Photoshop vs Illustrator vs something else?

[shponglefan]

I'm a Photoshop user.  Used it since version 3; now up to CS4.  I've done some design work with it in the past for CPs, etc, but am wondering if it's better to embrace something like Illustrator instead?

For anyone who have used both, any pros/cons of each?  I understand the difference between vector and raster graphics; I'm wondering more about ease of use/speed/etc. 

Also, anyone here use Fireworks for design work?  Is it useful for that or is it more of a web design tool?

[jennifer]

     Photo shop has been my go to, But Illustrator is a better vector program, And was needed for my plotter...So I had to get both, Ps, as your aware is more of a photo/scan editing program, If you have the missing art Its not a problem to infuse it...Now Ai is more for creating the lost piece, and very difficult to learn, Although its set up like Ps. Its not, Throw out what you know and approach it with an open mind...I still prefer Ps. But that's just my preference.

[jammin0]

I personally use both.  If you have a raster graphic you will drive yourself bonkers trying to do any kind of editing in Illustrator.   On the other hand.  If you need to draw anything by hand you'll be loving Illustrator to death.  Photoshop is all about layers.  Illustrator has layers too but since the vector objects are more defined you can think of the objects themselves as the layers.  My wife does a ton of photo editing in photoshop and gets really annoyed when she tries to use illustrator for anything but since we have a vinyl cutter and do quite a bit of sign work I have been encouraging her to use illustrator more so that I don't have to do it for her.  There is definitely a learning curve to both but I think both are invaluable.

On the other hand I try to use programs like gimp or inkscape and they drive me nuts.  I guess you just get accustomed to working with whatever you're comfortable with.

[jennifer]

     * Interesting fact... Jennifer created a file with Ps, and vectored it with Inkscape, They diddnt play well together for when it went to the plotter (Flex8) the dimensions changed. Not alot but enough to be a problem... The problem dissapeared when using Ai, and life is good now.

[Nightvoice]

I use CorelDraw and Corel PhotoPaint for everything, but there are some functions AI seems to do better.

[shponglefan]

Thanks for the replies.  I think I may give Illustrator a go this time... I realized I had an Illustrator "classroom in a book" book; I think I intended I learn it at one point and never did.

Doing a CP in it seems like a good excuse 

[Wade007]

As a professional graphic designer (20+ years) I can tell you that there are pros and cons to each program. It kind of depends on what kind of artwork you want in the end.
In a nutshell: If you want razor sharp lines and solid colors/gradients go with Illustrator. If you complex/multi-colored photo-type visuals go with Photoshop.

Vector art scales (Illustrator). You can grow it infinitely without loss of detail. Math based.

Rastar art does not (Photoshop). Dependent on resolution of core art/photo.

I hope that helps.

[mrsinistar]

I use the open source program, Inkscape, for my vector artwork.  I think it does a really good job at helping you vectorizing simple cabinet art.