SrPx

And for many others, is great, already. Plus you can always combine any existing publishing app with the current Affinity apps. Please, ppl, start seeing the half full bottle, not the half empty one... (better to build than destroy, etc... )

For tracing, I keep recommending this one (if ready to learn it well, otherwise might get the impression that is not good...which would be very far from reality) , which is command line (you need to learn and test well the parameters) open source, and multi platform : http://potrace.sourceforge.net Is in now way substitute of a 2D vector or raster package. Is "just" a command line utility to make this vectorization. But extremely awesome in good hands. The export can be very well imported to Affinity Designer or Photo to complete your project. Once you learn it well, IMO, due to the flexibility allowed (which can get you always the result you want, not "sometimes") is superior to most built-in solutions you can see in high end 2D packages.

I have not gone through the process in A. Photo (there's some posts about it in the forums, tho, one is even recent) but you can achieve painterly/sketchy effects by applying several filters and other processing with the 99% of the full featured image editors (and then building a macro, if desired. Is indeed how those Actions are made) in the market (A. Photo being one of the best). I might go to replicating it in A. Photo one day (I have it for Photoshop, without plugins, I never used plugins in that one, all done with "raw" default PS tools, also being that way how you learn better the 2D packages)

I've yet to get that sensation of being too fed up with a system....In a recent but long term job, I used to handle everyday machines with the 3 OSes (sometimes several in same machines, other times with VMs, some having one only system, and very often, handling machines remotely ). Even a bunch of Linux distros and desktops. I yet to find one OS which I dislike... If anything, I don't like some specific aspects, like the limits imposed in mobile OSes, like iOS and Android. Kind of, unless one gets into console level, the thing is more limited (but for obvious and practical reasons). For example, iOS not having a real file system (in the way that I would prefer for pro work) or neither a more advanced color calibration system. One gets to love the openness of Linux (and general philosophy), the "everything rock solid, ready, stable and easy" in the macs, and the very high compatibility and amount of pro software that you get in Windows. (and not gonna lie, to super cheap machines one can get for this system)

A pity that I can't access that file... am really curious, as have not experienced anything like that with AD.....

LOL. Good one. (And yep, I should have written just fully asleep. As I was, indeed...)

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Hokusai ( I keep visualizing this every time...) , in the beginning, I only drew with a mouse...In the times of Deluxe Paint (and II), Deluxe Paint Animator and Autodesk Animator ( cool piece of software ), it was all about mices... When not even just the keyboard cursor. And even before, a matter of making a grid in paper, draw those tiny squares, and type in the coordinates later (still remember doing that) in code (BASIC or etc). But a tablet does make a huuuge difference. If you need tablets advice at its moment, you could ping me, if wish so.

I confirm that. Maybe scale up the texture pattern ?

I did not know (actually, I knew in its day, as -vaguely- have remembered when reading your comment, but totally forgot) the whole story behind Aldus and Altsys. And yep, it was acquired by Macromedia. I just remember well that when it stopped being called Aldus, I saw changes that I really disliked (in UI and other matters) . When Macromedia purchased it. But most of all, when Adobe acquired it, was the worst moment. No updates -almost- and was quite..."hidden". As the intention of the whole thing seemed to be to replace it with Illustrator.(which, for design, never liked as much as Freehand). We all knew it was its end. Indeed, I sensed that thing in their forums, I was on the verge of purchasing it (i wanted to decide for ONE vector package, to focus on it, instead of several, by that time... Today I see no issue in handling several.), but then I did read those bits (their forums were filled with a lot of upset people, at certain moment, saying not very pretty things about the software, maybe was my bad luck), and started seeing stuff about a thing called Affinity (which I knew from the past, somehow (some review or sth)... and as rare as it sounds, in the beginning I did not realize it was actually the old Serif ! (in my country (since very early times, I believe i keep a DrawPlus 4, just for the memories, in its CD envelope), tons of times DrawPlus (and several others) used to come included free with computer magazines, of course, never current versions.)).

