Never mind......

Never Mind what Al??

For text effects, etc: you can use all the plug-ins available for Photoshop with Photoshop Elements. I use PS myself and tutor on it...but for most text treatments, you can do some mighty spiffy things with the application of a simple plug-in from Auto FX or Alien Skin. (Alien Skin, btw, offers free 30 day trials of their stuff. Full functioning trials...so if you have a good idea going in what you want to do, you can generate some wonderful graphics within just a few mintues...for free. You can also download a 30 day trial of Photoshop Elements direct from Adobe.)

If you want to do basic stuff, Elements is the better choice. Much easier to use.

Certainly off topic...but it may also be an option to hire a graphics house or an aspiring graphics-type person to do the work for you. Good promo can make a lot more money for you than most new props will. (It's just not as fun...)

A number of magicians don't do this because of the costs involved -- but I've seen some HORRID promo issued by performers who did it themselves or had Bob's cousin's best friend's uncle do it on the cheap. Promo materials are critical. Graphics people get paid for the skills they have. Think about shoving a deck of cards into the hand of a layman and telling him to go do some walkabout.

Just some thoughts...hopefully they help.

David

Picnik.com

I do use professional people for my cards, web and even my copy. I am also into writing copy and designing and creating my own stuff.I have been playing with designing things for years and think that I have a knack for it and more importantly, I enjoy doing it and playing around with photos! I just want a program for ME to have fun and to relax with.I always send my photos and copy to people who makes a living doing this so that they can touch it up, it it needs it. I understand about making the first impression. LOL


Best
Ray

Photoshop is the ONLY way to go. Then again, I am a professional designer. I just have never found anything that even comes close to what Photoshop provides and allows me to do for my clients.

Kyle

I'm with Kyle on this one!

Hi,
Buy an older version of Photoshop.... tis cheaper.
Ade

Do one more show this month and buy the real thing.

LOL.... I know what you mean! LOL ... But I am a cheap SOB! I do not like speading that much on software. LOL

I guess that I will have to buy it, to make myself happy. LOL



Ray

A few weeks ago I started to post a sarcastic reply to your initial post. I figure we as a group of magi (generally speaking) complain that so many of our clients are cheap and don't seem to value us as entertainers, frequently just looking for the lowest price, etc; Then to hear that another performer is doing the same thing in trying to find the cheapest way to get a software solution....I just found that kind of ironic. After I made my post and read it on the screen....I thought it was too caustic so I edited it to say "never mind". So, I apologize for being sarcastic in my post, but generally speaking, as a rule, I pay for the real, full, licensed version of the software I want to use, even if it does seem expensive. I'm not rich...I don't make 6 figures performing, I don't have a huge bank-roll....but I just figure if I expect my clients to appreciate the hard work I put into my preparation and deliverance of a show, then I too should appreciate those who develop the software that I rely on for my business (and by "appreciate" I mean legitimately buy their creation at the going market price.) In the grand scheme of things, one show (or so) should generate enough money to buy the software you want. You get what you want, and the software developer is rewarded and is more inclined to create new programs and tools in the future. Just my humble opinion.

$700.00 is a steep price to pay if you do not know how to fully use every feature in the program. Then they have several add on programs to hike the price up several more hundred dollars.

The cheaper route may be to purchase a qualifing upgrade product and then get PS5 for $200.00. That still saves you $400.00.

LVMagicAL
I do paid to have my things done. As I already said in another post, I LIKE playing with photos and designing things. I have used Kyle for making my cards and Dan Sperry for other things. Even after I write copy or design something I will send it to a pro and have them tweek or start the project new.

It may sound funny, but some of us (entertainers) might be good at writing and design. LOL



R

If you have a student in your family, he or she could qualify for a student price. MUCH cheaper.

Another option is to haunt eBay for an older version of Photoshop, install it on your computer and then buy an upgrade. That brings the price for state of the art software to $200 plus whatever you pay for the older photoshop program.

Having read the whole thread -- I am thinking only Photoshop will do.

David

Yeah... you don't need the latest version of photoshop for creating stuff.
Older versions work great and are considerably cheaper.
Ade

Update.....

I was able to buy Photoshop Extended at http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/photoshopextended/ for $198.85 Cool or what? LOL

Just waiting for the CD to come in the mail.




Ray

Ray: if you need any help as you get used to Photoshop, let me know.

Kyle

You bet! LOL




Ray

Lol I have only used Photoshop every single day at my day job for the past 18 years. I know a few tricks that may come in handy. =)

Kyle