Really?
Because I am offended by your post. It makes designers sound condescending, defensive and thin-skinned. I don’t think those are good qualities for a designer.
The OP asked a harmless question about the tools of the trade. He/she wants to use the correct tool for the job. That shows a willingness to learn. That is a great quality for a designer. Do you see the difference?
If I go to a woodworking forum and ask about table saws, I would hope no one would jump down my throat about my audacity in wanting to be a wood worker.
So yes, as soon as you design something, by definition, you are a designer. It doesn’t make you a good designer, or a professional designer, or whatever qualifications you want to put to it, but you are designing. Just as soon as I cut that piece of wood with my table saw, I have entered into the realm of woodworking.
And for the record, I use CS4. I don’t have a need for 6.