I want to use Zbrush and make tileables but I can't because I cannot even afford the student version :(. PS: If anyone from Pixologic is here I except free gifts via Polycount PM :D
When it comes to software, it depends entirely on the price. Allegorithmic, Quixel, Pixologic, and Unreal are all apps that have proven themselves consistently and offer a *very* realistic and affordable price point. Adobe and Autodesk, though? They have such stupidly overpriced stuff. I'll admit, Photoshop CC is getting…
For me personally, price is a major factor, but only for the big time spenders. Toolbag, Quixel Suite, and a couple of others I've made sure to buy. However, as I'm in a gray area between school and developing my portfolio to get a job, the big time software packages from Autodesk and Adobe are way too far out of my price…