Is is worth it?

[AshleeMarie]

I have wanted a Wacom tablet for years now, and now that I have photoshop permanently on my computer, I am wondering if a Wacom tablet would be worth the money. They're expensive and all, but if it's worth the money I wouldn't mind dropping a few hundred dollars on one.
Can anyone help me?

[RyerOrdStar]

Um..Yes. With the stipulation that you actually want to digitally paint.

[bhanu]

With the stipulation that you actually want to digitally paint.
Answer this with a simple yes or no, thats about it!
and btw you dont need a high end wacom tablet either, there are lots cheaper version available. I have the cheapest available in the market here.

[RyerOrdStar]

Answer this with a simple yes or no, thats about it!
and btw you dont need a high end wacom tablet either, there are lots cheaper version available. I have the cheapest available in the market here.

Haha actually my first post was just yes, but then I edited it for those fusspots that like to quibble.

[crossmirage]

You can try getting one of these (http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?p_id=6251&seq=1&format=2) instead.

[Zapp!]

Yes, but just remember that it won't magically make you any better at painting. Not saying that's what you were thinking, but I know of plenty of people who thought it would, only to be disappointed.

[Zazerzs]

Get one now! seriously no one uses a mouse to do this stuff. We all have tablets or something similar,something that allows pressure sensitivity.

[AshleeMarie]

Yes, but just remember that it won't magically make you any better at painting. Not saying that's what you were thinking, but I know of plenty of people who thought it would, only to be disappointed.

Ya I know, I do want to be a better digital artist, and that's why I would totally drop some money on one. Thanks for the advise! I might try and see if someone I know has one and maybe they'll let me test it out.

[AshleeMarie]

Um..Yes. With the stipulation that you actually want to digitally paint.

Oh yes! I totally do. I have been trying to be better but I don't have an external mouse for my laptop. The mouse is on my laptop so it's really hard to get the results I want.

[nofu]

You don't necessarily need a Wacom per say to work well digitally, but it is generally a trusted brand. So yes, if you have the bucks to spare, go for it.

[Noah Bradley]

Advantage of getting a Wacom, as opposed to some shoddy brand, is that it'll probably hold up better. I've had my old graphire for upwards of 5 years now and it's still holding strong.

[AshleeMarie]

Advantage of getting a Wacom, as opposed to some shoddy brand, is that it'll probably hold up better. I've had my old graphire for upwards of 5 years now and it's still holding strong.

See that's what I want. That is why I decided on a Wacom tablet. I mean I haven't heard anything about any other type of tablet that's anywhere near as good as a Wacom. That is super encouraging about you having it 5 years!!!!

[Crane]

Get one now! seriously no one uses a mouse to do this stuff. We all have tablets or something similar,something that allows pressure sensitivity.


I see your wacom and raise you a Skan Srisuwan.

1036116

[RyerOrdStar]

It's one thing to do that kind of stuff when you have no money and can't afford a tablet, but why be stubborn when there's no need? I mean, can't you just do a picture with a mouse just for the lulz and the ability to say "look I can do it with a mouse!" and then use a tablet? It's pretty clear that it's faster and easier for most people.

[Demo]

[QUOTE=Crane;2828521]I see your wacom and raise you a Skan Srisuwan.

Whats the point here. I mean I dont wanna be mean at all I love Skan Srisuwan but thats not necessarily a point not to get a wacom

[HunterKiller_]

I have to question the mental health of people who choose to draw with a mouse when they can afford a tablet.

[Arshes Nei]

I have to question the mental health of people who choose to draw with a mouse when they can afford a tablet.

Because some people are used to it. It's like telling me to use another medium when I got used to something else. I'm not discouraging the use of a tablet btw, but I know there were artists that got used to their methods with a mouse and are happy to continue with it. It's not often, but it happens.

One other advantage of wacom vs other tablets is there aren't that many makers that figured out how to get around the cordless patent so other ones take a battery in the stylus. Wacom, you never need to replace a battery.

