Graphic creation software suggestions?

[elias4444]

I've been using open-source software up until this point for graphic creation in my games. I'm now skilled with Blender for creating my 3D models, and have learned to live with Gimp for making simple textures.

However, I need to take things up a notch with my drawing (in both skill and software). I've been trying to use Inkscape, but it doesn't seem very intuitive. Could someone (everyone?) please offer me some suggestions for low cost drawing software? I looked into Adobe, but each product is way over my budget.

I use Intel-based Macs for all of my development, and I focus primarily on cartoonish graphic styles.

Thanks!

[Cartman]

I know that Daydream makes his art with Corel. I used Paint Shop Pro which was affordable and nice to work with.

You might try this link for some more choices:
http://graphicssoft.about.com/od/fre...hics-Software/

[oNyx]

>I've been trying to use Inkscape, but it doesn't seem very intuitive.

Well, it's a vector drawing program. All of 'em behave sort of weird if you're only used to bitmap based drawing applications.

Some things are a lot easier with vectors though. I highly recommend to take a second look. Check out the stuff under Help->Tutorials. The basics are covered there. There are also quite a lot of screencasts on the web.

[Davaris]

Have you tried Xara Extreme?

[esrix]

Paint.NET, perhaps?

[elias4444]

I've been looking into Xara, but there's no Mac port for it yet.

Any other ideas?

[KNau]

Artrage is available for the Mac.

[Sysiphus]

art rage..(OS x available)
http://www.ambientdesign.com/artragedown.html

edit: oops, didnt see above post...

vectorial is Inkscape, flash or Illustrator...

A pitty you can't go for Xara Extreme pro...

Also, there's the possibility of grabbing it's open source less powered linux version....it's free.

[Reactor]

Guys... Artrage is a natural painting program. It's not a substitute for Inkscape or the Gimp.

[svero]

I used Paint Shop Pro for years, but I switched to photoshop because it was more of an industry standard and it made it easier to work with other artists etc.. Feature wise it's pretty comperable, but I also didn't like the direction that corel took it after they bought it. (seemingly aiming it more towards family photo correction and less for serious artists) -- Still... if you cant afford photoshop it's probably your best next bet.

For 3D work I use softimage. Probably still over your budget if you can't afford photoshop, but their low end is priced around 600$, which, for a fully featured professional 3D package is about as good as it gets. (mid and high range are several thousand like the other 3d apps .. max & maya etc..)

[Reactor]

Feature wise it's pretty comperable, but I also didn't like the direction that corel took it after they bought it.

Good ol' Corel, always perfecting the art of stuffing things up.

I meant to ask, elias4444... what is it about the Gimp that makes you feel you need something else?

[tolworthy]

Have you tried Xara Extreme?

I havwen't used a Mac in years (don't flame me!) so I'm just guessing, but is it possible to run Xara on an emulator? Of all the drawing packages I've tried it's by far the fastest, easiest and most enjoyable (for me, a beginner). And it's very easy on system resources, so maybe emulation is an option?

[elias4444]

what is it about the Gimp that makes you feel you need something else?

I still use the gimp for image manipulation, but drawing things from scratch is a real pain. I also like the idea of moving toward vector images, so I can save bitmap versions in multiple resolutions without quality loss.

It sounds like I'll probably need to plug away, trying Inkscape again. And I'll keep my eyes open for Xara possibilities along the way.

Thanks for the help everyone! I really appreciate it!

[bignobody]

I still use the gimp for image manipulation, but drawing things from scratch is a real pain.

Do you have a drawing tablet? I use mine with the Gimp all the time for this and I love it.

[luggage]

http://splashup.com/splashup/

It's like a cutdown version of online photoshop. Lacks shortcut keys and a lot of the fancier things but somebody might find it useful.

[rioka]

i just got the Manga Studio Debut 3.0, it's a deal price of $40. it works great

It's a wonderful program alright! Ever since I've tried out their drawing tools, I'll be doing all my lineart in this program from now on (much faster than in Photoshop, imo). :3

For those considering this program - the graphics will all be in black and white and you'll have to export them to a painting program if you want colored art. If you want to check out what this program can do, I've been making some tutorials on how to use Manga Studio with another tutorial coming this Monday on how to place tones.