Free vs Paid software
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I currently get Photoshop for free as a student, but I don't want to rely on paid software. After I graduate or if I switch schools, I might lose access to it.
I also used to use Clip Studio, which has a costly one-time purchase, but there's a possibility they could switch to a subscription model in the future.
On the other hand, there's Krita, which is free and offers many similar features.
What should I do?
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Try Paint Tool Sai Ver. 2 for PC or ProCreate for the iPad. It's just a one-time purchase for either program. I used a pirated version of PTS 1 and PTS 2 for a decade, before finally deciding to own it legally. I must have paid no more than $50 on it.
Krita is okay, but in my opinion the art and brushes are kind of crude, so I eventually lost interest in using it. I think it's better if you're drawing comics with a "natural linework" look or painting landscapes.
I also have Photoshop as part of an Adobe premium plan that allows me to access to other programs such as Illustrator, after effects, premiere, acrobat, InDesign, etc. But admittedly it's a tad expensive.
As well as CPS, but the fact I need to constantly pay for an update is a real drag, even though it's considered the "superior" version to PTS.
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@Ari-Sorokin Id also recommend looking at Affinity. If you already use Photoshop and CSP, then Affinity isnt going to be a huge learning curve. They have a one time fee, and nice capabilities too. I have both adobe suite, and Affinity programs downloaded and use both.
CSP is already a subscription model, for the subscription you get some extras and free upgrades, but I have the one time fee older version, and it works just fine. Depends what you are trying to do once you graduate. Affinity offers a suite like Adobe, with photo editing, art, and design programs. They have a 500-75% off discounts a few times a year if you keep your eye out for them.
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@Ari-Sorokin Clip Studio isn't costly, there are two versions, PRO and EX, EX is much more expensive but it only has a couple of extra features that are not that useful for most people.
The PRO version is quite cheap (buy it on sale or on black Friday), I use an EX version on my main work computer and I bought an extra PRO license last year for editing on my secondary computer, I paid about $16 for it and it has a free upgrade to the upcoming new version as well.I wouldn't go with their monthly subscription, the "updates" you pay with it are not worth it and you can buy a new license or an upgrade for cheap if you really need to have it updated.
You can also try PaintStorm Studio, which is like an updated and evolved version of SAI, really great for painting and I think it's worth around $25.
