Which applications should I learn if I want to be an illustrator?

Question: Which applications should I learn if I want to be an illustrator!?

I have access to adobe illustrator would that be good enough or should I learn another package!?
also if I am teaching myself to use this application how long will it take to become proficient!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

adobe illustrator is a great application to be familiar with, but you should definitely become familiar to adobe photoshop!. This program is a great go to program to edit and create illustrations in!. To become proficient it will take acouple weeks of practice, you should teach yourself shortcuts (like hitting "b" brings up the brush tool, and hitting" ]" or "[" makes the brush or eraser etc!.!. get larger and smaller)
practicing will allow you to do things quickly and skillfully!.

good luck and if I think of another program I'll let you know!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It really depends on the type of illustration you aim to do!. Adobe Illustrator is a vector based drawing application and Adobe PhotoShop is a pixel based program!. Each can produce amazing effects but they do have their own unique strengths!.

I could go in to depth about vectors and pixels but that'll bore you!.

I'm a graphic designer and produce 3D illustration using other specific software in combination with Illustrator and PhotoShop!.

In any case, you need to have good, traditional drawing skills!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

You should definitely get into Photoshop as well!. They have some overlap but really they cover different areas!.

However, the really important thing is to get good at real-life drawing!. I know photoshop and Illustrator experts whose drawing skills are seriously mediocre, and this is reflected in their digital work!. Illustrators also need to be on top of design considerations, primarily composition, for their work to be of decent quality!. It doesn't matter how flashy the effects if the basic structure is unsound!.

If you're already a fantastic drawer, congratulations!Www@QuestionHome@Com

after all thats said and done nothing will beat the pencil and paper!. make sure you keep up with this skill!.Www@QuestionHome@Com