I am getting better and better everyday making graphics on fireworks and I think I have reached the point where I cant learn by myself anymore. I look at peoples logos that they make for the graphic design contests on here and some are easy but some have animated stuff in them like people or stuff related to the site. Do they make those complex images or do they use clipart or how do they do that. If i had access to those images I could do alot better then most of them are doing.

Do you think fireworks is the best program or is a different one better to buy.

Thanks for your help.

Fireworks is definitely up to the task, even for animation. As for the people putting up logos in contests, if you want to know if they used clipart or did it all from scratch, why not ask them ?? I'd be willing to bet for most things they're creating from scratch.

Most of the images in the contest forum are drawn by the designers, though there are some that use clip art. In my opinion, it is better to draw your own images. You will avoid copyright issues this way and will also create more unique designs. A good way to practice drawing these graphics is to trace photos and clip art. Also, do some searches for Fireworks tutorials. It is actually pretty easy to make simple animated images with Fireworks (animated gifs).
Fireworks is a great program. That is what I started out with. I later got Adobe Illustrator. Illustrator is perfect for designing logos. (Its a vector program). But Fireworks is a pretty powerful tool too!

Fireworks is a great program in my opinion and does have a lot of vector capabilies. However like what the rest have been saying, most people draw them flashy images in illustrator etc but if you can't afford that, maybe go for freehand to see how it works.

You need to remember also that sometimes complex and really details logos aren't what is needed in the design - so don't get too caught up it that too much. Simple works best a lot of the time from my experience.

Firworks is Adobe's leading vector and bitmap image creation and editing software, so they say. I agree with Stephanie, it is better to draw your own images. "Me" on the other hand...no, I'm not very good at drawing. I usually collect alot of images and when a project comes along I usually go browsing through my images and see what I can come up with.

Fireworks can be a very powerful tool, especially with it's commands that you can download or make yourself. Like: Flash Slide Show Lite, Phirworx Shape Shifter and Super Guides, 3d objects v2, Data-Driven Graphics Wizard, It's New Favicon Export, and Project Fireworks Harmonia, Twister, and Kinesis.

I use Adobe illustrator for the custom images/graphics/logos. And most of the time Adobe photoshop for layout. Fireworks is a great tool. I know tons of people create astounding designs in fireworks that I myself, can't par using the program I use.

And I think for me, there is no best tool, only level of skill in using them.
Inspiration, creativity and passion is what counts most in doing design.

I use adobe photoshop and Fireworks. Also I use stock image sites for working with. Search the internet for some good tutorials. Theres 1000's

Originally Posted by supernoobice

And I think for me, there is no best tool, only level of skill in using them.
Inspiration, creativity and passion is what counts most in doing design.

Absolutely correct! I use both Photoshop and Fireworks and each has it's advantage. Fireworks being built 100% for web graphics is great for super fast graphic solutions with an instant path straight to web format. Design, slice, export. I prefer not to use the code tools in Fireworks - too codey.

Photoshop has a lot more plug-ins and can create some awesome effects provided the user's skill level matches the tools.