placing Wacom

[alffla]

hi all i would just like to ask a kind of random question haha i dont think it's ever been asked before?/

anyway i use a laptop and i have a graphire3 tablet to draw with.

i've ALWAYS placed my laptop in front of me and the tablet to the right of the laptop when drawing, because i thought it would be more convenient for the left hand to use shortcuts and stuff u know like B, E , CtrlAltZ, ctrlS and so on.

recently i've thought that maybe that isn't the best idea because when i draw on paper or any other medium i have it right in front of me, so i've been trying to place the tablet right in front of me and the laptop behind the tablet

any comments on this setup?

thanks! :D

[dark eagle]

You could place it on the laptop and put all the keyboard shortcuts to one side. Or you can invest in an intuos A5 wide tablet and asign the buttons the keyboard shortcuts you need.

[Dusty]

It is really personal preference. I know lots of people who have the giant-sized wacom in front of them because it helps simulate that sketchbook feel and also lots of people like me who use it off to the right of them for easier hotkey use.

It's really whatever you think works best for you. I don't see any disadvantage either way.

-D

[TheDrawingIrish]

I second the recommendation for the Intuos upgrade. I had the same problem drawing on a laptop, and trying to reach the keyboard shortcuts.

You get quite a few buttons on the intuos for shortcuts, and you can make them application specific... It's really helped me not need to have access to the keyboard.

[Mirana]

I use it in my lap....ontop of a small pillow. :P

[Dusty]

I second the recommendation for the Intuos upgrade.


Thirded.
Whether you keep the tablet off to the side or decide to put it across your lap, Intuos is the way to go if you are even remotely serious about digital art. I recommend the Graphires to anyone who is "thinkin about trying out photoshop", because there is hardly any investment into it. But if you are planning on doing this a lot, Intuos is essential.

-D

[alffla]

oh shit ok is the differnece between graphire and intuos really that big? never knew :(

i guess i'll have to start saving up!! O_O

what size is a good reasonable size but not toooo expensive/ thanks for all the help btw!

[TheDrawingIrish]

Size is personal preference for the most part... Some people swear by the 9x12, and say you need as much surface area as possible. Some people like to work small with really small movements and say the 4x5 is the best.

My graphire was a 8x6, and so I upgraded to the 8x6 intuos 3. I guess I was just used to the size? I like it, it's exactly what I need, but I don't see anyone else recommending this size.

[J Wilson]

I use mine in front of me, with my keyboard behind it. The keys I use most are just the color swap front/back (X), and my alt key for color picking, so my left hand easily just rests there. Undo is very close as well of course. Since I'm used to having my left hand rest on the table while drawing anyways, it still feels very natural to me. Having the pad off to the side seems like it's something you'd have to get used to, and not really very natural feeling.

[Dusty]

Yeah, it is a little unnatural at first, but speaking as someone who uses his Wacom off to the side, I adjusted within a week originally. Now I can't go back, haha. I find it's great for all my hot key usage (I use a LOT of actions, so my keyboard is used heavily). I spend about 14 hours of the day in front of the computer, and I have just found that for me personally, it is the most comfortable way to sit for long periods of time. I have tried the lap-top way, and I find that I have to have my left arm/hand at too weird of angles to work efficiently. Also, my whole day isn't based around Photoshop...I use Max a lot, too, and I need to switch from my mouse to my tablet/pen rapidly and I hate taking the tablet off of my lap and setting it aside. It's just cumbersome.

But again, it *really* is just personal preference and depends on what you are doing as well (hence my Max example).

Whatever helps you create awesome art and keeps you comfortable :D

-D

[Rogue_A]

Size is personal preference for the most part... Some people swear by the 9x12, and say you need as much surface area as possible. Some people like to work small with really small movements and say the 4x5 is the best.

My graphire was a 8x6, and so I upgraded to the 8x6 intuos 3. I guess I was just used to the size? I like it, it's exactly what I need, but I don't see anyone else recommending this size.

*Also has an 6x8 Intuos3.*

It's bigger than the 4x5, but yet it's small enough to where I can still fit it in a packpack and take it from place to place to play. The 9x12 is nice (my school has them installed in various labs), but I've always found carrying it around a bit...awkward...just my preference I suppose. Plus if price is an issue...the 6x8 is not "bottom of barrel" but it won't break the bank either.

And placement preference? Eh....whatever feels comfortable at the time, I suppose, I never really thought of this question...sometimes it's to the side...other times it right in front of my laptop....sometimes it's on my lap. The only constant I think I have is that I'm one of those crazy people who disabled their hotkeys because I kept on brushing against them while working! >_<

[Virg]

keyboard between monitor and wacom, so you can hit those freakin brackets to resize brush faster in PS. I dont like having the wacom on my legs, moves too much.

[Mirana]

I have a first generation Intuos 6x8. Perfect travel size and doesn't make my arm hurt from sweeping too far. The hotkeys are on the top, so...no brushing aganst issues there. I wouldn't get the smallest size...I was forced to use one at a job once and it made my wrist and arm cramp something terrible after a couple hrs. :P

[alffla]

how do those hotkeys or tab things on the side of the intuos work anyway? they seem like. really awesome but i've never seen an intuos myself so.. :)

[Brashen]

I had the 4x5 Intuos 3 and I used it for a good year and then I upgraded to the 9x12. The extra space is a God send and it just feels right. I still use the old one when I'm on the move. Here's a picture to show the placement. This way I just reach over it to use the keys!!

