Preserved Topic: Graphics Tablet Tutorials

Having just purchased a cheapy graphics tablet for practise, i was wondring if anyone had some tips or links that would aid in the learning process. I have only briefly used one before and found it strange to use, but i am sure that in time and with practise, things will become better, but are there any sites out there that have specific tutorials on how to use them correctly ?

Many thanks.

correctly?

seems a very subjective matter, no?

Are you looking for tips on painting or tips on how to use your tablet?

Ok, choice of words may not have been appropriate.

Perhaps focusing on techniques would have been better.

Tough subject here man...
But I definately think it's good that you asked.

Unlike making a button or some other (dare I say) "common" things in photoshop, everytime you paint, the situation is completely different.
What works? Well, as it's heavily preached around here, practice works.
I'm not trying to deter you... and I don't think I will...
The fact of the matter is, everyone has very different techniques..... and it's tough to make a broad generalization of "this is how you should paint".... because each situation in painting calls for very different techniques or styles.

Getting aquainted with the tablet should be step 1... no questions asked.
That just means doodling.
Make a sphere to start out with.... just go black and white...
Play with the pressure sensitivity and see how to make it best work for you.
Your tablet settings might end up being a little "off" depending on how hard you press down.
After you make a sphere.... I'd suggest painting up a little cube.... once again.. black and white.
Although you may know photoshop inside and out... learning to work things over with the tablet is a whole new ball game in my opinion.
Start with small stuff.

If you look around, you'll find tutorials on all sorts of things.
I can't say I really support most of those tutorials when you're first starting out. They'll have you tied up and twisted while you try to paint like someone else. No one wants to see that.
Paint like you.

After your doin' it for a bit, then I'd highly recommend hitting up some various tutorials.... eyes... mouths... clouds... trees.... or whatever floats your boat.

My only real suggestion is to stay away from the overly soft brushes...
they often leave people feeling annoyed with things because it doesn't feel "defined".
Stick to the hard brushes.... and low opacities if you have to.
Don't erase.... just keep painting over things.
Use the paintbrush and only the paintbrush. If you wanna make a smooth transition.... paint a smooth transistion.... don't use the smudge tool or some other cheesy/non-productive method.

Practice.
Don't think it'll come easy.
Start small.
In order to paint... you have to observe.
Set up a small "still life" on your desk if need be.
Practice more.

Oh.. and ask questions too...
even if we are bitches about it. =)


FAQs n' Bits: Michael

And I should also mention.... be bold.
If you really wanna hash out some serious techniques and get opinions from people... you'll have to be specific, just like any other topic around here.
You can always start up a WIP (work in progress) thread and ask for feedback from people as you go along.
People around here (to include myself) often paint on other people's stuff to help demonstrate points in those types of threads, which I believe to be particularly helpful. There is plenty of painting talent here... DG, DB, Synax, Amerasu are just a few that I can name that have different styles, but are very effective in their own ways... .. if you start up a thread, I'm sure you can get the low down on how to skin a cat in a slew of different ways from multiple people.

And just for the heck of it.... I'll add once again...
Observe things.
Practice.


FAQs n' Bits: Michael

Thats fantastic advice Michael, and thanks for taking the time to reply.

I was hoping to save enough money to buy an expensive tablet this month, but after doing a search on Ozone and reading ALL the posts about graphic tablets, i decided to opt for a cheaper option ( Aipek 6000 Hyper Pen for £14.95 ), in order to get a feel for it, the more i progress, and the more confident i grow, i will then consider upgrading.

Your advice has been taken on board, and as soon as my tablet arrives, and i start to get stuck in, i will most definately be posting examples of my progress, as i am aware that you folks really do like to help each other, and your help so far has been invaluable.

Many Thanks

And I added this to the FAQ:

:FAQ:

___________________
Emps

FAQs: Emperor