[Crane]

Whats the point here. I mean I dont wanna be mean at all I love Skan Srisuwan but thats not necessarily a point not to get a wacom

Well he said no one uses a mouse when they can use a tablet, Skan popped into my head.

Basicly its as miss nei says, whatever you feel comfortable with, the same way I feel so using a pen apposed to a pencil

[Xeon_OND]

I have to question the mental health of people who choose to draw with a mouse when they can afford a tablet.
Most badass statement of the month! :yayca:

[Xitu]

I'll give you two of those pictures with a mouse - tops! - before you look like a double Captain Hook :P

[Brian.May]

How long did it take those of you with a Wacom to get used to drawing without looking at your work?
If I were going to get a tablet again, I would certainly go with a Wacom. or a Cintiq..but I don't do that level of work to justify it :)

[AshleeMarie]

I'll give you two of those pictures with a mouse - tops! - before you look like a double Captain Hook :P

I personally use the pen tool for my outlining. It works great, but I don't get the results I want, or as fast, as if I would with a tablet. :)

[Flake]

Advantage of getting a Wacom, as opposed to some shoddy brand, is that it'll probably hold up better. I've had my old graphire for upwards of 5 years now and it's still holding strong.
Yeah, they are sturdy things. I'm at...4 years? and the only visible damage is a perfect grid scratched into the cover from Mrs Flake playing "Chuzzle" on the thing.

It's been dropped, sat on, accidentally used as an ashtray, had beers and coffee tipped over it, still going.

[ZenzybaR]

Advantage of getting a Wacom, as opposed to some shoddy brand, is that it'll probably hold up better. I've had my old graphire for upwards of 5 years now and it's still holding strong.


Very true wacom make great products; my niece threw my Intuos 3 stylus from our 6th floor balcony into the street. I wasn't there when it happened so I never did find the replaceable button that came out, but apart from three light superficial scratches it has worked perfectly during the whole year from the incident.

I had a trust Trust TB 7300 (http://www.trust.com/products/product.aspx?artnr=15358) and it cost me slightly less than (my quite a bit smaller) intuos, but started messing up and being really annoying within a month. Probably a faulty unit.

I'd rather use a trust than a Wacom bamboo any day of the week though, that horrible "paper like" surface makes my hand shiver with irritation.

[Sacari]

Because some people are used to it. It's like telling me to use another medium when I got used to something else. I'm not discouraging the use of a tablet btw, but I know there were artists that got used to their methods with a mouse and are happy to continue with it. It's not often, but it happens.


I have a friend like that... Phenomenal artist, digitally and traditionally. I offered her to try my tablet once and after 2 minutes she was so frustrated with it and went back to her mouse.
Whatever works and gets you the results you want I guess :P

[sanya]

A tablet is just like any other artist's tool; yes, you can buy the fancy stuff, but unless you know WHY you DESPERATELY need it, you'll probably do just fine with the standard. In other words, you don't have to shy away from an old school, used or budget tablet because you think it won't get the job done; I've been using my used e-bay purchased antique graphire tablet for, like, 6 years at least, and it hasn't quit on me yet. :)

[AshleeMarie]

A tablet is just like any other artist's tool; yes, you can buy the fancy stuff, but unless you know WHY you DESPERATELY need it, you'll probably do just fine with the standard. In other words, you don't have to shy away from an old school, used or budget tablet because you think it won't get the job done; I've been using my used e-bay purchased antique graphire tablet for, like, 6 years at least, and it hasn't quit on me yet. :)

If I'm ganna drop some money, I'm ganna drop it on a new one and I am going to make damn sure I want it haha!!! Considering how much money they are it will be a well thought out idea.

[TASmith]

"Get one now! seriously no one uses a mouse to do this stuff."

I do... :P

But seriously, I'm not any good digitally, and that's not really in my interests. Only in so far as teaching art.

