Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
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Using Drawing Tablets
When you design on a computer, you're leaving the natural world of
oil, watercolor, and canvas, for the electronic world of computer mon-
itors and pixels (don't worry, it's a relatively painless transition).
Without a doubt, there are many differences between traditional and
digital design; however, it's not necessary to abandon all aspects of the
natural media world. For example, the computer mouse has always
been a problem with designers who miss the feel and control of a
brush in their hands. Fortunately, technology came to the rescue years
ago, with the invention of the drawing tablet. Drawing tablets combine
a drawing surface and a brush-like drawing tool in the form of a pen.
A designer picks up the pen and moves it across the drawing tablet
surface. In turn, the drawing tablet interprets those movements as
brush strokes. Not only does Illustrator fully support drawing tablet
technology, it also interprets the particular drawing style of the design-
er. For example, pushing harder with the brush against the drawing
tablet instructs Illustrator to create a wider stroke, or to apply more
color. Drawing tablets have helped to translate the control of working
with real art brushes on canvas, into the world of the digital designer.
Of all the manufacturers, Wacom stands out as the leader in drawing
tablet technology. Wacom returns the feel of designing with a brush to
the digital designer's world, and the software required to power the
tablet works seamlessly with Illustrator and the Windows or Macintosh
operating systems. To check out which tablet might be right for your
needs, point your browser to
www.wacom.com
and check out the avail-
able options.
