Photoshop Illustrator

Is it better to teach myself photoshop or illustrator or take a course?

I have a chunk of money and 2 options:
1. I could buy photoshop and illustrator and attempt to teach myself these programs to a high enough standerd to use them well.
or
2. I could pay to go on a course to learn how to use them well.

My personal opinion is that it is best to get a professional trainer. For those two applications, in particular, you should know that Adobe Software Corporation certifies trainers in their software application. This assures that the application is presented in the best, and standardized way possible. To aid the certified trainers in this, Adobe has published a series of manuals titled “Classroom in a Book” These manuals are available to the public, and are a VERY good way to SELF TEACH a user to gain expertise in the application. For most of the Adobe products, there is a beginner and advanced version.

I don’t know for a fact, but I’d be willing to bet that most pros have gone through, at least, PART of their training using these books.

Illustrator to Photoshop