Photoshop? Inkscape? Illustrator? Oh my!

[javeryh]

So I'm a total noob when it comes to artwork but I would like to learn.  I don't think I'll ever need to do anything realistic but I would like to know how to manipulate basic cartoony pictures and fonts in order to create marquees and side art.  I downloaded Inkscape but I can't even figure out how to plot a specific shape (like a CP or a side panel) in order to start filling the space with a design or something.  There seems to be a very steep learning curve.  What is the best way to go about this? What program is recommended for a beginner?

[PL1]

1. Here's a little reading for you to get started on:  Frostillicus' Vector Tutorial

2. After thumbing through that, drop by youtube and search on inkscape tutorials. 

3. Play!


Scott

[Ond]

Did you have any success after reading the tutorial jav?  I had a read through, its pretty good.  Drawing with vectors isnt such a big deal once you get a feel for the tools you can use to control shapes, then learn a bit about using layers and layer control and you're on your way.  I found Corel Draw pretty easy to use, there are free trials available too.

[BadMouth]

If you want something without much of a learning curve, you might try paint.net
http://www.getpaint.net/
It's not vector, so you have to draw everything full size.
It has layers and transparency, so you can accomplish a lot of things with it.
(it's not as photo-editing 'centric as the website makes it appear.  Most of the tutorials are about making things from scratch)

Once you get the hang of it, install the outline plugin.
It's good for adding shading, glowing,...and of course outlines.

With that and the Virtual Pinball font collection, you can get decent results.

I really need to learn how to use Inkscape and vector images, but I keep going back to paint.net because it's easy.

EDIT: Basic Tutorial on youtube http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAA560F9E4F5986A9&feature=plcp

[Trebeck]

I believe in you javery.  You can do it!
Vector tools take some time to master so keep at it.  Also, I'm not sure about the programs you use but in Illustrator there's a feature called "pathfinder" you should look into that might make your life easier.  What it does is you can unite, divide, merge shapes that can take away from the stress of freehanding art.  If you just can't seem to make that curve look good try merging a simple circle with your shape to get that perfect radius.
For example.....