April

By: Aaron Sacco

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Comments

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Oct 24, 2006 | Taylor James
This type of art must take alot of time? i noticed your tutorial and it all seems real easy until my hand touches the mouse. Am I not being patient enough? Do you have any suggestions?

Nov 11, 2006 | Aaron Sacco
It definitely does take some practice to adjust to how the pen tool responds. I use a wacom tablet, which makes it easier to put stuff down quicker, but that also takes some getting used to. If you're serious about illustrating with the computer though, this tool is invaluable and essential. I didn't like it at first, but we had to use it when I was working on "A Scanner Darkly," and I love it now. It can save you lots of time in the end. The trick to the pencil tool comes in understanding how the program is setting points. It likes smooth arcs and straight lines. Too much wobbliness to your line with no clear movement to indicate when the point should stop, or change angles, sends no clear signal to the program whether you meant for it like that, or your hand isn't just shaking. So you get an uncontrolled line that is mush. So move your hand in a decisive manner and immulate an arc, then stop and change directions or whatever, just do it with confidance. Does that make sense? Experiment with it and see if you can intentional create a simple shape, and keep at it until the program is setting points where you plan. It can be a little frustrating at first, but stick with it. You can tame the beast!!!

Nov 17, 2006 | Gary Alves
Love your work and the excellent tutorial. Playing around with a Wacom and the pencil tool... but I'm afraid my hand is too shakey. But thanks for the tip!