Open Source Creative programs
http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33457
Since getting the new Hard Drive setup, I have decided to concentrate on Creative Open Source programs for my projects. I believe in the open source movement, dislike Adobe's monopoly, and figure I can always find good plug-ins, or request plug-ins, from developers to suit whatever needs I may run into.
I have used them before, including the last magazines I did which I used GIMP, Scribus, and Inkscape. There was a bit of a curve, but I was able to layout the magazine as needed and get it to the printer with no problems (other than some printing issues on previously created pages which I had nothing to do with). I had been using Adobe Products, but I no longer have a license for them nor do I have the cash to shell out for a Master Creative Suite. Sure, I COULD keep using the programs, but that would be technically stealing. I'd rather do things legally and be proud that I was able to learn three new programs with a bit of a curve. The open source programs are not as powerful in some aspects, nor are they as elegant or seamlessly integrated. However, they are much lighter weight and I just have to find workarounds for any extra stuff I wanted to do. They suit my needs right now.
I have also used NVU for web stuffs, and I find that a bit trickier than Dreamweaver, the WYSIWYG interface, anyway, so i found myself more into the code than the GUI. Coding is coding, and that can be done in a txt file, so sure, whatever. I have yet to explore the open source versions of Director or Flash (synfig), so I will let you know what's up when i figure them out. Honestly, i don't use Flash too much anymore, anyway. Maybe for little things, but there are so many free utilities out there and other options available I probably won't even bother (unless I get a client who REALLY wants something in Flash, and then I will gladly buy the package and license with the advance).
For video editing and composition, I am okay with Premiere and a neophyte with AfterEffects, so Jashaka (for Motion Graphics) and just installed Avidemux. It is foreign to me. However, I can use most nonlinear editing systems for the basics at least. I learned in the eighties with three VHS VCR's connected with AV cables then moved on to UMatics in college. The editing isn't about the software, it's about the art of the edit, which I am still tackling. but I love it. I just need footage to practice with.
For audio, I had always been fond of CoolEdit pro (and I learned with cassette tapes, then Reel-to-Reel) and was decent with a razor but had a better ear. I sucked on air, though, because I thought I was funnier and more clever than I actually was. I still have that problem mostly. So now i use Audacity, and I just upgraded to a new version. I have only used the multi-track editing capabilities lightly, and it takes some getting used to, but the most recent audio recordings were done with Audacity and a cheap microphone, so what do you expect.
That's it for now. Oh, we use OpenOffice for our Office Productivity. I've also used AbiWord. I like both of them, and they seem lighter weight than the heavier MS Word, but I did have to buy that with this system at the time to get .dosx - however, I believe OpenWrite can open dosx files now.
Well, that's my update for a snowy day in December. We have 6" at 11 Am and are expected to get 18+. Unheard of in December in southern New Jersey. So I get to go clean the kitchen and do some creative tinkering by making batches and batches and batches of cookies! Enjoy your day and I hope you do something creative today!
Brett
Since getting the new Hard Drive setup, I have decided to concentrate on Creative Open Source programs for my projects. I believe in the open source movement, dislike Adobe's monopoly, and figure I can always find good plug-ins, or request plug-ins, from developers to suit whatever needs I may run into.
I have used them before, including the last magazines I did which I used GIMP, Scribus, and Inkscape. There was a bit of a curve, but I was able to layout the magazine as needed and get it to the printer with no problems (other than some printing issues on previously created pages which I had nothing to do with). I had been using Adobe Products, but I no longer have a license for them nor do I have the cash to shell out for a Master Creative Suite. Sure, I COULD keep using the programs, but that would be technically stealing. I'd rather do things legally and be proud that I was able to learn three new programs with a bit of a curve. The open source programs are not as powerful in some aspects, nor are they as elegant or seamlessly integrated. However, they are much lighter weight and I just have to find workarounds for any extra stuff I wanted to do. They suit my needs right now.
I have also used NVU for web stuffs, and I find that a bit trickier than Dreamweaver, the WYSIWYG interface, anyway, so i found myself more into the code than the GUI. Coding is coding, and that can be done in a txt file, so sure, whatever. I have yet to explore the open source versions of Director or Flash (synfig), so I will let you know what's up when i figure them out. Honestly, i don't use Flash too much anymore, anyway. Maybe for little things, but there are so many free utilities out there and other options available I probably won't even bother (unless I get a client who REALLY wants something in Flash, and then I will gladly buy the package and license with the advance).
For video editing and composition, I am okay with Premiere and a neophyte with AfterEffects, so Jashaka (for Motion Graphics) and just installed Avidemux. It is foreign to me. However, I can use most nonlinear editing systems for the basics at least. I learned in the eighties with three VHS VCR's connected with AV cables then moved on to UMatics in college. The editing isn't about the software, it's about the art of the edit, which I am still tackling. but I love it. I just need footage to practice with.
For audio, I had always been fond of CoolEdit pro (and I learned with cassette tapes, then Reel-to-Reel) and was decent with a razor but had a better ear. I sucked on air, though, because I thought I was funnier and more clever than I actually was. I still have that problem mostly. So now i use Audacity, and I just upgraded to a new version. I have only used the multi-track editing capabilities lightly, and it takes some getting used to, but the most recent audio recordings were done with Audacity and a cheap microphone, so what do you expect.
That's it for now. Oh, we use OpenOffice for our Office Productivity. I've also used AbiWord. I like both of them, and they seem lighter weight than the heavier MS Word, but I did have to buy that with this system at the time to get .dosx - however, I believe OpenWrite can open dosx files now.
Well, that's my update for a snowy day in December. We have 6" at 11 Am and are expected to get 18+. Unheard of in December in southern New Jersey. So I get to go clean the kitchen and do some creative tinkering by making batches and batches and batches of cookies! Enjoy your day and I hope you do something creative today!
Brett