Drawing Tablet/Program Opinions

[Reshie]

Hi, guys! I'm looking to purchase a drawing tablet and program when I get a new computer. As I've never purchased one, I am wondering what you guys use and who you feel puts out a better product for both the tablets and the art programs. I'd like to be able to sketch and paint via the tablet. My budget is around $200 but could go a little higher. Figured it might be cheaper in the long run especially with the way I go through canvas and oils.

 

Thanks so much in advance guys! I always appreciate your advice on things!

[Aris]

Many art programs have a free trial, usually 30 days, so be sure to have a look for one before investing. 

 

The only program for drawing that springs to mind aside from Photoshop (which is kinda pricey) is PaintTool SAI. Lots of my friends have it and swear by it. I can't find where to buy it but last time I checked it was around £45. There are also lots of free downloads if you don't mind that.

 

 

As far as tablets go I've only tried Wacom, but I highly recommend their tablets, they're really great and easy to use. 

 

Sorry this isn't very helpful!

[Kamome]

It's very important (in my opinion) to learn on Photoshop so that you become comfortable on the program. If you ever want to work in a professional capacity with digital art, PS has become the industry standard.

 

If you are a hobbyist, and want to stay that way, SAI is awesome. It's surprisingly powerful, it has a huge user base and is constantly getting kick-ass updates.

 

For tablets, wacom remains the best. I use an old Intuos 3 at home that I got when I was a kid, still, and it works perfectly and is still industry-grade good. For a starter wacom tablet, I love the pen & touch small series that they recently came out with. I use one for my mobile art station—it's light, tiny and looks good with most laptops:

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1002449&Q=&is=REG&A=details

 

http://www.wacom.com/en-es/products/pen-tablets/intuos-pen-and-touch-small

 

$99 for the tablet and $9.99/mo for Photoshop will get you off to an amazing start. Or you could go for SAI and get away with just buying a tablet. Welcome to the world of digital painting! It's so much better for your long-term health than oils!

[Enla]

It's very important (in my opinion) to learn on Photoshop so that you become comfortable on the program. If you ever want to work in a professional capacity with digital art, PS has become the industry standard.

 

If you are a hobbyist, and want to stay that way, SAI is awesome. It's surprisingly powerful, it has a huge user base and is constantly getting kick-ass updates.

 

For tablets, wacom remains the best. I use an old Intuos 3 at home that I got when I was a kid, still, and it works perfectly and is still industry-grade good. For a starter wacom tablet, I love the pen & touch small series that they recently came out with. I use one for my mobile art station—it's light, tiny and looks good with most laptops:

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1002449&Q=&is=REG&A=details

 

http://www.wacom.com/en-es/products/pen-tablets/intuos-pen-and-touch-small

 

$99 for the tablet and $9.99/mo for Photoshop will get you off to an amazing start. Or you could go for SAI and get away with just buying a tablet. Welcome to the world of digital painting! It's so much better for your long-term health than oils!

 

This. If you really wish to use photoshop, which I agree you'll need if you ever want to do things in a more professional capacity simply due to it's over saturation, then go down the subscription route. At this moment Photoshop has ceased all production of it's stand alone products, and while it might be tempting to want to find an old copy of CS simply for the security of always owning it rather than renting the license it is far FAR more economical to use their Cloud service at the moment. Even old, outdated versions of CS will break your bank due to scarcity, and Adobe's offer of giving out CS2 for free only applies to those with accounts and/or existing keys.

 

On top of everything else that Kamome said, I also highly recommend that once you choose a tablet make sure to buy at least two packets of it's relevant pen nibs and keep them stored in a secure place. If you're anything like me you'll go through them like yesterday's cake and/or lose them due to poor placement, and most stores don't carry them on top of it all. Best to order some in the beginning so you can replenish at the drop of a hat - rather than get stuck and have to wait awhile for shipping.

[Reshie]

Thanks, guys! I greatly appreciate it. My boyfriend had pointed out the Wacom but it was a much higher priced one. I greatly appreciate you telling me about the small pen and touch because that is well within the price range I wanted and will probably go with that. Also, I looked up SAI and it sounds like just what I need! You guys are great! Once again, thanks so much! :love: