learning to Digitally Paint

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Originally Posted by kliberatore0205

I know I will need a tablet because it will be easier to control the brushstrokes, just want to make sure I get the right tablet..

For what it's worth, opinions vary on whether sensitivity or size is the feature to go with in a first purchase specifically. Like a lot of things you do tend to get what you pay for but some larger, cheaper, options (without tilt support and lower sens) may be good enough for the time being.

There are a couple of prior threads here in Digital Art you might like to look for that'll give you some more viewpoints to consider, with more specifics as to levels of sensitivity, tablet dimensions etc.

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Originally Posted by MvdLinden

My preferred program is Studio Artist. It has a rather less intuitive interface but is ultimately far more capable than any other program.

Given the nature of the three or four major pieces of 2D software that I can think of off the top of my head the first thing I wanted when I read this was some specifics. I see you added a few in a later post but I find them unpersuasive as to your original claim. Yes they do seem to point to it being very customisable but that in itself does not sum up capable to me. The results are what are important, as much as or more than the process.

Originally Posted by MvdLinden

For example I have just completed a series of over 900 new unique works in the past 3 days.

Whether this is a recommendation is entirely a matter of what was created. One could of course create 900 unique pieces in three days in any piece of software! All you have to do is open, draw a bit, save. Repeat x899 But obviously you mean more than that so could we see some examples that might show how Studio Artist helped in terms of speed or features?

Originally Posted by MvdLinden

That said: As to a comparison between Studio Artist and other digital art programs, well I could go on a rant about how SA offers more choice, variation and customizable features than any other 2d digital art program.

Variation and customisability I might buy (don't know the software to make any kind of comparison) but choice? Given the huge number of straight-from-the-box features in Painter, Photoshop and Illustrator that is one steep claim. And that's before one even considers the wealth of additions you can buy from third-party software vendors.

Originally Posted by MvdLinden

I might point to how SA can do natural media without "wetpaper layer restrictions".

Could you expand on that?

Originally Posted by MvdLinden

I might mention that it offers layer compositing methods not seen in any other program...

Okay fair enough, but does it offer all of the compositing methods seen in other programs?

Originally Posted by MvdLinden

I could point out that SA includes a method to enlarge images that is far superior to Bicubic interpolation.

Which version?

I'd like to see comparisons - I'd buy better, but "far superior" is something I'd like to judge for myself. Especially given that enlargement, among pros, is rarely something done as a single-step process.

Originally Posted by MvdLinden

More importantly I might express that SA is also simply more fun to explore with.

Individual mileage will vary I'd probably give that crown to Painter myself.

Originally Posted by MvdLinden

But I am not a software evangelist so, all that I will say is that a professional Graphic Designer who has a serious interest in digital painting should at the very least download the SA free demo and see what I am on about.

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