When I first tried digital arts, I patiently used the mouse using pen tool in
Photoshop to get smooth curves and lines, then later discovered other free
source programs like Inkscape which also have the "draw bezier" that acts like
the "pen tool" in PS.
The moment I used the free brushes it is hard to control and get the right
shapes with just the use of a mouse that's when I decided to get my first
pen tablet.
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| my first pen tablet |
Different Names
Pen tablets may come in many names such as "graphics tablet", some call
it as "drawing tablet" which is different for tablets with built in screens
which are called as "pen displays".
Operating System Compatibility
The good news about pen tablets now a days are compatible not only on your personal computer (Windows/Mac/Linux OS) but
android devices as well, and selected
ios depending on the pen tablet's
brand.
Physical Features
Typically, a flat surface tablet with some buttons that you may customize for your shortcut keys that comes with a USB cable to connect to your chosen monitor.
It has its own stylus pen designed to work exclusively for a particular model so you can start right away once you unbox your tablet and connect with your screen with some minor adjustments when you set it up.
This is
why it is much cheaper compared to "pen displays" since it doesn't have
sensitive parts.
Mostly I use the shortcut keys in my keyboard instead from the tablet itself,
so it depends on your own preference if you need many shortcut keys in your
tablet.
Drawing/Editing Apps Compatibility
Most pen tablets are compatible with digital editing and drawing
software/programs like Photoshop and Inkscape to mention a few as there are
more free and paid apps out there that you may try.
Tested on Flipaclip, ibis Paint, Infinite Design, Inifinte Painter, HiPaint, Sketchbook others you may have heard of like Krita, Procreate, Clip Studio Paint, Medibang etc.
Mostly I'm into HiPaint you may check my post about HiPaint app here.
Traditional to Digital Expectation
The very frustration you may encounter at first when using pen tablets would
be the "hand-eye coordination" as you focus on your screen as you draw on your
tablet.
But worry not as you will get used to it as you practice and sooner or later
it will just be normal just like drawing in paper.
On Hand Experience
Overall experience with my
XP-Pen
tablet as I started was a great decision as it helped me out to improve my
drawings/paintings compared when using a mouse since I can draw more freely
without limitations like the traditional way of pen and paper.
Made a short article on my "unboxing" of my first pen tablet
here. 😂
Since it comes with a stylus pen (bigger from
your typical pen), drawing curves or lines is more comfortable and with ease
just like drawing traditionally.
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| stylus pen |
The 'pen pressure" alone is a big factor as you can blend properly different
colors which you won't achieve using a mouse.
Plus, you have more control to have thicker or lighter lines by applying the
right pressure on your tablet to achieve your desired lines.
Budget
As mentioned earlier pen tablets are way much cheaper since its simplicity in
terms of parts compared with tablets having built in screens.
But if you wish to try the pen displays as they are handier and more
portable without the worries of bringing along screens with you would be
perfect for aspiring artists on the go.
Artwork Comparison
If I try to compare results painted with mouse vs drawn/painted in graphics
tablet, mostly it is more of a "vector art" which have no smooth
transitions of colors since limited to the use of pen tool/bezier pen.
With the help of pen tablet, you can achieve a more realistic artwork as you
can maximize the use of brushes as you blend and much more
comfortable to use.
Done with "mouse" in Inkscape
Done with "stylus pen using pen tablet" in
Hipaint
How to Improve Artwork?
To help you improve, try to practice on proper application of simple "value contrast" to your artwork and you would see the progress as you keep on, with the
help of your tablet as your tool to make it happen.
To simplify, a transition from "dark to light" or vice versa, so make sure
to imagine your light source so you can visualize which part should be
darker and which side would get the most of light.
Not perfect blend but hope you get the idea, to bring contrast to your
drawings.
Where to BUY?
Many brands out there with their own online stores that you may check from
and also don't forget to read some reviews for that tablet models.
- Wacom, XP-Pen, Huion, Gaomon, Xencelabs, Ugee, Apple iPad Pro to mention a few and do some research about their products.
If you wish to try XP-Pen tablets you may explore their store below and
choose which tablet fits your needs.
Final Say
I highly recommend and get one for yourself, even the cheapest one will do as you can upgrade later on with premium models of tablets to your liking.
The goal is to familiarize yourself first using a "stylus pen" and "hand-eye coordination" to your monitor/screen and at the same time get familiarized with the different menu and features of your chosen drawing app.
Regardless of a pen tablet or a pen display, using stylus pen while drawing/painting is far better experience than using your mouse or fingers (for touched screen).
Disclaimer:
Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you choose
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