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Are Drawing Tablets Compatible With Laptops?

If you’re just getting started as a digital artist, you’ve probably heard before how important it is to consider getting a digital tablet. This could make a world of a difference for you as you prepare to enhance your skills as a digital artist.

However, there are many people who wonder whether or not drawing tablets are compatible with laptops, whether for monetary concerns or for simple convenience.

The answer is yes. In fact, there are many that require the use of a computer in order to work. They generally come with USB cords that you can plug into your laptop. This will not only allow you to control your drawings, but you will also be able to save them to your laptop files and print them if necessary.

In this article, we’ll go over the different types of drawing tablets, as well as some of our favorites that are compatible with laptops.

Types of Drawing Tablets

As we know, there are some graphic tablets that do not come with a battery, so you will have to plug them into your laptop in order to be able to use them. This means that there are plenty of graphic tablets on the market that are compatible with laptops.

They generally come with a USB cord that you will be able to plug into your laptop or computer in order to use the device. Even if you can use the graphic tablet on its own, you can also use this option to store your artwork onto your laptop.

Most graphic tablets will be compatible with most modern computer and laptop systems, including all the modern formats of Windows and Mac OS X.

If you want to know more about the different types of drawing tablets available on the market, here is some more information.

Standard Graphics Tablets

These are the tablets that you will definitely need to have a laptop or computer on hand in order to use. They do not have a built-in screen and instead work by connecting to your device, which displays the artwork.

These types of tablets are used the most by graphic designers, illustrators, animators, and other artistic professionals. It is very similar to using a mouse to draw, the only difference being the presence of the stylus.

LCD Screen Tablets

These tablets have a screen, which makes using them very similar to the experience you get when you draw on a regular piece of paper. Some people recommend these tablets to those who don’t have much experience working with a graphic tablet, although they are more expensive.

Many of these tablets also have a touch screen. You may choose to purchase ones made specifically for artists, or you can get general-use tablets, such as iPads, but these might not have all the tools that artists will need.

Drawing Tablets Compatible With Laptops

Here are a few of our favorite drawing tablets that require the use of a laptop.

XP-Pen Deco 01 Drawing Tablet

This drawing tablet comes with a USB cord that you need to plug into your laptop in order to be able to use the tablet. It can be used with Windows 10/8/7 and Mac OS X 10.10 and above.

You will also be able to use it with most software programs, including Photoshop, Painter, and Illustrator.

It offers a high level of pressure sensitivity to help you learn how to draw lines and other features. The tablet has an active area of 10 x 6.25 inches that lights up in the dark.

The tablet also doesn’t weigh very much and is only 8 mm thick, which means that you will be able to travel easily with it.

It has also been designed with right and left-handed people in mind and it has 8 express keys to help you customize the platform. In addition, if you’re looking for an affordable tablet, this is a great option!

Wacom Intuos CTL4100

Wacom is one of the most popular brands when it comes to graphics tablets and this option, in particular, does not have a battery.

Therefore, it will only work when connected to your computer or laptop. It is easy to use and you are provided with all the essentials necessary to complete your drawing.

It offers pressure sensitivity as well, which will help you to get a better grasp of how thick and thin the lines need to be. It also has multi-touch gesture support and only weighs 8.16 ounces, making it easy to carry around and take with you when you travel.

In addition, you can use it no matter whether you’re right or left-handed. The retail price of this graphic tablet is below 100 bucks, so you’ll also be getting a good deal.

Ugee M708

This is another graphic tablet that is fairly priced and will certainly fit a beginner’s budget. You will get all the necessary features with this product. It has a 10 x 6-inch drawing area and a powerful resolution.

In addition, the tablet is able to register 230 reports per second and it has 8 shortcuts.

You will be able to customize these shortcuts according to what you need, which will make the use of this tablet much more convenient. The pen that comes with this device is also pressure-sensitive, so you will feel as though you are drawing on a piece of paper.

It supports Windows OS and Mac OS X 10.6 and above. You will also be able to use the graphic tablet with many programs, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Corel Painter, and more.

Turcom TS-6610

Here is the cheapest tablet on our list. Despite the low price tag, you will be able to get the same features as you would with its expensive counterparts.

It is lightweight, so you can carry it around with you wherever you want to and it will make for a great travel companion.

Like the others on this list, it features 8 onboard keys, which you will be able to customize to have the most important settings right at your fingertips. The active area is 10 x 6.25 inches, which will give you the best opportunity to draw anything you’d like.

It has 2,048 levels of pressure sensitivity to make you feel as though you’re drawing on a piece of paper, and the 220 report rate speed is said to be accurate and doesn’t lag.

The Turcom tablet is compatible with both Windows and Mac devices, and you will be able to use it with some of the most popular programs, including Adobe, Corel, and Autodesk.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a graphic tablet that will help you enhance your skills as a graphic designer, you want to learn more about pressure sensitivity, or any other reason, you can be assured that your graphic tablet will be compatible with your laptop.

This is great for those who might not be able to afford the fancier tablets that can cost hundreds of dollars or for those who want the added convenience of having all their work available on their computers.

In any case, you’ll certainly be able to find a graphic tablet that suits your needs.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

Is Manga Better Than Comics? 5 Differences!

Is manga better than comics? A lot of people tend to lean towards team manga. The reason behind this? A lot of people think that mangas have more thought into them not only with the stories but the drawings as well. Is there any truth to this?

Or are they on different levels that they cannot be compared with one another?

Manga is not better than comics, in the same way that comics are not better than mangas. They have the same idea where there are unique characters and plots in printed media. But they differ in a lot of aspects i.e.; distribution, flow, and even format. Your preference is key to know which is better. When it comes to sales numbers, manga do much better than comics.

Are you let down by the answer? Well, keep reading for you to understand why one cannot be compared to the other.

In face value, they are pretty much alike, but as you read through this article, you will discover their huge differences. Are you team manga or team comics? Read on to find out!

Is Manga Better Than Comics?

It is unfair to choose manga over comics over the fact that manga is like a perfected art, whereas comics are some graphic stories in steroids. But it is surprising to know that a lot of people prefer manga, even those who are from Western countries.

Is it the Asian appeal? Or is manga really that great?

In light of being fair, in general, manga focuses not only on the art itself but also in cultivating the characters. On the other hand, comics are fast-paced, have complex storylines, and realistic graphics.

With those in mind, it is really hard to tell which one is better as they appear to be different types even though they are produced in the same media. This is why it is crucial to know your preferences in order to know which one will work best for you.

Are you still not convinced that manga and comics are different? Or do you still think that manga is the Japanese version of comics? (Yikes!) The answers that you are looking for are in the next part.

Differences Between Manga And Comics

For those who are still hammered to the fact that manga and comics are the same, these facts may surprise you! From creating content to their distribution, there are certainly huge differences.

Definitely, there are more differences like cost, length, writing style, etc. But the following are the main differences between the two.

1. Distribution

Mangas are sold by “tankobun” meaning books or in weekly magazines. They are also printed in black and white, and they are pretty thick—almost like a digest.

As mangas are distributed this way, it is extremely easy to keep up with the story and the different adventures of the characters. Further, as they are not only limited to 30-50 pages, you get a deeper look into the world reflected in the manga.

One can say that it has the effect of a slow burn.

On the other hand, comics are more often than not, distributed through magazines. They are also estimated to have 32 pages to 50 pages. Moreover, everything is colored and glossy.

Comics do not get released weekly, but they also have editions that can be collected, much like the concept of manga. However, instead of continuing the story, they create these collections if there is a special story arc or varying parallel universes.

Also, comics come in a lot of options like collections, graphic novels, individual issues, etc. For manga, their distribution is uniform. In the event that there is a volume that is different than the rest, it is still viewed as a collection that ties in with the previous volumes.

2. Format

There is such a huge difference between the format of manga and comics. For comics, you just read from left to right or from top to the bottom of the page.

However, for mangas, the readers should follow the speech bubbles and art. This is done before reading from left to right or top to bottom.

In short, for comics, the format approach is more direct. There is also additional information at the start of the pages or in the end, which are followed by back up images.

For mangas, the readers are consistently guided through the pages, and they direct the reader where they should look next. This is also why it is very natural to read mangas backward. With comics, you cannot do this.

3. Characters

One may not realize it, but the way characters in comics are designed is singular in nature. From the very beginning, the characters are already strong and know their inherent powers. In such a case where there is a shift in power, the plot always calls for a massive turning point.

A good example is that of Superman. He cannot will his inherent powers were it not for the fact that his mom or his lover were put in danger.

The same goes for Thor. He was not able to realize that he can control thunder without Mjolnir if his world was not put into the brink of extinction.

If there are any upgrades, it is always based on the will of the character to materialize his inherent power, or there are weapon or costume upgrades. This rarely happens in mangas.

For mangas, the characters are consistently trying to be the best that they can be, may it be to harness their inherent power, or learn a new one.

This is also the reason why a lot of Youtube videos that pit manga and comics characters together, almost always end in the defeat of the comic characters.

Manga characters may start out strong, but by the end of the manga, it is extremely clear that they became stronger. A good example of this is Luffy from One Piece.

He is already strong, but he made it a point to himself to become stronger, not just because the situation calls for it, but it is his mission.

The same goes for mangas that do not fall within the adventure or action category. When a character starts out as being a bit stupid, you can expect that by the end, he or she is one of the smartest people in the group.

Another thing to consider is that in mangas, they do not replace protagonists. An example of this is Goku from Dragon Ball. He might have left the fight for Gohan, his son, but he is still the protagonist. It is extremely rare to see replacements for protagonists in manga.

On the other hand, for comics, there are new characters that take on the previous titles. Examples of these are Batman getting a new Robin, Captain America passing on his shield, etc.

4. Story Style

Mangas surely know how to capture their readers by sticking to the main story plot. Even when some volumes deviate from the original mission or adventure, it is always still tied in with the main plot.

Additional points are given for manga for enhancing the character arcs with each deviation.

The story style of manga can be pictured as a diamond. Everyone starts with a goal in mind, and then they go on to different paths to establish their character and stories.

But in the end, they all meet at a single point, and the reader will realize that the story deviations made the last “diamond point” more meaningful.

As for comics, one cannot picture an exact shape for it. All of them are connected. This is obvious when the story becomes stagnant.

Instead of adding to the character arcs, they usually release a parallel universe or even a dark universe of a specific character. Some characters may pop up in other comics, which will then be continued to the original comics.

This is the reason why it is impossible to predict a sequential way of reading comics as almost all of them are connected. As opposed to manga, where they stick with the story and just add a spin-off if they feel that the character requires it.

5. How Well Do Manga Compared To Comics?

At the moment it seems that reading manga is more popular than reading comics. A good indicator for that is that manga sales go up and comic sales go down. Besides that, the video below has some more reasons why manga do better than comics at the moment.

We highly recommend watching it!

Which One Is For You?

Surely, by now, you realized that you simply cannot compare manga and comics as they are very different. Even if they appear in the same media, they are definitely on separate levels. So how do you know which one is for you? Aka the better one that will suit your taste?

Here is a quick cheat sheet:

If you want a fast-paced story that is full of action and surprise hidden stories, then comics are for you. If you appreciate complexity as well as intense graphics, you will surely enjoy comics.

If you want to be involved in the story of the characters and you have no difficulty in harnessing your imagination, then manga is for you. Also, if you want the story to be not just for what it is, you can really delve deep into a manga.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

Are Alcohol-Based Markers Allowed On Planes?

As an artist, it’s imperative to have your equipment with you at all times. Inspiration can hit at any time, and it would be a waste not to have your supplies with you to express it. When traveling, new places, and unique architecture stimulate an artists’ creative mind.

Then, ideally, they’d whip out their markers and start sketching the amazing scenery. Since most amazing markers such as Copic are alcohol-based, many are left wondering whether they can actually bring their equipment on-board, since it’s known that alcohol is a flammable liquid.

Are alcohol-based markers allowed on planes? The answer is not that simple. It varies from airline to airline, but the general rule of thumb is that you can bring your alcohol-based markers onboard as a part of your checked-in luggage. However, you should avoid bringing them in your carry-on bag.

Alcohol is a flammable liquid that can pose a security threat to everyone else on the plane. Although many airlines will allow you to bring your markers in your carry-on, others are likely to throw them away during the security check.

If you’d like to avoid potentially losing your valuable equipment, just put them in your checked-in luggage, and you’ll be good to go.

Why Are Alcohol-Based Markers Not Allowed on Planes?

Alcohol-based markers aren’t prohibited, per se. However, since the pressure in the airplane cabins is very high, there’s also a risk of your equipment blowing up.

There have been many instances where, due to the high pressure, artists were left covered in ink when they opened their markers. Even though cabins are pressurized, there is still a slight difference in pressure that can result in them bursting out.

Another aspect to consider is flammability. According to the Aviation Law, anything that’s flammable mustn’t be brought on the plane, since such items are prone to combustion.

Although that rarely ever occurs, it’s still a matter of precaution, hence the occasional prohibitions. However, most airlines nowadays will allow you to bring your markers on-board as long as they’re properly secured.

You can also bring refills, as long as they don’t exceed 100 ml (3.4 oz).

To be safe, always make sure to consult with the specific airline you’ll be using. There are still some carriers that consider alcohol-based markers to be hazardous.

It’s a safer bet to put them in your checked-in baggage and avoid the risk of potentially losing your markers or having them combust in your lap.

Other Art Supplies That Might Raise Suspicion

Here are more items that might seem suspicious during the security check — the smartest thing is not to bring it at all. However, if you still insist on bringing it, at least put in your checked-in baggage and seal it properly. The list goes as follows:

Pallete Knives

Oil Paint

Pastel Fixatives

Petroleum Distillates

Transportation Security Officers often raise an eyebrow when hearing that someone wants to bring items such as oil paint on board. In their eyes, the words “oil” and “paint” are synonyms for hazard, so they won’t hesitate to throw it away.

In case this occurs, to salvage the situation, instead of using the phrase “oil paint,” say something like “These are artists’ colors made from vegetable oil.” That seems much less suspicious, and it increases your chances of traveling with it.

8 Travel Tips For Artists

It can be bothersome to carry your equipment in your checked-in luggage and not be able to use it during flight. If you’re dead set on carrying your alcohol-based markers in your carry-on, then make sure to follow the tips below to ensure maximum safety.

These tips will work for checked-in luggage as well.

1. Use Air-Tight Bags

As we have previously touched on before, due to the difference in pressure, markers are prone to exploding. To avoid this from happening, make sure to wrap your markers in an air-tight, sealed bad safely.

You should also make sure to use more than one bag to store your markers. That way, you’ll avoid getting covered in ink in case they do explode.

2. Equalize the Pressure

This is another very useful tip. Because of the pressure buildup, once you open your markers in-flight or post-flight, slightly detach the cap in an upward position to ensure pressure equalization. If you don’t do this step promptly, it’s almost certain that your markers will combust.

3. Bring Only the Essentials

Flights can often get very long and boring, so it’s always helpful to have at least some tools around to doodle and pass the time. However, don’t bring your whole artistic arsenal with you on the plane.

In case security does decide to seize your alcohol-based equipment, it’s better to lose only 2-3 markers instead of everything. Art supplies can get very expensive, so losing it would be such a waste.

4. Don’t Remove the Labels

Honesty is the best policy. Traveling is stressful as it is, so being pulled over by security to check your non-labeled art supplies is a big no-no. Instead, just keep everything in its original packaging that has all the ingredients listed in the back.

That way, officers will easily be able to tell the contents of your equipment.

5. Use Padding

Make sure to separate your equipment from the other items in the suitcase. Also, use foam or paper padding to secure your paints and avoid damage.

Also, if you’re on your return flight and want to bring along the artwork you created during your travels, make sure to cushion all the paintings, sketches, and canvases.

6. Buy Flammables After

This would be another precaution measure to avoid having your equipment seized and thrown away. It’s always a safer bet not to bring anything flammable on the plane.

