read the title.

http://vectormagic.com/home
Also look for tutorials to do like quick fake vectors.
I know in gimp if you just use selective gausian blur and set it to like 15 it looks like a vector.

^ no it doesn't.. not even a little bit.

what's a "fake" vector? last i checked, a vector can be sized to anything without losing quality, right?

To some people, a vector is an image with sharp lines, and very few colors. (ie, the "posterized" filter on PS)

I don't know about any free programs, but Paint Shop Pro is only $99. It sounds like a lot, but if you're serious about designing I think it would be a good investment. Plus, that's nothing compared to the price of Photoshop CS4.

You might even be able to find an older version for less if you google it.

I never knew it was that cheap.
You can also get photoshop elements for 80$.

You can get the education version of Illustrator for about $100, I think. At least you could about three years ago.

This website, Aviary, has a lot of free image editing tools. I've used their version of PS, it's not bad. Never tried out their vector program, though.

^ Yes, you need an ID for discounts. "To process your order you will be asked to submit valid academic identification for validation."

How old do you have to be? Is it for college students? Or can you use a highschool student id.
There is also a homeschoolers discount i think.

^ That's a good question. I've only ever seen it in college book/computer stores, but it wouldn't hurt to ask, either call your closest college book/computer store or Adobe.

I'm sure they're willing to give a discount to future graphic designers.

that's actually pretty neat

^ ya it was. I love how it does like instant vectors :3

but its too.. boring.