Believe me, not only I am trying to reply accurately, I am even trying to agree in some points... We then agree that associating with the major monopoly (top dog) would be a total stall operation, good, that's an advance, . So, is mostly a proposal for the company to adhere to some other medium sized company. The issue here, or one of them.. I have been in several software developer studios. They, at least at this size, smaller or bigger, are wanting to create their own product in also their own way. Also building an IP, brand, key product. I am guessing producing something of the highest value possible before any merge would occur would be the clever thing here, and surely the only aim. So that they can sell big later, or, simply become a major competitor (as in the long run can be in this case much more benefitial , profitable than a static one pay (IMO, opposite case of a plugin, extra library/addon for an existing package)) . That, besides usually when one builds a company, one wants to make things in own way, otherwise would choose the **much** easier life (also easier than freelancing) of just getting a high salary and just obey orders, without any further responsibilities. The other way is getting the bad stuff of both worlds, imo... Also, it is your view -please, excuse me for expressing it so, is how I perceive it- that they need a merge or join forces with other mid/small company. Just because they have to consolidate first the two apps that have been launched, among other things, to keep the brand strong (other way would be a total sink) , that is, Affinity. or if not, they're finished, kaput, it does not mean that it is a bad road nor pace, at all....And once done that, focus on APub. Also, for you is super important to have APub now ready. but probably they have set a plan of years, like most companies do,they are just WAY more open and flexible towards their users than a lot of other companies (specially the case of Adobe) and so Photo and Designer can provide for now sells, experience for their team, user base expansion of the brand/line, platform consolidation and file format stability, etc, etc. The same way, I believe is also very arguable that this, or any company, does really need "5 or 6 products" for anyone " to take them seriously". Sorry, I could say I agree with this, but then I'd be lying blatantly . By no means this is that way with serious, professional applications . Is nice to have it so, but not an absolute requirement. Implying that to be considered professional, their product, they have to come in form of "suites", is absolutely a very subjective and arguable statement. There are tons of amazing products and companies not doing so. Pixologic for getting the outstanding success it has (the absolute standard for all high detail modeling in triple A games in the entire world. Even while Zbrush TOTALLY has to insert in very complex game dev team workflows using very different applications and even entirely different disciplines) large sums of money in there, I can tell you, a software training or self taught skills required for absolutely every job offer out there (in game art)) . It only produced Zbrush. Now it is also producing a reduced "lite" version from the actual ZB, surely just a trimmed ZB version, often given away with low end Wacoms, to grab the low cost market, but definitely not really a full blown second, "different" application. And ZB has been there reigning for many years, and more to come. Alias was extremely respected for many years, and it was mainly producing Maya, at least for what did hit the big market. That market has a habit of doing merges, and trying to produce large suites of software is not a sign of quality (of the kind that deserve an special respect, definitely not). Corel's suite had a pair of great applications, but for years, the other ones in the pack were not at the same level, in my opinion. Even Xara has kind of this issue. You say you don't include the previous Serif's line of products (in a quite good number of products, very varied), as it has been discontinued. Well, a pity, as is a good example that proves this concept am trying to explain. I do respect, fully that previous line orientation. Is not worse or better than any other, is IMO just having a different target. previous line was IMO only for the advanced hobyist. But providing very good applications, none the less, and at really good price. yet though, most of us wouldn't make use of those from the older line, as in higher end stuff, you need at least some minimums, even if it wont beat the top dog, we need to "touch" certain standards, we can compensate for the tool not covering certain features ( if not too key) that do exist, for example, in PS or Illustrator, in certain aspects: But the tools must be professional. In that regard, I prefer like in a ratio of 100 to 1,in usability, reliability, etc, all with a pair, just two very professional applications, than 5, 6 or more apps that I cannot use it for a too large number of clients (it targets less professional users). So, IMO, the number of apps is definitely neither a real value, here, but the quality. Even a single app can be absolute gold. I don't mind purchasing one from each company (done so since always), if I am getting more quality in each, more speed, etc. Trust me on this one : They totally killed a wonder: Aldus (and its later on "Macromedia" renamed one) Freehand. (and yep, I still hear from time to time very angry people from Fireworks, Dreamweaver, and Flash. ) This, in my book, is way, way too many as a precedent...As to take the risk. And about going for a merge with a smaller competitor, which is probably existing a more fierce competition... wow.. can't see that very possible... Who knows, though. It'd have to be sth reaaally convenient for some magic factor. Sometimes happen, but i wouldn't bet for it. And imo, it'd be the sinking for Affinity's possibilities, (right now very bright, even if some people (not referring to you) can't see it ) really.) About companies "not wanting" to grow ( as a result of not joining forces? ) and compete... Sorry. Again, I am trying to agree... is just that experience over the years keeps telling me the opposite about some of your statements (some, only). Any company wants to grow. To pay better salaries, to increase their staff, the company value, and mostly to "beat" its competitors ! but joining forces as you mention, sorry, but sounds a bit to well intentioned line of thought, not to the point of over optimistic, but close. Again, this is pure jungle. Or that is what I have known. In every merge, or other tactic approach, there's all sort of counter tactics and cr4p happening, so that I see it as a rare thing to happen. Seems company owners or boards, what they want is to cook their thing on their own (logically!) and almost every time I read about a merge, you research just a little bit, and discover -almost never in the press release, gotta dig a lot more- that one of the companies was really struggling, close to bankruptcy. Also, you personally need a certain product, which you know it is complex. But a, b, or c company might find a better revenue in producing other product, or that product at their own pace and following a specific internal roadmap. And they have all their right to do it as they wish. I doubt as well they'd have "only " a small success... Quite the opposite. Even with the small resources. Consider how these companies have not always been the greatest friends among them. happens normally among competitors. You could see even attacks from one company to another (not thinking particularly in Affinity). There are some cases, like probably staff from in Serif, who, coming from Xara, do know people from there, but that's very different from two competing companies be willing to make a merge. Plus, Xara was having its own set of problems, last time I checked. So, any merge operation (or join, etc)of this kind: pretty risky, and doubtfully beneficial (even while in a perfect world, it could be)

