What graphics program do you use?

[Bodhi]

Just curious what graphics program other skinners use when they are doing their work?

Any good shareware out there?

[moot]

GIMP is the free alternative to Photoshop that I most often see recommended. 
The payware alternative to Photoshop I most often see is Paint Shop Pro by Corel (I think), and Painter (although this one is more illustration oriented IIRC).

Here's a list of free graphics editors at wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_raster_graphics_editors
I can't comment on them myself, though.

[Motherland]

<-Uses GIMP.

[rogerdee]

i use psp 8 always been good for me

[Xasthur]

I use Photoshop 7. It's an old version but it makes the cut for me.

[Greebo]

I use Paint Shop Pro 7, which was bought around ten years ago. Newer programs or versions don't seem to add much functionality WRT skinning, the new features are more aimed at those who are editing digital photographs. I suspect Photoshop might have better filters than PSP but I can't be bothered to learn a new program just for that.

[Krusty]

Photoshop 5.0 patched up to 5.1 to get the bug fixes.

[JeepinAZ]

Been using Photoshop CS1 but I may try my next set in Illustrator CS1. I can draw much better in Illustrator although I'm getting better w/ Photoshop.

[Speed55]

Using gimp and a wacom tablet. Drawing for fun.

[USRanger]

I have Photoshop CS3.  Anyone else have it?  It seems like there's a whole lot it can do, especially after adding plugins & such.  I'm just wondering what the difference is from other(previous?) versions.

[Bodhi]

US Ranger, what did you pay for it?

[TicTok]

Paint Shop Pro 8 here.....Tic

[Puck]

I use vi in hex mode and edit the bits by hand.

Ok, fine. 

Illustrator for panel and rivet lines and anything else that looks mechanical
Photoshop for paint, dirt, shadows, weathering, and anything else that needs depth or color

My F4U-1 template (from which I've never sent a submission) has over 200 layers to give you some idea just how anal I am about separation.  Originally I started with Gimp, but my skill set grew up with Photoshop so in the end I stuck with it.  I've also not found a tool comparable to Illustrator to use alongside it.

Right now I'm forcing myself not to do anything with skins...I just don't have that much time to pour on what is, ultimately, just a bit of eye candy.  Otherwise I'd be rebuilding my La5 templates and finishing the F4U template and...and...and...and not getting any work done on solid state cooling systems, electronic controls, woodwork, house remodeling, or the other things I need to do.