Wacom Tablet Advise

[barbieos]

This is kind of lengthy, but I'm trying to explain where I stand & ask for advice. Last Christmas, I wanted a write on "screen" like I'd seen in a Disney movie (Read It And Weep). I thought it was SO cool to have the freedom/dexterity options of using a "pen". The one displayed in the movie was about letter sized. As I became more "involved" in PSE (5.0), I thought it would be wonderful to have. My husband got me an Intuos. Since I couldn't "coordinate" well the drawing of my hand and watching my computer's screen, I didn't feel the price--several hundred--was worth it. (I had a preconceived idea of being able to see my strokes below the pen.) So, I returned it. I now have an even stronger desire to have a table where I can watch below my pen what I draw. The Cintiq 17 is so expensive ($2500) and I really have a tough time justifying the expense. Though my only serious hobby right now is PSE, I am not as proficient at drawing as many are, though my desire is great.

Since my "real" job is critical care nursing, I can't justify the cost as part of my job. I've looked at it from different angles and still can't even pretend it is necessary. It would be a fantastic toy. I thought if I could try the tablet to see if I had the coordination to make things well, I could just pick up a whole bunch of extra shifts and get it anyway. Unfortunately, the only place that I've found that has one (Brigham Young University bookstore in Provo, Utah) "lost" the pens that go to it, so I can't try theirs. The truth is, everything I read about it says that it is not for me, but for the serious professional. I got Memory Mixer and used it for a short while, but wanted the freedom of creating my own stuff. I have had so much fun creating that I haven't done nearly as much scrapbooking. Oh, how I wish there was a tablet 1/2 that size AND money!

So, knowing all this, my question is this:

1st--How have you managed to coordinate your drawings on a blank pad with a separate screen?

2nd--Are you aware of anyone in the Provo/Orem or surrounding area that has a Cintiq and might be willing to let me try it?

3rd--What advise could you give me?

[rae vogl]

This may not help you with what you want,but two things I learned here have helped me using my Waucon-1:put a piece of paper on top of the tablet and draw on that.The paper makes the surface less slippery so you have more control of the pen. 2: Draw on the paper first and trace it with the pen so you aren't trying to draw while looking at the screen.Okay-i've been trying to get rid of the smiley and only succeeded in duplicating this post-i'm trying to delete one but don't see where to do that.What am I missing??

[rae vogl]

I Don't know if this will help you,but two things I learned here have helped me using my Waucon Tablet. 1: Put a piece of plain paper on top of the tablet and draw on it-the paper makes the surface less slippery and you have more control of the pen. 2: Draw what you want on the paper and trace over it so you don't have to draw while looking at the monitor.

[Jan]

Hi Barbara,
Three things: first, here's a review (http://www.creativepro.com/story/review/23097.html) of the Cintiq 17. Makes for interesting reading.

Second: There's a similar product on the Market. It's called the Adesso CyberTablet M17. It's a 17" monitor and according to their sales rep, it retails for $1599. Here's the link (http://www.adesso.com/products_detail.asp?productid=307)so you can take a look.

Third: You're a critical care nurse. You need downtime and a creative outlet. Invest in yourself. You (and ultimately your patients) will reap the benefits.

Best to you!

Jan

[barbieos]

Wow! I need you in my corner on a daily basis. Then, I think I could accomplish anything! Thank you for the 3rd! You brought an immediate smile. (I'm going to research the other two.)