My point in bringing so many cases is to make evident that most cases is a predatory operation (maybe a bit better in some cases, and when can be negotiated equal conditions, when both companies are huge. Not the case here (neither any other company of the field)) where rarely the user gets a real benefit, usually is the opposite. A lot of people got very unhappy with Aldus selling . I remember the times, and the professionals (I was a young newbie, at least in design, when Aldus freehand 1 saw the light) reaction. Not only with Freehand, also with Pagemaker. What should not be left aside is that when a merge is produced by a HUGE monster like Adobe is, and a very little fish like Serif is (no matter that is quite efficient, we're talking here about massive power), what tends to happen is that whatever advantages and personality brought by the little fish will disappear, for ever and for the users. And back to the monopoly disadvantages, again. On the other side, the existence of Affinity, and I emphasize, its independence and non merging with the giant, is indeed a great thing for Adobe users, too!. Just as AMD Ryzen, the new processors line has pushed intel to wake up from their usual comfortable pace in releases and etc, and so, the users are getting now an intel six core (some of the Coffee lake line) a bit sooner than surely was planned (finally six cores at mainstream price, while probably Intel would have preferred to milk the thing a bit more with more 4 core models) , and well, care a bit more, fight a bit more for maintaining their users, as in front of them they had -still do- very good machines specially for content creation, even if they are not as good in games. At a very nice price a 8 cores and 16 threads processor (Ryzen 7 1700), while anything even 6 cores was till yesterday really expensive in Intel side. This is important specially for video editing and 3D rendering (I know by experience). And in general, great for heavy multitasking (a case for most professionals, imo). Maybe the main aspect/matter here is that you believe that a merge with Adobe would be all sweet and dandy for Serif. I strongly doubt it, history tells you this. Specially with Adobe's history. You'll only get Adobe back to its calmed state, totally alone in the field, (the other competitors kind of found a certain niche, since a while) without -almost- any competition, again. Of course, unless this is exactly what is desired. Not my case. I don't want monopolies in graphic creation tools (or at least, have sth even small to make them a lil nervous!), neither in PC machines, and indeed, while I definitely like Windows, I'd rather -said it before- would prefer if the 3 systems were equally useful in each field. I can tell you we the users always win with that. A merge is the opposite to all of this. Plus, if you are fine in going with a merged Adobe-Serif thing (imo, is the same than saying, "just Adobe", all the way again), why don't go for Adobe CC already and be done with it ? I mean, everyone has to set own's priorities and preferences. I mean, going for Affinity's solution is by nature for wanting to avoid Adobe schemes, business model, style of doing things... I don't think plugins are totally essential, if the application could provide at some point similar functionality. And in any case, if you have extreme needs with APub or any other package, I don't see the point of wanting a merge of companies. In that case I'd just (being a freelancer I can be flexible with my specs (and gigs!), but maybe some others can't) I'd just stay in Adobe CC for a while, but even in that case, I don't see the point or advantage of desiring a merge. Au contraire, I'd just wait for APub to be ready (while using InDesign, if my needs would really require it), so to jump ship in that moment, if, as you say, only version 3 or 4 does it for you. I am a strong believer that work can be done with not the very latest cutting edge technology, though, if some brain is used in optimizing workflows, and etc (also because in my experience proved to be the case in majority of situations both in 2D and 3D fields ). But that last bit is a very personal opinion. If merges keep happening, there's not gonna be any competition to speak about (been so for a while till recently....) , to begin with.... And then, in matters of pricing, purchase system(er, I mean, only-renting for ever, never-owning a permanent license ever again), even lack of innovation (of which Adobe users have been complaining a lot till recently, as said, last PS version is different... coincidence? I have my theories...), we will be in the whoever the monopoly holder hands is.... I don't love that picture, we've lived that already. Again, personal opinion. Competitors can't give a ton of advanced features in little time because they have less resources and man power. It is not possible until companies do grow. But would never grow as an independent thing if they merge or get acquired somehow (in that case, huge one merges with a small one, the small one vanishes). A fair deal in equal conditions, such a merge with the big fish is not possible, I tell you. It has never been. Is the law of the jungle.

