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Another Wacom tablet question

Submitted by tbag on
Forum

Hi,

Im seriously looking into getting a Wacom Graphire3 6x8 ordered for my birthday but i am just wondering as to if it is worth it.

I want to do artwork such as J.I. Styles [url]http://www.jistyles.com/[/url] (There are other great artists on Sumea but since i have his webpage open he is my example [:p]).

So basically, fancy colouring/painting in Photoshop/Painter etc... as well as textures for 3D models/terrain.

I was just wondering if a Wacom Graphire3 6x8 tablet would be good for this and would a 6x8 be big enough for the job?

And if possible is it worth the extra money to get a Intuos2 6x8?

So overall, is it worth it?

Thank you, all replies are useful!

NOTE: I am aware of previous posts on Wacom tablets that I and other members have started, but this time i have asked a few different questions. I promise this is my last one, i just want confirmation as to if it is really worth it.

Submitted by Kalescent on Tue, 25/05/04 - 5:33 AM Permalink

if i had to pick one, i would say yes from a professoinal point of view that a tablet will make the job easier. but like we've all said before, its a personal preference, if you are THAT unsure borrow someones, or look for a way to have a play with one before you buy.

I wouldnt be without a tablet now, it doesnt necessary offer more control than a mouse, but it does offer control with a greater level of speed, but once again thats personal preference.

Can i also add - if you wish to produce paintings etc like JI - you do need alot more than just a tablet and photoshop/painter [:P]

We use graphire 3 6x8's here and they are a good size.

Submitted by tbag on Tue, 25/05/04 - 5:52 AM Permalink

Ok cool, thanks for that [:p].

And yes i am aware that JI has had a lot of professional experience etc... then just a tablet with Photoshop and Painter [;)].

Just out of intrests sake can anyone possibly just upload/link an image of the overall working area on a 6x8 tablet? Just a black or white background showing the overall area which can be displayed in the 6x8 screen itself (If that makes sense).

Submitted by hobonation on Wed, 26/05/04 - 4:10 AM Permalink

I've just given up on my Wacom tablet...words of a truly inspiring artist, ill give it to you for $5

Submitted by hobonation on Wed, 26/05/04 - 4:11 AM Permalink

.........actually, i'll just use it as a coaster..its in the perfect spot on my desk

Submitted by tbag on Wed, 26/05/04 - 5:03 AM Permalink

I'll take that as a joke. However, i would be glad to buy it off you for $5 and i would be fully liable for shipping costs at that price [:p].

Dont just give up, im sure you'll get the hang of it eventually.

Anyway, if i dont pick one up for my birthday i'll just pick one up in my spare time someday [:)]. In the mean time im enjoying these killer new Sennheiser headphones, crank up the bass [:p].

Submitted by hobonation on Thu, 27/05/04 - 3:56 AM Permalink

no no i like my tablet, and will not use it as a coaster....yet. I just need to get stuck into it, i need to give myself time to get used to it. Maybe for $10...

Submitted by bullet21 on Thu, 27/05/04 - 6:05 PM Permalink

I used a tablet at a mates place for about ten minutes. Can't tell you much from that amount of time. But i hate the way ou can just glide so easily over the surface, it's kinda awkward, but im sure you get used to it. But they do look cool :P

Submitted by hobonation on Fri, 28/05/04 - 7:54 AM Permalink

yeh, i hate not being able to press hard, or draw on a rough surface

Submitted by Sorceror Bob on Fri, 28/05/04 - 8:32 AM Permalink

you can do both hobo

pressing hard.. well if you have the sensitivity settings on.. you should get different results

rough surface.. why not whack some paper over the top of the tablet... instant friction

Submitted by bullet21 on Fri, 28/05/04 - 5:46 PM Permalink

Now that's an ideas, but will it work?

Submitted by Malus on Fri, 28/05/04 - 7:06 PM Permalink

Just tested it, it will work but you will lose some sensitivity depending on the paper.

