For someone that's not very familiar with Adobe After Effects and Photoshop, just wondering what the general consensus is on these two programs and how useful they are as an avid supplement. Are we talking night and day in terms of having and not having these programs to spice up your work?  

Absolutely. Steep learning curve for AE but you work will be transformed.

eseo:

Are we talking night and day in terms of having and not having these programs to spice up your work?

You betcha!  And don't let anyone tell you that if you have Boris you don't need AE.  Since I've had AE I've used it to create pirate island composites for a children's series, new scenery and shots for feature films, effects for commercials, you name it.  Yes, it can be a steep learning curve, but when it clicks you'll wonder how you managed without it.

As for Photoshop, well, I tend to do all my graphics, titles, etc., in Photoshop unless it's just a quick-and-dirty super.  I can't remember when I last opened Marquee.  I use PNG files for exporting from Photoshop to Avid, because you get much cleaner mattes.  Just remember to invert your alpha channel when importing.

 Both programs are essential, particularly now that editors are expected to do a lot more graphics and compositing work.  Learn both as soon and as fast as possible. 

WARNING: Once you start getting the hang of them and producing some cool stuff, the programs become addicting.  You have been warned. 

Michael.