I'm interested in graphic design, are there any computer programs (cheap) that I can get? How do I get started?

By "cheap" what do you mean? I don't know of any cheap programs when it comes to graphic design :)

The most important programs in my opinion that you will need to learn if your serious about graphic design is Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

Hope that helps :)

Gimp.org is free - it has similar functionalities with Photoshop.

I do not know any free program for vector graphics though.

For web design development, there is NVU (http://nvudev.com/index.php)

By "cheap" what do you mean? I don't know of any cheap programs when it comes to graphic design

Then you don't know enough about it. ^^ Cheap? How about free?

GIMP (http://www.gimp.org/) - the #1 open source raster graphics editor
Inkscape (http://www.inkscape.org/) - the #1 open source vector graphics editor

Using both together can help you create graphics comparable to the Photoshop/Illustrator tandem. :D

I know plenty about it, and comparing those programs to ANY of the Adobe products is laughable.

Good day :)

I should add a little more something to this as well, if your just starting off and need "cheap" or "free" programs to get into graphic design, then Syd_M is correct, they are perfect to get your feet wet in graphic design :)

comparing those programs to ANY of the Adobe products is laughable

It's a common misconception among many graphic designers that the Adobe products are the be all and end all of graphic design. Just to clarify, I have Photoshop, Illustrator, and Fireworks CS3, and I like them very much. However, I also have GIMP and Inkscape. The reason is that there are things that I find easier to do in GIMP and Inkscape when compared to their commercial brethren.

Comparatively, while there may be differences in how each software works, the end result is much the same. I've seen graphic designers make a living using only those free tools, eschewing the more popular but pricey Adobe products. Why spend hundreds of dollars when you can achieve much the same thing with a high-quality free software? The graphics created with those free tools are even comparable in quality to graphics made with commercial software. Keep in mind that free does not necessarily equal poor quality.

In the end, what really matters is what works for you. Try them out and if they don't work for you, then that's that.

It's a common misconception among many graphic designers that the Adobe products are the be all and end all of graphic design. Just to clarify, I have Photoshop, Illustrator, and Fireworks CS3, and I like them very much. However, I also have GIMP and Inkscape. The reason is that there are things that I find easier to do in GIMP and Inkscape when compared to their commercial brethren.

Comparatively, while there may be differences in how each software works, the end result is much the same. I've seen graphic designers make a living using only those free tools, eschewing the more popular but pricey Adobe products. Why spend hundreds of dollars when you can achieve much the same thing with a high-quality free software? The graphics created with those free tools are even comparable in quality to graphics made with commercial software. Keep in mind that free does not necessarily equal poor quality.

In the end, what really matters is what works for you. Try them out and if they don't work for you, then that's that.

How many design firms want to know the amount of experience you have with Gimp, and or, Inkscape when your filling out a job application?

They do however want to know what kind of schooling you have had, and the amount of time you have been working with Photoshop and Illustrator. At least the ones I talked with. My local college also can echo my thoughts, they aren't teaching Gimp and Inkscape, but guess what they are teaching? There is a reason for this.............

It is not a misconception, you are giving bad advice. I understand you trying to make a point, but your comparing apples and oranges.

How many design firms want to know the amount of experience you have with Gimp, and or, Inkscape when your filling out a job application?

In a past venture, I hired a couple of individuals to do graphics. Their current portfolio was the top factor in selecting them.

I can't speak for design houses - they may prefer people who know how to use their specific, standardized software - but that's my own hiring experience.

-mike

If this is a hobby, then a free product might suit your needs, but if you plan to make this a profession, I would advise you to go to college (Full or Part time, it doesn't matter), and learn industry recognised products, so that you know them like the back of your hand.

Regardless of how good your portfolio is when applying for a job - Someone with equal skill will usually also apply, and his knowledge & expertise in those industry recognised products, vs a free, generally unheard of program, will give him/her the edge.

Like I say though, if this is a hobby, or just to test the waters before making a decision, those free programs should fit the bill :)

Good luck!