Expression 3.3 preview/beta version...

[gidge]

Well, just follow the link to micro you know who... and proceed to download this what seems to be a unlimited beta like version of Expression 3.3 ... you will have to fill out a form, so just do so in your usual web savy manner ;) and this will enable you to download this fantastic Vector Paint app...

http://www.microsoft.com/products/expression/

have fun kids...

obtw, there is both windows and mac versions... and oh yes, one more thing, just ignore the part about this product being offered to existing users of Expression, this download works just fine even if you don't have expression, and as suggested, just fill out the form in your usual web savy manner and all is good to go...

[Erik]

Arrrggghhh
You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B7 :} :} :}

A bit scary but indeed...

Yet: not for modem users, unfortunately, as it's 58MB!!!!!

otoh: don't forget that servers can register the e-mail adress they find on your puter. Only Mozilla allows to fill in what will be given. And your IP and the time can locate you at all times.

But hey: who cares?
We're all honest men and women.
And politically correct.
And proud members of the moral majority.
Teetotals, non-smokers, good mannered, responsable, hard working, and we consume and support the folks on the hill and say thank you when some crumbs fall on the floor.

[theKeeper]

Ya.. 'cept one thing Erik... when you use NS/Mozilla/Firebird, and try to click the "Register" button, it doesn't respond. Gee... ya think Bill's playin a game or something there? }:\

[gidge]

Erik, that was very nicely put

Mark, were you not able to gain this download?

[theKeeper]

Nope Gidge... and after trying every browser i have exCEPT IE, i gave up trying. Oh well... :\

[Erik]

I got it with Mozilla.
No problem here.

[theKeeper]

Um... [stuned] I am literally STUNED beyond belief here guys.

My jaw dropped when i saw what this app can do. And again when i thought of how it will try to rival Illustrator and Xara and CD and Freehand, etc etc etc...

I can't believe MS made this... i don't believe it. They must've stole or bought this off someone else. Seriously... MS has always sucked hard where comp graphics were concerned. There's no way in hell they could've made this all on their own.

Anyone into Vector apps should definately checkout this program folks. It's worth watching out for as it exits the Beta stage and hits the open market.

...God!... [confused] \:] i can't believe i'm saying that about a MS graphics program!

[Erik]

November 06, 2003
Creature House Acquired by Microsoft
It seems Microsoft quietly acquired Creature House, creators of Expression 3 natural media drawing software, back in September of 2003. No word yet on what the acquisition could mean for users, though sales and downloads of Expression on the Creature House Web site have been suspended since last month. Currently, the Web sites states that downloads will resume in mid-November.

from graphicssoft
search google for creature house

[Erik]

Creature House Expression 3
From Sue Chastain,
Your Guide to Graphics Software.


The Bottom Line

Expression was the first graphics program to allow users to create brush strokes from arbitrary pictures, and remains the most artistically-oriented vector-based drawing package available. Microsoft acquired Creature House in 2003, after this review was written. At this time, Microsoft has made only a Macintosh version available for download.


Pros
Create scalable, editable vector-based art work.
Unique technology for expressing artistic vision.
Modest system requirements; affordable.

Cons
Difficult learning curve; Tutorials too advanced for beginners.
Acquired by Microsoft, Expression's future is uncertain.
Only a Macintosh version is available for download at present.

Description
Vector-based drawing and illustration software based on unique 'skeletal strokes' technology.
The first application to introduce the concept of drawing with strokes of objects along a path.
Any kind of object, whether vector- or bitmap-based, can be defined as a custom brush stroke.
Unique features go beyond traditional drawing software to provide ultimate artistic expression.
Pressure-sensitive pen support, familiar and specialized drawing tools, many import/export options.
Version 3 adds repositionable textures, reflection-mapped fills, user-definable fringes,
eraser mode, head/tail anchoring, repeatable sections, transparency and width variability,
new and improved drawing tools, productivity enhancements, and PSD and PNG import/export.
Boxed version includes a detailed, 200-page printed user guide with several tutorials.

A Macintosh version of Expression 3.3 is available for download from Microsoft.

Guide Review - Creature House Expression 3
Creature House Expression (formerly Fractal Design Expression) is a vector-based drawing tool featuring "skeletal strokes," a 2D drawing primitive which offers complete editability and scalability. While many other computer drawing programs have tried to imitate Expression's object-stroked paths concept, none can come close to the flexibility and variety offered by Expression. The user interface, though somewhat overwhelming, is well-designed with much care taken to alleviate keyboard and mouse (or pen) swapping as much as possible. You really need to have both artistic ability and a strong desire to explore and learn this program, but it's quickly obvious that once you do, you can do truly amazing things with it.
Update February 2004: Since Microsoft's acquisition of Creature House in September 2003, sales and downloads of Expression on the Creature House Web site have been suspended indefinitely.

Update May 2004: An updated Macintosh version of Expression 3.3 is now available for download from Microsoft. No word on release of a Windows version.

[gidge]

Well, I am glad to see that you find this app to be as powerful as I do Mark... unfrigging reall just what this app is capable of eh?

and, yes, CreatureHouse was the company which originally created this app, MS just bought it, they had nada to do with any part of the design of this fanatastic app... sorry I forgot to mention this

Erik, I had a good laugh when reading Sue's review on this app... Sue is...well, Sue... sometimes she nails some things right on the money, while other times her reviews more often than not tend to lead people away from further exploring some app being reviewed...