Best Graphics Software for Beginner - Page 2

PSUColonel · 12-18-2022, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

Please be aware that justafan's software is all I can use... and I can only do the basics on it... nothing fancy... my work is just average at best.

Will Gimp, Canva or a something similar be better than justafan?

I am not very good with computer... I am not intuitive... often have trouble navigating websites and downloading fonts and unzipping files.

I would like to make better jerseys, logos and caps.

Which is the simplest software to use?... don't mind paying for it if it is better than the free version.

Would appreciate your advice.

I use GIMP on a very rudimentary level for creating logos. It is nothing like justafan's software. His logo makers and such are designed specifically for OOTP.

TrbldWiseman · 12-18-2022, 08:14 PM

I do alot of graphic work using Inkscape and GIMP They are pretty basic and easy to use for first time/new designers

Eugene Church · 12-18-2022, 09:07 PM

Thanks to PSCColonel and TrbalWiseman for their help.

Appreciate it.

Deft · 12-19-2022, 03:24 PM

If you want to get more into vector art that is cleaner and easier to modify once created, Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape (freeware) are good options. I use GIMP for basic mods to logos but creating new logos I use Inkscape.

txranger · 12-19-2022, 05:44 PM

All good advice so far can't add anything much other than I use Photoshop and Illustrator... I used PSP for quite awhile and it works fine... It has some limitations compared to PS but for the price it is a good program...

hurricanekevin · 12-19-2022, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txranger

All good advice so far can't add anything much other than I use Photoshop and Illustrator... I used PSP for quite awhile and it works fine... It has some limitations compared to PS but for the price it is a good program...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deft

If you want to get more into vector art that is cleaner and easier to modify once created, Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape (freeware) are good options. I use GIMP for basic mods to logos but creating new logos I use Inkscape.

If you can afford them Illustrator and Photoshop are the industry standard for a reason. I started with GIMP and Inkscape but I've been using Adobe products since I started graphic design classes. As much as I love GIMP it struggles with some of the basic things you'll want to do for logos. Inkscape is probably closer to Illustrator.

One advantage to Adobe (Photoshop and Illustrator) versus the free versions is the amount of learning material you'll find on YouTube and other places. There's certainly some great educational content for GIMP and Inkscape out there, but there's just so much more for the Adobe products.

The skills you'll learn with GIMP and Inkscape do translate to other programs (to an extent) so learning them is a good way to start and then if you find yourself developing your skills and you want to upgrade you'll be able to transfer some of your knowledge.

You might want to find a crash course video on the difference between vector graphics and raster graphics. If you haven't started learning either I'd recommend learning vector.

Just thought the above was good advice and wanted to keep the conversation going.

Deft · 12-21-2022, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hurricanekevin

If you can afford them Illustrator and Photoshop are the industry standard for a reason. I started with GIMP and Inkscape but I've been using Adobe products since I started graphic design classes. As much as I love GIMP it struggles with some of the basic things you'll want to do for logos. Inkscape is probably closer to Illustrator.

One advantage to Adobe (Photoshop and Illustrator) versus the free versions is the amount of learning material you'll find on YouTube and other places. There's certainly some great educational content for GIMP and Inkscape out there, but there's just so much more for the Adobe products.

The skills you'll learn with GIMP and Inkscape do translate to other programs (to an extent) so learning them is a good way to start and then if you find yourself developing your skills and you want to upgrade you'll be able to transfer some of your knowledge.

You might want to find a crash course video on the difference between vector graphics and raster graphics. If you haven't started learning either I'd recommend learning vector.

Just thought the above was good advice and wanted to keep the conversation going.

Adobe product also don't crash every couple of days like Inkscape.

Ty Cobb · 12-21-2022, 12:41 PM

Adobe anything is absurd overkill for 90%+ of users—for professionals it's a different story, I completely understand.

Also, most of those tutorial videos for PS work great for any other piece of software if you focus on the concepts being taught and not the menu bar being used...layers, blending, typography principles, etc. are not PS specific.

Then...there's costs:

PS subscription: $240/year
Clip Studio Paint Pro: $50
Medibang Paint: Free
GIMP: Free
Art Text 4: $30
Logoist 4: $30
Aurora 3dMaker: $30
Fire Alpaca: Free

CSP will be going subscription soon, and so future versions will suffer the same cost problems as PS. Aurora 3dMaker is a capable program, but with a quirky interface. Logoist and Art Text produce some very nice 3d effects and general logo art with a minimal learning curve, but they're one trick ponies. Medibang is capable, but has a learning curve, not a terrible one, but still there. Fire Alpaca I've not toyed with yet—only got it because it's free. Seems basic and capable for minimalist tasks. GIMP's interface can be daunting to the inexperienced.

