Quite frankly I’m tired of the ongoing debate over whether a designer should use Photoshop or Fireworks. They are only one tool a designer carriers in his/her design toolbox. So why then do we continue to stay in our corners defending the reputation of one app over another? An app is an app is an app. Meaning, if you’ve got the goods to make the hotness then it shouldn’t matter what app you’re using to design with.
I read an article this morning on a very popular design blog telling us why we should “stick with” Photoshop. I’m sure the author has all the best intentions in the world, but comes across quite naive in my opinion. The sum of the article wasn’t even a good one, arguing why we should design with photoshop instead of in the markup. I feel like that’s comparing apples with a top sirloin steak. They aren’t even in the same food group.
At the end of the day we just have to use what works for us. Design is not about choosing sides in “defense” of one particular app. Design is about making the best visual decisions to help communicate the message of our clients.
Well said Kyle. Apps are only tools. The most important tool a designer has is knowledge, not software. Being able to correctly use color, space, balance, etc. is what matters. Applications can’t make those decisions for us, but they give us an outlet to create them digitally.
Also, I think I found a typo. I believe you meant “hawtness”
I must admit that from time to time I’ve found myself on the side in this argument on the side of Fireworks. Yet since switching to CS5 loyalties waned. This whole thing in my opinion is a lot like the WordPress v. Expression Engine v. Drupal debate. Thanks for you thoughts.
Completely agree. If tools made the designer, then the only designers around would be 16 year old nephews who “know how to use photoshop.” And a logo would cost 50 bucks.
I agree that tools remain tools, but people need guidance sometimes.. for example not to use photoshop for layout design when there is indesign, which makes your life easier in this case. Of course you can keep on using photoshop for everything, but you could give indesign a try if you heard that it’s better in some situations.
The debating goes beyond software. Debates occur about the best OS platform (Windows vs. Mac, yeah?) and even gadgets (iPhone vs. Droid). There was a good discussion about this at Drawar: http://www.drawar.com/forums/316/cant-we-all-just-get-along/
Anyway, I definitely agree that it’s the designers abilities that get the job done in the end. The tools are just the means to that.
Corinne,
I think debate is a healthy part of communication. Without it we wouldn’t have our Independence. But what I’m referring to hear is when debate becomes the focus and we lose sight of what’s important, the design itself. Thanks for your comment.
Well said that man! Use the best tools you have available to you and the ones you’re most comfortable using to get the best result for your client / project. Getting to the promised land is the important thing, how you got there? not so much.
I wholeheartedly agree. One of my favorite musicians, BT, once said that they should be able to put him in a room with two blocks of wood and expect him to create something unique to him. I think the sentiment translates well to any kind of creative medium.
Another agree here. It’s all about what you started with. If you started with Fireworks there’s a good chance that you’ll be on the Fireworks side – that doesn’t make you any different than the person who started in Photoshop.
Besides, in this case, we’re both using Adobe products. Can’t we just agree we like Adobe?
Anyone that chooses sides and proclaims that their process (or software of choice) is the way everyone should do it immediately loses credibility in my book. Designers I respect are the ones that know the importance of mastering the tools and understanding what tools are out there, but at the same time knowing it has nothing to do with the tools, but the output that is generated.
Well said.
Problem is that some designers tend to think the tool is an end in itself, but it’s only a way to reach to an end. The original idea and the mental realization of the outcome is what makes you pick a particular tool instead of others.
By the way, nice layout here on this blog! Your design has so many faces it’s always nice to check which one you’re currently running
Cheers!!
Yah, really agree,
Your favorite app whether Photoshop or Fireworks really comes down to what works for you. I think the main thing about these tools is functionality, what’s simple and works best for your project at hand. I’ve used both for awhile now, personally I’ve found that Fireworks meets this, but to each his own