Since I'm getting a lot of amazing questions from you guys, I decided to start the "ask Fran" section, where I'll try to solved all your hesitations. So instead of just replying a few, I'll share this useful (I hope) information to the cyberspace.
Today I'll talk about the software and digital tablets I use.
The software is pretty simple actually: I have always used Photoshop. I never have the need to use another program and honestly, Photoshop it's a very complete tool, so if you are into illustration you better start to learning how to use it. Oh and don't worry! It looks really complicated, but I promise when you start using it, things are going to be ok. Just check out the thousands of tutorials available on youtube! I learn Photoshop by myself! If I did it, so you too!
Now, let's talk about tablets!
When I realized I wanted to get serious with the illustration-world I decided to save some money and buy my first tablet: the amazing Wacom bamboo. At that time, this tablet was perfect for me: It was the cheapest of the Wacom tablets and it was perfect for carrying on in my bag (which allows me to take it to University and then to my internship at the newspaper). I didn't knew at that time, but a few years later I spoke to a Wacom seller, and he told me that it's actually a better idea to have an small tablet instead of a big one! This is because a smaller tablet can cause you less wrist pains (cause your hand needs to move less) than a big tablet. Cool, ah?
But then, in a trip to the United States, after 5 years using the Wacom Bamboo, my lovely husband Ed convinced me to invest on a Wacom Cintiq. I always told myself that I'll never be worthy of a Cintiq, cause I would never have the professional illustrator level or I'll never be like look-at-me-I'm-the-shit kind of girl. BUT (the big but) Ed was right indeed: that was probably the only time I could invest in something like this, and perhaps buying that monster will make me feel more secure and confident with my work. So I did it.
And damn this thing is good. I freaking love my Cintiq. Of course, I could never pay the tablet brand new; I bought it third hand actually! But in perfect state! So maybe if you are an illustrator making some money, with a good staff of clients and you wanna really treat yourself, consider a Wacom Cintiq.
Hey Fran, but why Wacom?
Just because. I never tried another brand, and Wacom always have work amazing on my illustrations, and with me. That's the thing I guess: you just have to feel the hippie-conection with the tablet. Sounds weird, but it is. Some illustrators love Genius tablets, some like me love Wacom. Therefor if you ask my opinion in another brand, I just can't cause I just tried Wacom :(
How I'll know what tablet it's for me?
Go to the kitchen, make a big cup of coffee and do some research. Google-it, go to youtube and watch tutorials or tablets reviews! Go to your favourite store and try out some tablets! You can go as many times as you want, and ask the lovely sellers all the questions you have. Since this is an investment (no matter which tablet you choose) make sure you are informed!
I think that's all my lovely nerds :)
If you have any questions, leave them in the comment section down bellow.
I hope you can share you tablet or software experience with me.
Have a lovely day!
I love Wacom, too! (^_^)v
ReplyDelete:D
DeleteI find Illustrator far superior to Photoshop. You should try if you haven't already.
ReplyDeleteI worked with illustrator for several years, but for some reason I feel more comfortable with Photoshop! Thank you for the advice :)
DeleteTablets are getting extinct day-per-day as most people use phablets - i.e. a phone + tablet, due to availability of a cellular network.
ReplyDelete