Photoshop VS PSP

[onescrappymom]

Which do you find easier for doing digital scrapbooking?

I have both, I do alot of pixel graphics... I find PSP is easier for ME to do that. I've started playing with Photoshop more and more and I am adjusting, although some things are difficult for me still. I need to learn more about the programs... SO... before I do, I want to know which I should vest my time in learning...

Opinions please!?! ;)

[debbers]

Scrappymom: I'm a PSP user - for many years. I think we all get USED to how one piece of software works, and will always find it easier to work with because of that time already spent with it until we 'get over' the learning curve on a different one.

With graphics programs, there's not only the different user interface, there's kind of a whole philosphy of working within the program that you just need to catch on to. Frankly, until I NEED to switch my brain to new software, I just stick with what is working! I have a graphic artist friend who works at an agency. He took one look at my PSP and was ready to scream; he couldn't figure anything out because all he'd ever worked with was PS and AI.

There's a number of people familiar with the strengths of both PS and PSP here at DSP. My guess is that the answer is likely going to be 'it depends on what you plan to do' - because I'm betting there are things easier in PSP and other things easier in PS.

deb

[MommySpice]

When I joined, I was told that PS was the most difficult to learn, but ultimately the most rewarding, as you could do more with it. If you are just scrapping, I think PSP will do the trick. I know many of the designers (though I don't think all) use PS because they can do more with it. I chose to learn PS because I don't mind the steep learning curve, and I always hate to "limit" my options...even though as I have become more active in this site, using other programs doesn't really seem to "limit" people at all.

All to say...the choice is ultimately yours...there's fantastic layouts using all different programs. What's easy for you is what's easy for you! :)

[Meryl]

I don't know PSP but have seen fantastic work done with it so I cannot comapre - just to say though - I love, love, love Photoshop :) :) :)

[MommyPanda]

DITTO what Meryl said!!!!

[Jill W]

I have both PSP and PS, and knew nothing about either. I started out using PS but grew frustrated and over whelmed fairly quickly. So I turned to PSP and caught on pretty quick. It could have been too, that I'd tinkered just enough with PS that PSP seemed easier ... Just MHO.

[onescrappymom]

Thanks Ladies! I really really like the openness and some of the PS features but I am growing overwhelmed and flustrated. I need to work on some tuts and I am debating whether to learn then in PS or PSP. It looks like I will be sticking to PSP for the most part... I'm more comfortable with the some of the features and it appears to allow me to do everything I want to do, for now anyway... Amazing how 2 "like" programs can be so difficult!!

[Meryl]

When I fist started scrapping I had never used any graphics program, and had an old (PS 6) "borrowed" version, and really did not know other programs existed. I have so often blessed that ignorance - I had nothing to compare it with, so didn't "know' it was difficult, and I had nothing to "fall back" to - I was sooooooo keen to make pages I HAD to learn.
Hard as it is, if you are determined to really master PS, and believe me it IS worth the effort, put other programs away and JUST use PS - take all the classes, do as many tuts as you can, ask questions........ You WILL get it I promise!!!
If it really does not matter to you, then carry on and enjoy the benefits of both!

[ErinBoBerin]

I didn't know there were other programs out there either when I started. I needed to familiarize myself with photoshop a bit for work a couple of years ago, just about the time I got pregnant. I live in the scrapbook capital of the world, so I wanted to scrapbook, but thought it would be neat to do it in photoshop, afterall, it was my new found skill! Little did I know other people actually did it too! It wasn't until I stumbled across this site that I knew kits existed and you could do it in anything besides photoshop.

[Maikku]

Even though I'm a die hard PSP girl I think PS is definetly a lot of scrappers dream.. well at least mine... and any program you use there is allways a learning curve. If you have both it won't hurt to learn them both. I learned to use PSP from tutorials and there was a time when I wanted to toss my puter out the window just out of learning frustration...Lol! Now I'm glad I didn't. It is not going to be easy but definetly well worth it.

[Lauren]

I started with PSP - from version 4 ( which was by the time I got it a free version) - I upgraded as far as version 9 for which I was a beta tester - by the time I was testing it I was a convert to PS - I cant really tell you WHY I liked PS better - well yes I can - its the layer styles palette ( this is a method PS has of incorporating many many effects you apply to a layer into one action and one layer instead of multiple layers - I said to the Jasc ( it was Jasc in those days and not Corel) - people when i was testing v9 - If you could develop something to match the PS layer styles palette I would be a PSP lover for sure - - I know that you CAN do everything in PSP that you can do in PS but PS just makes things easier for you in the long run - and with PS if you can do something using one method you just know that there are 30 other methods to achieve the same end result so if something doesnt look just so - you can try another way - I personally feel that PSP doesnt quite have that depth - having said that - I know that there are some wonderful designers out there who use PSP -- so I would never say that it was an inferior product - - but then If Photoshop were a man -Id run away with him!!