There is an abundance of art supply stores all around the world, so finding items such as paint thinners shouldn’t be an issue.

7. Bring a Material Safety Data Sheet

For any materials that might be questioned by Transportation Security Officers, make sure to bring the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). All art supply manufacturers are obliged by law to create these sheets, so it wouldn’t hurt to have one with you when traveling.

They are useful because they include information on fire and explosion data, such as the flashpoint temperature. If your item has a flashpoint that’s above 140° F, you should be good-to-go.

Additional Questions

Are pens allowed in the carry-on luggage? Ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, and gel pens are usually allowed. However, refills cannot exceed 100 ml (3.4 oz). If you’re bringing your pens on board, make sure to wrap them in an air-tight plastic bag and follow our tips above to keep your equipment safe.

Can you take Copic markers on a plane? You can always bring your Copic markers in your checked-in luggage. However, not everyone will allow them in your carry-ons. Some models, such as Copic Various Ink, contain highly flammable liquids; hence, they are likely to get seized during the security check.

Can you bring pencils on a plane? Yes, you can bring them along, since pencils are rarely on the prohibited items list. However, Transportation Security Officers still have the right to confiscate any item that’s not on the prohibited items list if they think it poses a security threat. That seldom occurs, but you should still be aware.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

Why Drawing Tablets Are So Expensive + Inexpensive Options

Everyone knows how technologically advanced our world is today. It’s incredible that we are able to have the entire world at our fingertips and have everything we need on a virtual device.

In addition to this, people who enjoy art are able to create their favorite drawings with the help of a tablet. But there’s one thing that might cause artists to take a step back before buying a drawing tablet- the cost.

Drawing tablets are notoriously expensive because of the quality, the functions the device comes with, its surface, and other important features. If you want to have a high-quality drawing tablet, then you will likely have to pay a lot for it.

In this article, we will provide you with a more in-depth image of why drawing tablets are so expensive, as well as some of the best drawing tablets on the market and some important features to consider when you go to purchase yours.

Reasons for the Cost

Many artists enjoy using drawing tablets. There are many who still rely on the good old pencil and paper or paintbrush and canvas, but there is a lot that you can do with a drawing tablet.

They’re especially great if you’re someone who is just getting started.

There are so many things that you can do with a drawing tablet, and they’re perfect for people who have a wide variety of interests, including, but not limited to painting, drawing, architecture, animation, fashion design, and more.

But one thing that many people seem to have noticed is that drawing tablets are rather expensive.

Yes, there are drawing tablets on the market that won’t burn a hole in your wallet. But the main reason why some of the best tablets are more expensive is due to the features it has to offer.

We will get into some of these features in more detail in a later section, but basically, the more advanced the features are, the more expensive the tablet will be.

And you most likely will need to use these features in order to produce the best art possible.

Having a tablet that has a high resolution, compatibility with multiple types of software, a higher sensitivity to pressure, and more will not only mean that your artwork will be better, but it also means that you’re going to have to pay more.

How To Save Money When Buying a Drawing Tablet

We know that drawing tablets might not be the most budget-friendly options for aspiring artists, but taking into consideration the different factors we mentioned in the previous section, there are some things that may be done in order to reduce the cost for you.

1. Purchase a smaller drawing tablet

We already know that the bigger the tablet, the more expensive the tablet will be. Especially drawing tablets with screens get way more expensive with size.

2. Buy used

Try to find a used one on sites such as eBay, Craigslist, or Amazon. We’re sure that you’ve tried to find other things on these sites. If you’re scared about what the quality of your drawing tablet would be, only purchase from verified sellers.

3. Give smaller brands a chance

Buy a drawing tablet from a brand that isn’t as well-known. Just because it isn’t a named brand doesn’t mean that the quality will be poor.

4. No tablet stands, no fancy gloves

Buy your drawing tablet without any accessories. These accessories can make the device more expensive. You might be able to find them for cheaper elsewhere or you could even make them yourself.

5. No Screen

Buy a drawing tablet without a screen. This might not be the most ideal choice, but the difference in price could be several hundreds of dollars. Also, drawing and looking at your pc monitor might feel weird at first, however, most people say that they get used to it pretty quickly.

Good Drawing Tablets That Are Not Expensive

Here are three of the best drawing tablets that you may want to consider. The three we have picked not only have some of the highest ratings from customers on Amazon, but they also won’t break the bank for a new artist.

Wacom CTL4100 Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet

Wacom is, perhaps, the most well-known brand when it comes to drawing tablets. Many artists gravitate towards the products that are manufactured by them.

Coming in at $67.40 on Amazon, you won’t have to pay too much money to get this drawing tablet that has over 3,000 reviews. It is compatible with any software that can be used for digital art, as well as photo editing and animation.

You can connect it to your Mac or PC with the USB cable it comes with. It has a slim design but a large enough screen for drawing. It’s easy to set up and you don’t have to charge the pen. There are lots of great features that come with this device, making it a favorite for many.

Huion H420 USB Graphics Drawing Tablet

This drawing tablet by Huion is also popular among customers. It’s only $24.98 right now, making it practically a steal. But don’t let the low price tag fool you; this tablet will provide you with many great features to help enhance your artistic skills.

For one, you will be able to use it with many graphics technologies, including Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Comic Studio, and more. It comes with a digital pen that you can use for navigation. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.

The three buttons on the side will also help you to navigate. The general consensus seems to be that this is the perfect, inexpensive drawing tablet for beginners in particular.

XP-Pen Artist 12 Drawing Monitor Pen Display

And finally, this is another tablet that seems to have garnered a lot of high ratings from customers. It claims to provide you with clear and vivid images and vibrant colors. You also get a touch bar on the side that will help you as you draw to scroll up and down and zoom in or out.

The tablet, which is the most expensive option on our list at $199.99, has an anti-reflective coating, shortcut keys, and pressure sensitivity. You can use this tablet for drawing, 3D sculpting, editing, architecture, animation, and more.

In addition to that, the tablet is compatible with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Sketchbook Pro, and other popular programs. It is also compatible with Mac or Windows computers.

There are plenty of other high-quality drawing tablets on the market that you can choose from, but one of the first things that you will need to do is determine what features you’re specifically looking for in a drawing tablet.

Keep in mind that, if you want a drawing tablet that will offer more features, you will most likely end up having to spend more, too.

Features to Consider

Here are some of the most important features to consider when shopping for a drawing tablet.

Pressure Sensitivity

Pressure sensitivity is, of course, an important factor to consider because it will impact the result of your drawing. For example, how firmly you press the pen to the screen could have an impact on how thick or thin the strokes are.

Be aware that some of the cheapest models on the market do not have high pressure sensitivity, which means that you might not get the best results. Try to find a drawing tablet that will provide the highest pressure sensitivity that you will be able to afford.

If you do, this will help to enhance your experience with the tablet and could make it seem like you’re drawing on a canvas.

Size

Naturally, size is also something that needs to be considered, and not only for the cost. It is true that the larger the drawing tablet, the more expensive it will be. However, you will also need to check the size for basic practicality.

Do you have enough room to store a large tablet? Do you need to have a large tablet for what you’re planning on using it for? Do you plan on traveling a lot? There are plenty of questions and more that you will need to ask yourself when considering the size of the tablet.

Compatibility

Compatibility also needs to be considered. You need to see if you will be able to connect your drawing tablet to your computer. Most of them are compatible with many Windows and Mac laptops and computers, but you might run into some trouble if you have an older model.

Some might have Bluetooth features, but these will naturally be more expensive. In addition to the computer, you will also need to see what software programs the drawing tablet is compatible with, i.e., Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and more.

Some drawing tablets will come with bundled software, too.

Resolution

Perhaps the most important feature to consider when getting a drawing tablet is the resolution. Again, this will have an impact on the quality of your drawings. If the tablet will provide you with a higher resolution, you will be able to have more detailed drawings.

This obviously means that you will most likely have to pay a lot of money if you want to have the highest resolution possible with your tablet. The resolution you need will depend on what kind of art you’re doing.

You will want to get a tablet that has a higher resolution if you’re drawing people or other things that need to be drawn in detail. But if you’re drawing things like logos, maybe you don’t need to have such a high resolution.

Another thing to consider is how you will most likely evolve as an artist, which will naturally demand the use of better quality products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a number of reasons why drawing tablets can be expensive, which all mainly have to do with the features they have to offer. Of course, drawing tablets that have more advanced features and abilities will be more expensive than others.

We listed some of the most important features that you will need to consider. However, there are also some on the market that are less expensive and would be perfect for those on a budget or just starting out.

So, if you find that drawing tablets are expensive, don’t panic; there are likely many great options for you out there that will provide you with high-quality features and that won’t break the bank.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

Why Copic Markers Are Absolutely Worth It

If you’ve been getting into drawing lately, you’ve probably heard all about Copic markers. Many people claim that these are the best markers on the market, no matter whether you’re a beginner or someone working on quite complex projects.

You probably started your art career drawing with typical Crayola markers or something else that you were able to purchase from your local art store for cheap. There’s certainly nothing wrong with these types of markers, but they won’t give you the quality that you’re looking for.

One of the best ways to become a better artist is to make sure that you have the best quality materials that you can afford because it will truly make a difference in the outcome of your work.

So, if you’re looking for high-quality and professional art markers, Copic markers are one of your best options. Yes, they’re expensive, and if you need to get many colors, you’re going to be spending a lot of money.

But we think that Copic markers are totally worth considering and purchasing if you’re serious about making top-quality art.

In this guide, we’ll go over all the different reasons why you should consider purchasing Copic markers.

We’ll discuss their different features, who would benefit from them the most, what you should know, the types, and everything else that you need to know if you’re looking to purchase these innovative and creative markers.

Why You Should Buy Copic Markers

If you’re someone who’s looking for professional-quality artistic markers, then Copic markers are an ideal option for you. Lots of people shy away from them as they cost a lot of money in comparison to some of the other markers on the market.

But have you tried drawing with a marker that you used in elementary school? If so, then the quality difference that you’ll notice after getting a Copic marker will be astounding.

We will go into more detail about the different features the markers have to offer throughout the article, but here are the top reasons why we believe you should consider getting a Copic marker.

1. They come in almost any color you can imagine.

This is, perhaps, the main feature that the brand is best-known for. From multiple shades of red and yellow to blue and purple, you’re sure to find any color you can dream about in the Copic line.

In fact, Copic markers boast over 300 colors, so you’re never going to have to worry about choosing colors to suit what you’re drawing.

2. You can get them in any style.

Depending on the kind of art you want to create, you’ll be able to get Copic markers with different tips to give your work a unique appearance.

There are some brush nibs that are meant to color in larger spaces, there are others that are meant for drawing thin lines, and there are some that will provide a nice feathering effect to your work.

We will go into more detail about the different types of brushes that the brand has to offer in a later section.

3. You’ll be able to refill them, so you won’t ever have to worry about what happens when one runs out of ink.

When you purchase your Copic markers, it is also recommended that you purchase their refills, too. Generally, you will be able to refill the markers several times before you have to purchase another refill set.

This means that you will save a lot of money in the long run. Aside from that, it’s easy to do. So, we think that the price they come at is pretty much worth it since you’ll have these markers essentially for the rest of your life.

4. You can replace the nibs easily.

In addition to refills, you will be able to replace the nibs, too. As you draw on a frequent basis, you may notice that the nibs will get flat and it’s difficult to produce any color from them.

You can easily find replacement nibs and you can change them in a matter of seconds. Again, this will save you a lot of money in the long run and you won’t have to worry about purchasing entirely new markers.

5. They dry quickly.

Have you ever tried to color in something with a marker only to have it start streaking immediately? You won’t have that issue with Copic markers.

They are permanent and they will adhere to any surface that you color on very well, so it won’t be difficult at all to make the art that you want.

6. They provide excellent color payoff.

This is perhaps the most important reason. If you’re an artist, you’ll want something that will provide you with the vivid colors you need.

This will help to not only make your art appear nicer, but it will also make you seem more professional. Copic markers provide vivid and strong colors to any piece of art.

7. They are non-toxic.

Another great reason why you should purchase Copic markers is that they are non-toxic. They are alcohol-based and free of acids or other harmful materials.

Some people have noticed that there might be a rather strong smell to the markers due to the alcohol base, but this isn’t something that should be too overpowering. You can be assured that Copic markers are totally safe to use.

8. You can mix the colors without any difficulty.

Considering that Copic markers dry quickly, you will be able to mix colors, too. You won’t have to worry about accidentally drawing too close to a light color or having the mixing of colors look like a mess because of how quickly Copic markers are able to dry.

If you’ve ever seen videos where people are coloring in ombre, they typically do so with Copic markers because they don’t bleed. They blend beautifully and you won’t have to worry about permanently staining the lighter colors.

9. You can use them to color in tiny spaces.

Most people who make art with markers find that it is difficult to color in small spaces because of the large tips. Luckily, you won’t have this problem with Copic markers because the brand also makes tiny nibs.

For example, you can use the Copic original tips to color in these small spaces. It’s definitely a major convenience and will help you enhance your art knowing that these markers give you the ability to draw in tiny areas.

10. You can use them to draw basically anything you want.

You don’t have to limit yourself to only drawing certain things because they’re markers. You can even draw highly detailed pieces with these markers because of the small tips. In addition, you can draw larger pieces that you will be able to color in. The possibilities are endless!

Whom Copic Markers Are For

Copic markers were created in Japan in 1987 by Too Corporation. The initial purpose of these markers was for manga and anime, which continues to be the largest audience that uses these markers.

However, if you’re not someone who draws manga or anime, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider getting these markers or that they’re not worth purchasing.

Nowadays, many different people use Copic markers, including fashion designers, illustrators, architects, and animators. You will be able to use these markers for virtually anything you want to.

Enthusiasts and professionals alike swear by Copic markers, so you don’t necessarily have to be an award-winning artist in order to use them.

The markers have been praised on an international level and you will be able to find them in more than 50 countries. So, no matter what form of art you prefer, you will be able to use Copic markers to create beautiful art.

What to Know Before Buying Copic Markers

There are plenty of factors that you will want to consider when you buy yourself Copic markers. While we know that they’re worth buying, you should consider several factors.

They’re an investment.

You’ve probably heard many times that you’ll have to invest in your art career in order to become the best artist possible. You’ll want to make sure that you have good tools in order to ensure that the materials you produce will be high quality.

So, it would be important to note that you have to spend a few hundred dollars on these markers at the very least.

You also have to purchase refills.

Copic markers are unique due to the fact that they’re not going to dry out- you’ll essentially end up keeping them forever. But, in order to do this, you’ll have to buy refills.

You’ll typically get several uses out of your markers before you need to refill them and before you have to buy another refill tube. But it’s something to consider as you’re budgeting the costs associated with purchasing these materials.

Determine the type that you will need.

We’ll describe the different types of Copic markers in more detail in the next section, but it’ll also be a good idea to determine what type or types you’ll need. Most people recommend buying several types because it will help to add dimension to your work.

Another factor to consider is the kind of brush tip you’ll need; some brush tips will be better for coloring in large spaces, whereas others will be better for adding fine details. You’ll also want to choose what colors you want- although, the options are endless.

Different Types of Copic Markers

As we mentioned before, Copic markers come in several different types. Here are the four main types of Copic markers. It’s definitely recommended, however, that you consider mixing and matching some of these different types; don’t just limit yourself to one.

That will allow you to have better quality drawings and give more dimension to your work.

Copic Ciao Markers

This is the best option for you if you’re a beginner and you’re just getting started with using markers for art. It might even be worth purchasing these markers for children or teenagers who are getting into drawing.

Another reason why many people consider these types for younger audiences particularly is because they’re smaller and will fit into a younger child’s hands a lot easier than some of the other options, which is a good idea for your little ones getting into art.

The markers are easier to control for beginners as well.

One of the main features that attracts people to these types in particular is that they are more affordable than the other choices that we will discuss. But that doesn’t mean that they lack in quality at all.

