What is a good program to learn the basics of graphic design?
Q. I am in real estate and would like to be able to do my own layouts, design, etc… I am looking to be able to do my own design for postcards, flyers, and mailings. In the past, I have used MS Word, Publisher and another dated program called Business Publisher Design. I do not own a MAC, and cannot buy one. I am looking for something affordable, easy to learn and use, and reliable. Thank you!
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graphics design would be more like photoshop.
(actually designing the graphics)
but if you just want to layout postcards and flyers (using photos and clipart that is already available), publisher is okay.
Adobe Photo shop is a good place to start.
Macs are not all there cracked up be.
there are tons of programs out there
i found this
http://www.astahost.com/info.php/free-graphic-design-program-equal-photoshop_t11188.html
fairly quickly
it depends on how much you want to spend
a good resource for learning are the tutorials for the different programs.
look at some of those, see how things are done and you can choose what program suits you.
you may be able to find an older version of Paint Shop Pro from Jasc software. Corel snatched them up and ruined the program but version 9 is like photoshop 8 or something similar i think.
Try Corel Paint Shop Pro it is the easiest.
I use Publisher for my RE flyers, I set up a basic template with my logo, personal info. and when I get a new listing I just pop in the new info for the house and pictures. This way all my flyers are on the same template and you start to brand yourself. Soon people in your area will recognize you just by the look of your flyer. I use the same theme through out all my advertising to creat a brand for myself.
Although Adobe Photoshop is a good program to use to work with images, programs like Adobe InDesign & Illustrator are much better for what you’re looking to do, which is to lay things out. However, since you said you wanted something affordable I would look into some scrapbooking software because they allow you to lay out elements such as photos and text.
You don’t need a MAC to design things, it’s more of a preference. Especially since you’re not a designer, it really doesn’t matter. I prefer a MAC myself even though I’ve used a PC much longer. I just find them easier to deal with and they don’t crash on me.