DescentBB

Ok,



I'm going to give this one last try. I found a really good deal recently and I can get Photoshop CS2 for quite a bit less and it is full and legal. The thing is, that I am going to college next Fall hopefully. I was going to go this year but my Dad's heart problems, prevented me from doing so. Anyway, I have been trying to learn as much as I could through 3D Buzz and other on-line courses in 3D modeling and 2D paint programs. At this point, I really need to upgrade my painting tools to Photoshop or something similar. Gimp is not going to cut it. I actually went through the 3D Buzz tutorials and used the trial version and loved it. The thing is, that next year I can get student discounts. However, I'm not sure if I can use that version of Photoshop for commercial use, although I'm guessing you can since it is a discount rather than a student edition. But, then I need something for now so I could get Photoshop Elements 4.0. However, I'm not sure how well this will do for creating UV textures. From what I understand, it is mostly for photo editing and is very stripped down. So, anyone know how well it would work for painting complex UV textures compared to Photoshop? Also, would you recommend that I just go ahead and buy Photoshop CS2 and start gaining some experience with it before college since I can afford it or just save my money for college and nab Elements 4.0? I need something to develope complex UV textures with, regardless.

I've never used Elements 4.0 personally, but here's my list of features you would probably want

-Ability to create layers and modify their opacities
-Clone Stamp tool
-Burn and dodge tools
-Wacom support for pressure sensitivity & opacity
-Transform tool (for rotating & scaling selections)

If you want to manipulate photos (or create art from scratch) for your textures you will want these functionalities, along with the obvious stuff like a paint brush, eraser, and marquee tool. You don't need a lot of that other fancy razzle-dazzle CS2 offers, you can get by with just that stuff. If Elements 4.0 will offer you this kind of ability I think you'll be good to go, and your money will be better saved for College (which might I add can be a tough time financially).

However, if it doesn't offer those kinds of things, then you might be better of with CS2 if you're wanting to learn advanced texturing. CS2 definitely gives you everything you need - I use it every day at work.

But if you can get the job done with something cheaper and more streamlined, then I would probably just go that way. It's more about the artist, than the tool!

Elements 4 is a neutered CS2

go to an academic wholesale website to purchase either

I finally grew some balls today and picked it up. I decided to get CS2 in the end anyway. I know I will need it next year. I was actually able to get it for Academic price through a special deal I found on it. Should have it next week sometime.