As you may have noticed, I am currently working more and more with Dogwaffle, the (really) not very well known digital painting program I am using for years.

I know I choose sometime strange programs for my needs, instead of the most famous.
It's true about vector and bitmap creation as I prefer use Fireworks (ex Macromedia) rather than use Illustrator or Photoshop. Of course, Fireworks (V. 8 in my case) does not cover all the needs but it's rare that I need to launch Illustrator or Photoshop. Fireworks is so useful, simple to take in hand and have so many functions that don't exists in the others... Give it a try !
Recently, I did the effort to learn 3DSMax, as I was unable to let down my old Extreme 3d program (also by macromedia). Ok, I must recognize that these efforts pay. But I still nostalgic of Extreme 3d, so simple and so complete for a 10 years old program.
To finish, I wanted to bring light on Dogwaffle, a program devoted to digital painting. I ve tried many programs and never find something like it. The brushes are so incredible. Many are particles based and generate really amazing effects. From classic painting (watercolors, oil, etc.) to really unique style of paints, this program cover a extraordinary range.
Give a try too !
For interested people, have a look on my last Deviations and visit the retailer site :
[link]
You may also join the yahoo group (about 1000 users) : [link]

Have fun !