May 2008

After a couple of weeks playing with my digitizing graphics tablet I’ve spent many an hour learning new techniques and concepts in Photoshop. Following on my previous blog… I can’t believe I’ve gone this long without using one of these babies! The precision and control is amazing and has definitely opened up many a door for improving my skills and speed of workflow.

Here are a couple of before and after shots of some work I just completed in Photoshop using my Intuos3 Tablet… prepare yourself for a ride down Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole:

Orange Peel Frog:

Before:

After:

Chocolate Dipped Frog:

Before:

After: 

Both ideas were inspired and created after watching a tutorial on the Photoshop Top Secret DVD series. I highly recommend going out and buying a copy as I did… *cough* *cough* It’s a great series that helps you understand and learn various techniques that you can use in Photoshop to achieve some pretty amazing results. Overall I think they were executed quite well, but there’s definitely room for improvement…

Let me know what you think!

Just recently I bought a Wacom Intuos3 digitizing graphics tablet. It is a computer input device that allows one to hand-draw images and graphics, similar to the way one draws images with a pencil and paper. A graphics tablet consists of a flat surface like a mouse pad upon which the user may “draw” an image using a stylus.

 

From all the research I did on the internet about what to look for in a tablet, many of the responses kept coming back about Wacom being the industry leader for this particular product. So after browsing their range, I figured that the 4×6 inch tablet was best suited for my needs since I use a 11″ laptop and move around so much.

Since I use Photoshop so much there are many limitations that you have when using a mouse to control the software. Having a tablet allows you to have much greater control and dexterity. Since you’re using a pen, stroke motions are more fluid and natural so it improves workflow rate and allows much greater accuracy and detailed control.

Here’s a bit of info about the Wacom Intuous3:

Intuos3 Grip Pen & Pressure sensitivity: With 1,024 levels of tip and eraser pressure sensitivity, the Intuos3 Grip Pen fits comfortably in your hand with a cushioned and contoured grip for a natural feel. The pen has a programmable DuoSwith™ and tilt sensitivity. It also comes with multiple nibs for a variety of “feels.” The pen comes with a multi-position pen stand. With 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, you can control your software tools by changing how hard you press the pen tip on the tablet. Using pressure sensitivity, you can dynamically control things like exposure, brush size, opacity, and more.

Intuos3 Pen Tablet: The sloping, contoured palm rest provides comfort while you work. It allows you to adjust your cord position vertically or horizontally for greater workspace flexibility and comes with an 8′ cord so you have plenty of room to extend the reach.

ExpressKeys™: The tablet has strategically placed programmable ExpressKeys  which are “chordable” and can be used for mouse clicks, modifier keys, open/run applications, pop-up menus, and keyboard shortcuts.

Touch Strips: Finger-sensitive Touch Strips allow you to quickly scroll, zoom, change brush size, and more in almost any software.

Intuos3 five-button mouse: The Intuos3 five-button mouse is ball-free and optics-free for smooth, accurate tracking. It has an ambidextrous low-profile designwith five programmable buttons and a finger wheel give you added flexibility and control. I personally don’t use it becase I have a bluetooth mouse that i find is much better. The other limitation to using the Wacom mouse is that you have to use it on the tablet surface since it is powered by the tablet, which in turn reduces your workspace and limits the functionality of the mouse.

Technology: Patented cordless, battery-free technology for a natural feel and superior performance. This would have to be the icing on the cake. You have the freedom of a cordless mouse and pen, and the fact that it is battery free saves you money and time. No need for recharging or purchasing new batteries.

I was a bit apprehensive about the need for a tablet, but after getting the Wacom Intuos3 I can’t believe how I’ve managed to get by without it for so long! For anyone considering buying a tablet, I would say don’t hesitate at all in getting one. The main thing to look out for is whether the size of it is compatible with the resolutions your monitor is running. You don’t want to buy a small one only to find that your monitor resolution is so high that the workspace on the tablet doesn’t accommodate it and vice versa. Also the ability to customize the operation of quick keys, and the pen itself is definitely something to consider. The learning curve of getting to know how to operate it was very quick for me. Within an hour I was able to perform each task with ease and after a week of using it I find myself using it more often as a substitute to my mouse.

Definitely two thumbs up for this product!