The Ciao markers come in 180 shades, which is more than enough to allow you to create some of your favorite art. These markers have double ends- the Super Brush nib and the Medium Broad nib.

The Super Brush nib can be bent easily if you want to mix shades and it has a pointed tip. The Medium Broad nib can fill in larger spaces because of the chisel tip. You can also use this side if you want to highlight something.

Another great feature of these types of markers is that they can get more refills using one ink container and you will be able to use them for around 15 times using just one ink container.

Copic Wide Markers

The Wide markers are the best choice for coloring large spaces. Unlike any of the other choices we have describes on this list, they’re wide and short and have a single end.

There are 36 shades, which is significantly less than what you would get with the other choices, so you should consider getting some of the other kinds of markers as well.

Since these are firm and wide, you will be able to use these markers to color in larger areas, and with the combination of one of the other kinds, you will have an interesting piece as a result.

One thing that some people mentioned is that these markers might be a little difficult to hold because of how large they are, but it’s something that you will easily be able to get used to.

If you want to do calligraphy, you can install another nib. The wide nib will allow you to make long strokes with precision. They hold a lot more ink than the others do, and you will be able to refill these markers seven times with the use of one container.

Copic Classic Markers

These are the original markers, and while they might not be as popular as the other choices we listed, there are plenty of reasons why you should still consider the classic version.

You have 214 colors to choose from, which, again, makes these a great choice for you to use for exploring your creativity.

You can even blend shades together if you can’t happen to find the exact one needed, but another interesting feature is that there are some color options only offered exclusively for the Classic markers.

You will also have nine nib options, including the Standard Fine tip and the Standard Broad Chisel tip, which are great for drawing fine details and coloring large spaces respectively.

You may also use these markers with the AirBrush System and for calligraphy. You should be able to use these markers nine times with one ink container. Keep in mind that these are great for coloring, but if you want to blend, you will have to install the blending nib.

Copic Sketch Markers

If you’re into more professional types of art, such as design, cartoons, and illustration, these markers are recommended for you. They come in 358 colors that will allow you to truly explore your creativity as your ideas flow.

Another reason why these markers are specially marketed towards professionals is that buying the entire set costs quite a lot of money; you will have to spend several hundreds of dollars on the markers, their refills, and more. Therefore, it’s not the best choice for beginners.

You can use these particularly for blending and coloring, which will greatly help designers.

They have a Super Brush nib and a Medium Brad nib, with the former working similarly to a paintbrush and the latter working great for coloring. They’re large and you will be able to fill the marker for 12 uses using one ink container.

In addition to that, these are favorites among all kinds of illustrators because of the versatility; you will be able to draw fine details and color in large surfaces at the same time. Shading, blending, and coloring are made easier with these markers.

In addition to markers, the brand also manufactures pens that will be great for drawing lines and precision. There is also an AirBrush system that you can use to color on multiple surfaces.

Some of the markers we listed above will be compatible with this system. All you have to do is attach a marker and you’re reading to start coloring.

What You Can Do With Copic Markers

Copic markers, as we mentioned before, were initially created for manga and anime artists. However, they’ve expanded their usage today and are trusted by many different types of artists.

You don’t have to be a professional in order to use Copic markers. Here are some of the different uses that people have for Copic markers, which will further show you how versatile these markers are and why they’re the perfect choice for any artist.

Anime

Manga

Fashion design

Comics

Journaling

Tattoo art

Architecture

Graphic design

Industrial design

Calligraphy

Scrapbooking

Quilting

Rubber stamping

Drawing landscapes

Product design

Interior design

Mixed media art

Storyboard Illustration

Here are some of the most popular artists who rely on Copic markers. You can check out their work for inspiration.

Stephen Ward

Niki Bee

Cassy Lyttle

Erin Hunting (She has used Copic markers to illustrate some popular shoes, including Garfield and Adventure Time, and Hunting has also worked for Nickelodeon drawing with Copic markers)

Matt Falconer

Top Features of Copic Markers

When you’re making the decision whether or not you should purchase Copic markers, it is important to first look at some of the important features. Copic markers are unique and it’s entirely true that you won’t be able to find anything similar on the market.

Copic markers come in many different colors.

The fact that these markers come in different colors is great because it will help to stimulate your creativity. With 358 colors to choose from, there is a wide range of things that you will be able to draw with these markers.

If you want to see the span of colors the brand has to offer, here is the Color Wheel to help you make a more informed decision. The brand has ten families of chromatic colors and it also has achromatic colors.

The markers are organized in accordance with their type. For example, if you’re looking for a yellow marker, you would look in the yellow family, which is marked with a Y. The color gray on its own comes in 46 different shades.

The brand has also created a marker called 0, which has the purpose of blending. And due to the components of the marker, you will get a vibrant color payoff.

They dry the quickest.

These markers are made with an alcohol ink that dries quickly. Have you ever tried to color something with markers only to have it completely ruin your paper because it’s still wet? Have you ever tried to overpaint and have that completely ruin your work as well?

Thankfully, that issue is eliminated with the Copic markers. You can overpaint easily. And you won’t have to worry about your paper getting ruined because the markers are smooth and they will dry quickly.

You can refill them.

If you strive to be as environmentally friendly as possible, then you will be pleased to know that Copic markers are great for the environment. They can be refilled and they also have replaceable nibs.

So, if you find that your marker is running out of ink, you won’t have to go and purchase a new one- all you have to do is replace the nib!

They come in different types.

In addition, you will be able to choose the kind of marker that you want to get.

We will go into this in more detail in a separate section, but the four types of Copic markers are Original, Sketch, Wide, and Ciao, which will help you to narrow down your options even more depending on what you want to use the markers for.

They have airtight lids.

This will help to ensure that your markers won’t dry out on you when you store them. As long as you make sure that the lid is completely shut, you won’t have to worry about them drying out.

Downsides to Copic Markers

As with almost anything, there are some downsides to Copic markers that you should consider before purchasing this product. We still believe that Copic markers are worth purchasing, but you should also be aware of some of the downsides.

They’re expensive.

First and foremost, Copic markers are quite the investment. That’s why they’re not typically recommended for people who are not as serious about drawing.

They generally cost around $8 per marker, and the company that manufactures Copic markers, Too Corporation, will determine the lowest price that these markers can be sold for.

Copic Sketch and Copic Classic markers are the cheapest options, and the lowest price that you will be able to find these for is $5.24.

Keep in mind that this is the price for one marker. Assuming that you will be serious about your work and want to be able to draw as many different things as possible, you will have to spend a couple of hundred dollars to buy a set.

You’re also going to have to purchase the refills. For Sketch markers, that will typically cost around $4.58, and again, this is for a single bottle.

They bleed through paper.

Some people have noticed that Copic markers also will bleed through paper, but this is also something that happens to other markers that are made with alcohol.

If you find that this is a major problem, you can always use a thicker kind of paper or place scrap paper behind the main paper that you’re drawing on so you don’t ruin any surfaces.

The color will sometimes fade over time.

Some people have noted that the color produced by Copic markers will fade over time, especially if you will be framing your work. This is due to the fact that Copic inks are dyes, which means that you should take care to be careful when you’re going to frame your artwork.

This is especially true if you’re going to purchase UV glass.

Some people don’t think that they work well with other kinds of art supplies.

Naturally, you will likely be using other kinds of art supplies, such as pencils, gel pens, and other things in order to create your masterpiece. And you likely won’t only be using Copic brand products.

But one thing that some people noticed about this is that it was difficult for them to draw on top of the other materials with Copic markers. They noticed that they would need to use gel pens or other materials after they were finished with the gel pens.

So, this is something that you may have to consider.

These factors are definitely not dealbreakers, especially considering that no product is perfect. The only thing that might be a point of worry for some people is the price, but you will likely be spending a similar amount of money to purchase high-quality art supplies anyways.

These are simply factors that you should keep in the back of your mind.

Are Copic Markers Worth the Price?

We spoke briefly about the price of Copic markers above. Indeed, the main factor that many people feel worried about is the price of these artistic markers. Are they worth the price? Are they something worth purchasing?

Many people agree that it is worth investing in these markers. They certainly are unlike many other art markers on the market and you’ll be able to do so much with them.

Whether you’re into fashion design, illustration, architecture, or anything else, you’ll certainly find a use for these markers.

Conclusion

Becoming a great artist requires a lot of hard work and practice. Without spending enough time, learning from professionals, and dedicating hours to your study, you won’t be able to do your best.

In addition to that, having the best tools possible will also support your goal of becoming an artist. You will have to make an investment, but the investment will be worth it in the end.

Copic markers are one of these investments. In all, we think that Copic markers are totally worth buying. For one, you have well over 300 colors to choose from and 4 different types of markers that are all suited for drawing different things.

Along with that, no matter what kind of drawing project you do, you will be able to use Copic markers. They were designed with manga artists, architects, fashion designers, animators, and everyone else in mind.

If you want to break into owning professional tools, it’s worth shelling out the money and buying a few sets of Copic markers. You’ll see how the quality of your artwork will change after using these.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

Drawing Tablets – Are Those With A Screen Better?

If you are looking to purchase a drawing tablet, you may have noticed that there are different types on the market, namely ones with and without screens. Of course, drawing tablets with screens might be the more attractive choice, but are drawing tablets with screens really better?

Yes. Drawing tablets with screens are certainly easier to use because you will have more control over what you’re drawing. There is also more that you will be able to do with these tablets. There are some downsides to screens, but they are generally considered to be the better option.

We will discuss some of the different reasons why we think drawing tablets are better, as well as some of their drawbacks, in more detail in this article.

Reasons Why Drawing Tablets With Screens Are Better

Nowadays, artists have many options to explore to enhance their skills aside from a piece of paper and paint.

You also have the opportunity to purchase a drawing tablet, which is perfect for many types of artists, including animators, photographers, designers, architects, painters, and more.

There are two main types of drawing tablets: ones with screens and ones without.

For drawing tablets without screens, you need to hook them up to your computer using the available USB cable and you draw on the tablet’s surface while monitoring your progress on your computer screen.

This can seem highly inconvenient for many people because you have to constantly look back and forth between your tablet and your computer screen.

This is where display tablets, or drawing tablets with screens, come in. Here are some reasons why we believe display tablets are the better choice.

They offer more pressure sensitivity.

Some of the best display tablets on the market offer pressure sensitivity levels higher than 8,000. This is better because it will teach you as an artist how much pressure needs to be applied in order to get different strokes.

You don’t have to spend as much time getting used to the tablet.

This is the main reason why people prefer display tablets.

When you begin using a tablet without a screen, there is a learning curve you will need to get adjusted to. In the beginning, you will find yourself looking back and forth between the device and computer screen until you are able to get used to solely looking at your computer screen.

But since drawing tablets with screens do not have this issue, many people find using drawing tablets with screens to be the easier and more convenient option. You won’t have to look back and forth between your computer screen and the device.

You will be able to work right on the screen and see your work as you draw.

For many people, this is the easier choice and it’s much more convenient. Best of all, these tablets are designed to provide you with a similar experience to drawing on paper.

They provide you with a high-quality display.

Many display tablets offer a high resolution, which means that you will be able to see the vivid colors and extreme details in your artwork. Many people find that the way their artwork appears on the display tablets is much better than the way it looks on computer screens.

Of course, this is due to the fact that drawing tablets are specifically meant to be used for artwork, making them the more ideal option for those who are serious about their career.

Some tablets with screens do not require the use of a computer.

With a non-display tablet, you have to take your laptop with you wherever you go. This is generally the case with display tablets as well, but there are some that include batteries, which means that you won’t need to take your laptop around with you.

Best Drawing Tablets With Screens

Here are some high-quality drawing tablets with screens that we recommend based on customer reviews.

XP-PEN Artist 12 Drawing Monitor

This has been rated as one of the best display tablets on the market and it is one of the more affordable options in comparison to others. While this tablet must be used with a computer, it is compatible with most modern computers and drawing software.

The display offers a resolution of 1920×1080 HD while presenting you with incredible detail and vivid colors. There is a slim touch bar that you can program to zoom in and out, scroll up and down, and more.

The screen is 11.6 inches and it has 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity. There are also 6 shortcut keys and anti-reflective coating on the screen. The pen is made to feel like you’re holding a pencil and it offers a flexible grip with an eraser.

This tablet is ideal for many different artists, including beginners, architects, animators, photographers, fashion designers, painters, 3D sculptors, and more.

GAOMON PD1560 Drawing Tablet With Screen

Gaomon is another brand that is well-known for its high-quality drawing tablets. This tablet offers a screen resolution of 1920×1080 and it offers color accuracy and high definition.

The screen has protection while also providing you with a similar experience to what you would have if you were drawing on a piece of paper. This tablet also has 10 shortcut keys that you can customize to suit you. It has 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a rechargeable pen.

If you charge it for 2-2.5 hours, you will be able to use it for 350 hours. The pen comes with 8 replacement nibs. The drawing tablet also has a monitor stand that you can adjust to find the perfect position for drawing.

You will also be able to hook this device up to your computer and it is compatible with most drawing software.

Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet with Screen

Of course, this is the most expensive option that we have listed, but Wacom is known for being the leader in drawing tablets and this option offers many advanced features.

This tablet retails for $649.95. It has 8,192 pressure levels and tilt recognition, as well as a 15.6-inch screen that will provide you with a 1920×1080 HD display. It also has a scratch-resistant anti-glare surface to help enhance the quality of your artwork.

You will be able to see all your creations in vibrant colors. The stylus does not have a battery and it charges off the screen while you’re drawing.

You may also connect the tablet to your computer using the connection cable. It has foldable legs that will let you adjust the tablet according to how you want to work.

Downsides to Drawing Tablets With Screens

With all that being said, there are some downsides to display tablets that are important to mention.

They’re more expensive.

Indeed, if you are to compare the prices of drawing tablets with screens to their counterparts, you will find that you might have to pay several hundreds of dollars on display tablets, whereas you will be able to find non-display tablets for less than $100.

This is simply for the obvious reason that display tablets have a screen and non-display tablets do not. While people on a budget might want to consider getting non-display tablets, they might be more difficult to adapt to.

They’re not as durable.

The reason we say this is due to the fact that display tablets have screens. If you end up accidentally dropping the tablet, you may have a cracked screen, which could cost a lot of money to fix. That is an additional expense that you might want to keep in mind.

You have to make sure they’re charged. (Some of them)

Drawing tablets with battery might be a better travel partner because you don’t have to worry about taking your computer with you, but you also will have to make sure that they’re charged.

Non-display tablets, however, work by being plugged in and you don’t have to worry about making sure that they’re fully charged.

Conclusion

Overall, drawing tablets with screens are considered to be the better choice because they’re much easier to use and they tend to offer more features.

However, they are much more expensive than drawing tablets without screens, which might be a drawback for some people. Regardless, if you are able to afford them, you should consider purchasing a drawing tablet with a screen.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

Why Drawing Anime Is Hard + 3 Tips That Will Help

Anime is a style of art that has somewhat of a bad reputation, especially among art teachers. Many of them discourage their art students from starting off with the style because it’s considered to be too “easy.” But is this actually the case? Is drawing anime actually hard?

The short answer is that anime isn’t easy to draw by any means, but it will become easier with practices. You need to have some sort of foundation, learn the different styles, basic anatomy, and other features that could make it more difficult to draw.

In this article, we will go over why people think that drawing anime is easy and what key features you need to learn before you start to draw anime.

Why People Think Anime Is Easy

Many art students have had teachers who discouraged them from drawing anime, saying that it’s too easy and too much of it is based on simplicity.

Anime is, indeed, a specific style of art that is distinguishable among others. The style particularly focuses on facial features and larger-than-life eyes. It isn’t too based on realism, and while the characters in anime do represent real people, they don’t quite look the same.

While anime is by no means the most difficult style to draw in, there are some difficult aspects to anime. Most people think that, since anime is a pretty simple style, it’s something that anyone can do.

But as with most art forms, it will take practice before becoming an expert at drawing anime.