I mean, for whoever have been using graphic software, specially a wide range of it, like 2D and 3D, and a wild variety of uses and profiles, it is pretty clear that what benefits us is several approaches, independent, and so, not leaving you, the user, under the rain when a single, dominant, with all the freakin' cake for its own, decides to set hyper high prices, and/or forced subscription models. You have almost everything merged under same umbrella, and if this umbrella decides to milk money from you and diminish the freedom of usage and purchase options, you're left there with no other option...Congrats... Also, a bit of a myth.. When one gets enough expertise in software, one can build super complex workflows in most tools that really care for the professional. Affinity does. Corel, too at least in some of the apps. I could write a book, despite being most experienced in Photoshop than in anything else, or maybe, thanks to that, of the so many points, here and there, where other apps do BETTER the stuff than PS. Indeed, I have right now about 5 mid/low cost ones in my mind, that do rather better for any comic author/illustrator/painter. Just how terrible would it be even if there was not a Corel Painter out there, or not even a Clip Paint Studio/Manga Studio. Heck, so much people trapped for ever in whatever despotic decision of a single company. No, thank you very much, but let's have a better idea/solution... Again, is countless the pissed off people with : Freehand elimination, Fireworks, (even Page maker! Not every body loved that), XSI, a very large etc. IE, MS acquired a bunch of excellent apps for vectorial design from a Japanese company (sorry, can't remember now the name, but can dig it easily), (I believe it was lke 3 or 4) by acquiring a company, it went downhill, in reality, stopped development, went way of the Dodo, to finally offer it free, but non updated, and lastly, I believe now is not even offered the download. Even while some were as innocent as to believe it was being a merge that would serve to improve those Japanese jewels (better funding, using also MS technology, blah blah. But I knew the story from other cases ). Truespace had a ton of bugs, but a large community. Finally it got acquired (owner sold it for good money, like any of us would), and the development stopped, though they were as kind as to offer as free download a last version (7.x , can't remember exact one): of course, that's the end for any app, at least closed source ones. The great high detail modeler , Sculptris, a sweet tool offered by an individual for free, had an extreme speed of develoment till got acquired , and the guy contracted by Pixologic (it was really imo a two fork matter, the guy was REALLY good). These people are certainly user friendly, so they had the great move of keep offering it for free. Still is, and even created a forum section for it. But oh surprise, no further real development on it. It was indeed gonna be serious competition at least in the low range of usage it'd allow. A bunch of customers not having the top market needs (ie, not video games studios in the AAA range) would just grab it instead of purchasing Zbrush or similar. Us as users got benefit from that ? nope... it'd rarely would have make serious damage to Pixologic, but yep loosing certain number of sales (is a clever move from them, but risky).. We'd have today a much more evolved free or very low cost app for our high detail modelling stage. Even so, this is the most gentle, by very far, action you can find when a large company is trying to eliminate competitors that might become a danger. (or which are, already) And it is because the style of Pixologic has been always very user friendly. Of course, many of those are purchased once they are close to disappear for financial probs...but a ton of them just are offered a good sum to the owner.... Usually , it was his/her baby, and treated with care...once purchased, most times the intention is even badly disguised: Trash the app. No passion for it at all, other than a strong desire to eliminate it as fast as possible. Many times is just after the target of you only haveing ONE option to purchase. They wont fight/invest to eliminate those that are less of a threat, or... that have already too strong numbers of followers.(in case they actually care for that kind of thing) Also, the argument of "hey, you are late", is not considering one (very) important aspect. I fully respect your opinion, btw, but imo, maybe that statement is perhaps not taking in consideration one of the main factors of the strong following Affinity has: Some ppl are REALLY pissed off with the imposed renting. And other...issues with certain monopolies. Some do need already an app, can't wait. So , or will stay in Adobe's boat, or just will purchase Quark. Or depending or their needs, will stay with the older serif's app, or just use Scribus. But I firmly believe several of those will jump ship to get into APub once is out.

