Adobe® Illustrator Users Check in

[Wickerman]

I've decided I need this tool. Or, one like it.

Its about 500$. Help me convince my IT department and my supervisor that its a good use of that 500$. This purchase will be a radical departure for my group and most of my division, let alone the entire organization - we don't hire any graphic artists. Our cartographers might use similar, yet more specific tools - I doubt anyone is using this particular software.

Or, better yet, tell me about a cheaper tool that will do roughly the same thing, with similar learning curve, for less money. Stability on a Windows 2000 system is of vital importance and security on that system and a large network is also significant.

Thanks!

[DS1]

1. It's better for layout work than Photoshop-like software

and offers much greater control over text.

[Atman]

2. There is nothing better!

There is NOTHING better, but it has a steep learning curve. LOTS of tools and options. But, it serves many functions. You can do ad layouts (I stopped using Quark ages ago), it has full type control, it integrates seemlessly with Photoshop and GoLive. I highly recommend it. Once you get it figured out, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

On edit: If you buy it for real, which I am assuming you plan on since it is for a company, you have access to Adobe's Collaboration site, where teams can review designs online and make changes and suggestions, without having to have the software themselves. Plus, the site has tons of tutorials, video lessons and other good stuff. It is really a fine package.

You can see a bunch of examples, from newsletters to cartoons, at the rmcg link below. Click the Portfolio tab. (Caution: nekkidness.)

[BlackVelvetElvis]

3. Macromedia Freehand

It sells for $399 on their site, but you can probably get it cheaper elsewhere.
Personally, I've not used it much since I use Illustrator.

[davsand]

4. Illustrator can deal with bigger files.

I just got into THAT particular mess with a sign design I was working on for a group of local labor organizations.

They wanted to use logos for each member union (about 15 of them) around the outer border of the sign. Given the quality of the logo artwork they provided, I ended up having to hand tint a bunch of them (Talk about a PITA!)and the files ended up being huge. Illustrator was the only program I had that would deal with the huge file size for the final layout.

Something else I like about Illustrator is the ability to save stuff in Illustrator editable Acrobat files. It makes sending copies of work much easier to send electronically for review or even for production work.

Just my two cents...


Laura

[Wickerman]

5. Great help - appreciate it!

I incorporated your responses in my request. My supervisor approved it and forwarded to the IT folks, who, for server, cost containment considerations and security issues, have the ability to nix the purchase, but probably will get it.

Thanks for the help!!

[Autobot77]

6. I love Illustrator!

Its expensive but worth the money.It gives you greater control unlike Photoshop plus its versatile as well.I pretty much use Illustrator for all the design work I do.