on Adobe: introduction

Yesterday I wrote a post about the software tools I use, and mentioned off-hand that I think that while they’re currently the only player (and not a bad one), Adobe has a long way to go.

Adobe called my bluff, and has asked me to submit constructive suggestions for future innovations. I’ve decided to devote my next few posts to this topic, and this one will outline what I plan to say in detail in the posts to follow.

To Be Fair

I’ve been a loyal Adobe user for many years, and their products are critical to my living. The Creative Suite (CS) is unlike any other software package, and provides an unparalleled level of integration between vector graphics, raster graphics, page layout, and web media.

That said, my suggestions are intended to encourage positive forward momentum at Adobe and nothing else. I’ve got ideas for many of Adobe’s products, but the main focus of this post will be on Photoshop and Illustrator, as these are the most common 2D tools in my current vocation.

Illustrator was originally created as a vector Illustration tool. Photoshop was never intended to be the graphic artists’ swiss army knife it has become, it was intended for it’s namesake: photography. The problems that I have with these programs stem from the fact that when I use these tools for product design, I am using them outside of their intended context.

My personal belief is that this category of software needs a radical re-think from the ground up, and in doing so I think it is possible to create a single solution that would meet my needs, the needs of pro photographers, graphic designers, and digital artists.

I’ve spent countless hours developing methods to jury-rig Photoshop and Illustrator to do the tasks I need as an industrial designer. I’ve found many good techniques and work-arounds in the process, but the only way to truly get what I need is to start with a clean slate. Incremental improvement will only work for so long.

The Approach

I plan to break my suggestions into three posts subsequent to this one.

Part 1: Incremental improvements

In my first post I will focus on the products as they are in CS2, and the small changes I think that Adobe could implement easily.

Part 2: Larger Improvements

The second focus will be on bigger improvements to Photoshop and Illustrator that I could see in the future.

Part 3: In the ideal world…

Lastly I will talk about what I think Photoshop and Illustrator SHOULD be. Illustrator should be a more versatile tool for illustration, but less cluttered. Photoshop should continue to focus purely on it’s namesake: photography. I shouldn’t need both in my studio. Really what I want is one app that will allow me to create 2D illustrations from start to finish, with no need for a back-and-forth between apps.

So that’s my challenge. It will take me a few days to finish them, so thanks for bearing with me.