Photoshop is necessary, but in my experience CS3 is usually adequate. CS5 only becomes necessary due to lock-in.
I use GIMP whenever possible. That's maybe 50%. The UI is maddening, but this is a big step in the right direction:
I use GIMP whenever possible. That's maybe 50%. The UI is maddening, but this is a big step in the right direction:
I've tried GIMP, but the maddening UI you mentioned just isn't worth the frustration to me..