Submitted by J I Styles on Fri, 28/05/04 - 8:05 PM Permalink

Because a)I'm lazy, and b)I'm kinda busy, I'm just going to copy paste stuff I've said in other threads because it hasn't changed [;)]

lots of stuff, and apologies for the tangents and off topics, but hopefully it answers a lot of questions [:)]

-----------------------

well, first of all realise you're getting into a completely different medium - the same learning processes in getting comfortable with this medium applies as if you where going from, say, pencil to oils.

A lot of more traditional based artists want larger tablets so they feel more comfortable since it's the difference for them with a larger canvas, between drawing with the wrist, and drawing from the shoulder. This on top of many other factors like surface friction, stylus holds, pressure ranges, scale, accuracy precision etc all have to get used to.

Take the time to get used to this new medium as you would with any other, and you'll get where you want to be in no time.

-----------------------

6"x8" is fine - that's what I use at work. At home I use a smaller cheapy thang (said all of this before in those other threads Matt posted, so I won't go off on a tangent here ). that's fine too. Everything in my website is done on that, and had no troubles at all; in a lot of ways I prefer it over the intuos 2 i use at work sad enough

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Malus

JI: drawing from the shoulder?! How the?!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Getting a little off topic to begin with but...

When you say "the larger ones allow much broader strokes from you elbow", it's actually coming from your shoulder - it's a ball-and-socket joint, as opposed to the elbow only being a hinge joint. eg, the shoulder enables you to bend, twist, raise, and move everything below it (this is your forwards kinematics theory in practice right here! ).

My answer to your original question, "Tablet owners, is yours really that effective?", is a resounding "Hell yes!"

I've pretty much made a full transition to digital medium - nowadays, all I use traditional stuff for is doodling on the run, or to communicate an idea in a quick more comfortable way to someone sitting next to, or over you. Everything I show, all the stuff on my site, is all digital medium.
-----------------------------
Well first, about the floating arm question, I'll answer that before I get on to how I work; think about vertical canvas painting - you're standing or sitting with your arm out-stretched floating and painting freeform - yup, that can be tiring if you're not used to it, but you'll develop a comfortable zone with that in time.

For me personally, I've actually gone against so many years of drawing and all the art teachers in the world and draw from the wrist myself - I have a small tablet both at home and work (with high accuracy dpi), which is what I really prefer. For me it's a matter of speed and comfort. I can sweep a smooth arcing line over the entirety of my canvas in just one flick of the wrist, as opposed to moving my whole arm - over time I've learnt to work like this and refine my strokes to a minimum so I'm not "scratching" over the one area constantly but get it done first time (which is one of the big reasons your art teacher will get anal about you drawing from the wrist ). This is all just personal preferance, but it's how I've found my comfortable zone, which I think is very important for an artist, so you can concentrate on just doing the art, instead of how you'll go about the process of doing it.

Submitted by matias on Mon, 31/05/04 - 4:25 AM Permalink

ok, I wouldn't have a clue about 3d and stuff, but I would say get one, I never thought I relied on it to much, thinking I didn't use it alot, but then when I went back to townsville for christmas and didn't have it for 2 week I went mashuga!!! totally insane. I got back home and dived on it sobbibg with releif.... sortof. But yeah, just get one, I got the smallest wacom possible it's like a 3x5 active area, so its tiny but it works and it cost $120!

Plus its silver and shiny! so dont think, just get it. Then you too can sneer at all mouse bound lameos!!![:P]GET ONE GET ONE GETONEGETONEGENONEOENOENOGENO!!!! seriously dude, seriously...
oooh got carried away, sorry just haven't eaten since my bowl of cocopops in the mornign and my fingers are cold[xx(]

Submitted by tbag on Mon, 31/05/04 - 4:56 AM Permalink

Cocopops are good (My 2nd favourite after Crunchy Nut), you know they have no artificial colours and 8 vitamins right?

Well atleast according to Kellogs [:p].

Well i think im going to get a 6x8 Graphire3, cheers everyone!

Submitted by Jason on Mon, 31/05/04 - 9:23 PM Permalink

You can't really go wrong with any Wacom tablet. The smaller ones or the larger 6x8s are both good. I own a 6x8 intuos, but even when I use the smaller graphires, I don't really notice much difference. Just as long as it has pressure sensitivity, it should be all good.