Best part of not buying Photoshop is not paying the subscription cost for the rest of your life. I'd add that GIMP and CSP have incredibly active user communities with a host of good tutorial material available as well. GIMP and CSP can also import almost all Photoshop brush sets.

I'm not trying to beat down Photoshop...it's a godawful killer app, powerful, flexible, extendable...clearly the champion and not by a small margin! If it's a career or business option, it's so easily the choice the others don't merit mention. For the casual user, it's just not a good investment because of its high cost and steep learning curve.

As always, your mileage may vary. Most of these offer free demos...

txranger · 12-21-2022, 12:51 PM

Photoshop is only $119.88 plus tax which brings it to $129.77 annually... Illustrator is $240.00 plus tax which brings it to about $255.00 annually...

Ty Cobb · 12-21-2022, 01:14 PM

Must have only looked at a monthly plan cost. Still, the numbers don't really look good for it, since you "will own nothing and like it."

knuckler · 12-25-2022, 08:04 PM

Just wanted to add that I agree with Tex. The Adobe products are the best way to go. At first, I can see why they would be a little overwhelming, but you quickly learn the tools that you will need to make logos on your own. Then it's easy to "block out" the other ones.

PSUColonel · 12-26-2022, 02:10 PM

I’d probably go with GIMP because it’s fairly simple and free. After that, I would start looking at YouTube tutorials for basics. If you need any help with logos, I can probably help…although I’m not even sure the way I do things is proper…I just learned on the fly over the course of years. I usually need quality logos to start with…I am not someone who can turn water into wine.

jms14b · 12-26-2022, 10:16 PM

I personally use photoshop. I know the cost can be a barrier for some, and the free versions do fantastic work. Luckily, I build all of my graphical media for my agency so I can use the Adobe purchases as a business expense and get some good personal use out of it too. The Adobe products can definitely take your good work and help take it to a great level, but as mentioned, Adobe products are overkill for about 99% of the people. Had I not gotten it, using Gimp and other products would be more than perfect, but having used Adobe products, I don't think that I could switch back

hurricanekevin · 12-27-2022, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jms14b

I personally use photoshop. I know the cost can be a barrier for some, and the free versions do fantastic work. Luckily, I build all of my graphical media for my agency so I can use the Adobe purchases as a business expense and get some good personal use out of it too. The Adobe products can definitely take your good work and help take it to a great level, but as mentioned, Adobe products are overkill for about 99% of the people. Had I not gotten it, using Gimp and other products would be more than perfect, but having used Adobe products, I don't think that I could switch back

GIMP was a great starting point for me, but now that I'm using Adobe I can't image going back. I think your statement summarizes this thread so well, the free stuff is good but once you get the advanced features of the Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop its hard to imagine going back.

Eugene Church · 12-27-2022, 05:19 PM

Thanks to hurricanekevin, jms14b, Ty Cobb, PSCColonel, knuckler, txranger, Ty Cobb and Deft.

Guys, I just need something a little step above justafan... which was hard for me to just learn the basics and to create just average graphic at best.

It seems to me that Gimp would be the easiest to learn?

And this may have too much of a learning curve for me.

But I may try it... but so far, the tutorials online have been difficult for me to follow... I need specific instructions to follow... almost always the teacher assumes that I have more knowledge that I have and they leave out steps that I need to do what they want me to do.

Maybe I am not smart enough to learn how to use GIMP.

Maybe I should just stay with justafan and continue to try to get help from the wonderful designers that still do occasional personal requests here on the OOTP Mods Forum.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all y'all great folks.

You are all simply the best... I couldn't ask for a better group of friends.

hurricanekevin · 12-27-2022, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

Thanks to hurricanekevin, jms14b, Ty Cobb, PSCColonel, knuckler, txranger, Ty Cobb and Deft.

Guys, I just need something a little step above justafan... which was hard for me to just learn the basics and to create just average graphic at best.

It seems to me that Gimp would be the easiest to learn?

And this may have too much of a learning curve for me.

But I may try it... but so far, the tutorials online have been difficult for me to follow... I need specific instructions to follow... almost always the teacher assumes that I have more knowledge that I have and they leave out steps that I need to do what they want me to do.

Maybe I am not smart enough to learn how to use GIMP.

Maybe I should just stay with justafan and continue to try to get help from the wonderful designers that still do occasional personal requests here on the OOTP Mods Forum.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all y'all great folks.

You are all simply the best... I couldn't ask for a better group of friends.

Two things I do when I am struggling with a video and trying to learn something:
First, see if there are written instructions on what you are trying to do somewhere. Many of my graphic design classes right now use chapters of step by step instructions on a project. That way you aren't trying to keep up with a difficult to understand speaker.