[Nubian_Greene]

I just realised I've had my wacom intuos 2 for about 5 years...and it still works.

[RyerOrdStar]

I've had my old intuos 2 for going on 8 years now and it's still great. I spilled so many things on it...orange juice...water...Same with the new one. Don't know how many times it's been dropped....

[Zazerzs]

"Get one now! seriously no one uses a mouse to do this stuff."

I do... :P

But seriously, I'm not any good digitally, and that's not really in my interests. Only in so far as teaching art.

I was being a little dramatic before :), I know people work with mice, just like people do killer things in ms paint or use etchasketchs to do portraits , I just don't understand why. I have never been at a job and seen anyone use a mouse to do their digital work.

You should try one out, digital art is cool.. all the other kids are doing it.

[Jie Kageshinzo]

How long did it take those of you with a Wacom to get used to drawing without looking at your work?


Not more than a couple of days.

For me, getting my Graphire4 was one of the best investments I've made.

[velderia]

If you can afford it... Go right ahead. It's worth it if you love it.

And don't be afraid to get a lower cost one. You don't need a cintiq, for an example. I would go as far as saying you don't need an intuos4 (I have one and it's great but still). I had a graphire3 for 5 years (still works but I hate how the rubber things at the bottom fell off. It kept sliding. Not fun) that took a lot of teenager tantrum/rage abuse. I haven't really tried anything other than wacom but there has been some people who did some great things without the wacom brand. Though, pressure sensitivity is always nice.

[Racquel]

If money is not an issue and you are confident that digital work is something that you are serious about, I say opt for the Wacom and aim for an Intuos. I say try your luck with other brands if you have no intention of pursuing the digital media or you're uncertain that you will pursue it.

I got my inexpensive, non-Wacom tablet for 80 bucks more than a year ago, and it's still holding up well. It was great for the awkward adjustment period of going from traditional to digital. My tablet hasn't broken down on me or anything yet, but I never really travel around with it, and I tend to treat it like it's precious gold. However the material holding it together isn't quite sturdy either. Because I want to pursue digital art as my primary medium, I'll probably buy a Wacom if/when it gives way. But not until then. :)

[goldilockz]

If you can spare the bucks, get one now. If not, save up and get one when you can.

In the meantime, you can get a nice bamboo or something comparable for under $100.

I've had my Wacom Intuos3 for 4+ years and it is incredible. Someday, maybe I'll get a Cintiq. We'll see ;)

[yaymukund]

Not to knock the folks who draw with a mouse, but it might be stressful to your hand. I'm also a programmer so I end up spending a lot of time typing and drawing, and my hand gets strained. I imagine it would be a lot worse to paint with a mouse.

I purchased my teensy 4x5" intuos2 almost 5 years ago, used it primarily for counter strike, and just picked it up a month ago for painting. My biggest regret is not drawing more after I first got it, because it really takes a couple hours to get used to. Not a couple days or weeks, but a couple hours. So keep at it and watch lots of tutorials on YouTube or from the Gnomon DVDs.

Good luck!

[carriejo]

Yes, so worth the money I would say. My first tablet was a cheap genius one I had it for only a year then switched to the Wacom Intuos4 and I must say you will see the difference in quality :)

good luck :)

[Quigleyer]

As a commemorative thing I'll say mine is now to the point of no use. I got it six years ago and plan on buying an intuos 4 when I have raised the money.

And I've got a friend who bought an intuos 4 and is loaning me his intuos 3, for the price of my first born child. The 3 is a great tool and you can get them for cheaper than the 4.

I've heard Graphire is just as good and you can also get those for WAY cheap.

[AshleeMarie]

Thanks for all the help everyone!!! I'm going to save up and get the Wacom Intuos 4 probably. I don't know right now because....I also want a 55" flat screen tv haha!! My 21st birthday is coming up in October so we shall see. I never ask for anything through the year so I always get great presents for my birthday.