What
IS a Graphics Tablet?
A graphics tablet (commonly known as Wacom Pad) allows you
to draw on a pad and see your marks simultaniously show up
on your monitor. Depending on the brand and model, the G.T.
usually comes with a pad that you can fit on your lap, and
a pen that you use to draw on the pad. The much more expensive
ones allow you to draw directly on your monitor.
Why would I want a graphics drawing tablet?
If
the idea of drawing and having it instantly appear on your
computer screen doesn't seem the least bit enticing to you,
then you may not want one.
However,
if you find yourself doing the following things, a graphics
tablet may be in your future.
1. You are drawing w/ your mouse -
Unless you're doing
technical drawings, drawing with a mouse just sucks. Nothing
ever looks quite natural. The G.T. overcomes this obstacle
by giving you options that you can't get with a mouse. One
of these options include features like pressure sensitive,
which means that you get *ghasp* line width variation dependant
on how much pressure you put on the tablet with your pen.
Another fun feature is the eracer, which is located on the
rear of the pen, and holds the same function as a "real" eracer.
2. You scan…indefinitely. -
I hope I don't have
to remind you how much scanning takes the life out of a person.
You can skip the scanning process with a G.T., and you will
be able to bypass the insane monotony of "flip, push,
wait, remove". (or in some cases, "flip, push, drink,
remove")
3. You love art, but hate the mess -
I still paint
traditionally, don't get me wrong, but darned if I don't use
my G.T. just as often. So, if you're tired of your apartment
looking like Andy Warhol threw up all over the place, maybe
you want to get a copy of "Painter", a G.T. and
get to work!
How much is this going to cost me? -
If
you do your homework & shop around, you can usually get
a pretty decent G.T. for under $100.
However, the Wacom company pretty much owns the G.T. market,
so you'll most likely end up on their web page sooner or later.
(http://www.wacom.com)
What
software can I use with my Graphics Drawing Tablet?
Your
G.T. will act as a mouse when it is not used as a drawing
tool. Some software (such as Flash) will add the "pressure
sensitivity" feature to its interface when you install
your G.T. Most, if not all G.T.'s will work with both vector
and raster-based software. If you use "Painter",
or a software like Painter, you will see the immediate benefit
of using a G.T., as a mouse doesn't produce the same pressure
sensitive option that you would have naturally if you were
creating art by hand.
My
final thoughts on the Graphic Tablet:
The
graphics tablet is a cool tool, however, you must remember
that is just a tool, like any other art medium, pen, paintbrush,
charcoal, etc. Chances are, you won't immediately become a
natural with the G.T., and will have to practice quite a bit
before you get anywhere. But, rest assured, when you do "get
the hang of it", you G.T. will be an exceptional tool
for creating digital visual art.
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