There are some ways in which it can be argued that anime is more difficult to draw than fine art.

This is due to the fact that you’re generally going to take something and copy it when drawing fine art; however, with anime, there are some basic fundamentals that you will need to know before starting. We will get into those fundamentals in more detail in the next section.

If there are people who think that anime is too easy, we encourage them to draw anime without having any prior knowledge about art. You’ll see very quickly that it’s actually rather difficult!

Now, let’s get into some of the different things that you should know before you start to draw anime.

Fundamentals of Drawing Anime

Before you take a pencil to your paper, it’s important to know that there are different styles of anime and different techniques that you need to understand first. You don’t necessarily need to become an expert, but it is important that you understand and learn these.

Composition

Composition is how the different elements of a piece of art are arranged. Some people don’t necessarily think that composition is all that important, and by no means do you have to follow the rules exactly.

Be sure to study how lines, shapes, colors, texture, depth, space, and tone need to be emphasized in a piece of art. This is meant to help promote what you are trying to draw, its emphasis, and it can help to make your art look better.

Perspective

Perspective is important to learn no matter what style of art you plan on practicing.

Even though, in anime, the emphasis is more so placed on the characters as opposed to backgrounds and landscapes, having a basic understanding of how perspective works will help you to improve your skills as an artist.

Understanding how people perceive perspective is another key element.

As you know, the purpose of drawing on a piece of paper or canvas is to make a three-dimensional object or person come alive on a two-dimensional surface. Understanding how perspective works will help you to do this in a more professional and enhanced manner.

Human anatomy

This sounds completely dreadful, but yes, it is a must that you learn the basics of human anatomy before you start to draw anime. It’s important if you want to be able to draw realistic characters.

However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to learn all the ins and outs of human anatomy- just learning the basics and everything that is on the outer body is enough. For example, you will need to learn where the nose goes on the face, how to position the eyes realistically, how to draw hands, and more.

Color theory

Color theory is another area that you need to study before you start to draw any type of art. This will help you to understand the relationships between the different colors, outside of just knowing how to mix different colors. It is also important to learn how we perceive color.

Some of the different factors that color theory includes are hue, saturation, tone, value (we will get into this one more below), high key and low key, tints, shades, and color temperature. Understanding these will help you to determine your color palette for any work of art, including anime.

Light and shadow

You’ll also need to be aware of the relationship between light and shadow when drawing anime. This is what will help you to define the different objects in your work and truly make your work appear three-dimensional. It would be a good idea to start off by examining an object in front of you.

See where the light hits and how the shadows appear? That’s what you should be aiming to capture in your art. There are plenty of tutorials to help you with this and you definitely will go over this in your art classes.

In addition, you can use anime drawings for reference to see how other people captured light and shadow.

Values

Values in art represent how light or dark a color is on a black to white scale. Many artists consider this to be even more important than color selection when it comes to drawing or painting.

It is possible for there to be two different colors that have the same value when placed on their individual color wheel.

Colors are significant to your art, but the value will help to provide more structure. Value can help you to show more depth in a piece of art.

The main goal, to make this more simple, is that if you were to make your work black and white, all the details would remain the same as they were before.

Advice for Drawing Anime

Here are our main pieces of advice that you should remember when you start to draw anime- or any style of art, for that matter.

1. Use references, but don’t copy

It’s difficult to be able to draw anything from memory. So, this is why you should always start with a reference image when you’re just getting into any new form of art. There are tons of different anime references that you will be able to find online.

Try to work with different poses, colors, structures, and people; having all of this additional practice will help you to improve the quality of your art with practice.

If you simply try to draw something from memory, there are many important details that you will likely miss. Plus, having these references to study from will make you more aware of what needs to be done.

With all of that being said, however, it’s important not to copy someone else’s work. Of course, one of the reasons for this is due to copyright integrity, but it’s also because you will end up simply copying their style and not adopting your own.

It’s important to have your own style when you start to become an artist. There are features that you can choose to adopt from the artist’s work, but if you simply copy, you also run the risk of copying any of their flaws, which will not necessarily help you to grow.

2. Keep practicing

You may have grown tired of hearing this, but it’s what will help you to become a better artist. No style of art is easy, but art isn’t that difficult if you keep practicing and making an effort to become better.

If you find that there are areas where you’re struggling when it comes to drawing anime, such as drawing hands, hair, or facial features, then make sure that you keep practicing.

It’s better to draw poorly the first few times but improve as time goes on than to just give up and never give yourself the chance to enhance your skills. With all the knowledge that you will have about anime, it’s worth practicing to become better and to enhance your skills as an artist.

3. Follow guidelines

Many artists scoff at the idea of using guidelines, saying that art is something that expresses how the artist feels and it shouldn’t have any rules. But guidelines can really help you out if you’re just starting.

Anime can be difficult to understand at first, yet following the guidelines for how to draw good anime and different tutorials could help you out as a beginner. Once you have this down to a science, then you will be able to branch out and away from the guidelines.

Conclusion

Drawing anime isn’t rocket science, but it’s not easy to do, either. The most important thing to do is to make sure you practice and give it your best effort. It’s worth taking some art classes so that you can understand the basics of art and implement those in your anime.

Then, you will want to use different anime drawings as references- whether you wish to choose one style or several- so that you can practice drawing and hone your skills as an anime artist.

The most important thing is to not give up. It might seem difficult to draw anime right now, but the more you practice, the easier it will be!

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

5 Reasons Why Manga Is Black And White

If you started out with anime and you are itching to read its original content which is the manga, you might be expecting the world of manga to be as colorful as the anime.

But then, once you open your newly bought or downloaded manga, you are let down to see the black and white images. You then check out other mangas and end up seeing the same monochromatic drawings. Why is manga black and white?

Manga is in black and white mostly because of time and cost constraints. They are published weekly and the mangakas cannot keep up with the schedule if they add color to them. The lack of color also costs less, but this does not mean that it is less in quality. Further, it is done due to tradition.

It is wrong to say that all mangas are black and white, in fact, you may still find some that are colored. However, the thing is, these colored mangas are extremely rare.

Not that they are special, but the mangaka might just have enough time to color his work. Do you want to know more about the reasons behind this drawing choice? Then, keep on reading!

Why Is Manga Black And White: The Reasons

More than being an artistic choice, mangas are black and white due to economic reasons. Does this mean that if there were more resources, mangas will be fully colored? Not necessarily. You can take a look at the following reasons below.

1. Price

This is the biggest reason as to why mangas are black and white. For those of you who do not know, mangas more often than not released in phone book sizes. When compared to regular books, these are your pocket-size books.

Further, they are released every week and their original target market is school kids even those who are still in elementary. Therefore, the price of mangas should be in a price range where they can afford it, without leaving a dent in their allowances.

In order to achieve this, but still, maintain the quality of the manga, publishers use recycled paper that is cheap. Moreover, they also just use one color of ink. In this way, they can publish 300 pages or even 600 pages of manga that can still be very affordable.

In fact, you can find a very thick manga for less than $5! Another thing to take note of is that mangas do not have a lot of advertisements in them.

Compared to comics or webtoons, they only have 5% of advertisements. This means that they are not heavily supported by advertisers that can help with the cost of producing the manga.

You may ask, “Then why not get more advertisers to get more money for production?” This is actually a good point. However, for mangakas and the publishers, mangas should not be like magazines where there is an advertisement on every page.

They would rather fill the pages with stories and incur more expenses, rather than selling out to advertisers.

It is such beautiful reasoning is it not? In order for us to get more content, they would rather go through cost-cutting strategies instead of bombarding us with useless material.

2. Work Distribution

It is hard to fathom the idea that mangas are just done by a single person. But yes! For most mangas, even the best-selling ones, they are solely created by the mangaka. In short, he or she has to draw and even ink at least 40-50 pages a month!

Even if a mangaka can afford to hire assistants, there is still too much work, as again, mangas are released every week and not every month. In the event that the mangaka has assistants, there is still a lot to do.

For example, one assistant can be tasked to do the filling of the black areas. Another one can draw the details of the background. Then, another assistant can lay down the tone. Even then, the manga is not yet done and that does not even include coloring!

As for the mangaka, he usually inks and draws the characters. For the rare times when there is color, he is the only one who will color those pages. Therefore, it is very easy to conclude that even with assistants, the distribution of work is still unequal as everything lies on the mangaka.

Comparing this to comics that are released every month or every other month. There is enough time to do everything. The creator does not need to check with others as they all have their own work like letter writers, inker, penciler, writer, graphic designer, colorist, etc.

Therefore, if the others finish ahead of time, there is more than enough time for the colorist to do his magic. On the other hand, for mangakas, they nitpick everything that their assistants do, even to the point that they will start a page all on their own.

3. Deadline

This is the driving force of keeping mangas black and white. Mangakas and publishers are motivated by their printing deadline. It will be shocking to note that they rarely extend or miss their deadlines. That is exactly how disciplined they are!

When comparing this to comics, artists have a lot of time to prepare and actually create the pages. For mangakas, everything is done daily as again, they publish weekly.

Even if they plan ahead, and start drawing future pages, the deadline will eventually catch up to them as their previous work a week ago has already been published.

In fact, it is fairly common in publishing houses to see mangakas (sans shower and dinner) running to their editors to submit their quota for the week which will be published 30 minutes later.

The video below shows you the process of creating a manga and how much work it is. We highly recommend watching it as it is soo interesting to see how dedicated and hard-working mangakas are.

4. Tradition

Mangas have been in existence since the 19th century. Therefore, it is a given that everything is in black and white. When it rose to popularity, of course, other mangakas followed suit and were able to publish mangas that are also in black and white.

If at first, it was only done due to the fact that there are no other coloring options, now, it is the staple of mangas. It is now a part of the medium, therefore it is a tradition that mangas remain black and white.

For lack of a better way of putting things, the black and white aesthetic makes manga stand out from webtoons and comics. It is the epitome of being a manga.

5. Perfected Art

There is something special about being able to convey stories and emotions with something as simple as using black and white materials. The same goes for watching classic movies that are black and white, they just have a certain charm to them.

The use of black and white is actually a mood in itself. With that, black and white manga paved the way for artists to perfect their techniques in black and white art. Even without colors, they know how to make the characters pop and the story to come to life.

Color In Mangas

We have mentioned earlier that there are mangas that have color in them. At times, you will see that there are pages at the beginning that have some color in them, but they will revert to black and white on the succeeding pages.

Does this mean anything? Sometimes, they have a special meaning, but more often than not, it happened due to time constraints.

At first, maybe the mangaka thought that he can complete an entire volume with color, but realized that he cannot meet the deadline if he continues to color the pages.

On the other hand, there are times when a certain page has color. These pages have significant meanings. Usually, this happens when there is a shift in the characterization of the protagonist or if there is such a huge loss in the story.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

10 Reasons Why Drawing Is A Fantastic Hobby!

Is drawing a good hobby? Let us say you made it as a hobby, what if you are not good with it? Will all your effort be for nothing? You might be surprised by the benefits of a drawing hobby as some of them can even tap into your soul!

Drawing is a good hobby. It does not only allow you to express yourself through art, but it can also affect your focus, determination, and even outlook in life. You do not need to be good at drawing to reap the benefits. The beauty of a drawing hobby is all you have to do is start.

Have you been feeling that you are stuck in a rut? Probably, you might just need to refocus and add a dash of creativity in your life. In this article, we are going to talk about why drawing is a good hobby as well as the benefits of this hobby. So keep on reading to find out!

Why Drawing Is A Good Hobby: The Reasons

You might be intimidated in getting into this hobby as drawing was somehow associated with people who are artistic and talented. Do not let those thoughts faze you! Drawing is definitely much more than that and it is also not simply putting images on paper.

In fact, drawing is in itself a way of thinking. You can express your emotions through drawing and you will realize that this hobby can bring meaning in the various moments of your life.

Now before we all gather around a circle and sing “Hakuna Matata,” take a look at the following reasons why drawing is a good hobby.

1. Visualization

Drawing can make you realize the different components that make up the world around you. As you go through the hobby of drawing, you will start to look at things individually and not just a whole.

Before, if you look at a tree, you only see its different parts. But later on, while you continue drawing, you will see that there are different ways as to how the trunk goes into the braches, the stems, the leaves, etc.

For others, this visualization can help in bringing out emotions that they cannot express. In turn, these emotions can be turned into something visual, via drawing.

2. Improve Concentration

In order for you to improve your drawing skills, you need to keep on drawing the same thing until you can draw it in the way that you want it to look like. Definitely, doing so requires focus and the ability to block distractions.

Not only should you focus on drawing, but you should also focus on what you are drawing. This amount of concentration trains your mind to easily focus on certain things.

Along with this, you can also develop a good attention to detail. You will know if something is off in your drawing and this value will also pass on to your everyday life.

3. Enhance Creativity

It is a given (and actually backed up by science) that drawing can enhance your creativity. However simple your drawing is, you were still able to express yourself in a creative way.

As you keep on developing this hobby, you will discover different ways to show your creative side. When applied to your reality, you are now able to solve issues in a simple and more effective way.

4. Body Coordination

If you are someone who has poor hand-eye coordination, then it is best to draw first before you consider improving your coordination through computer gaming. The more that you draw, the more likely that your brain, eyes, and hands will be in tune with each other.

If you keep on practicing, this coordination will just be automatic and it will be easier for you to draw what is on your mind.

5. Brain Development

Drawing can help your brain develop as doing so puts all the parts of your brain at work. The left side is usually for logical thinking and the likes, while the right side is for creativity. By drawing, you put both sides to action.

When your brain is regularly active, it can function better and more efficiently.

6. Analytical Skills

Once you start drawing, you will realize it is not just about randomly drawing lines on paper. You have to pay attention to details and continuously make decisions on where to curve, when to stop, when to draw a line, etc.

The thing is, these decisions are made subconsciously which can help in your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Further, while you are drawing, you are immediately aware of errors, so in the outside world, you are already trained to easily spot these errors just by making drawing as a hobby.

7. Relieve Stress

One of the ways to relieve stress is to let those emotions pour out. For some, it is hard for them to voice out and express their emotions by talking, physical actions, etc. But by drawing, you can easily let those emotions out without the fear of being judged.

As you draw, if you are feeling down, you may feel that you are starting to calm down. Definitely, it is one of the best ways to turn a negative emotion into a positive one.

8. Form Of Meditation

A lot of therapists actually make their patients draw. There is just something so unique and so personal about drawing that can put the mind at ease. Whatever the drawing is, it is a reflection of yourself and what you are currently feeling.

It can also help bring harmony to your scattered thoughts, which is why it is a good form of therapy. When you draw, you are deeply involved with yourself, which can help you sort out the things that are bothering you.

9. Pleasure

Finishing a drawing no matter how good or bad it is, gives you a sense of satisfaction. Immediately after you view your finished work, the emotions in the drawing will wash over you and remind you about the meaning behind it.

As you keep on practicing, you will also find pleasure in the fact that you are getting better at drawing.

10. Communication

If there are days when you find yourself having trouble speaking with other people or even with yourself, drawing can help with that. You do not need any words to express how you feel, you express it with the lines, colors, shading, etc.

Whatever it is that you simply cannot put into words can be done by drawing. The thing about communicating through images is that it is open to interpretation. Other people may see it differently, but only you know the true meaning behind your drawing.

Even though there are different interpretations, the language of the images in the drawing is a universal thing.

Do I Need To Be Good At Drawing To Get The Benefits?

No. As we have mentioned earlier, these benefits can be reaped by simply starting to draw. You do not have to be a master artist before you feel the effects of your drawing hobby.

Even if you drew a dog that looks like a cloud, your creativity, and logical thinking were still used. Therefore, the key to getting the full effect of these benefits is to keep on practicing.

Who knows? After a few days, your drawing of a dog may actually look like a dog. So draw on!

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

Are Drawing Tablets Hard to Use? Get Used To It Quickly!