[bethliz]

I think with me it is a learning curve...in that i started digi scrapping using Microsoft Publisher and then went on to PSP...now i think when i master PSP i may be ready for Photoshop.....there is still a lot to learn in PSP and i want to learn that first before jumping any higher...yeah Lauren and what does your hubby think of that?...LOL...LOL..Cheers Liz...p.s. it is mainly what you feel comfortable with i think!!

[Abby]

I use PSP and PS and find they both have really strong points - PSP is a little quicker for some things, but PS has those awesome layer styles which are icing on the cake. Which ever one you choose, really, really learn it, though and you'll be able to do anything you need to do.

[carlalee]

Hi, just as an FYI - Stacey Jewell Stahl uses PSP to design her kits. Although I'm not familiar with using PSP you can definitely see it hasn't in any way hindered her ability to design beautiful work. In looking at your original post you said you work with PSP now and have access to PS. If you're comfortable with PSP now, then stick with it and learn the beans out of it. Once you feel as though you've mastered it and want a challenge then pick up another brand of software and see what you think. I'm going through what you are right now only I'm on the PS side of things. I use PS but with the learning curve and the price of new software, me and my cheque book were feeling overwhelmed. But I gave myself the same talk as I did here. I just ordered PSE5 and when it shows up I gonna learn it and when I'm done I'll re-evaluate (plus by that time PSCS20 will be out and my penny jar might be running over!). Good Luck and stay focused! HTH -c-

[LadynRed]

Coming from the other side.. I've used PS since early version 3.0. I picked up a copy of PSP 6.0 for the tubes initially, you couldn't paint with pictures in PS the way you could with PSP. However, having gotten so used to be able to do things in PS, trying to find out how to do the same thing or similar in PSP was completely frustrating. I do have a copy of PSP 9, and it still frustrates me.. LOL. I have to agree with Lauren and Abby on the layer styles, it's a HUGE advantage for PS along with the depth of what PS can do.

Initially I think it's what you get used to. PSP frustrates me.. and I know it's the other way around for PSP users trying to use PS ! :D

Photoshop just ROCKS !

[grambie]

I cannot resist any longer. I have used PSP since version 6 release date. I did not find it difficult in any way. I was sick, confined to bed, & getting fat. So, I signed up & took classes at the old ZDNet & met other users. Now, I have used it since & upgraded to 7, 8, skipped 9 because I had a special Anniversary edition of 7 & reluctant to let go, so I fell behind. Next upgraded to X, I still love it but concerned about the direction Corel is going. I had PSE2 on my Sony computer when purchased, I tried it out & for me found it real weak, so deleted off computer. Last yr read one of Linda's free newsletter & decided to take a class here. Received 3 with Wacon as birthday present in Dec 04. Took Tina's class & loved it, no problems, whatsoever. I love the layer styles, they're fabulous along with the brushes. Told brushes are a little restrictive in PSE3, told PS has all the whistles--I agree. Now, undecided about upgrading to PSE5, understand that it format might be change from the universal PS, PSD--is that true? Can it hold more styles, etc., than 3 in it's layer folder? Can it direct to outside folders, without having to go through the routine manually directing, like PSP without interfering with the program's performance? Do I lose the organizer & other things that scrappers' use for organization? Since I am unable to scrap & will be limited, I thought to take PSCS2 intro class here & use trial dl. Let me explain, I am age 72, love learning new things, but don't want to spend my budget for an item that is expensive when another could do just as perfect & cheaper for my needs. I am not afraid of the learning curve. I noticed with Tina's class I took here that it had companion material included PS which I read. I will only do family digi-scrapping & making kit parts to share freely. I know this is long, but Thanks in Advance.

[mamawsandy]

I started out learning Animation Shop fro JASC. Then I did a lot of tuts in PSP 8. Now I mostly use PSP9. I have learned so much for these programs that I am reluctant to get the PS. Besides it costs an arm and a leg. I will get it someday, but for now I am sticking to the good ol' PSP.
The only thing is that most of the tuts here are for PS. I need more for PSP.
This is about the only site where PS is used so much.
mamawsandy