Drawing Tablet for digital artwork?

Question

I'm looking into buying a tablet for digital art purposes, but have no idea whatsoever what I'm doing. Form what I've seen it would appear that I want a wacom one, but then, I've had no experience with anything even related to tablet before, so I don't know what to compare anything to.

What should i know before I spend any money?

Edit: Ha! Yes, i do use deviantart. In fact, I have an acount ( http://genkaku-kun.deviantart.com/ ) and it was this that convinced me that I needed to do something about my awfull... well, everything. As you can tell, i get really frustrated by the limitations of my suplies and scanner. After watching toonunit I considered Copic markers, but was astounded at the price. That's just ridiculous. So, after nosing around some more, I found mikutashi, johnsu, frzdragon, and all of these awesome artists that all claim to use wacom tablets. The alure of the ease and inevitable high quality of photoshop without the cumbursome drawing-by-mouse is just too much for me to ignore.

Answer 1

I own, and couldnt live without, a wacom tablet. It comes with some drawing and photo programs, including adobe photoshop. Its really easy to install and can be used instead of a mouse, not just for drawing.

Answer 2

I was once in this boat as well. Last year I wanted badly to bring my art to the digital world, and didn't know how or what tools to use.

First of all for purchasing a digital tablet I would recommend http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?Cat=563 These tablets are at a great price range for the average Joe, and the one I ordered from this site (the 8x6 DigiPro) has yet to break down or show any signs of aging.

To figure out which tablet would suit you, consider the desk space you will be putting it on, the range in which you usually write, and how portable you want it to be.

Another great site for discussing this purchase (besides manufacturor's sites, who can be a little biased) is the DeviantArt forums at http://forum.deviantart.com/ (free registration required).

The last thing you'll want to consider is what program to use with your tablet. There are a few freeware programs floating around the internet such as openCanvas and The GIMP, but if you really want to draw in style, consider Adobe Photoshop or Corel Paint Shop Pro (I'd recommend the latter; my personal preference).

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I bought a small DigiPro tablet for my granddaughter's computer and it works like a champ. I compare it with my old, reliable Wacom Pen Partner.

People may recommend you by a larger tablet, but I'm very satisfied with my 4 x 6 inch Pen Partner. Keep in mind that larger means more costly. I got the DigiPro, on sale from a site called "Computer Geeks." (geeks.com) The sale price was, (get this) TWO for $49! (plus a couple of bucks for shipping.

If you want to, just, "test the waters" on a digital tablet, this may be the cheapest way to go until you decide you MUST get a bigger one.

As far as relating to a digital tablet, if you've ever drawn with a pencil on paper, then you can relate. It is MUCH easier to adapt to a digital tablet than learning to draw with the "brick" that is your mouse.

Answer 4

Before you spend any money, reflect that in this world you tend to get what you pay for. There are lots of cheaper illustration and photo-manipulation programs that do a good job, but Adobe stuff is the choice of professionals because it gives them all the features and flexibility they need. Paying more saves them time and money in the long run. Same with professional-quality pots and pans and knives for cooks - professionals pay out a lot of money for stuff that lasts a lifetime and never lets them down.

So if I were you I'd save till I could afford a decent-size Wacom Graphire. Try eBay or local sellers to see if you can pick one up second-hand or at a discount.

Answer 5

drawing tablet digital artwork

Answer 6

I've been looking too. From what I've seen on different comparison sites word is that more versions are being designed to hit the public sector, which will bring prices down somewhat in the next year.

Wacom has a brand new one out, it just was made available on Amazon.com today for $299. Looks REAL nice!

Answer 7

I use some thing like this I bought it on eBay from A compiny called trendy boutique heres a link

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZtrendyboutiquehere


it come with every thing it is made by digi pro it even included software and they still have some on sale

New USB 4x3" Graphics Drawing Tablet w/Cordless Stylus

Click to Enlarge

Paint, draw, write, sign, and sketch all your documents and applications!

This Drawing Tablet comes equipped with a pressure sensitive stylus pen giving you the right tools for any task! The tablet features a 4x3-inch working area with a pen holder and indicator and a built-in USB cable. The stylus pen has 512 levels of pressure sensitivity and is compatible with most graphic software such as Painter and Adobe Photoshop.



Features/Specifications:

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

Graphics Tablet with Cordless Stylus


General Features:
White tablet and Stylus
All Mouse functions
USB interface
Soft-tip pen with 512 levels of pressure for drawing programs such as Painter and Photoshop
Capturing signatures and drawing for inserting into documents
Pen commands for control and editing functions
Annotating with a pen for Word
Handwriting communications for NetMeeting and Netscape conference
Pen Launching by tapping on the pad to start a program or visit a website
PenMail
Annotate mail


Tablet Features:
4x3-inch working area
Pen holder
Pen indicator
Built-in USB cable (54-inch length, approximate)


Pen features:
Compatible with most graphic software (Painter, Adobe Photoshop)
Offers real painting feeling as you are drawing on the paper
Operates on one (1) AAA battery (included)


Regulatory Approvals:
FCC
CE

Package Includes:

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

4x3-inch Graphics Tablet
Stylus Pen w/holder (AAA battery included)
Quick Start Guide
Driver and Pen suite V4.12 CD

Additional Information:

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

Notes:
Model: WP4030
UPC: 8 10884 00305 5


Product Requirements:
IBM PC or compatible with PIII processor or above
Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP
Mac OS 9.x or higher
64 MB RAM
128 MB free hard disk space
CD-ROM drive
USB port

Answer 8

you need adobe photoshope