<!--fonto:Arial-->[font=Arial]<!--/fonto-->Photoshop has always managed to serve us well. Its an lovely programme, I've seen some great stuff from people with no incling of creativity. My intention is not to raise the dead or whatever, but am curious to know:

<div align="center">WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE GOOD O'L DAYS?</div>

When one could just draw/sketch, something raw. Photo manipulation works, and enhances images. Pure vector can say so much, and with so many vector programmes out there, I sometimes feel people become insecure and would opt to 'manipulate' existing artwork, without adding any possitive value to the original piece. Vector can say so much more! Its clean, precise, and prints much better without having to worry about resolution of any sort. Its sad really, because in the real world, even Photoshop magazines, you'll find vector tutorials, articles, tips and what not. Designers in general shouldn't feel as they should conform to the norm, isn't that the concept behind being a designer; to come up with fresh ideas, and not bore us to death by plugins which cut the time - it would've taken to do ones own thing - in half. As we tend to hide away with the excuse of 'meeting deadlines', there's really no excuse. An artist should always be wanting to improve their skills, in every way. Photoshop is a a mere step, other programmes is another step, but taking the time to find your inner artist takes time. Lets strive to remind ourselves that we can design, create. There's always a bit of controversy when coming to layout, as in who's the designer and who's the finisher. In retrospect, its the one who's practical, and that practicality is married with knowledge of a clean design, which isn't clouded by filters, but by planning - they get the job done, and meet deadlines.

Who knows...You may even recal that little voice in your head, and why it is you're perfect in this field of work, not by chance (waiting eagerly for 'that guy' to come up with a new and improved version of design element), but by talent.

My two cents worth, use it, don't use it.<!--fontc-->[/font]<!--/fontc--><!--fonto:Arial-->[font=Arial]<!--/fonto--> <!--fontc-->[/font]<!--/fontc-->[/font]

What exactly is your thought? Is it based on intricate details which go into printing/emotion, what? Theres nothing wrong with the way technology has advanced, I just feel that people who don't take in that there's more out there, than manipulating existing pieces of artwork; whereas they'd create their own, using other mediums and alternative programmes. Its been too easy to rely on filters and 'the old click of a button' rather than coming up with ideas of our own. Things will always be made easier, quicker, more user friendly, but that sooooo dulls creativity when abused, and not used to enhance what you worked on yourself. Maybe I'm reading too much into what you've said, or maybe you took my 'two cents worth' at face value...