Afordable Vector & Bitmap software: Affinity photo and Affinity Designer

Discussion in 'Level Design' started by colette_levesque, Apr 4, 2016.

?

What software do you use to create your graphics?

  1. Photoshop

    52.6%
  2. Illustrator

    42.1%
  3. Pixelmator

    18.4%
  4. Gimp

    10.5%
  5. Inkscape

    13.2%
  6. Other

    10.5%
  7. I outsource

    5.3%
  8. I buy images online

    13.2%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. colette_levesque

    colette_levesque Boxer

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    I am a subscriber of the Adobe Creative Cloud so i have access to Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, but if i didn't, i'd give these 2 options a try. They cost about $50 each and there is no subscription. They seem to be fully compatible with .ai and .psd format and seem very powerful.

    https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/

    Affinity photo and Affinity Designer.
     
    tweettopix likes this.
  2. VectologyGames

    VectologyGames Serious Boxer

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    Really the question is how serious are you about graphic creation? When it comes to asset management, plugins, and overall user experience, stick with Adobe products.
     
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  3. brakewind723

    brakewind723 Serious Boxer

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    I agree with Vectology.
     
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  4. Deliverbo

    Deliverbo Avid Boxer

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    GIMP and Inkscape work just as good as anything else out there.
    And they are both
    FREE :)
     
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2016
  5. VectologyGames

    VectologyGames Serious Boxer

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    Not true. There is a reason these products never took market share EVEN while being a free product.
     
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  6. Andy

    Andy Miniboss Boxer

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    What about Corel? Arguably the best software for vectors. ;-)
     
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  7. VectologyGames

    VectologyGames Serious Boxer

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    Sometimes...
     
    Andy likes this.
  8. colette_levesque

    colette_levesque Boxer

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    I agree Vectology, which is why, as a trained graphic designer in the industry, i use Photoshop and Illustrator, but some people really can't afford the pro tools so it's nice to offer suggestions. If i had very little money I'd appreciate the suggestions.

    If i had little money i'd get a free tool or one i suggested. As far as asset management goes, it's nice to have that in your software but if you're on a budget you can create a good folder structure with a strict naming convention. If you don't need to create clipping paths and use channels and all those other fancy features then these tools are fine. I think @trey uses Pixelmator to create assets for his games, proving that you don't necessarily need Adobe software to get the job done.
     
    Bean Bag likes this.
  9. Deliverbo

    Deliverbo Avid Boxer

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    Sure ps and ai have more in depth features.
    But I don't believe most graphic designers or 2d game makers would need those features.
     
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2016
  10. dtanner2000

    dtanner2000 Boxer

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    Affinity Designer for Mac also, good price and powerful tool for vector.
     
  11. Machine Rises

    Machine Rises Serious Boxer

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    Inkscape is free. I used that to create my color switch graphics.
     
  12. AndyG

    AndyG Miniboss Boxer

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    colette_levesque likes this.
  13. Bean Bag

    Bean Bag Boxer

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    I do have very little money I do appreciate the suggestions! :) Much thanks Colette!
     
    colette_levesque likes this.
  14. blufology

    blufology Boxer

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    Affinity Designer for Mac is my choice for creating certain objects and adding 3D flair to others....especially when creating my game Icons.
     
    BrettNature likes this.
  15. brdchn25

    brdchn25 Boxer

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    Another good conversation. I use Photoshop, but also used Inkscape.

    I found that my skills stink at Photoshop and hired an Illustrator. I really don't want to get tied down on the graphics. I can make the buttons and other simple objects. To make it look professional I use a professional for the art.

    One of the Illustrators that I interviewed uses Illustrator claiming it saves him time. I have seen great work from many different Illustrators during my search and I think it really comes down to what you are comfortable with.

    I'm comfortable with spending a couple dollars and getting it done for me.
     
    colette_levesque likes this.
  16. SpoonCrysis

    SpoonCrysis Avid Boxer

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    what about Luminar 2018? I use this for my photo edits, its like the application by apple a while back called Aperture or can be compared to Lightroom in the adobe world. is Affinity photo really like photoshop?
     
  17. SpoonCrysis

    SpoonCrysis Avid Boxer

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    I am interested in the Affinity suite because both apps have iPad versions and I am a big fan of the apple pencil.
     
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  18. BrettNature

    BrettNature Boxer

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    Affinity products are awesome and extremely cost-effective. I actually love Pixelmator, too.
    I've been using Adobe products before they took over Aldus and love them. However, they will cost you over $600 per year.
    I may give them the boot if Affinity Publisher turns out to be special which is sad. I went against the grain on Quark, too.
     
  19. BrettNature

    BrettNature Boxer

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    There are MANY Photoshop and Lightroom killers out there now. A major Photoshop update is extremely long
    overdue.
     

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