Many artists consider drawing tablets to be an essential tool in their collections. You no longer need to worry about purchasing markers, paint, pens, papers, and any of the other tools that you may need. But are drawing tablets all that they’re hyped up to be?

Are they really that easy to use?

Drawing tablets, especially depending on the type, can be easy to use for many people. They provide you with many essential features that you will quickly adapt to. But some types of drawing tablets might be more difficult to use than others. It will require some practice at first to get used to.

In this article, we will take a look at the different types of drawing tablets, which ones are easier to use, and give you some advice on how to get used to drawing with tablets.

Using Tablets With a Screen

The first thing that you need to realize when you shop for drawing tablets is that they come in two different types: display tablets and non-display tablets, or drawing tablets with and without screens.

Tablets with a screen are generally considered to be the easier option. Although they are more expensive, they are much easier to use and to get used to.

Why these tablets are easier to use:

It properly mimics the sensation of drawing on paper.

This is, perhaps, the most important reason. With a screen, you will be able to monitor your progress without having to constantly look back and forth.

Despite the fact that you generally still need to use your computer or laptop in order to operate these tablets, they are easier to use because you will be drawing and viewing your work right on the tablet’s screen.

They are designed to feel like you are drawing on a piece of paper, so it will be much easier to adapt to drawing on a tablet.

They work great for beginners.

Display tablets are generally marketed towards people who are just starting off in the world of graphic art. They are much easier to use and operate and you won’t have to spend as much time figuring out how to use it and how to draw with it.

However, they are more expensive, which might not be the most suitable for a beginner’s budget.

They tend to come with many features.

This is one of those cases where “you get what you pay for” applies. Display tablets tend to come with many advanced features that will allow you to get used to the device easier and enhance your skills as an artist.

Many of them also offer extremely high levels of pressure sensitivity, which will allow you to learn how much pressure you need to apply in order to get the strokes you want.

Keep in mind…

It might be more difficult to use some general-use tablets, such as iPads. The reason for this is that they are not designed specifically for artistic purposes, so they might not be compatible with all the software that you need to use for your artwork.

This is another factor that might complicate your ability to use drawing tablets: make sure that the one you purchase will be compatible with any computer or other drawing software that you intend on using.

The video below shows you some great picks when it comes to drawing tablets with screens.

Using Tablets Without a Screen

For tablets without a screen, you need to hook it up to your computer or laptop in order for it to work, and you draw on the tablet using a stylus and monitor your work on the computer screen.

For obvious reasons, drawing tablets without screens are generally considered to be the kind that is more difficult to use.

Why are these tablets difficult to use?

They require unnatural coordination.

As you draw, you are typically watching both your hand and your drawing at the same time. This gives you the opportunity to watch the movements of your hand and see how your drawing is progressing.

But you will not have that opportunity when you use non-display tablets. There is an active area on the tablet that you draw on, and you will see your movements on the computer screen.

However, you will need to grow adapted to not watching your hand movements and only watching the computer screen, which could make using these tablets a difficult task.

They’re more suited for professionals.

Due to the fact that these tablets are generally considered to be more difficult to use, they are not exactly marketed for people who are just getting started in digital art. Typically, the people who use these kinds of tablets are professional artists, animators, graphic designers, and more.

However…

The major reason why many people consider purchasing non-display tablets is the fact that they are much less expensive than their counterparts with screens. You will be able to find plenty of great options for less than $100, which could be more budget-friendly.

If you do choose to purchase a drawing tablet without a screen, there will be a learning curve to get used to, but it might help you save money in the long run.

How to Get Used to Drawing With a Tablet

Regardless of the kind of tablet you choose to purchase, there will still be some learning curve. You are, after all, drawing on an electronic device and not a piece of paper. It might be a little more difficult to get used to drawing on a tablet in the beginning.

But here are some of our best tips for getting used to drawing with a drawing tablet to make the process much easier.

TIP ONE: Start by drawing anything you enjoy.

There’s a saying about how you should choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. The quote can be applied to this situation, too.

You should use your drawing tablet to draw things you enjoy as you get used to using it. That way, you will feel more motivated to pick up the drawing tablet and get used to the new technology.

You’ll enjoy the process of learning how to use a drawing tablet this way. If you’re not drawing something you like, it’s going to feel more like a chore.

TIP TWO: Take some time every day to practice using the tablet.

This is an important step. You really should take the time every day to practice using it. Allocating an hour or so every day can do wonders. This will allow you to get a feel for the tablet and practicing will allow you to learn new skills.

This practice can also allow you to track how you’ve improved over time, so you can see how much easier it has become to draw using the tablet.

TIP THREE: Make sure that the tablet has all the features you need.

While most drawing tablets are compatible with modern computers and software, you will still want to double-check to make sure that the tablet you have your eye on will work with the computer you have (especially if you have an older computer) and if it has the ability to work with software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, or other key tools.

TIP FOUR: Practice some drawing exercises.

No one likes drawing exercises, but if you want to make art into a career, you will be able to get used to the drawing tablet in a lot less time if you practice some exercises.

These exercises are designed to help improve coordination and build some of your fundamental knowledge. You will get a better feel for how you should draw on the tablet.

How long you should anticipate it taking before you get used to the drawing tablet?

This is highly individual, but it usually takes most people between 1 and 4 weeks to get used to the tablet. Of course, this depends on how serious you are about using the tablet and whether or not you take the time to practice every day.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that drawing tablets aren’t meant to be difficult to use, though it can be more difficult to get used to non-display tablets as opposed to ones that have a screen.

Tablets with screens are generally considered to be much easier to use and are recommended for beginners. It will take some time for you to get completely used to drawing on a tablet as opposed to a piece of paper, but with enough practice, this will be a breeze.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

30 Reasons Why Drawing Tablets Are Totally Worth It

Drawing tablets are a great way for you to enhance your skills as an artist and practice your technique in a totally new and innovative way.

They help you to control your pace and precision with the many different features they have to offer. The main group that drawing tablets are targeted towards are digital artists, but the fact remains that anyone may use these tablets in order to practice their technique.

If you’ve been considering purchasing a drawing tablet, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we will give you some important information you should know while shopping for a drawing tablet on this list of 30 different reasons why we think drawing tablets are totally worth buying.

For Beginners

1. Both beginners and professionals can use them.

You don’t have to be an artist with an exceptional track record and many awards in order to use a drawing tablet. Even if you’re just starting out, you will be able to find a lot of use for drawing tablets. They can help you to enhance your skills and move further into the world of art.

Whether you’re someone who is just starting out or you’re a well-known professional, drawing tablets are one of the best tools to have at your disposal.

They will help you to draw high-quality pieces using modern software. You will be surprised by how much your art will improve with a drawing tablet.

2. They are easy to use.

Another great feature of drawing tablets is that they are incredibly easy to use. There are some drawing tablets on the market that were specifically designed for beginners, but in general, these tablets are easy to use and to customize.

Most of them have several buttons on the side that have different features you can customize, which may include scrolling up and down, zooming in and out, and more.

If you choose to get a drawing tablet with a screen, you will also be able to control your work with your hands as you would with any other smart device or with the stylus the device comes with.

3. You will be able to explore a new world of possibilities as an artist!

This might as well be the best reason why you should purchase a drawing tablet. These small devices will allow you to explore an entire world of possibilities that a simple pencil and paper wouldn’t have provided you.

For example, you can learn all about graphic design, working with Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, and the sensitivity and pressure you need to use in order to get the design you want.

While many people do prefer the traditional route of pencil and paper, the fact remains that we live in a technological world and it’s important to have this knowledge at our disposal, too.

4. You can explore how much pressure you need to use in general.

All drawing tablets have varying levels of sensitivity, so you will be able to see for yourself how much pressure you need to use in order to get the strokes you need.

This will also help you throughout your career as an artist because you will need to practice drawing light strokes and heavier strokes.

With the use of a drawing tablet, you can learn how heavily you need to apply the stylus to the device in order to get the result you want.

Technological Advantages

5. You can connect it to your computer.

There are some drawing tablets that you will be able to use with your computer. While many of them now can be used portably, keep in mind that this still is an option, especially if you opted for a tablet that does not have a screen.

They should come with a USB cord that is compatible with your computer.

6. You will be able to customize the settings.

There are lots of preferences that you will be able to set with the drawing tablet in order to maximize your experience.

When you get started, you will be able to choose how you want the pen buttons to function, adjust the pen tip, whether you want there to be an audible clicking when the tablet is in use, right or left-handed use, and many more important features that will customize your experience with the tablet.

7. Most drawing tablets include multi-touch features.

Many drawing pads also come with multi-touch features, which will also help you to have an easier experience with the tablet. These features essentially allow you to use the tablet in the same way you would use a smart device- by touching the screen.

Some of these features might include using two fingers to scroll, zoom, and more. The specifics will depend on the individual tablet.

8. They are great for designers who need to use Photoshop or Illustrator.

If your job requires you to be knowledgable in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, getting a drawing tablet can greatly help you out here.

These drawing tablets are compatible with those software programs to provide you with a better experience as you work. So, you will become better at operating those systems, which will help you to perform better both in your art and in other work.

9. Drawing tablets can be used by those who aren’t technologically savvy.

Even if you do not consider yourself to be particularly knowledgable when it comes to technology, you still will be able to get a lot of use out of the drawing tablet.

As we said earlier, drawing tablets are easy to use, especially considering the button shortcuts and the basic programs they have. You don’t need to be a programmer to use one.

10. It is much easier to use for graphic drawing than a computer with a mouse.

This is a simple fact. Many people prefer the use of these innovative drawing tablets over the use of a computer.

While many people have indeed used computers for graphic art, the mouse simply does not offer the same precision that a stylus does and it can be much more difficult to navigate and draw properly. But drawing tablets will not give you any of these issues.

11. These tablets will most likely be compatible with any software you use.

When you go to buy a drawing tablet, it is important to read all the information about the tablet you want first before you purchase it to make sure that it suits all of your needs, which will include whether or not it is compatible with the software you intend on using and, if it’s a tablet that needs to be used in conjunction with a computer, whether or not it is compatible with the computer you own.

In most cases, tablets are compatible with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, CorelDraw, and other important software services.

Personal Benefits

12. Drawing tablets can help to stave off carpal tunnel syndrome.

This might come to a surprise for some, but many people have found that their drawing tablets help to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries.

This is especially true if your tablet has a touch screen; you will be able to use your hand instead of a mouse to control the device, which is ultimately better for your wrist health.

The use of the stylus will put significantly less stress on your hands and wrists than if you were to attempt to draw using a mouse, so drawing tablets could be seen as a great way for you to avoid getting these syndromes or to relieve some of the symptoms if you already have them.

13. They are better for the environment.

In our quest to save the environment from climate change, many of us have become more aware of the products we are using and the ways in which we can help decrease our negative impact on the Earth and its atmosphere.

Indeed, using all kinds of paper and other materials causes a lot of waste and is not that great for our environment unless we recycle, but even then, some people have debated whether or not it’s a good idea to produce all that paper in the first place.

Drawing tablets completely eliminate the need for paper, so you won’t have to worry about having a negative environmental impact.

Practicality and Convenience

14. You can find drawing tablets in a wide range of prices.

One of the biggest downsides to drawing tablets is how expensive they are. Many people feel intimidated and scared when they see the cost of some of the best drawing tablets on the market.

It is indeed true that you may have to pay more than you’d expect in order to have a good drawing tablet, but that doesn’t mean that you should stay away from them. In fact, this also does not mean that every drawing tablet on the market is going to be that expensive.

There are many factors that go into the cost of these devices, including the size, the resolution, the different features it has to offer, whether it has a screen or not, and more.

Depending on the kind of drawing tablet you purchase, you can easily find versions that are less expensive. For example, you may see that the best drawing tablets cost around $400, but there are other highly-rated ones for less than $100, some even being as inexpensive as $26.

It all depends on the features you choose and what functions you need the device to have. But know that not all drawing tablets are expensive and you can easily find one that’s within your budget range.

15. They come in multiple sizes.

You don’t just have to settle for one size in a drawing tablet if you don’t want to. There are several different sizes that you can choose from, which will depend on the brand.

But most brands will offer a range in sizes from small to large, so you can choose the tablet you want according to what you need it for.

Larger tablets will naturally be more expensive, but some people find that they are much easier to work with due to the larger amount of screen space.

Smaller tablets can also be useful because you not only will not have to spend as much money, but you also get enough room to draw anything you’d like. The choice entirely depends on you.

16. They last for a long time.

Many people were pleased and surprised by how long their drawing tablets lasted. Indeed, these products are made to withstand a lot and they are made out of durable materials.

You will most likely have a warranty on your drawing tablet, too, if anything happens to it near the time of purchase.

But some people might not have expected for these devices to sometimes even last longer than their much more expensive smartphones and computers, so this is a pleasant surprise.

If you look after your drawing tablet well and are careful not to drop it or toss it around, you easily could be keeping yours for around 10 years or so.

These devices are built to last, just like many other modern pieces of technology. Don’t be afraid to use a little bit of pressure when you draw. The important part is on you, and that’s to make sure that you maintain your device as well as possible.

17. Drawing tablets will offer you more control over your work.

While you might not think that you will have as much control over what you’re drawing on a tablet, the reality is that the opposite is true.

First, many tablets have buttons on them that provide shortcuts for you to choose what to do with your drawing, such as zoom in and out or moving to a different page.

Another thing, which we will get into later, is that you won’t feel as though you’re drawing on a tablet or piece of technology whatsoever; it will seem similar to drawing on a piece of paper or a canvas, but you will be able to get a lot closer on the tablet.

This gives you better control and thus, a better result. The added bonus of a stylus will help you to control your work even further without any difficulties.

18. These tablets are desk space efficient.

If you have a smaller desk space, you no longer need to worry about that causing issues for you.

If you were to be using paint, canvases, papers, and more, a small desktop might not allow you to have enough room to store everything, and you might not have the necessary funds to purchase a bigger desk or a new space in order to store all your art supplies.

Thanks to the small size of your drawing tablet, you will easily be able to put it on your small desk and not worry about it taking up too much room.

19. The stylus does not run out of batteries.

Here’s another key feature that will also help to ensure that you won’t need to spend more money than necessary.

The styluses of most drawing tablets do not operate using batteries, so you don’t have to worry about what happens when the battery dies and you have to find the appropriate battery.

This might leave you wondering, then, how the pen works. The Wacom brand stylus pen, for example, has a digital chip inside that controls the tablet.

The drawing tablet has a sensor board which also has a magnetic field, and the stylus ends up producing its own magnetic field when it touches the screen. This is why you don’t need to use any batteries when operating the stylus. How innovative!

20. You won’t have to worry about spending so much money on ink and other supplies.

Part of being an artist- or having any career, for that matter- includes the need to purchase a lot of materials for you to become better at your skill. So, it’s inevitable that you will need to spend some money in order to enhance your artistic abilities.

But the amount of money that you will need to spend will be drastically cut in half if you begin to rely on your drawing tablet for most of your work.

You won’t have to constantly buy pencils, paper, canvases, markers, paints, and any of the other necessary materials that you will have to work with.

When you’re using the tablet, you can automatically start a new drawing even if you were working on another one without having to worry about buying new supplies. This also further enhances our other argument about how drawing tablets are good for the environment.

21. You can easily take your drawing tablet with you wherever you go.

Drawing tablets tend to be rather small and will easily fit in your purse or bag. This means that you don’t always have to leave it at home- you can take it with you if you’re going on a long trip or if you’re taking the subway and have some time to kill.

In addition, due to the small size of these tablets, you’re not going to have a heavy weight on your shoulders from carrying it with you. You can efficiently take your drawing tablet with you wherever you want to go.

Artistic Benefits

22. The quality and design of your art will be stunning.

Just like many other people who have used drawing tablets, you will be surprised by the quality of your drawings when you start to use the drawing tablet.

This will especially be true if you get one that has a higher resolution, but even if you didn’t, most drawing tablets will provide you with a unique and interesting way to view your drawings.