[Black Spot]

I have a Wacom Volito (not made anymore) and you’re all making me jealous.

[Jie Kageshinzo]

Bleargh I only have a Graphire4. I have it on my right side. I dunno, it's worked fine for me so far.

[tecnophreak]

i have the intuos 3 A5 (6x11) widescreen tablet their talking about, and i end up just using it directly in front of the screen with my keyboard off to the left, anggled towards me. Not to mention millions of shortcut buttons that I've all memorized.
So yeah, its in front of the screen for me (but then im on a desktop)

edit: graphire is old school, though not unreliable, kin of like a '67 camaro. an Intuos looks badass, and has lots of programmable shiz on both sides of the tablet (which was pretty much the deciding factor for me.)
graphire tablets u can get for 100-250 generally, on ebay, etc ,etc, but since thier old, their used. - be wary.
Intuos is the newest, and most expensive. mine was 400$ for the 6x11 Special edition one, brand new. works about the same as the older ones though, with maybe a bit more sensitivity to play around with, not to mention software that comes with it.

[alffla]

oh wow nice brashen! btw i have the exact same speakers ! :D hahah creative t3100 or something right?!? :D:d they';re great! thanks for photo too

[Boolean]

Ack, I hate having the keyboard behind the wacom tablet. I end up leaning over so much to reach the buttons it puts a strain on my shoulders and soon it feels like someone jabbed a pen in my spine.

I prefer just to keep it off to the side. Nothing fancy but it works.

http://img367.imageshack.us/img367/7061/wacom1us2.jpg


I can access a wide range of photoshop shortcuts just by resting my left hand on the table, plus I can chat on msn if I need to without hunching over the wacom tablet to reach the keyboard. I'm thinking of gluing some cardboard to the bottom of the keyboard so if I want to move the it in front of the monitor again (say to play some COD4 :D) I can place it on top of the wacom tablet without damaging it, as I've found the wide surface area of the tablet means the keyboard doesnt rock about.

Nothing fancy but it's the best setup I've found.

[feifeicreate]

I have a intuos3 9 x 12, I put it infront of my key board, works for me pretty well, because that's where normally what I'd put my sketch book to draw. The only worry I have is that when I type, because the keyboard is behind, I might scratch the surface. So when I'm not using the board, I cover it up with a towel.

Now that I see all this nice pictures, I'm thinking maybe I should clean up my work station a little...put away the canvas, brushes, and all that, since I'm not gonna use them any time soon...

[Boolean]

The only worry I have is that when I type, because the keyboard is behind, I might scratch the surface. So when I'm not using the board, I cover it up with a towel.
The surface is pretty tough (I treat mine pretty poorly and it's still in great condition) but if you do damage the surface don’t forget that the rubber mat just pops out and can be replaced (http://direct.wacom.com/stores/5/Intuos3_9x12_Surface_Sheet_P1023C65.cfm)

[alffla]

anyone care to elaborate on the shortuct 'tab' or button things on the left and right of the IntuoS? im really considering saving money to get one soon so would just like to know more about it :) thanks! :D

nice setup boolean haha keyboard seems a bit far away though but i guess drawing shold be the priority and not.. msning and COD4ing heh :P

[feifeicreate]

I don't know about other program, but in Photoshop, the tabs will function like control, alt, space, and command key (apple user here), as well as the scroll up and down.

you should totally get one, I just got mine and I'm already packing all my brushes, canvas, thinners...and stuff...and put them in the closet...LOL.

[PsiBug]

I have the 8x6 intuos3 also and I'm very happy with the size of it.

Like some of these other folks, I hold the intuos3 in my lap with a keyboard between the intuos3 and the monitor. I try to keep the front edge of my tablet parallel with the front face of the monitor. Sometimes I rest the front edge of the tablet on my desk. other times it just rests in my lap. I've disabled the tablet buttons and zoom strips due to accidental zooming.

As mentioned above, the tablet is the same size as my laptop so it has a good portability factor.

[ALH]

I have an intous3 12X12, its so big i just put the keyboard on top of it when i want to type.

I assign everything else to the hotkeys, save, undo etc on one side, then the default move/eyedropper et on the other :). I moved up from a 3X5 graphire 3- i personally needed the space to do bigger gestures. Doing it tiny made my hand hurt after a bit, and it just didnt feel as intuitive.

Funny thing was, i came into this thread because i thought it was about another issue- namely, where to store ones wacom- especially if its a big one and you have no space! Mine has spent a lot of time propped up against walls and on chairs. Its fallen over a few times too, which is a horrifying thought, but unavoidable in student accomodation D:.

I sometimes think i should have got an A4 like everybody else, i would have saved myself SO much drama ;_;!

[PieterV]

Do you need allot of time adjusting from drawing in a different position?
I have a A4 Intuos that I've allways placed infront of my screen.
I'm about to get a laptop tough, so I'll probably use it to my left when I use it (I'm a leftie). I hope doing hotkeys with my right hand won't be too much of a problem, I only use the hotkeys on the intuos right now.

[Archaeus]

I have an Intuos3 6 x 11 SE, I'd recommend it if you're working on a widescreen monitor, it'll imitate your strokes with more precise measurements and ratios. I'm hoping that I can get to the point where I can use the tablet comfortably, as if I were drawing on paper.