Illustrator: why bother?

Why would anyone go through to hassle of learning Illustrator?

No, I'm not bashing Illustrator or anything... it's a sincere question. I've been using Photoshop for a few months and I consider myself fairly competent, in that I can create almost any image I want easily. So, I don't really understand the need to learn how to use Illustrator.

I've never actually used Illustrator, even though I have it. But from those of you who know how to use it, I'd like to know: is it really worth taking the time and effort to learn how to use it?

Better with vectors..

The math and PostScript coding that describes images built in applications like Illustrator is bloody amazing.

If you want crisp clean infinitely scalable resolution-independent images, for web or print, Illustrator is in the top 3 of applications that graphic designers should learn, know and love. The longer you use it the more indispensable it becomes.

Have it, but never used it? Quit downloading new toys and learn to work with the ones you already have, sonny!

depends on what type of work you are doing.

i do 90% of my work in illustrator and then import it into photoshop.

I'll base my answer on my experience.

I work for a large print firm, copymax. Many of our customers have needs for over-sized color and black and white posters for presentations. Typically, they will have all the artwork done inhouse and bring us the file for us to print. Unfortunatly, more times than not, the file was built in an application that doesn't allow for scalability.

Using illustrator, or other vector type applications, I end up having to rebuild their presentation to get it ready for the press. Infact, I have been given the duty of educating all of our large, repeat customers on the benefits of using a vector based application for building their presentations. My app of choice? Illustrator 10.

Utopian described it best.

If you used Illustrator, you'd know how good it is.

For me, the craptitude of Macromedia Flash's vector tools, its pretty much a requirement to use Illustrator (or Freehand) and export your work to Flash.

Illustrator rules print-design land. If you visit there, you should know it well.

Or, just draw a logo in Photoshop, at 72 dpi for a website, then blow it up to 2 ft x 2 ft and print it. That should answer your question

This would be a good reason to "bother"
http://juniatwork.mrtio.com/

Before I studied Illustrator i did not see any user for it...

Bu more you learn it more use you can find for it!!! Belive me!