How to draw with a tablet (Criticisize my methods)

Dualnames · Wed 10/02/2010 19:40:46

I haven't coloured it in purpose.

Please don't be harsh. At least not too much.
I'm an amateur, so certain terms, might really make me wonder..

Some other attempts with a brush in GIMP.

It's terribly rough, but I think I'm in the right direction. I'll start when I'm having a cool idea, but so far it has brought sort of fast results. This was done in like 2 minutes. I was just having fun.

I'm wondering do you guys use brushes to do the sketch? Or you just skip the sketch and directly draw-colour?
Is there something better than GIMP except photoshop that deals with layers and stuff?

This isn't perhaps exactly the critics lounge, but I am asking for critique but not in my results but rather in my methods.

Ryan Timothy B · Wed 10/02/2010 19:43:37

Ahh, you got a tablet Dual. Good stuff.

I'm curious why you're drawing with the pencil tool when you could be using the brush.

That's where all the practice comes from. Using pressure sensitivity and such.

Dualnames · Wed 10/02/2010 19:52:04

Quote from: Ryan Timothy on Wed 10/02/2010 19:43:37
I'm curious why you're drawing with the pencil tool when you could be using the brush. That's where all the practice comes from. Using pressure sensitivity and such.

I'm a noob, don't mock me!

SinSin · Wed 10/02/2010 20:12:35

Its a good start

Now make like a good janitor and use a brush lolz

And layer it up go on push the boat out lad

Dualnames · Sat 13/02/2010 17:22:32

*BUMP*

Chicky · Sat 13/02/2010 17:27:46

The style Ben goes for is a little tricky for a beginner, it's simple in theory but placing those lights can be a nightmare.

I would suggest sticking with the B+W pixel art for now, until you are comfortable drawing shapes with the tablet.

Plus that B+W background is a brilliant start, try adding a background to give it depth and play with some colours on a layer behind the hard pixels.

Ryan Timothy B · Sat 13/02/2010 17:46:14

First thing I drew when I got my tablet was a pine tree. A few years ago I wanted to make an RPG like Final Fantasy 3 (for the SNES) so buying the tablet was only cause I wanted to create sprites for that RPG. Never did make it though.

I recommend playing with the pressure sensitivity. Try shading with the brush.
Try making a smooth gradient with only the brush and the pressure sensitivity. Which isn't recommended for only tablet experience, it's also recommended in art classes. Keep doing it until it's smooth from side to side. I think shading is a very easy way to learn how to control a pencil properly and help develop those motor skills.

But yes, you seem to have issues with your shapes. Everything is all oblong and skewed.
I've also noticed that you like to use the pencil as the backing for the structure, then brush over top. Which makes the two styles really awkward looking while combined together.

If you're using the brush to do anything on the background I recommend using only the brush (for now). Mixing hard pixels with soft edges don't combine well. I actually use the pencil ALL the time while painting backgrounds, but never at 100% opacity or any larger than 1 or possibly 2 pixels wide. It's usually at 15% opacity or less and I use the pencil to usually only strengthen and define the edges of shapes.

Dualnames · Sat 13/02/2010 18:18:19

First, I'm really glad you guys find the BW good.

Also, indeed the next two suck, but they are done in extra hurry, and I need my time to practise with pressure. The Ben styled backgrounds are done in two minutes and that explains the black background shapes to be skewed.

Thanks for the brush and pencil tips!

I'm going to try Chicky's idea first, for the backgrounds i'll draw for the hourgame competition, and then give it a go at your ideas.