Second, if you can't find a written version, make your own by just watching the video without GIMP open. Take notes. I still have my notes for how to put text on a circle written as step by step instructions.

Just some thoughts. You are definitely smart enough, it just takes some time and practice.

All the best for the holidays to you!

jms14b · 12-27-2022, 09:51 PM

https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/blog.php?b=2298

I'd highly reccomend getting the two photoshop documents attached in the link here. It's what I used to really start getting comfortable with creating hats and jerseys. This is a great way of starting to play with it.

https://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/

This has some chapters of photoshop for beginners tutorials. Obviously the interface will look different than GIMP, but the same basic principles will apply. I think the link above is a pretty good beginners training guide to photoshop/GIMP

knuckler · 12-28-2022, 07:35 PM

EC, don't get discouraged by the videos. I think it would be easier to let someone here walk you through steps to making basic logos and then over time, you will get better. If you end up using a photoshop version, I will help you as much as I can.

micropterus58 · 12-29-2022, 01:23 PM

The best way to learn any graphic program is to practice. Just create a blank page and learn the basic tools. Try the various tools and their options when you are just practicing. Brush tool; adjust size, shape, color, opacity. Polygon tools such as ellipse (circle), rectangle, some apps have stars, arrows and more. Assign colors and create a stroke (aka border). Fill tool. Magic Wand and selection tools. Eraser tool plus options. Text tool plus options. Pen Tool to create lines and arcs. To begin with you will only need to learn 10% of the tools/options to create uniforms and logos. You will never learn everything. You will learn new things as you progress. I am always searching the internet for tips and tutorials either to refresh or learn a new tool or technique.

GIMP for beginners on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...+for+beginners

Eugene Church · 12-30-2022, 04:18 PM

Thanks for all the help and advice about how I should proceed to learn graphics.

Really appreciate the help.

Happy New Year to all of you.

12-18-2022, 08:14 PM	#22
TrbldWiseman Major Leagues Join Date: Jul 2018 Posts: 327	I do alot of graphic work using Inkscape and GIMP They are pretty basic and easy to use for first time/new designers __________________ "Simple is good," Jim Henson

12-19-2022, 03:24 PM	#24
Deft All Star Starter Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,140	If you want to get more into vector art that is cleaner and easier to modify once created, Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape (freeware) are good options. I use GIMP for basic mods to logos but creating new logos I use Inkscape. __________________ ATHL Louisville Jockeys (2001-present) 2002, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2020 World Champions Uniform Template 1.2

12-19-2022, 05:44 PM	#25
txranger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: "Deep in the Heart Of" Posts: 8,356	All good advice so far can't add anything much other than I use Photoshop and Illustrator... I used PSP for quite awhile and it works fine... It has some limitations compared to PS but for the price it is a good program... __________________

12-21-2022, 12:41 PM	#28
Ty Cobb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Grayling, MI Posts: 4,626	Well... Adobe anything is absurd overkill for 90%+ of users—for professionals it's a different story, I completely understand. Also, most of those tutorial videos for PS work great for any other piece of software if you focus on the concepts being taught and not the menu bar being used...layers, blending, typography principles, etc. are not PS specific. Then...there's costs: PS subscription: $240/year Clip Studio Paint Pro: $50 Medibang Paint: Free GIMP: Free Art Text 4: $30 Logoist 4: $30 Aurora 3dMaker: $30 Fire Alpaca: Free CSP will be going subscription soon, and so future versions will suffer the same cost problems as PS. Aurora 3dMaker is a capable program, but with a quirky interface. Logoist and Art Text produce some very nice 3d effects and general logo art with a minimal learning curve, but they're one trick ponies. Medibang is capable, but has a learning curve, not a terrible one, but still there. Fire Alpaca I've not toyed with yet—only got it because it's free. Seems basic and capable for minimalist tasks. GIMP's interface can be daunting to the inexperienced. Best part of not buying Photoshop is not paying the subscription cost for the rest of your life. I'd add that GIMP and CSP have incredibly active user communities with a host of good tutorial material available as well. GIMP and CSP can also import almost all Photoshop brush sets. I'm not trying to beat down Photoshop...it's a godawful killer app, powerful, flexible, extendable...clearly the champion and not by a small margin! If it's a career or business option, it's so easily the choice the others don't merit mention. For the casual user, it's just not a good investment because of its high cost and steep learning curve. As always, your mileage may vary. Most of these offer free demos... __________________ "You could not live with your own failure. Where did that bring you? Back to me." Thanos

12-21-2022, 12:51 PM	#29
txranger Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: "Deep in the Heart Of" Posts: 8,356	Photoshop is only $119.88 plus tax which brings it to $129.77 annually... Illustrator is $240.00 plus tax which brings it to about $255.00 annually... __________________

12-18-2022, 09:07 PM	#23
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 36,325	Thanks to PSCColonel and TrbalWiseman for their help. Appreciate it.

