technology

[Faust]

So, I'v been teaching myself Photoshop. Must I get and learn a pen tablet if I really want to master it? If so, which one (not aiming to be a professional retoucher)?

[Muzuen]

I recommend getting a Wacom Intuos 5. I still use the Intuos 3 since it hasn't failed me yet.

[lowrey]

its probably useful if you literally draw/paint/sketch something, but I've never used one (well, tried briefly a couple of times) and I've been using graphic software for 15 years.

edit: I know some people use tablets for things other than sketching, but far from a necessity imo.

[Muzuen]

Agreed. For photo-manipulation purposes, a simple bamboo tablet will suffice. Although, when I used to use photoshop for editing photos and web design, I never had to use one myself but I think it would speed up your work quite a bit.

[Crowzer]

Agree with lowrey. A good mouse is that all you need.
I use PS everyday for amateur webdesing or retouching pictures and I never need a pen.

[radio-aktivität]

about half of my friends (those who work professionaly with computer graphics) actually use their tablets not for digital painting, but mainly for anatomical reasons. basically they say (and some studies prove, but after all, it’s a rather subjective point of view) that holding a pen for 12 hours a day is more healthy to your wrists than holding a mouse. it looks like it also helps to prevent a carpal tunnel syndrome.

I used a tablet years ago, but since I moved from illustration to mainly (well, more or less only) typography, I find it more annoying than useful to switch between pen and keyboard then to switch between mouse and keyboard.

After all, it’s a matter of taste. try it for yourself.

[interest1]

oh, pooh.

[interest1]

where the wild things grow

[interest1]

Heaven can wait

[peerc]

So, I'v been teaching myself Photoshop. Must I get and learn a pen tablet if I really want to master it? If so, which one (not aiming to be a professional retoucher)?

I've always wanted to learn! Are you teaching yourself through YouTube?

[Crowzer]

Or with google like "how to **** with Photoshop". Some tutorials are really usefull, I learn the most what I know from them.

[Faust]

I've always wanted to learn! Are you teaching yourself through YouTube?

http://psd.tutsplus.com/tutorials/tools-tips/photoshop-beginners/

Been using this. Not bad at all.

[peerc]

^very comprehensive. I'll definitely look into it! Thanks

[interest1]

Microsoft Fuckface

[tron]

Agree with lowrey. A good mouse is that all you need.
I use PS everyday for amateur webdesing or retouching pictures and I never need a pen.

+1
I had a tablet at one point but sold it because I just prefer the mouse
Photoshop, illustrator, all that fun stuff... just easier with a mouse imo.
I use a 20+ button mouse though so maybe that's why...