Topaz Labs Simplify: The new fotosketcher?

[Neeka]

I will start off by saying Topaz Labs is a plugin for photoshop and costs about $40. With that said, it is similar to fotosketcher except has a wider array of filters and you can fine-tune them to get a more unique image. Here are some examples: (sorry for the barrage of links)


https://www.topazlabs.com/simplify_stat ... cherry.jpg

Can create sketches and 'cartoon' versions of photos:

https://www.topazlabs.com/simplify_stat ... mer_lg.jpg

Also there's a video (skip to 22:30) that shows the process of turning a photo into traditional style art.

What do you all think of this? Is it worth the cost? I think it might be helpful for those who can't afford artists for their backgrounds but want more than a simple slap on filter. True, fotosketcher also has sliders to control the brushstrokes and the intensity of the effect, though the options aren't enough for me personally and I haven't seen much made with it recently.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/0dDD6e05bwQ?autoplay=1


I should also note Impression by Topaz Labs is another tool to make photos look like paintings inspired by Van Gogh and Monet. This application costs $100 :/
https://www.topazlabs.com/impression