[Redbehelit]

I'm not a very good artist, in fact I draw pretty badly even on plain old paper, I have no expierence in painting techniques either. So what I was wondering is maybe if I got a tablet and practiced enough on it that I could possibly make something decent, or would it just be a waste of money for me?

[nafa]

Getting a tablet and practicing digitally will help you improve you observation and drawing skills faster for the obvious reason that you can do a lot of drawing-related things faster/easier digitally.

[goldenavatar0]

It reads to me that you're not yet sure if the investment into a tablet will allow you to improve with your overall drawing skills. Go with that gut feeling and work on your traditional media skills first and then get the tablet when you're feeling a bit more confident. The thing is, when you get right down to it, it's not a question of whether having the tablet will allow you to become a better artist, but rather, what habits do you have now that prevent you from developing into a better artist. If you've got counter productive habits preventing you from developing yourself skill wise, how will adding another tool make it any better for you.
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[Capt. Fred]

Drawing ability is pretty much platform independent.

Think of it as something that resides in your arm.

[stacy]

Find someone who has one and ask to try it out.

A tablet can be very fluid and freeing once you get past having to look at the monitor instead of down at the drawing surface.

What I like about my Wacom is the ability to doodle endlessly and if something happens that I like, I just cut and save that portion.
Working in layers is like nothing else and the non-destructive quality is great because, obviously, you can back up and try something else if you don't like it.

The only thing I'd change is instead of getting a 12x12 I'd get a 9x12. The square shape turned out to be more awkward than I thought it would be.

[pixel farmer]

the best thing about drawing tablets is not having to wait for paint to dry!!

[oDD]

yes
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[Mega Muffin]

Yeah, I'd get one. I mean, they last a long time, so whether you get one now or later isn't going to matter much. I practiced a TON on mine, and my drawing-on-paper skillz have increased with my tablet skillz.

stacy, what do you mean about looking at the tablet? You look at the tablet when u draw and not at the monitor? I can't imagine how that is possible...

But yeah, Redbehelit, I was in your shoes like....oh jeez, I guess 2 years ago when i first got my tablet. I don't regret it for a second. I think mine is a 6x8 though. I think it's the perfect size (though I haven't tried any other sizes.) Remember, you can always zoom in, and the sensitivity is great. I think you're just going to love it. Good luck!

[cheney]

If you wish to be a high end vector artist then you just need to have a highly refined vision, and a tablet would be awesome to help layout ideas and create new design elements. If you wish to be an illustrator you will constantly be working with your hands, so you really will want to be good on paper first.
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[GottaHaveHope]

What kind of tablet would you guys suggest for a beginner? And how much money would it cost? I'm only 16 so i'm not really loaded with cash, but I do plan on spending some of my christmas money on a decent tablet. Also which programs would I need to use the tablet with? I already have photoshop. Thanks guys.

[DaveyJJ]

If cash is an issue get either the 4x5 or 6x8 Graphire from Wacom. he only real thing missing from their more expensive cousin (Intuos) is the extra 512 levels of pressure (512 vs. 1024) and the tilt. For someone starting out, the Graphire is the best bet. You'd be surprised at how well the 4x5 is, btw. I have that one in my laptop bag and a larger one at home ... the 4x5 is great.
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