What type of software will I need to start designing my own artwork?

[MarkUVideo]

I'm new to this and becoming interested in making my own machines. What type of software will I need to start doing my own artwork designs? Also how would I change a picture to make it printable in a blown up size without becoming pixelated?

[Necroticart]

If you want resizable images with no pixalation you have to do vector art I use adobe illustrator only and have not messed with any other programs. adobe products are most of the time the best in the industry.  raster graphics aka Photoshop might be a better way to go depending on the image. keep in mind a nice piece of side art in raster can have a very large file size at 300 to 400 dpi as opposed to vector which can be a tenth of the file size. for example artwork like the MK3 side art is best done in raster because of the complexity of the shading and detail of the image it could be done in vector but it would be take forever to complete. vector on the other hand goes well with images like the Pac man and Galaga side art because of the simple design of the artwork. well I hope I was able to help and good luck on your project 

[thatitalian]

Basically what Necroticart said is all true.

It really depends on how simple or complex your image is! Lots of gradients/shading = Photoshop (you can use vector graphics, but it DOES take a lot longer!)

Another alternative to Photoshop that is quite good and free is GIMP. I use it from time to time (although I always try to use Photoshop) and it is quite impressive considering it is free!

http://www.gimp.org/

IMPORTANT: if it is a raster image i.e. it is pixel based, it needs to be a high res (300 dpi is good) so that it comes out well when printed. Also, make sure it is the correct size before you start, you don't want to start stretching the image as there is a loss of quality.

Lastly, remember that there are several people on this forum who are always willing to help you out!

Good luck and show us what you produce!

[pgielen]

if you want to make vector art you can use inkscape.
Its a free vector program thats works very good.
here is what i made with it http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=81296.msg847950#msg847950