Questions that need answering

[NaTe J]

I am thinking about getting the Wacom Intuos2 4x5 tablet. Is 4x5 too small? Also, what is the latest version of Photoshop? And would yall recommend Photoshop or Painter? I want to use it just for drawing, not enhancing digital photos or whatever. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[Signature]

You want to do this as a hobby or as a profession?

I often read that bigger is better. But don't go for another brand if you don't have the money.
Wacom is the only way to go.

There was a thread about Photoshop CS:
http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=12094

Photoshop or Painter is a matter of preference.
Get the trial versions and see which one you like better.

If you are new to art software and hardware doesn't matter too much.
You can even start with a mouse and the Gimp until that doesn't cut it any more.

If you want to make the transition from traditional to digital better make sure that you like the tools.
I don't think anybody will be able to say what software will work for you.

[NaTe J]

For now it is a hobby but i would love to do that as a profession. I have used that 4x5 intuos2 once before with PS7 and i love it! Absoultley loved it. i got such a kick out of it that i have to have one. I think i will go with PS since thats the only one ive used. i am limited financially though so thats why i am getting the small tablet. anyways im just rambling. thanks for the help. Any other opinions anyone?

[geoffd]

DO NOT!! get an Aiptek.... boy i kick myself everyday for getting one just cause i didn't have the money for the 6x8 intuos i wanted. but now i am saving money for one. i'd say get 6x8 if you can, or if you have the cash get a 9x12. in the case of wacom, size does matter. and check Ebay.... great deals on there

[NaTe J]

Ok. I think i might go with 6x8. Another question though. I have changed my mind. Im think im going with painter since it is cheaper but will the painter classic that comes with the tablet be ok or should i upgrade to painter 8? Is it that much of a difference? I have never used either.

[Signature]

Old threads don't bump them:
http://forums.sijun.com/viewtopic.php?t=33628
http://forums.sijun.com/viewtopic.php?t=30723

Even Gimp is better than Painter Classic. Doesn't really support tablets though.
Painter Classic doesn't even have layers.
And just read the feature list of the new Painter versions ...

[NaTe J]

So your saying painter classic sucks? What about Painter 8? Isn't it supposed to be as good as PS?

And what is Gimp?

[geoffd]

if you've got the cash to buy a wacom, you'll get painter classic, which is fine to play around with. BUT if you want to drop down $190 you can get the upgrade version of painter 8, it's the full working version but since you own a previous copy you can buy the upgrade version. which if you want to "paint" digitally is the way to go IMO... unless you're craig mullens then go with photoshop, but i digress. GIMP is a free paint program

[daniela]

Hey Capt.Harlock, is GIMP really free? I am asking this because I saw it for sale on E-bay for $8.95.

[Signature]

Yes it is.
It's a Linux program but there's a Windows version.
It's not everybodys taste.
But I love it.

Gimp homepage:
http://www.gimp.org
Gimp for Windows page:
http://www.gimp.org/win32