For context, I want to run a small personal gig (offering stuff on Patreon). Nothing too fancy.
In order to do that, I would need to use the Adobe suite, Windows, some audio and video effects, all requiring a commercial license.
In theory, I start to make money. How would Microsoft and Adobe know that I don’t pay for their software?
If I use some audio effects, how would their owners even be able to tell / find my work? We’re talking about basic sound effect, like rain, door knocks etc.
I’ve always been confused by this
Instead of answering their question, tell them something completely different from what they asked.
On top of giving poor recommendations. Nobody who uses Photoshop and GIMP professionally would think GIMP is a suitable replacement for Photoshop.
For real. GIMP is trash if you are well established in photoshop automations and workspaces.