12-21-2022, 01:14 PM	#30
Ty Cobb Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Grayling, MI Posts: 4,626	Must have only looked at a monthly plan cost. Still, the numbers don't really look good for it, since you "will own nothing and like it." __________________ "You could not live with your own failure. Where did that bring you? Back to me." Thanos

12-25-2022, 08:04 PM	#31
knuckler Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 3,347	Just wanted to add that I agree with Tex. The Adobe products are the best way to go. At first, I can see why they would be a little overwhelming, but you quickly learn the tools that you will need to make logos on your own. Then it's easy to "block out" the other ones.

12-26-2022, 02:10 PM	#32
PSUColonel Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 13,145	I’d probably go with GIMP because it’s fairly simple and free. After that, I would start looking at YouTube tutorials for basics. If you need any help with logos, I can probably help…although I’m not even sure the way I do things is proper…I just learned on the fly over the course of years. I usually need quality logos to start with…I am not someone who can turn water into wine.

12-26-2022, 10:16 PM	#33
jms14b Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2019 Posts: 221	I personally use photoshop. I know the cost can be a barrier for some, and the free versions do fantastic work. Luckily, I build all of my graphical media for my agency so I can use the Adobe purchases as a business expense and get some good personal use out of it too. The Adobe products can definitely take your good work and help take it to a great level, but as mentioned, Adobe products are overkill for about 99% of the people. Had I not gotten it, using Gimp and other products would be more than perfect, but having used Adobe products, I don't think that I could switch back __________________ Check out my European Soccer in OOTP Graphics. This is an ongoing project. I also have my NFL Reimagined series I have just started as well!

12-27-2022, 05:19 PM	#35
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 36,325	Thanks to hurricanekevin, jms14b, Ty Cobb, PSCColonel, knuckler, txranger, Ty Cobb and Deft. Guys, I just need something a little step above justafan... which was hard for me to just learn the basics and to create just average graphic at best. It seems to me that Gimp would be the easiest to learn? And this may have too much of a learning curve for me. But I may try it... but so far, the tutorials online have been difficult for me to follow... I need specific instructions to follow... almost always the teacher assumes that I have more knowledge that I have and they leave out steps that I need to do what they want me to do. Maybe I am not smart enough to learn how to use GIMP. Maybe I should just stay with justafan and continue to try to get help from the wonderful designers that still do occasional personal requests here on the OOTP Mods Forum. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all y'all great folks. You are all simply the best... I couldn't ask for a better group of friends.

12-27-2022, 09:51 PM	#37
jms14b Minors (Triple A) Join Date: Dec 2019 Posts: 221	https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/blog.php?b=2298 I'd highly reccomend getting the two photoshop documents attached in the link here. It's what I used to really start getting comfortable with creating hats and jerseys. This is a great way of starting to play with it. https://www.photoshopessentials.com/basics/ This has some chapters of photoshop for beginners tutorials. Obviously the interface will look different than GIMP, but the same basic principles will apply. I think the link above is a pretty good beginners training guide to photoshop/GIMP __________________ Check out my European Soccer in OOTP Graphics. This is an ongoing project. I also have my NFL Reimagined series I have just started as well!

12-28-2022, 07:35 PM	#38
knuckler Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 3,347	EC, don't get discouraged by the videos. I think it would be easier to let someone here walk you through steps to making basic logos and then over time, you will get better. If you end up using a photoshop version, I will help you as much as I can.

12-29-2022, 01:23 PM	#39
micropterus58 All Star Starter Join Date: May 2007 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,277	The best way to learn any graphic program is to practice. Just create a blank page and learn the basic tools. Try the various tools and their options when you are just practicing. Brush tool; adjust size, shape, color, opacity. Polygon tools such as ellipse (circle), rectangle, some apps have stars, arrows and more. Assign colors and create a stroke (aka border). Fill tool. Magic Wand and selection tools. Eraser tool plus options. Text tool plus options. Pen Tool to create lines and arcs. To begin with you will only need to learn 10% of the tools/options to create uniforms and logos. You will never learn everything. You will learn new things as you progress. I am always searching the internet for tips and tutorials either to refresh or learn a new tool or technique. GIMP for beginners on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...+for+beginners

12-30-2022, 04:18 PM	#40
Eugene Church Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 36,325	Thanks for all the help and advice about how I should proceed to learn graphics. Really appreciate the help. Happy New Year to all of you.