Some artists, both professionals and amateurs, having adapted, can draw with a mouse on a computer using creative programs. However, for digital illustration it is much more convenient to use a special device - a graphics tablet. What are the pros and cons of such a device? What do you need to be prepared for when deciding to buy a graphics tablet for drawing?
A graphic tablet is a handy device that can be useful not only for artists, but also, for example, photographers. It makes it easy to draw digital artwork or post-process images. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that in the first moments of use, you may feel that the graphics tablet is too difficult to use. Even professional illustrators, who have been drawing in the traditional way for many years, feel confused when they first get their hands on a graphics tablet.
Do not think that with the help of such a device, a novice artist will suddenly begin to create fantastic paintings and illustrations. However, a graphic tablet can definitely make life easier for a drawing person and open up new attractive opportunities for him. A little practice, learning the basics of digital illustration and the result will not be long in coming. However, you should be prepared for the fact that any graphics tablet has its drawbacks.
Pros of a graphic tablet for drawing
New opportunities. With the help of this device, you can achieve really pure colors, it is easier to depict illustrations on a graphics tablet that you then want to sell on stocks or print. In addition, the graphics tablet removes many of the limitations faced by artists who paint with traditional materials. Digital illustration allows you to make adjustments in the process, even in the very last stages, which cannot be said about drawing with pencils or watercolors. In special programs, you can always change the size of the canvas to make the composition of the picture more successful and attractive. There is always an opportunity to easily and quickly change shades or colors, remove any unnecessary elements, and so on.
Save money on painting tools. Art materials are expensive and consumed very quickly. A graphics tablet helps you save money on brushes, crayons, paper, and other artist tools.
Easy to use. Despite the fact that at the first moment a graphics tablet may seem inconvenient and generally incomprehensible, usually half an hour is enough to understand all the nuances and subtleties, to configure the device as needed. Now on the net you can find many tips and even videos that tell you how to draw on a graphics tablet, how to properly set up the pen (stylus) for drawing, and so on. Further use of the tablet will no longer cause difficulties.
Variety of models. Today, completely different models of graphic tablets are produced. They vary in size, function, specifications, and so on. You can choose the best option for yourself.
Acquisition of new skills. Studying digital illustration helps the artist develop. In addition, in our century, this is the direction that is most in demand. In the process of working on a graphics tablet, the illustrator not only masters new drawing methods, but also studies special programs, replenishing his knowledge base.
Saving time. It is faster and easier to create any large drawings with a graphics tablet. Filling volumetric areas of the illustration will take several times less time than using markers for drawing, gouache or watercolors.
Multifunctionality. As mentioned above, a graphics tablet can be used for more than just drawing. With it, you can quickly and easily process photos or write text by hand. It can be used to create electronic signatures, to design logos and icons.
Some Cons of Graphics Tablets
There are not so many negative qualities of such devices. However, not every contemporary artist or illustrator switches to work with a graphics tablet. Someone simply does not like digital graphics, someone lacks this special feeling when working with paper, paints and other art materials.
The main disadvantages of graphic tablets include the following points:
- price; a really good and high-quality graphic tablet is not as cheap as we would like; however, this minus is extremely conditional, because in the process of operation this device pays for itself;
- the inability to draw with different materials in the context of one illustration; many artists like to combine different materials with each other: add markers with colored pencils, combine ink with liners, and so on; on a graphics tablet, of course, this will not work;
- the need to replace the pen; usually there are spare nibs for the pen, with which you need to draw on a graphics tablet; however, sooner or later, the spare rods run out and it becomes necessary to buy new ones, otherwise the screen of the device will be severely scratched, and later it will become impossible to draw at all; the difficulty may lie in the fact that for old models of tablets or for models that are not popular, to find rods or any other parts, wires can be problematic or even impossible at all;
- Difficulty drawing outside the home despite the fact that many graphic tablets are quite compact and lightweight, drawing with them outside the home environment will be problematic, because you have to take a laptop or netbook with you all the time;
- not every computer or laptop, netbook will be able to work with a graphics tablet; if the technique is not the most powerful and is not designed to launch various programs for drawing or editing images, then working with the tablet can become painful, because it will be impossible to configure it normally, both devices will slow down a lot, and so on; therefore, before buying a graphics tablet for drawing, you need to carefully study all the technical features of both the selected model and the device to which the tablet will later be connected.
