

Sorry, I know absolutely nothing about graphics design. I am into coding websites and I wanted to be able to make my own logos rather than asking monkeys to do it.

Hell, what do I want for free

Kind regards,

php.
I don't think monkeys will do any better at designing logos.
__________________
“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level we created them.” Albert Einstein
Brie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2012, 08:40 PM   #8
php
Junior Member
 
php's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Essex, England
Posts: 4
Indeed they don't. They're just acquaintances of mine which I know through another area of the web. They do it as a hobby rather than dedicating their time to it.

How extensive is graphics design to learn? Is it really complicated or relatively easy?

Do you know of any good resources?

Kind regards,

php.
php is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2012, 08:44 PM   #9
KitchWitch
Ginger Mod
 
KitchWitch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 7,071
Quote:
Originally Posted by php View Post
How extensive is graphics design to learn? Is it really complicated or relatively easy?
I have a four year degree, over 15 years in the field and I'm still learning. I wouldn't say it's easy to learn at all.
__________________
"Do you want my leftover bacon?" Said no one ever.
KitchWitch is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-30-2012, 09:04 PM   #10
Cosmo
Always been Cosmo
 
Cosmo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Roanoke, VA
Posts: 3,339
Quote:
Originally Posted by php View Post
Indeed they don't. They're just acquaintances of mine which I know through another area of the web. They do it as a hobby rather than dedicating their time to it.

How extensive is graphics design to learn? Is it really complicated or relatively easy?

Do you know of any good resources?

Kind regards,

php.
How hard is any other profession? Can you just wake up one day and be a mechanic?

I have been doing it 23 years and I learn something new almost every day.
__________________
http://brokenspokedesign.com
Cosmo is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
not about butt doctors


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 06:35 AM.




GRAPHICS.COM NEWSLETTER
The weekly Graphics.com newsletter is a great way to stay up to date on what's new on the site and in the world of graphics. Subscribe »

JOB LISTINGS
Featured Listings
Art Director
Hanley Wood
Washington, DC
Designer
Environmental Defense Fund
New York, NY
Presentation Designer
Refinery29
New York, NY
Lead Artist (m/f)
GameDuell
Berlin, Germany

See all other great design jobs on our Job Board

Post a risk-free
job listing for $279


WebMediaBrands
Mediabistro | All Creative World | Inside Network
Jobs | Education | Research | Events | News
Advertise | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
Copyright 2011 WebMediaBrands Inc. All rights reserved.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.