Euh...they finally killed Freehand in favor of Illustrator... sth which I know pissed off a large number of designers (me, for example). The possibilities are high when a merge happens that is with the intention of a) diminish the app, in favor of own's competing one b) simply sink it, eliminate it from the market. It is expensive, but is specially done when it is a very hard enemy to beat due to the app's quality. If is the case as happened to XSI sunk by Autodesk, when the company was certainly struggling, and had not the overwhelming mass of people behind like Maya had (acquired, but survived!) , then is an easier prey. Freehand was really great. Flash... I'm certainly not happy to how things have gone for that one since Macromedia got acquired. Neither Dreamweaver (and I used that a lot in my first decade as a designer). Ehm...Fireworks ? That had a strong user base, not been treated right, definitely (IMO). And so on, list is huge... A merge of a physics library inside a 3D package, yeah, maybe that's nice, specially for the author selling it, but also to have all integrated for users... but entire apps, acquired... (or "merged", heh) IMO, not a good thing. I believe dogs count, too (somehow)...

Well, PS latest is a nice release, from what I have seen. Finally smoothing for the brush lines (hehe, maybe spying on Affinity ?) and they finally improved their "vector" node tool. Previous ones did look really uninteresting for my work, though.... So, not as to see a "trend" in it, tho... Merges... ouch... I'm here running from monopolies like Autodesk (they acquired Maya and XSI, sinking for ever the latter (as was the plan), that sweet wonder...Which made me go Blender all the way. Maybe I should even thank them, lol) or...well, Adobe (forced subscription, and too many apps acquired (think of the entire Macromedia ! It was not a good thing to see happening)). Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather prefer a collection of alternatives, totally independent and competing with each other...We as users win so...IMO.

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Oh,! of course, you are out of any danger. And probably neither if the works was to be used by Serif to promote the performance capabilities of Designer. It was mostly a geeky/nerd kind of comment from me...speaking of which... I believe is not only if one pastes stuff into own's drawing...specially in court could be considering copying the design. For example, of a human character. Even if technically you are starting it anew, is a bit like if you were tracing a master piece over a Windows glass... As you are reproducing the design (I don't mean the "idea" as yep, that depends even more on each country's laws.) . Last time I read about it, this matter is very different among countries. So, it can end up as a bit of a hit or miss situation. Again, my common sense and what is usually seen, tells me that rarely it'd create any issue for you that they would include your screenshot in a features'list, or in twitter or Facebook. Probably, not even if sold as a product, having the front box board with the illustration. I only mentioned it as I believe that even in the most apparently clear case, one needs to check certain matters around the PD image. (or..is my 2c in that.... ) . For practice and showing around here, I wouldn't worry a bit, mostly as was downloaded as a PD image.

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There are several possibilities (of having issues), one of those could be as simple as the matter than despite being in public domain, you could be reproducing a book's photographs, and most published books disallow this, or photos made in a museum , ie, could happen that there photos could be taken but not to later on integrate those in a commercial product, or serve as advertisement for a commercial product. Downloading the image from a depot where those issues would have been cleared up (and detailed in license documents ) by an entity/authority/original owner, could be a solution. But even so, sometimes is discovered that even well known public domain pictures, engravings, etc, have usage issues having the copying/usage rights in the hands of some institution, company, descendant...I mean, everything is possible , but imo is very advisable to check all first. (for a personal project like this, no need, when grabbing any PD image, imo.... ) In my art clases (actually in anatomy drawing classes) we were given often Durero's drawings as an example to the love of detail in anatomy. Not my cup of tea, though, I like a bit more realism (<> detail ). I have my passions in the art of Vermeer, Velazquez, Ribera, Caravaggio...

Hehe, I knew someone would mention it...But the thing is... I believe is not that simple... Museums might have certain rights, particular licenses.... I've come to a point where I don't use anything at all if is not with a detailed license attached to it.... (but I was referring to the matter of using the image for general software promotion)