23. You don’t have to put in a lot of effort for precision.

Since most drawing tablets are sensitive and have a good pressure response, it will be possible for you to draw precisely without having to put in too much effort.

This is due to the fact that you can touch the screen lightly and draw precise lines; the technology in the stylus will allow you to do this effortlessly.

This might be one of the best features of drawing tablets, since they let you draw beautiful pieces without having to put in more effort than necessary. A light touch is all you will need to draw precise lines and other features that you might have difficulty with on paper.

24. They allow you to increase your efficiency and productivity.

If you’re a graphic artist, you will be surprised by how much drawing tablets will increase your productivity as you draw. This is because you will build muscle memory in terms of how hard you need to press on the screen in order to draw your desired strokes.

So, it will help you to draw a lot easier and faster. As you use the tablet more and more, you will learn how it works a lot better, which will allow you to become better in your work moving forward. This means that you can produce a lot more drawings in less time.

25. They provide a lot of accuracy due to the sensitivity features.

As we said before, drawing tablets have varying levels of sensitivity. This means that, depending on how much pressure you apply to the device, you will be able to have varying sizes in your strokes.

This furthers the point we made earlier about having precise strokes with little effort. This means that you will be able to draw a wide variety of different things, including anything that will require a lot of fine detail, and you won’t have any issues while doing so.

This is especially true if you choose a device that has a higher level of sensitivity.

26. Many drawing tablets have high resolutions.

One of the many features that you will need to consider when you purchase a drawing tablet is its resolution. Drawing tablets tend to vary in their levels of resolution, but it’s a given that ones with higher resolutions will produce better-quality art.

This will allow you to see your work a lot more clearly and give you an image that you couldn’t have imagined being produced elsewhere. If you choose a tablet with a high resolution, you will be surprised by how good the quality of your work will turn out.

27. Despite what some may think, it feels completely natural to use.

Regardless of what technology is available on the market, there are still many people who prefer the traditional route of pencil and paper or paintbrush and canvas. And that’s perfectly fine. But you also will have that natural feel when you use a drawing tablet and a stylus.

This is due to the fact that the stylus is shaped very much like a regular pen, which means that the way you draw won’t be much different than the way you will draw on paper.

You will be using the same hand motions, you will be holding the stylus in the same way you hold the pen, and it will seem just the same. This will make using a drawing tablet feel a lot more natural.

28. Your work will look a lot more natural.

If you are a digital artist, you may have noticed that drawing with a regular mouse might not give your art the most natural appearance. This is due to the harsher and less rounded strokes that are produced by the mouse.

But if you use a drawing tablet, this problem is eliminated due to the natural look that is provided by the stylus or your finger.

You have the opportunity to create smaller shapes and much smoother curves this way, which furthers our point earlier about how you will have more control when drawing with a drawing tablet.

29. Some can be used for many different purposes.

Drawing tablets can be used for many different purposes, some of which include graphic design, Photoshop, CorelDraw, and more. You don’t have to limit yourself to just one activity with your drawing tablet, which always gives you a lot more room to grow and expand in your abilities.

In addition to that, one of the most interesting things that you will be able to do with your drawing tablet is editing your photos if you’re a photographer.

30. You can add a lot more detail to your drawings.

Thanks to the aforementioned precision and sensitivity that drawing tablets provide artists, you will have no trouble adding as much color, fine detail, lines, and more to your art on the tablet.

Generally, the point on the stylus is so thin that you will have the ability to draw as finely as necessary. So, no matter how detailed your drawing needs to be, you will be able to add that detail using the drawing tablet.

It seems to be a misconception with drawing tablets that you won’t be able to do this, but especially thanks to the zoom-in feature as well, this will not be an issue for you.

Conclusion

It is up to you to decide whether or not you want a drawing tablet, but we believe that they’re totally worth it. You could easily use a drawing tablet to help you enhance your skills.

Don’t let some of the common arguments against drawing tablets, such as the expensive price of some of them, set you back.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

7 Reasons Why Anime Characters Have Such Big Eyes

You might not have noticed that anime characters have big eyes when you always watch animes. But when you pause and look at the facial structure of each anime character, you will see that most of them have eyes that take up almost 60% of their faces.

What does this mean? Is it just an artistic choice? If that is the case, then why do a lot of anime characters have big eyes? Is it the norm?

Anime characters have big eyes because it makes it easier to convey their emotions. Their big eyes can also easily display what type of character they are. Unlike western cartoons, anime strive towards bringing emotion even if the characters do not look perfect, proportional, and realistic.

As you can see, the fact that anime characters have big eyes has a specific reason that ties in with the general theme of the anime. Does this also mean that the Japanese prefer to have bigger eyes? To know the answer to this question, keep on reading!

Why Do Anime Characters Have Big Eyes

The simplest answer to this question is that having big eyes can easily convey emotion. However, there are also different reasons as to why this is the case on most, if not all animes.

This style can also be a product of history as well as trade and business. You might also be surprised that this is done for efficiency. Take a look at the following reasons.

1. Convey Emotion

This is the reason that takes the primary position. The person who is considered as the “father of manga” is Osamu Tezuka and he is the creator of Astroboy. His style is to make characters have bigger eyes.

As his style is so influential, it was later taken on by manga and anime artists. According to him, this style was also influenced by western cartoon characters like Mickey Mouse, Betty Boop, and Donald Duck.

He realized that the eyes were done in such a way to exaggerate facial expressions. At first, not a lot of artists mimicked this style, but they soon realized that emphasizing the facial expression as well as the face is extremely beneficial to the art of sequential storytelling.

This makes a lot of sense because as the saying goes, “the eyes are the window to the soul.” If you emphasize the eyes, you can easily tell what is really happening with the character—even without the appropriate dialogue.

2. International Audience

On the opposite side of the spectrum, it is believed by a cultural anthropologist that this style was done to appeal to a wider international audience. According to this anthropologist, artists chose to make their characters’ eyes bigger so that they will look less Asian.

Needless to say, there was a lot of backlash to this thought as first, this observation is definitely racist. Second, the Japanese are not even concerned about spreading anime to an international audience.

In fact, even the earliest days of anime have a lot of characters that have such big eyes. This is the time when Western fans did not even know a thing about anime. If this is truly the case, then probably, it was just an afterthought on the part of the artist.

Further, Japanese anime and manga artists are not known to cater to other audiences more than their own Japanese audience. It may sound harsh, but they will surely not change their style just to tap into a wider audience.

3. Business And Trade

This anime character style may also be attributed to the fact that it was influenced by business and trade. During the Meiji era or the Victorian era, there was an open trade between Western countries and Asian countries.

In this time, the trade of porcelain dolls to Japan was very high. A lot of the Japanese gravitated towards those cute porcelain dolls that have round and big eyes.

These dolls that have a western-style was so popular to a lot of Japanese women and girls and may have influenced shojo mangas and girl mangas.

The influence in anime, on the other hand, was a bit tame, wherein they still have the big eyes but the overall design of the character is purely Japanese.

4. Looks Cuter

This may sound superficial but bear with us for a bit. We promise you, the reason is not that shallow.

It is a given that artists tend to lay on the cutesy side of things when creating their anime characters. However, this is not only because of their perceived appearance, but it is also done to serve as a “mediation form” when it comes to dark and heavier anime sequences.

Anime has a lot of types, but in general, it was made to entertain and at times move the audience. Therefore, there may be times when there are dark scenes that can be too much, and this is tamed by having a cute-looking character with such gorgeous and big eyes.

The tone of the scene can also be controlled using this style. For younger characters, they have bigger eyes than adults.

Further, if there are intense scenes, you will notice that their eyes become smaller, only to be uplifted by another lighter scene that features an anime character with big eyes.

5. Easier Transition To Chibis

This is the part where efficiency takes the center stage. A lot of animes nowadays transition a scene into characters that are chibis.

When you already have a character that has huge eyes, these eyes can easily be translated into their chibi counterparts which will be easier for the audience to comprehend.

You will notice that while watching an anime with a cut scene with chibis, you really do not look at the small body of the chibis. Instead, you focus on their eyes and their eyes serve as their distinction over other characters in chibi form.

In a way, having big eyes distinguishes them from another character. In this case, it is not a form of style, but a form of identification.

6. Do The Japanese Prefer Bigger Eyes?

We mentioned previously that there was a time when the Japanese adored dolls that have big eyes. This influence was later on exhibited in anime and manga. Does this mean that the Japanese prefer bigger eyes?

That is definitely not the case. Yes, you might ask a Japanese girl this question and she might answer how she wishes that she had bigger eyes. However, the reason is not about aesthetics. It is actually about adding character and emotion to one’s face.

As the Japanese consistently consume manga and anime, they are used to seeing emotions displayed simply through the eyes. This explanation is backed up by some artists like Hayao Miyazaki, the creator of My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, among others.

His characters have a more realistic face. Their emotions are conveyed with other actions, cinematography, and the sudden burst of music.

But then again. when the need arises, he cuts into a close up of a character’s normal-looking eyes and zooming in on them to make them look bigger than they actually are.

7. What Do Big Eyes Entail In Anime?

You now know that an anime character’s big eyes are not just there for show. So what are the instances when these eyes are put into work? Take a look at the following.

Age

Younger anime characters have such huge eyes that there may not even be a space for their noses. Their eyes are also so detailed to make them look soft and loving. By just looking at their eyes, one can immediately say, “Awwww.”

On the other hand, adult anime characters still have big eyes, but their shading is a bit darker. Also, unlike younger characters, when they change emotion, there will be times when their eyes will become small.

For the younger ones, even though they laugh, cry, get mad, more often than not, their eyes remain huge.

Type Of Character

You will notice that the eyes of the main characters are usually in a color that is easy to the eye. They can be black, brown, blue, and even pink. On the other hand, villains have peculiar eye colors. Some use green to convey seriousness and black for an evil character.

Characters that have a light personality have such huge eyes paired with sparkles. For characters who have low self-esteem, they still have big eyes but they do not have much detail to them.

Change Of Scene

This is the best way to convey emotion with the use of big eyes. You will notice that when the scene is happy, their eyes are bright, sparkling, and has a lot of detail.

When the scene switches to one with a darker theme, you can easily see how the character and the scene changes as their eyes are now a darker shade of their original color. Usually, the artist makes the big eyes look empty when there is death in a certain scene.

Completed Character Arc

When you have been watching an anime with over 100 episodes, you might not notice it at first, but the characters change eyes as they go through their adventures. You can see this in animes like One Piece, Hunter x Hunter, Bleach, etc.

When a character goes through such an emotional stage where they lost someone or gained strength, they have a certain glint to their eyes that shows that they are burning through their character arc.

The artist will then stick with this eye style, up until the next arc in the story. Sometimes, the artist will defer to the old eye when there is a situation in the story that shows the character’s weakness. This is done to remind the viewer how far the anime character has changed.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

Is Manga Better Than Anime? A Closer Look At That

Is manga better than anime? Now, before you roll your sleeves up and get ready for a debate, calm down and let this article sift through your emotions.

We know that this topic can be so controversial especially for avid manga and anime fans. But what is really the deal between one being better than the other? Do they matter?

Manga is not better than anime, in the same way, that anime is not better than the manga. It really depends on what you want to get out of the experience. If you are after depth and fruition of characters, the manga is the way to go. If you want excitement and emotions, anime is your best bet. 

You might be disappointed that we did not take any side in this age-long debate. However, in this article, we are going to show you why both media are great to enjoy the many interesting stories of the unique characters.

More than that, you can also figure out if reading manga or watching anime will be better for you!

Are you ready to stick with a certain side of the debate? If yes, then keep on reading!

Is Manga Better Than Anime?

A lot of people think that manga is better than anime. They think this way as the saying goes, “Nothing beats the original.” As all of you know, most animes, if not all, are adaptations from the manga.

One can think of it as a movie that was inspired by a book. A good example of this is Harry Potter. The franchise already had a lot of fans even before the movies were created, which was brought up by the fact that a lot of fans fell in love with the books.

Therefore, those who were able to read the books were disappointed in the movie franchise as they know that a lot of key elements were missing from the movie in order to appreciate the story. The same goes for manga and anime.

Due to the little time allotted for a time slot for the anime, it is impossible to cramp an entire manga volume in one episode. Cuts should be made which can change the story and even the character arcs.

In this regard, one can definitely see why manga can be better over anime. But is it really? Keep on reading to see the advantages and disadvantages of reading manga and watching anime.

Aspects Where Manga Is Better Than Anime

Are you team manga? Then, this is your time to shine! Take a look at the different reasons why manga can be better than anime.

Feeling Of Nostalgia

Mangas came into fruition in the 1940s, after World War II. One might think that owning and reading one can be an act of participating in a piece of history.

For hardcore manga fans, there is no better feeling than having a complete collection of a manga series. You can always revisit them and at the same time, keep them in mint condition.

More than that, certain mangas have become a popular collector’s item. Compared to anime, in which anyone who has subscriptions or online access can consume content, the manga is limited. Therefore, owning manga is more valuable.

Original Work

In mangas, you can completely see the motive of the mangaka. Everything that was put there was from the original mind of the creator. Unlike animes, the mangaka should yield to the director, animators, editors, audience, etc.

In the manga, the story is what it should be. No matter how long or short the manga is, everything is there for a purpose.

In terms of illustration, it is in the manga where you can see what the characters should really look like. When compared to animes, these characters sometimes change in appearance to have a more emotional appeal.

A good example of this is Fairy Tail. When you read the manga, you will see that the characters are so distinct in appearance. On the other hand, if you watch the anime, the characters are almost similar in appearance that you might think that they all belong in one girl or boy pop band.

Depth

Nothing can make you understand a story arc and a character arc than a manga does. Each storyline and character development is detailed in the manga.

There are times when you watch anime and you will notice that there are questions that are unanswered or actions by the characters that are not within their arc. All of those plot and character holes can be answered in the manga.

In fact, there are volumes in a certain manga that is devoted solely to a certain character arc. In this way, the reader can understand the character more. Therefore, there is a solid base as to how he or she affects the entire story.

On the other hand, in animes, even though there are story flashbacks for a certain character, they are less-detailed and relatively short. This is the reason why in animes, you almost always get attached to certain characters.

However, for mangas, you will most certainly be immersed with each character arc.

Use Your Own Pace

When you have a manga, you have it forever (unless you lose it or give it away) You always have it ready for your consumption. You decide when to start and when to stop.

You can also go back to past volumes in order to verify the future happenings in the current volume that you are reading. As for anime, you are forced to digest everything in one go.

The answers from the previous episode may not be answered in the second one, therefore, you have to keep on watching.

A good example of this is the manga Hunter x Hunter. As of the moment, the anime has incomplete seasons and it is still unsure when the new seasons will be produced.

But for those who read the manga, they now know the developments in the story as the production of the manga is continuous.

Most importantly, in mangas, there are no fillers. The story just goes on and on. In animes, it is fairly common to have filler episodes, especially if the new episodes are not yet ready. Filler episodes are still great, but for a lot of people, they are just a waste of time.

Aspects Where Anime Is Better Than Manga

Now is the time for anime fans to make some noise! Wahoo! If you guys have been feeling left out due to the “originality offense” of manga fans, then here are some reasons as to why anime can be better than mangas.

Aesthetics … kind of!

There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the characters brought to life. You know how they look, how they sound, what their mannerisms are, etc. In anime, you get to see them live their life.

Therefore, it is more engaging to watch as you are not leaving any of the stories and characters to your imagination. You can simply just sit back and relax and let the story unfold, literally, in front of your eyes.

Each character looks so unique, and you can see their personalities shine through with how they were designed and how they interact with other unique characters. In fact, even without the story, you can still remain engaged by how amazing everything looks.

Even though most of them are not realistic, you can completely immerse and fall in love with fantasy worlds. This is only possible due to great aesthetics.

When compared to the manga, even though everything is beautifully drawn, you still have to picture everything in your mind in order to appreciate the content.

