QUOTE(chefjoe @ Jul 28 2006, 11:07 AM) [snapback]15708[/snapback]
Just wondering what others use for their covers other than Photoshop, or Paintshop? As for myself I teachin myself the Hard way with Photshop Only, no plug-ins, no filters other than what is suppied. Just can't afford any. The free ones I have tested have no instruction and are just frustrating. Not to worry, I realized I tend to stop conversation in here, so no real need to reply, just curious.
I use a program called Xara Xtreme (xara.com) for all my work. I stumbled on this program in my early computer/graphic design years, and have never looked back. It was relatively inexpensive at the time, compared to the others also.
Xara was originally a Corel product but I believe they are out on their own now. It was introduced as a "Vector based drawing program", but now after many new versions, it does everything. It also allows you to use photoshop compatible plugins.
Although I have very little experience with Photoshop, it can no doubt do a little more than Xara. But Xara is what I learned on and it's done the job for me just fine. No clone brush yet though...they gotta get a clone brush
The key to faking out the parents is the clammy hands. It's a good non-specific symptom; I'm a big believer in it. A lot of people will tell you that a good phony fever is a dead lock, but, uh... you get a nervous mother, you could wind up in a doctor's office. That's worse than school. You fake a stomach cramp, and when you're bent over, moaning and wailing, you lick your palms. It's a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school.