Sijun Forums :: View topic - Is it worth buying a Wacom if you're a newbie?

JammyB · Posted: Sun May 20, 2001 5:35 am

Hi people, I've been lurking around these boards for a while and am interested in getting into art (specifically 2D game art like textures etc).

I have never been to art school and this sort of thing would just be a hobby for me (though maybe helpful when I go to uni). My question is, is it worth me investing in a Wacom when I can get a no-name make for 1/2 the price? I'm just concerned that being such a newbie, I won't be able to tell the difference between them anyways. Also, what size board would you recommend? Anyone offer some advice?

Ta, JammyB.

Sumaleth · Posted: Sun May 20, 2001 7:09 am

It is possible to create impressive images using just a mouse, but it's about 1000x harder than with a graphics tablet. Anyone really serious about digital illustration/art needs a graphics tablet, and the motivation to work on it for a long time.

As to what size is good; that is 100% up to personal preference. About half the people you ask will prefer the nice, big 12x12 inch boards, and the other half prefer the smaller 6x8 inch boards. I prefer the latter, they're just more managable, and I tend to work in zoom more than anything.

Brands? I can't comment in that area. I've only ever used Wacom, don't really know anything about other brands.

Row.

dr . bang · Posted: Sun May 20, 2001 8:20 am

but it's about 1000x harder than with a graphics tablet

No i don't think so, it usually depends. If you are doing a fast and big sketching, tablet is the way to go.

Any way, my point is tablet and mouse have their own different purpose.

specialbrew · member Member # Joined: 24 Dec 2000 Posts: 83 Location: UK

Yep, I'd say go with a Wacom, they're 24/7 reliable, industry-standard and a pleasure to use. Although you might consider yourself a newbie, I think it's a good idea to invest in good kit whenever you can - it'll give you a painless head start.

good luck

sb

starfish · member Member # Joined: 07 Feb 2000 Posts: 126

Yo JammyB!

tricky to answer, since tablets are just
another kind of hardware like the mouse.
meaning, that getting a tablet won't
automaticly make you a good artist,
or help you create what you wanna create.
but, if you love sketching, drawing and
painting on paper/board/canvas etc. you'll
really love being able to use similar
techniques when working with your computer.
as to the diffrent brands I'm clueless since
I've only used wacom.
best wishes! =)

[ May 20, 2001: Message edited by: starfish ]

Rinaldo · Posted: Sun May 20, 2001 9:41 am

I simply wouldn't be able to work without one. if you're starting out, I can safely say that a lot of good work has been done with the smaller 4x5 size. it's up to personal preference tho.

I know I got nowhere with digital art until I got a basic entry level Wacom. I had no reason to upgrade until it wore out either.
but I would stick to the Wacom brand. the entry level Graphire is a good buy IMHO. It's what I use now.

JammyB · Posted: Sun May 20, 2001 11:31 pm

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'd best get saving, damn

JammyB.

NukleoN · Posted: Mon May 21, 2001 1:24 pm

You need a tablet!

Ask yourself this, would you want to paint or draw in real life with a device that disallowed ALL pressure sensitivity? Of course not! So you need a Wacom. Otherwise, how can you ever not be a newbie if you don't have the best tool you can get? Get a Wacom 6 x 8 special edition, USB, if you can, if not get a Graphire for $100 which comes with Painter classic..you'll be well on your way.

I used to draw entire video games with a mouse...never again <ack>. Sure, you *could* draw with a mouse, but the same quality artist drawing with a tablet is going to get far better results..and so will YOU.

NukleoN