Better Action And Comedy Scenes

For a lot of mangas and animes, there are always action scenes. When you just consume manga, it can be a bit difficult to appreciate these scenes. All that you get are various, “Aaaaaahs,” “Ughhhs,” “Booooom!.”

But for the anime, you can see how the action scenes unfold. You are part of the struggle when a certain character is losing the fight. You can feel the strength of the villain when he thinks that he will actually win.

In short, you become one with the character, especially in action scenes. This is the greatest strength of animes as action scenes were meant to be watched and not read.

Coming from the keyword “action” it is hard to understand the meaning behind these scenes, especially if you are just reading them.

Some may disagree especially when animes tend to over exaggerate action scenes to the point where they already deviate from the original manga content. However, just as long as these artistic choices do not meddle with the story, it actually adds more character to the scenes.

With anime, you can see the wounds, bruises, sweat, tears, blood, etc. that everything is more realistic and the action scenes are no longer there just for entertainment.

The same goes for comedic scenes. Simply reading funny lines may not be enough, but when you watch animes, the punch lines always land because they are perfectly timed.

Matched with funny movements and other comedic responses, you might just be surprised that you are laughing loudly as the story unfolds.

Complete Experience

When it comes to watching animes, you always get the full experience. You see the characters, you understand the story, you hear them, you know what their environment looks like, and most especially, you get moved by the musical score. Definitely, it is the complete package.

Almost all of your five basic senses are triggered which is why it is easier for you to fall in love with the story and characters.

Yes, reading manga can also have this effect in you, but this effect is gradual only after you burned through a number of volumes and your imagination is already active.

An example of this is the anime, Violet Evergarden. Okay, it did not necessarily come from a manga as it was adapted from a light novel, but the logic is still the same.

The novel was great in itself, but the story was beautifully told with anime. The characters came to life, the music was excellent, and of course, it has an exceptional story.

In return, everyone was moved by the anime. Compared to simply reading the light novel, people may get other interpretations, but with the anime, the messages are synonymous.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

Why Anime Characters Have Crazy Hair – The Truth!

If you recently got into anime, you might be weirded out or even put off by the fact that most of the characters have such crazy hair. Is this intentional? Do anime artists do this to make the characters look more interesting?

Are there hidden meanings behind their hair color and hairstyles?

The crazy hair of anime characters is part of their character arc. The hair color and hairstyle have meanings. There are generalizations but, for most animes, they still stick with the general context. The hair color or style shows the personalities and motives of the characters.

So if you thought that those crazy hair are there just for the shock value, you are mistaken. If you want to know the meaning behind the hair colors and hairstyles of anime characters, then this is the read for you! Keep on reading for more hair surprises!

Anime And Symbolism (It Is Not Just Hair!)

However silly or serious the anime that you are currently watching, you should not simply take it as it is. Anime is expressed with such a strong visual language. Therefore, there are always two or more elements in a given scene that evokes deeper meaning.

An example can be a dark and heavy night, foreboding an upcoming fight. Another example is a cold drink where the ice is seen melting, which can signify a huge time skip.

The easiest way to establish a character, as well as his or her character arc in an anime, is to define their hair color and hairstyle. Therefore, the crazy hair that you see is not a depiction of how these characters will look in real life as well as their racial stereotypes.

In fact, these hairstyles and colors are hints on what the character will portray by the end of each episode.

Unlike other western cartoons where characters tend to stick with just one hairstyle and manipulate it based on their emotion, anime characters stick to their hair color, but their hairstyle will change once there is a huge shift in their arc.

A good example of this is Elsa, in the movie Frozen. At first, she is seen with a side braid, but when she becomes a Queen, her hairstyle is that of a neat bun. Even though there is a change in hairstyle, the way her hair frames her face is still the same.

On the other hand, for animes, they will stick to their hairstyles for a long time. It is only when there is such a great shift, that their hairstyle will change.

For example, Son Goku, from the Dragon Ball series, his hair will change color and will become fuller every time he unlocks his inner super Saiyan.

Meaning Of Anime Hairstyles

There are a lot of crazy anime hairstyles that surely, we cannot cover all of them as well as their meanings. Here are some of the commonly used hairstyles and their hidden meanings.

Pony Tail

A single ponytail indicates normality in life. When used in a female character, she is usually strong-willed and efficient. As for males, a long and clean ponytail means that he is very powerful and decisive.

Long Braid/Side Plait

This hairstyle is usually used on characters that are mature and occupy a parental role. Usually, this hairstyle is used on the mother or father of the protagonist.

Twintails

This can signify characters who are less mature, playful, and childish. When used on a mature character, this can also connote that once approached with a tough life decision, he or she does not know exactly what to do.

Shonen Hair

This is a very popular hairstyle used on a lot of male characters. This is where the hair is styled in such a crazy way where spikes and curls can be found on one head. This style was made to look fun, aggressive, and adventurous, which is perfect for animes that fall under the action genre.

Hime Cut

This hairstyle is usually seen in characters that are of prominence in the anime. It was meant to look dignified, traditional, and mirrors the ideals of the Japanese. Characters with this hair are docile, demure, traditional, and wealthy.

Ojou Ringlets

Characters with these ringlets also signify royalty and a high social class. However, this hairstyle can also be used on characters that may not be of high social class, but think that they rightly belong there or they have a sense of false pride.

Ahoge Hair

Plainly put, this means idiot’s hair. This hairstyle is used on characters that can be oddballs, naive, and even stupid. They can be very awkward in social situations. The video below shows a bunch of characters with ahoge hair.

Odango Hair

This is one of the few hairstyles that depicts racial stereotypes, especially for Chinese characters. Characterized by buns which can be held clean or have long extensions. There is really no meaning behind this except for character identification.

Ultra Long Hair

Extremely long hair is usually used on very feminine characters and it also signifies beauty. For male characters, it means prominence, grace, and extreme power.

Hair Antennae

These random hairs that stick out signify innocence and charm. Unlike the ahoge hair, characters with this hairstyle are more intelligible and enthusiastic.

Short Hair

For female characters who have short hair, they are usually tomboys. More than that, they are good at problem-solving that is based on action. They can be fighters, engineers, mechanics, etc. As for male characters, this only means that they are a normal character.

Short Afro

This is one of the hairstyles that are based on reality. Characters with this hairstyle are usually part of a mob or a gang. This is due to the fact that the Yakuza during the 1980s have this type of hairstyle.

Meaning Of Anime Hair Colors

Let us now move on to colors! Just like the hairstyles, there are also a lot of hair colors but the following are the ones that are commonly used. On the other hand, these colors still manage to stay true to their general meaning.

Unlike with the hairstyles, where it can be just due to the choice of the artist.

Yellow/Blonde

This is usually reserved for characters that are extremely special. If there is a special someone in the protagonist’s life, more often not that character will have this hair color. On the other hand, this color can be used on non-Japanese characters.

Blue

This color is for characters who are intellectuals. They can also be soft-spoken and introverted. However, they can possess such great power that they themselves are not aware of. For females, they can be a sign of being feminine, traditional, and refined.

Red

With such a bright hue, it also follows that this color signifies a leader. This character is headstrong, and more often than not, very loud. They can also be inconsiderate due to their immense passion. They are known for acting rash, but they know that they are backed up by real power.

Green

Having this color can be connected to a “genki girl” which is a type of character that delivers comedy. The character is active, upbeat, energetic, and can be sports-minded. Compared to a character with red hair, this character is more refined and intelligent.

Purple

This color is usually paired with the Hime cut hairstyle. The color signifies, being cultured, dainty, and mysterious. These characters can also seem detached.

Pink

Before, you will rarely see pink hair on mature characters as they signify fun, innocence, and being child-like. Nowadays, there are a lot of female characters with pink hair.

Usually, the female leads get this color and it means that they may not be so bright, they can also be naive, but they are idealistic, and will eventually become strong.

Brown

This hair color is perfect for the “day to day life character.” It signifies warmth and being friendly. You can almost always see this on characters that have longtime childhood friends or even a love interest.

Usually, characters with this hair color have a lot to do with the main plot of the anime.

Black

This is the most common anime character color and it simply means “the everybody person.” This character can be extremely strong, weak, or plain. However, when paired with a strong hairstyle, like long and straight hair, it means that he or she is noble, mysterious, or even a villain.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

How Tracing Can Greatly Improve Your Drawing Skills

When you’ve just started out drawing, or even have been drawing for some time, you may wonder if tracing isn’t a faster way of improving your drawing skills. You may even have heard fierce arguments for and against tracing.

The answer to the question of whether tracing can improve your drawing skills is a difficult one and will depend on what kind of tracing you mean. For example, do you mean that you are doing tracing as an exercise or whether you are tracing someone else’s art or somewhere in-between? Therefore, the answer is both “yes” and “no”.

Below we will look at the times when tracing can improve your drawing and times when it doesn’t as well as some tracing exercises you can try for yourself. We will also look at tracing and copyright.

When Tracing Can And Can’t Improve Your Drawing Skills

Tracing can be a great tool in your art arsenal as long as it’s used to learn how to draw and use your tools and not to take the place of drawing.

Tracing can help you “feel” the lines of the drawing that you’re making, giving you a chance to learn, for example, specific shapes, angles of a face, etc., but can’t take the place of practice.

When tracing doesn’t improve your drawing skills is when you use it not as an additional way of learning, but the way in which you make your art, full stop.

For example, there is a difference between tracing things every now and then and the rest of the time doing freehand drawing (or using the tracing and freehand exercise that we explain below) and always tracing your artwork.

Tracing artwork is most of the time not meant to be malicious, but to “make up for” the lack of practice (note we didn’t say “skill” or “talent”!) that you have.

It’s all too easy to see the great artwork of others on, say, Instagram, and wonder why your cat looks more like an elephant and then rather turn to trace your artwork in order to appear a “better” artist.

Unfortunately, the truth is that if you only trace all your sketches and artwork, that you will either learn very little or nothing at all when it comes to drawing on your own.

However, it is also important to remember that tracing other’s work and working solely from that will, instead of letting you spread your wings and getting the hang of your own art style, rather cage you in into slavishly following someone else’s style.

Tracing with a light table.

Working From References And Tracing Isn’t The Same Thing

But wait, you might say — what about all the artists who work from photos or figure studies to make their art? Isn’t that tracing?

The thing to remember here is that, if you’re using something as a reference, you’re going to copy a part of the image — say a hand, a gesture, an expression — for your final work, but you’re not actually going to sit and trace it.

In fact, in this case, the photo will take the place of having a model sit for hours on end for you in the correct pose and working from that. (Also not really the scale you are going for when just making the odd sketch for your enjoyment!)

The finished sketch will also be redrawn to the scale and layout of the finished artwork. A photo of a few inches tall may become a poster and vice versa.

To trace your own artwork onto canvas, onto a wall for a mural, or for whatever medium you need it, for example, may be tracing, but in this case, it’s not tracing to learn but to copy original artwork into the correct dimensions that the end product will be.

However, there are ways in which tracing can help, and that is through tracing exercises. We’ll look at three of these exercises next.

Types Of Tracing Exercises To Help Improve Your Drawing Skills

There are various tracing exercises that you can use to help improve your drawing skills. Two of the main ones that we’ll cover in this article are:

Tracing exercises to learn how to use both traditional and digital art tools

Using tracing and copying to learn how shadow and light work

Using tracing and freehand alternatively

How To Approach Tracing Exercises To Get The Most Out Of Them

When you first set out to do tracing exercises, you need to have an idea of what you want to get out of them before you start doing them. For example, do you just want to try out your new tools? Or do you want to learn how to draw something specific?

The tracing exercise or exercises that you do will depend on what you want to achieve. By looking at the different kinds of exercises below, you can get a good feeling about which of them will help you with your next project.

Using Tracing To Learn How To Use Both Traditional And Digital Art Tools

Learning how to use new tools — whether a new brush, pencil, or stylus — can be quite tricky, and you’ll probably find that even using a new or another brand’s pencils can pose some difficulties when you first start using them.

To ensure that you know the ins and outs of your (new) tools, once you get to making the actual artwork that you want to create, you can do various exercises, including tracing exercises.

The tracing exercises will, in some ways, be the same whether you’re using traditional or digital art tools.

Exercises For A Digital Stylus And Pencils Or Pens

Picking up a stylus when you’re used to using a pencil (or vice versa) can make you feel as if you can’t draw at all. However, you should remind yourself that it’s only a matter of using different techniques to get the same look.

To start, you can try tracing easy shapes from a tracing sheet you can easily find online. Circles, triangles, squares, cubes, spirals, even a squiggle — the sky is the limit.

Tracing these will give you a better idea of how hard or soft to press to get the desired look, while also finding that “sweet spot” where you know exactly the kind of line you’re going to get before you make it.

Be sure to trace the lines with intention — do you want them light, dark, soft, or hard? Getting the pencil or stylus to give you exactly the result that you want is your first step to drawing better.

Next, you can fill the shapes with shading and hatching to also get a feel for these skills. You can also use some shading exercises if you want.

Learning How Shadows And Light Work Through Tracing and Copying

Learning the ins and outs of shadow and light and how they influence your chosen subject matter can also be taught in elementary fashion by using traced exercises.

In this case, you will not copy the parts in light or in shadow through tracing this from the exercise as well, but rather do this yourself from copying the light play in the example on the exercise page.

Even learning how shadow and light work together in figures, faces, and landscapes can be learned through this tracing method:

If you’re just starting out, find a photo with very definite areas of light and shadow or, if you feel up to the challenge, find a photo with less defined areas of light and shadow.

Trace the main outlines of this photo onto paper (actual paper or digital).

If you’re starting out, also trace the areas of light and dark onto the tracing that you’ve just made.

If you’re just practicing your shading, don’t add these areas when you’re making the tracing.

Next, start shading the sketch but pay special attention to the ways in which the light source influences the way in which the light and shadows interplay on the subject that you’re drawing.

Remember that shadows aren’t arbitrary; they depend on the way in which the light shines to form in specific areas.

You can try out this exercise in grayscale first and then move on to color or even different color palettes.

This exercise is also a great way to try out different color palettes on the same sketch without having to take too much time to sketch out the subject each time, leaving you more time to work on the final piece!

As you can see, in this instance, the tracing of the photo is not so much to learn how to draw the subject, but to learn the shading from a specific angle or type of light source.

Tracing the photo only aids in getting the “base layer” there so that you can concentrate on the shading instead of on getting the sketch 100% correct.

Using Tracing And Freehand Alternatively To Improve Your Drawing Skills

One of the best ways to use tracing as part of learning how to draw is by alternating tracing and using freehand to copy a specific image or sketch.

After choosing which image/photo or sketch you want to copy, make an initial freehand sketch of it (that is to say, draw it yourself, without tracing it)

Once you’re done, instead of just seeing (perhaps) that it’s wrong, focus on why you think it’s wrong or what the areas are that you can improve in.

Now it’s time to trace! Taking a separate sheet of paper (whether real or digital), trace the image or sketch that you want to copy. While tracing, make sure that you focus on those areas where you are struggling and, instead of simply tracing, make sure that you focus on every line that you’re making and how they relate to the whole of the image.

Once you’re done tracing the image, take a third sheet of paper and draw the same image freehand again. This time, pay attention to the parts that you previously struggled with. You should find that, this time around, the freehand sketch is a lot closer to the initial image/sketch than the first freehand sketch.

You can repeat the tracing and freehand sketch a second time if you like or just keep on refining your second sketch.

It’s important to remember that everyone starts with a sketch made up of a number of lines before one specific line is chosen to be part of the final sketch — yes, even seasoned artists! So, if you find that your first or even third sketch isn’t perfect, don’t lose hope. Practice will be the thing that will improve your drawing skills.

Tracing, however, is not only seen by many as being unethical in some of its uses, but it can also be seen as an infringement on copyright and could land you in hot water.

Next, we’ll look at tracing and copyright and what you can and can’t do when publishing your work when it — or elements of it — has been traced.

Tracing Images And Copyright

Tracing and copyright is a veritable minefield when it comes to whether or not copyright is being breached through certain artwork.

