[sqquares]

There are good, cost-free (or low cost) alternatives to every aspect of Photoshop. I use SAI for digital painting, I see GIMP recommended for post-processing work, etc. but I think Photoshop is the only program that has all of the functions and that's so polished regarding the UI. I have used it before, and used the alternatives, and I can frankly say nothing can come even close to it. That is not to say it's not overpriced - it is, but there are even some ways to get Photoshop for a lot less money (student and school contracts, older versions with a lot lower price etc.).