Have fun with the tablet, but don't expect immediate results... :D

Posted by tbag on
Forum

Hi,

Im seriously looking into getting a Wacom Graphire3 6x8 ordered for my birthday but i am just wondering as to if it is worth it.

I want to do artwork such as J.I. Styles [url]http://www.jistyles.com/[/url] (There are other great artists on Sumea but since i have his webpage open he is my example [:p]).

So basically, fancy colouring/painting in Photoshop/Painter etc... as well as textures for 3D models/terrain.

I was just wondering if a Wacom Graphire3 6x8 tablet would be good for this and would a 6x8 be big enough for the job?

And if possible is it worth the extra money to get a Intuos2 6x8?

So overall, is it worth it?

Thank you, all replies are useful!

NOTE: I am aware of previous posts on Wacom tablets that I and other members have started, but this time i have asked a few different questions. I promise this is my last one, i just want confirmation as to if it is really worth it.


Submitted by Kalescent on Tue, 25/05/04 - 5:33 AM Permalink

if i had to pick one, i would say yes from a professoinal point of view that a tablet will make the job easier. but like we've all said before, its a personal preference, if you are THAT unsure borrow someones, or look for a way to have a play with one before you buy.

I wouldnt be without a tablet now, it doesnt necessary offer more control than a mouse, but it does offer control with a greater level of speed, but once again thats personal preference.

Can i also add - if you wish to produce paintings etc like JI - you do need alot more than just a tablet and photoshop/painter [:P]

We use graphire 3 6x8's here and they are a good size.

Submitted by tbag on Tue, 25/05/04 - 5:52 AM Permalink

Ok cool, thanks for that [:p].

And yes i am aware that JI has had a lot of professional experience etc... then just a tablet with Photoshop and Painter [;)].

Just out of intrests sake can anyone possibly just upload/link an image of the overall working area on a 6x8 tablet? Just a black or white background showing the overall area which can be displayed in the 6x8 screen itself (If that makes sense).

Submitted by hobonation on Wed, 26/05/04 - 4:10 AM Permalink

I've just given up on my Wacom tablet...words of a truly inspiring artist, ill give it to you for $5

Submitted by hobonation on Wed, 26/05/04 - 4:11 AM Permalink

.........actually, i'll just use it as a coaster..its in the perfect spot on my desk

Submitted by tbag on Wed, 26/05/04 - 5:03 AM Permalink

I'll take that as a joke. However, i would be glad to buy it off you for $5 and i would be fully liable for shipping costs at that price [:p].

Dont just give up, im sure you'll get the hang of it eventually.

Anyway, if i dont pick one up for my birthday i'll just pick one up in my spare time someday [:)]. In the mean time im enjoying these killer new Sennheiser headphones, crank up the bass [:p].

Submitted by hobonation on Thu, 27/05/04 - 3:56 AM Permalink

no no i like my tablet, and will not use it as a coaster....yet. I just need to get stuck into it, i need to give myself time to get used to it. Maybe for $10...

Submitted by bullet21 on Thu, 27/05/04 - 6:05 PM Permalink

I used a tablet at a mates place for about ten minutes. Can't tell you much from that amount of time. But i hate the way ou can just glide so easily over the surface, it's kinda awkward, but im sure you get used to it. But they do look cool :P

Submitted by hobonation on Fri, 28/05/04 - 7:54 AM Permalink

yeh, i hate not being able to press hard, or draw on a rough surface

Submitted by Sorceror Bob on Fri, 28/05/04 - 8:32 AM Permalink

you can do both hobo

pressing hard.. well if you have the sensitivity settings on.. you should get different results

rough surface.. why not whack some paper over the top of the tablet... instant friction

Submitted by bullet21 on Fri, 28/05/04 - 5:46 PM Permalink

Now that's an ideas, but will it work?

Submitted by Malus on Fri, 28/05/04 - 7:06 PM Permalink

Just tested it, it will work but you will lose some sensitivity depending on the paper.

