jamesteow
My background: I've been using Photoshop for about fifteen years nearly everyday.
Just to be more informed, I decided to download Mac version of GIMP.
What I like: - Feels much more nimble, lightweight
- Seems like it has most of core tools I need
What prevents me from using it: - The interface seems really unfinished. I think that's what I like about Pixelmator: it's polished and looks somewhat similar to Photoshop's layout
- The shortcuts are all different. I'm not even sure I can customize the shortcuts in some of the contexts as even some of the ones in Photoshop are sort of built in. That alone would be a huge deterrent as I rarely click on any interfaces.
- Layer effects and smart objects. I know they are in the Roadmap but without them, I can't re-use elements others or I have made from Photoshop and it does effect image creation.
- Masking is a little kludgy. When I imported my PSDs with shape masking, they all disappeared. Does it support vector masking?
- Doesn't seem to support importing vectors from Illustrator as it automatically outputs some of the elements as raster elements.
- Lack of layer folders.
The whole single-window mode? I think that wouldn't nearly entice me as it's not that much of a deterrent.
And lo and behold... a startup?
I'm currently using CS5, but it's largely because of some of the small addition features with smart objects, workflow, and layer styles that annoyed me with CS3. It's one of those things where you have to work with a program for a long time before you notice these small upgrades that really help the day-to-day. I think you're fine with CS3.
The idea that GIMP is more than useful is... debatable. I would say that every notable designer I know in NYC/SF uses Photoshop. Like it or not, it is the industry standard. And while I do sometimes have a love-hate relationship with the program (specifically because I want more stability instead of new features), GIMP is still far behind with regards to it's intuitiveness and penetration.
Now that I've migrated to a startup, I use Photoshop for quick initial concepts before coding scss. Photoshop is pretty solid for making elements or re-using templated elements made from other designers and photo-editing.
A golden decade for defense companies is ending
Agreed, though a lot of the talented devs/designers end up moving to the U.S.
I think one of the advantages that Apple has over every other platform is that designers use Apple for work which builds brand loyalty to its products and platform. Thus, a good portion of the people who are creating will do so for the platform that they care about, especially one that prioritizes industrial and interactive design. And before, I would've just suggested it's just designers but over the past few years years, I've witnessed plenty of SF/NY developers who use Apple computers and iPhones for the same reasons.
The fact that it is a closed-system IS it's advantage: there is quality control across the board from the apps to the phone the user is viewing it on. And quite frankly, I prefer designing for the iPhone and iPad because of the consistency of sizing and proportions.
But there doesn't need to be a clear winner. It's great that there is a choice for people who just want complete freedom and those who just want stuff to work well in a very polished fashion.
In any case, it'd also be cool to send this to a friend or list of friends so that they could help decide.
Thing about fashion is that it's more about brand than usability. They get a lot of their sales from their boutiques, net-a-porter, or other 3rd parties.
I know what about.me is, and if he pitched it to me, I would think, "a one page website for restaurants."
An Interracial Fix for Black Marriage
And while I wouldn't call Mike Kus a design legend (I'd reserve that for peeps like Jonathan Ive, Dieter Rams, the HFJ duo... basically those who have a profound effect on the industry, peoples lifestyle and/or the craft) he definitely is one of the best web designers out there.
One thing that might help is looking for a brand based in Miami. They might have a cool web design department.
Great parties, concert venues, cafes, restaurants, parks, bars, and lots and lots of super talented people ranging from musicians in Williamsburg to artists in Bushwick. NYC is more than just Manhattan. It's also easier to bike around.
It's like thinking that the Bay Area is just San Francisco and that there is no reason to live in the BA if you don't go to SF.
Certainly, if you're intent on living in the city, you'll pay a premium.
I don't think you want to see your own but maybe someone famous. How many times have we read about someone saying something outrageous on Twitter and then deleting their Tweets after controversy?
I can't speak to programming/engineering jobs, but there's plenty of design jobs from non-startups. Almost every agency (including tiny ones) are based or have an office in NY. DUMBO has a ton of digital agencies. Motion graphics firms are centralized in Manhattan or in LA. Small ones can be found south of 14th or in Brooklyn. Easily the best city in the U.S. for design jobs.
Look at Krop, Craigslist (believe it or not, there are some really good jobs on the Craigslist board, you just have to filter), HackerNews... which area are you in?