Copying one of the great masters to the “T” and trying to copyright, say, the Mona Lisa or Van Gogh’s sunflowers won’t, obviously, work. But, when we look at copying, tracing, and fair use, the waters become a bit muddier.

That’s why we decided to have a look at the legal ramifications of tracing artwork — or an already published image — and then publishing it (yes, even on your personal site on the internet).

When it comes to copyright and traced images, we found that the following applies to artwork, according to Kiffanie Stahle of The Artist’s J.D.

To find out whether you can or can’t use an image to create your image, you need to keep in mind that the source material:

May be protectable under the Copyright Act, and

May infringe on the copyright of the image that you are tracing.

This leads to the legal concepts of “misappropriation” and “fair use”.

Misappropriation

The two parts to misappropriation are, one, the source imagery, which you copied, are protectable elements of the work. (It’s important to note that copyright doesn’t protect things in the public domain, facts, and ideas.)

The second part of misappropriation is “looking at what the intended audience would see”. For example, would a person who looks at the artwork think that that source image (the image you traced) and your image are substantially the same?

This sameness is the work as a whole as well as “concept and feel”. You can see where the waters get very muddy when it comes to things like fanart!

Fair Use

It is, however, important to know that “fair use of a copyrighted work is not copyright infringement” and, when you trace sources, there are two factors that are very important in the question of whether it is copyright infringement or not.

These are:

The amount that the source image was transformed, and

The impact of your work on the market for the source image.

Fair use also considers whether you, in tracing and thereby copying the image, transformed it and added value to it when you made your artwork. Basically, the more an image is transformed, the greater the likelihood is that it has been used fairly.

In the end, what you need to remember is that you can’t trace and copy another person’s artwork and then, for example, sell it printed on T-shirts (which, unfortunately, does happen often).

When in doubt, always say what your source image is and who the artist is that took the photograph you traced, for example. After all, you want to enjoy your art and other’s art and isn’t out to make a quick buck on a copy!

Conclusion: Practice, Practice, Practice!

In the end, you will see that the thing that makes the most difference in improving your drawing skills isn’t tracing, but practicing your craft as much as you can.

Rather than being something you pick up in a day, drawing — whether with digital or mechanical means like pens and pencils — is something that you will take a long time to learn.

However, each time that you put pencil to paper and you draw (or draw, trace and redraw), you will find that you get better and better at understanding not only your tools but also what you are drawing.

Soon you will find that the lines that make up the whole, as well as shadow and light and even color come to make sense so that you start to work instinctively.

And isn’t that so much better than having to trace everything that you work on, making it truly your own piece of artwork?

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

Are Mangakas Rich? The Ugly Truth!

Do you dream of being a mangaka? Were you inspired to be one especially when you saw the income of the most famous mangakas? Surely, being a mangaka can be a dream for anyone who loves drawing and has a passion for telling stories. If you make it, you are set for life, right?

Most mangakas are not rich. In fact, when it comes to the income of mangakas, they fall under extremes. It is either they earn too low or they earn so much that they can belong in a “richest mangaka list.” The reality is it is hard to reach a point where a mangaka can actually make a decent living. 

On the other hand, it is not all that bad. The struggle to become a successful mangaka is definitely worth it. But at the same time, a mangaka should also face realities such as cost of living, salaries of assistants, time, effort, and the like.

So if you are curious about how much mangakas make, then keep on reading!

Mangakas Can Be Rich!

A quick online search will show you various lists about the richest mangakas. Therefore, it is a given that yes, it is possible to be super-rich if they have already made it in the manga world. So, how do mangakas become successful?

It is not enough for a mangaka to get published in different media. One should get published weekly and get a retainer contract. More than that, once his or her work is so popular, they should now move on to merchandise.

For a lot of people, they think that a mangaka is successful when his or her work is adapted into anime. But that is not really the case. In the event that their works get adapted into anime, the pay is still relatively lower than getting their mangas published.

Therefore, one can say that a mangaka can only be considered rich after successfully publishing and selling 500,000 copies of their work.

A very successful mangaka is Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece. By now, it is estimated that he has already made over $100 million and of course, this number will still grow as the story is not yet done.

With that said, will a mangaka become rich if he or she just keeps on making mangas? Surely, their work will get picked up as they go along, right? That is what we are going to talk about in the next part.

Mangakas Are Struggling

Will a newbie mangaka get rich after publishing many works? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Even if a certain mangaka has a popular work, it is not assured that he or she will become rich.

In fact, it is also extremely hard for a mangaka to get a proper debut. It not as simple as drawing something and submitting it to a publisher. Even new mangakas need assistants. In turn, the pay of the assistants come from the pocket of the mangaka.

It is extremely rare to have a publisher which can shoulder the pay of the mangaka’s assistants. This also applies to popular mangakas. So, their work got published, what then? Will the money keep on coming?

The answer is another no. It will depend on the sales of the manga. Even then, money from the mangaka is also spent on marketing and advertising. Therefore, if a lot of copies are sold, the money that comes in only breaks even the expenses of creating the manga.

As you can see, it is not that simple to earn money when you are a mangaka. They exert a lot of time and effort and the gains are not really assured.

Manga Store

Problems That Mangakas Face

Do you want to know the trials that you have to face if you want to be a mangaka? If you do, then you have to brace yourself as the following problems may shock you!

Definitely, once you go through the problems, you will have more respect for mangakas. Further, you may even be amazed by the popular mangakas who were able to overcome these problems.

The Work Takes Too Much Time

Drawing and creating stories pretty much take over the life of a mangaka. Going out with friends? Spending time with the family? Well, forget all of those things as they do not have enough time to do those anymore.

If a mangaka is lucky to score a deal with a publisher, he or she is required to submit work almost every other day for the manga to be published every week. Not only that but these works also, may or may not be sent back for continuous revisions by their assigned editor.

You can think of it as one step forward, and two steps back. It is not assured that once mangakas finish their work that all of those will be published right away. A lot of the, are usually sent back with comments from the editor.

The worst possible revision is one that affects a storyline, which means that the mangaka should not only revise the current work but also change his or her other works that were already submitted.

The number of revisions is also unlimited. Add to that the fact that mangakas usually fight with their editors due to mismatch of ideas.

After all of this is done, and a mangaka chooses to take a vacation, this also spells more work. As the mangas will not draw themselves, the mangaka should work twice as hard to have the pending publications ready before he or she takes their leave.

Occupational Hazard

Mangakas die from exhaustion. This is definitely not an exaggeration. As their lives are all about stories and drawing now, they only have a few hours left to eat and rest.

Even then, they do not have quality resting time as their minds are always within the bounds of the manga that they are creating. Even popular mangakas get a lack of sleep. The more people are demanding content, the less time they have to take a break.

For popular mangakas, they say that they are very lucky to have three hours of sleep. More so for beginner mangakas who are working extra hard to get their debut. They may not even be sleeping at all!

More than that, they can also develop eye problems and injuries with their hands. The truth is, some mangakas quit even before they make their debut because of suck harsh working conditions.

Low Pay

You might think that the pay is fairly reasonable when mangakas are pretty much drawing for 20 hours a day, but no, the pay is still low for the amount of time and effort that they exert. Even professional mangakas have low pay, especially if their works rely solely on getting published.

It is estimated that mangakas can earn 10,000 yen or roughly $100 per page. Therefore, for you to get $3,200 per month, you need to at least draw 32 pages. Those numbers do not even account for the fact that some of those pages need to be re-drawn due to revisions.

As you can see, the amount that they get is not directly proportional to the stress that their work gives them.

Need For Assistants

This is in relation to the previous problem with pay. As we have mentioned earlier, drawing takes a lot of time, therefore, mangakas need to hire assistants to help with drawing the background, coloring, and the like.

Connecting those aspects with their $100 per page rate, 40% to 50% of that will go to the assistant. Therefore, the mangaka is only left with less money. Also, assistants tend to just stay in the home of the mangaka for efficiency.

With that said, expenses for groceries and other needs are, of course, shouldered by the mangaka. Fortunately, some assistants share the burden of these expenses as they are also passionate about the manga that they are currently working on.

On the other hand, having an assistant does not necessarily mean that the work will be easier. The mangaka should always guide and teach their assistants.

There will also be times when assistants mess up and the mangaka should correct their mistakes, and much worse, just start from scratch.

Unemployment Periods

“Once a mangaka, always a mangaka”

In theory, this is applicable. But reality breaks this thought. It is not assured that a mangaka will get another contract once his or her work gets published and sold.

There will certainly be times when the publishing company does not feel the need for the new manga that the mangaka is working on.

Does this mean that mangakas stop working? Definitely not. They just keep on drawing in the hopes that their works will get picked up by other publishers. Therefore, they are working without pay.

This is also the reason why not a lot of mangakas do the work full-time. They are all aware that there will be periods of unemployment, therefore, it is good to have a backup job in order to provide for their basic needs.

Business Decline

However great mangas are, there are times when the sales decline. This is due to the fact that most mangas, even immediately after debut, get adapted into anime. Therefore, more people will just watch anime rather than going out to buy manga.

This is definitely bad news for mangakas who are still trying to build their audience as not a lot of people are visiting the stores. But just like any business, there will still be times when there is an influx in sales.

With this influx, other mangakas have the opportunity to continue adding volumes to their mangas.

Animators Struggle, Too!

The problem is that even most people who work on creating anime make very little money and are always under high pressure. Just have a look at the video below where people share their experiences on working as animators.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing

[ghostfantasyart]

Why Digital Drawing Is Easier Than Traditional Drawing

Is digital drawing easier compared to traditional drawing? You might be asking this question as you also want to get into drawing, but you found out that going the traditional route may be a bit inaccessible as well as difficult. So what about digital drawing?

Is the difference between the two really that obvious? Can beginners really thrive in digital drawing?

In a way, digital drawing is easier. You can correct mistakes without changing or affecting too much of your work. Also, some drawing techniques are already at your disposal, with just a click of the mouse. However, it can be difficult when you have not mastered the basics in traditional drawing. 

This may be bad news for those who thought that going the digital drawing route is a fun shortcut. The truth is, digital drawing also has a connection with traditional drawing, at least in terms of the skills that are needed.

Once you are familiar with both, it is clearer to see why digital drawing is easier. So read on in order to find out why!

Why Is Digital Drawing Easier Than Traditional Drawing?

Even though digital drawing can be a bit intimidating, it is not as scary as traditional drawing. Armed with that thought, you might be open to starting a digital art project soon. So here are the reasons why your digital drawing life can be easier.

1. Correcting Mistakes

It does not matter whatever digital drawing software you have, but definitely, they all have the erase and undo options. Once you click these options, your original work will go back to the way it was before you made a mistake.

In the traditional drawing, yes, you still have an option to remove or erase something. However, doing so can be tricky as you might also remove parts of your work that already look fine.

This is especially hard if you are working with liquid-based material such as acrylic paints or watercolor.

If you mess up, then it will be hard to correct your mistake. You might just end up putting too much effort into covering up your mistake. What is much worse is that the mistake may be too big that you need to start all over again.

With digital drawing, you are free to do a lot of mistakes (but surely, try not to be too careless) and your work will not be so messed up. With just a single click, you can resume your work without your past mistake.

2. Efficiency

It is undeniable that with digital drawing, you can finish your artwork much faster compared to traditional drawing. You do not have to wait for the colors to develop, set, or dry.

You can simply keep on adding layers without worrying about the fact that the paper may give way or the colors will be too muddy.

In line with the previous reason, once you erase something, it is erased clearly—as if your mistake never existed. Further, you can easily add objects and other graphics in your work in just mere seconds. You can resize them all you want without disrupting your previous work.

More than that, you can also go from one color to another. Definitely, digital drawing saves a lot of time as you are no longer limited to the features that are physical in the material world.

3. Easily Accessible

It can be a bit too unrealistic if we say that digital drawing is cheaper than traditional drawing. However, if you take into consideration the fact that all you have to do is to invest a huge amount in one thing like a PC, laptop, tablet, etc. and you never have to purchase anything again.

What is more reassuring is the fact that you can proceed with your paused work anytime and anywhere. All you have to do is to whip out your tablet and you can draw away!

Comparing that to traditional drawing, you have to buy countless paper, drawing materials, as well as their holders. Not only that, but you have to take all these things with you if you want to work in a different place.

When it comes to your actual work, with digital drawing, you are assured that you always have it, even if you accidentally removed it. Digital works can be backed up into a cloud, drive, etc. As for traditional drawing, you always have to be careful with it so that it will not get lost or wet.

4. Shareability

Now that your artwork is done, it is now time to show off your work!

With traditional drawing, you need to fuss over framing your work and getting people to physically be there to see your work. This is still great, especially if you are a professional artist as you can hold an art exhibition.

But for digital drawing, you can show and even sell your work with just a click of a button. You can post your work on various social media and surely, with the right advertising techniques, a lot of people can view your work.

This also applies to editing and refining your work. With a digital drawing, you can simply share your work with another person in order to critique it. In return, the other person can also show his or her corrections on the drawing itself.

Once it is sent back to you, you can simply edit from there without damaging your work.

Of course, all of those are impossible with traditional drawing. One cannot simply draw over your work as they may ruin it.

5. Mixed Media

In the traditional drawing, it is extremely difficult to mix media in one artwork. A good example of this is mixing watercolor with oil paintings. As water and oil do not mix, the artist will have a hard time to integrate both media.

On the other hand, this is very easy with digital drawing. Depending on the software that you are using, you can switch from one medium to another. You can even mix them without distorting your work.

6. Customization

You can also customize as much as you want with traditional drawing. You may mix a lot of colors or even experiment with different brushes. However, customization is more compact with digital drawing.

You can have as many brush sizes as you want in digital drawing, Also, you have countless options with pen sizes, shapes, and type. All of which are readily available in your chosen software.

In the traditional drawing, you have to customize a lot especially if you need a lot of shading and texture. But with digital drawing, all of those customizations are already there. All you need to do is to use them correctly.

If you click through the video below you can see how many tools the artist uses for her amazing drawing. (Seriously, have a look at it – it is awesome!)

Connection Of Digital Drawing And Traditional Drawing

We have mentioned earlier that even though digital drawing can be easier than traditional drawing, you should first know a little something about traditional drawing in order to succeed in digital drawing.

Of course, we are not saying that if you have not tried traditional drawing, you will fail in the digital one. But the truth is, you can only reap the benefits of the “ease of use” of digital drawing if you have some traditional drawing skills.

Basics

We are talking about composition, color theory, anatomy, perspective and the like. All of which can be learned through traditional drawing.

Yes, it is also possible to acquire these skills through digital drawing, but you will have a hard time as you will not know which brush or pen to use to attain what is on your mind.

You may be able to picture it on your mind, but without the basic skills, you cannot make it look the way you want it to look, in digital drawing.

Although a lot of features are already set in digital drawing, you still have to use a lot of your drawing skills to turn your idea into an actual drawing.

Texture

It may be your choice to just have a flat digital artwork, but if your goal is to make your drawing come to life or make it more realistic, of course, you should add texture to it.

There are texture tools in your chosen digital drawing software, but without traditional drawing skills, you will not know how to use these tools to your advantage.

No matter how hard you try to manually add texture to your drawing, it will still not look right if you are placing them on the wrong area, or using a wrong brush, or even the wrong color.

“The Eye”

Lastly, we come to “the eye.” We simply cannot describe this skill as it is something that is acquired through practice may it be in traditional drawing or digital drawing. It is when you see that something is off.

When you have been doing a lot of traditional drawing, you will ultimately know if something is missing in your drawing. May it be a lack of shading, shadow, change of color, or even outline.

If you start with digital drawing, acquiring this skill can be hard as what is reflected before you, is not an actual thing.

Therefore, there may be times when you have finished your digital art and you feel as if something is still missing. However, you do not know what that is. That is exactly where traditional drawing skills come in.

#Art #Illustration #Anime #Cosplay #Digital Drawing