Submitted by J I Styles on Fri, 28/05/04 - 8:05 PM Permalink

Because a)I'm lazy, and b)I'm kinda busy, I'm just going to copy paste stuff I've said in other threads because it hasn't changed [;)]

lots of stuff, and apologies for the tangents and off topics, but hopefully it answers a lot of questions [:)]

-----------------------

well, first of all realise you're getting into a completely different medium - the same learning processes in getting comfortable with this medium applies as if you where going from, say, pencil to oils.

A lot of more traditional based artists want larger tablets so they feel more comfortable since it's the difference for them with a larger canvas, between drawing with the wrist, and drawing from the shoulder. This on top of many other factors like surface friction, stylus holds, pressure ranges, scale, accuracy precision etc all have to get used to.

Take the time to get used to this new medium as you would with any other, and you'll get where you want to be in no time.

-----------------------

6"x8" is fine - that's what I use at work. At home I use a smaller cheapy thang (said all of this before in those other threads Matt posted, so I won't go off on a tangent here ). that's fine too. Everything in my website is done on that, and had no troubles at all; in a lot of ways I prefer it over the intuos 2 i use at work sad enough

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Malus

JI: drawing from the shoulder?! How the?!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Getting a little off topic to begin with but...

When you say "the larger ones allow much broader strokes from you elbow", it's actually coming from your shoulder - it's a ball-and-socket joint, as opposed to the elbow only being a hinge joint. eg, the shoulder enables you to bend, twist, raise, and move everything below it (this is your forwards kinematics theory in practice right here! ).

My answer to your original question, "Tablet owners, is yours really that effective?", is a resounding "Hell yes!"

I've pretty much made a full transition to digital medium - nowadays, all I use traditional stuff for is doodling on the run, or to communicate an idea in a quick more comfortable way to someone sitting next to, or over you. Everything I show, all the stuff on my site, is all digital medium.
-----------------------------
Well first, about the floating arm question, I'll answer that before I get on to how I work; think about vertical canvas painting - you're standing or sitting with your arm out-stretched floating and painting freeform - yup, that can be tiring if you're not used to it, but you'll develop a comfortable zone with that in time.

For me personally, I've actually gone against so many years of drawing and all the art teachers in the world and draw from the wrist myself - I have a small tablet both at home and work (with high accuracy dpi), which is what I really prefer. For me it's a matter of speed and comfort. I can sweep a smooth arcing line over the entirety of my canvas in just one flick of the wrist, as opposed to moving my whole arm - over time I've learnt to work like this and refine my strokes to a minimum so I'm not "scratching" over the one area constantly but get it done first time (which is one of the big reasons your art teacher will get anal about you drawing from the wrist ). This is all just personal preferance, but it's how I've found my comfortable zone, which I think is very important for an artist, so you can concentrate on just doing the art, instead of how you'll go about the process of doing it.

Submitted by matias on Mon, 31/05/04 - 4:25 AM Permalink

ok, I wouldn't have a clue about 3d and stuff, but I would say get one, I never thought I relied on it to much, thinking I didn't use it alot, but then when I went back to townsville for christmas and didn't have it for 2 week I went mashuga!!! totally insane. I got back home and dived on it sobbibg with releif.... sortof. But yeah, just get one, I got the smallest wacom possible it's like a 3x5 active area, so its tiny but it works and it cost $120!

Plus its silver and shiny! so dont think, just get it. Then you too can sneer at all mouse bound lameos!!![:P]GET ONE GET ONE GETONEGETONEGENONEOENOENOGENO!!!! seriously dude, seriously...
oooh got carried away, sorry just haven't eaten since my bowl of cocopops in the mornign and my fingers are cold[xx(]

Submitted by tbag on Mon, 31/05/04 - 4:56 AM Permalink

Cocopops are good (My 2nd favourite after Crunchy Nut), you know they have no artificial colours and 8 vitamins right?

Well atleast according to Kellogs [:p].

Well i think im going to get a 6x8 Graphire3, cheers everyone!

Submitted by Jason on Mon, 31/05/04 - 9:23 PM Permalink

You can't really go wrong with any Wacom tablet. The smaller ones or the larger 6x8s are both good. I own a 6x8 intuos, but even when I use the smaller graphires, I don't really notice much difference. Just as long as it has pressure sensitivity, it should be all good.

Have fun with the tablet, but don't expect immediate results... :D