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Software for graphic design

2770 Views 15 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  TopFloor
I am looking for a software program to design post cards and a vehicle wrap for my trailer. I know exactly what I want. I have been to a few of the postcard web sites that have free design applications. They don't offer exactly what I want.

One aspect is to add a box with reverse text. Like a white card with a small box. Blue background in the box with white letters. I don't want the entire card to have a blue background.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Jeff
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GIMP is supposedly the best free one out there.

Photoshop and Corel from there.

Actually, now that I re-think this, I would guess you need a vector based program like Illustrator and CorelDraw

Inkscape is free, open source. You more than likely get what you pay for.
Never got a vehicle wrap done before, but I would imagine that the dudes there have the best in the business. (Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop)

But, if you are looking for a killer free program for graphic design.....

Google GIMP.

It's like Photoshop's free, almost knock off little brother. It's got all kinds of cool functions, a pretty reliable community forum for help, and some decent tutorials online. I haven't played with it much because I have an addiction to having the latest version of Photoshop, but I know some people who use it a lot and they really like it.

I don't do much print design (all most exclusively on the web) but remember, it's not so much the software as the person using it. I have been using Photoshop since I could walk, and that's what gives me the edge when it comes to graphic design, not that I'm rocking out with the latest iMac and CS4.

If you are going to be doing something as important, visible, and long term (like your vehicle wrap), get with a pro. When you think of the cost spread over the mileage of the investment, it is absolutely worth it.
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Agreed --- GIMP is about the best you can get for free and frankly stands up well against the expensive packages.
Dude, PLEASE design your own vehicle wrap with software you DON'T know how to use and PLEASE post a pic when you are done. I'll be waiting with popcorn.

No offense, but if you have to ask, you are ALREADY in WAY, WAY over your head. Oh my God.

You're like the dopey homeowner wearing dress shoes and slacks at the lumber yard buying three 2x4s, a hammer, tape measure and saw, asking to have a piece of ply ripped so he can fit it in his BMW. You know the guy...and that's you!
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Inkscape. FREE! Open Source...it's pretty cool. get it.
You're like the dopey homeowner wearing dress shoes and slacks at the lumber yard buying three 2x4s, a hammer, tape measure and saw, asking to have a piece of ply ripped so he can fit it in his BMW. You know the guy...and that's you!
Are you accusing him of being a successful homeowner, with nice clothes and a fancy car? I did not see that coming.
The vehicle wrap I would not do by myself cause its alot involved, your quality might not come out the way it should be etc.... that you want to leave to professionals... postcards is alot easier you mess up and it cant be all that bad... but I would recommend Adobe Illustrator its the best tool for graphic design.
I did eventually use a wrap design firm to put together the design. I love some of the sarcastic replies. I guess like a lot of things, if you pay attention to detail you can produce a good product. There were a few replies that indicated I couldn't possibly design my own wrap. As if you have any idea of what I am able to do. I am comfortable with the end result. The design is primarily mine. I used a firm to put my idea into action because it would take me more time to learn a program than it was worth.

I will post a picture when the wrap is finished.

Thank you to those that tried to provide constructive input.
Wraps and Banners

Adobe Photoshop is king no doubt - I used it to make a website for Wraps and Banners - and they use it to make there own wraps and banners.

Its always the way, you get what you pay for right!

Dave
Adobe Photoshop is king...
I concur. I use Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver to edit photos, design mailers, business cards, create logos, publish web pages...
That said, these products are aimed towards professional graphic artists. Before you invest in the software, it would be wise to take some classes at the community college. Without an elementary understanding of digital media and the relevant vocabulary, you will be beating your head against the wall.
Thank you to those that tried to provide constructive input.
You are welcome.

My first post WAS constructive as I told you to hire a pro, which you did, because I knew you would not be able to do it independently if you even had to ask about the software.

I'm sure you gave the guy some direction, which is great. That being said, I've seen some absolute terrible wraps done by "pros" too.

Please post your design.
You are welcome.

My first post WAS constructive as I told you to hire a pro, which you did, because I knew you would not be able to do it independently if you even had to ask about the software.

I'm sure you gave the guy some direction, which is great. That being said, I've seen some absolute terrible wraps done by "pros" too.

Please post your design.
Nice.

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