First try with a WACOM (Large picture)

[TheYak]

You seem to be pretty good with your strokes - either firm strokes with definite purpose or miscellaneous less-defined lines for form or volume.   

One thing you've got to try (if you haven't) with your new tablet is vectorization.  Yeah, it's cool to have a sketch done on a computer that resembles what you used to do on paper, but with vectors, you can tweak the hell out of it without degradation.  Even with SVG drawings (I muck with Inkscape sometimes) it has definite potential as you can tweak the lines later as you see fit. 

On size, I think an A6's about perfect.  I used a 3x4 Graphire 2 for awhile and did quite a few drawings, but didn't like the inability for long strokes and difficulty with fine detail.  I'm now using an Intuos 12x18 and hardly use it.  It's so bulky I haven't got convenient space for it and it doesn't rest comfortably on my lap so I think I've used it three, four times. 

[Cluey]

Well, I tried drawing in flash, and I phail without sketcing it out first on photoshop, by which time Im too tired to do the rest.

I heard good things about illustrator though

[ManicMatt]

"vectorization."

Huh?

[Redwall]

Drawing as a vector (shapes) instead of a bitmap (pixels). Allows for scaling without pixelization, like in Flash videos and whatnot.

[ManicMatt]

Ooh would that be good for making a MI3 style game? I'm gonna look inot that!

[ildu]

Ooh would that be good for making a MI3 style game? I'm gonna look inot that!

That depends. Are you wanting to make the characters as vectors or the backgrounds. Because, CMI backgrounds are far from vectors. It is possible, if you have the right modifiers for each vector, but I'm thinking it would very very difficult. Also, keeping track of all the vectors and their modifiers would be a strenuous task. Plus, it would be totally unnecessary. On the other hand, if you're creating characters, and they're simple cel-shaded (or not shaded), it is very wise. Basically for drawing characters, logos or anything simple you might want to make a larger copy of, you should always use vectors. However, once you input it into the game, it'll be raster. That is, unless you come up with a complex vector engine for your game.

Most importantly, vectors will give no additional talent. If you can't draw CMI now, you probably won't be able to draw it with vectors and a tablet. You should always start with a pen and some paper.

[Penguinx]

I am absolutely in love with my Wacom. Everything you see on my sketchblog was done with it.

[Cluey]

WOW, now thats some impressive work my friend.   Hope I get that good someday.

[Penguinx]

Thanks! I've had mine for about six months, and it really has changed the way I work. For lineart, I'd recommend Open Canvas or Painter before Photoshop (even Painter 6 which can be found on the cheap). I get much, much cleaner, less-jittery lines out of Painter.

[Cluey]

I have open canvas, tis very good as you can quickly customise pressure settings.

[Penguinx]

Do you have the networkable version? It'd be fun to collaborate!

[Cluey]

No, What version is that then?

also


I phail at flash

[ildu]

Well, it's as easy as can be to customize pen pressure in Photoshop. But I don't get why another program would produce less jittery lines, unless it has some smooth function on. I get a lot of jitter, because I can't hold my hand so well, and it is a problem.

[Al_Ninio]

OpenCanvas 1 (networkable).

I have always found Painter/OpenCanvas easier to draw in, never managed to get that kind of line quality in PS. And I simply love painting in Painter.
Sadly, my tablet broke a few weeks ago (somehow managed to drop it while drawing). I'm currently saving up for a Wacom.

[Penguinx]

Ildu, I can't explain WHY. I think it may just be that Painter takes up less system resources than PS.

[Penguinx]

Try drawing with a locked wrist with your movement coming from your shoulder. It helped me!

[ildu]

I guess PS uses more of the pressure points in the tablet than this Painter. And yup, I gotta try different techniques. I'm always too pressed for time to practice.

[ManicMatt]

*Looks at penguinx's drawings*

Ildu: Yeah! I basically want my next 3rd person game (after my current in progress and the photo game thingy after that) to have that "drawn" effect like seen here! I tried it on photoshop but when it comes to filling in the colour it leaves lighter black bits everywhere inside. Is there a way to avoid this?

[ildu]

Layers, my good man. Use layers. And by the way, there is no lighter black. There is only black, white and shades of grey.

[Cluey]

This will eventually Im hoping turn into a proper finished drawing.