[Dr-Mad]

Hi,

I'm planing to get a wacom tablet. I'm pretty new at doing computer art and stuff like that so what kind should i get and how big.

P.S. I would also like to know if i should use photoshop 6 or just 5? Or other programs that are good for doing computer art stuff such as quake 3 skinning etc.


Thanx

[ January 03, 2002: Message edited by: Dr-Mad ]

[ January 03, 2002: Message edited by: Dr-Mad ]

[Ian Jones]

If you are quite new at computer art, then I would suggest you don't buy a tablet quite yet unless you have staxx of money. A tablet is an investment, you need to be fairly sure that you will use it.

When you do decide that you want one, then I would suggest comparing the sizes, and looking at the price differences between a Wacom 6*8 and 9*12 the difference in proce is small so I bought a 9*12.

I'm sure though that a graphire is a good investment too, even though they are smaller, ppl seem to like them.

[Ian Jones]

I forgot your question about programs. Photoshop is the GOD of all graphics programs imo. I like 5.5 but thats just because I learnt it first. I would suggest learning on 6, so that you are up to date with developments. 6 has a few additional features, and the only reason a lot of photoshop veterans don't like it is because the interface layout changed from 5.5.

[LoTekK]

to add onto ian's comments, i'd also think about how you want to use your tablet, the amount of desktop real estate you're willing to set aside for it, etc... when looking for a tablet, i went with the 6x8, partly because it was cheaper, but mainly because i knew that the 9x12 would take up way too much room on my already crowded desk, wouldn't sit on my lap nicely, and is not nearly as portable as i'd like it to be (i tend to take my tablet and laptop to campus sometimes)... so there are many factors involved...

one more thing to note about tablet size: how you normally like to draw with traditional media... if you're more comfortable with small little doodles and sketches, go with a 4x5 or 6x8... if you like drawing or painting in long, sweeping strokes, a larger tablet may suit you better...

however, the best advice i can give you is: test them out before buying!

as for programs, i use jasc's paint shop pro 7.02, mainly because it's a helluva lot cheaper than photoshop, and i've come to like it a lot more than PS, anyways (i've used PS a lot at the office in school)...

[ewiser]

I use a 6x8 and love it. Its just the right size so it doesn't take up to much room and the size of the tablet is big enough to draw on. How do you draw small strokes or large strokes. This should be thought of when looking into what size tablet to get. If you draw with bigger strokes a 4x5 tablet would make you feel cramped in your drawing which would not be good for your art.
Photoshop is great and I also use Painter. You get Painter Classic with the tablet. Though Classic is like Photoshop LE in that it is limmited in what it can do compared with the full version of Painter. Example no layers.

[Naz]

I bought a wacom a few weeks back and am new to 2d too.. as I wasnt sure how it would feel I went for a safe option, 4x5 size.
initially I thought that you cannot draw that detailed with it as with a larger tablet but it works perfect for me..

maybe that helps

[LiK]

i highly recommend a WACOM brand. it's considered the best anyways but quite expensive.

if u want a cheaper of the two of the wacom products, there's the graphire. but the graphire is okay. i recommend the intuos (what i'm using) because it has higher pressure sensitivity.

6x8 is the best size i think. it's large enough to work on and fits on the desk fine. if you can afford the bigger ones then go for it. other tablets are adequate if you just want to be able to doodle on the computer.

as for photoshop versions, stay away from photoshop 5.0. go for photoshop 5.5 or 6.0 instead. some bugs were fixed in 5.5 and 6.0 is the lastest but there were some changes in the interface. i also suggest taking a look at painter which is what the tablet was made for.

[nova]

If you're planing to use a tablet often and for a long time, get an intuos 2 6x8. they're the perfect size and work nice for most everything [modelling, painting..etc]. Photoshop 6 improved some painting features from 5.5, and you can right click and get a brushes menu right where you clicked.