Digital Cartooning - Update...

Anyone who reads this blog regularly (I know some of you do) will remember me whining on about not being able to draw on my Tablet PC. During the last couple of weeks, I've managed to overcome my problems with it, and I thought I'd share my experiences with you...

Firstly, make sure you have the right software that suits YOU. Cartoonists love to compare software with other cartoonists - it's a form of penile waggling (which we all admit too), but it can sometimes cloud the issues. There are lots of art packages out there for the PC, and they all have something to offer, but how you get on with them depends upon several factors...

• How computer-literate you are
• How powerful your PC is
• What sort of finished artwork you want to create

I will not recommend one package over another - that's for the individual to decide, but I will give you a run-down of what I use...

• PortalGraphics OpenCanvas 5 (for pencilling, inking & colouring)
  
• Xara Xtreme / Photo Graphic Designer (for layouts / HTML pages)
• GIMP (image manipulation)

I chose these programs because:

• They are all cheap / free
• They work well on older hardware, so they don't interrupt the creative flow...
  
• They produce great results.

Secondly, try to make your computer work flow as similar as possible to your traditional. Choose software that helps you work the way you want, rather than force you work in a way that is uncomfortable.

Thirdly, choose an input method you can work with. I used to use wacom desk-based tablets on a standard computer, but I always felt "disconnected" when drawing. I now use a Tablet PC (a pc version of an IPad, with a pen), so now, I'm drawing on the screen, which eliminates this problem.