Design Software

[bengrover]

I know quite a few people here are in the design industry, or just interested in it, so I have a question.

I always enjoyed designing T Shirts etc. and Skateboards, but I've always done them by hand. Tried the odd times on computers and got okay results via Photoshop etc. with the basic ideas. But those programs are useless when it comes to creating unique, fresh designs.

Recently started trying to create some more advance graphic ideas and I cannot find a decent program that isn't overly complicated to use.

If anyone can recommend any decent but fairly easy to use (free preferably, as at the moment, its purely for entertainment) software to design some things on, it would be great. I'm thinking such as cartoony/artsy designs like you would find on clothing. The sort of thing we all see in the GC.

Some images of designs roughly along the lines of what I would be looking to create.

Basic
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/429247_358951147450541_187493841262940_1473377_186 6939771_n.jpg

Advanced
http://behance.vo.llnwd.net/profiles/54898/projects/1822719/0ff93a3f33136627ff6553114918121a.png

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/407837_369417883070534_187493841262940_1500034_146 7554289_n.jpg

That sort of thing. Thanks in advance.

[knexzor]

Illustrator or Photoshop is the only way to go as far as I'm concerned
They may be advanced but you there's nothing you can't do with them.
Take the time to learn and the only possible restrictions are your fantasy/ability.

[i am a snail]

photoshop, illustrator, indesign maybe if you feel masochistic.