Need Some Help

[Kiana]

Okay, so... could you guys clue me in on what you use to draw? Like programs and devices, I'm not sure and I want to ask for something like that for Christmas. I hear things about digi-pens and whatnot but I'm oblivious to what they even are. If some of you could tell me what you use and how you use it, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks 3:)

[FeatheredSeclude]

You can get the Fujistu Lifebook T900 on ebay for 120ish US dollars.
It's what I personally use to draw digitally.
Ans with art programs... I can get ya free. I got Photoshop CS6, I can send ya a link to that from my GDrive.

[Kiana]

Okay, ill look into the life book, with the Photoshop, does it need fast internet? See, that's a big gamble since I don't have it

[FeatheredSeclude]

It could take a while to download, but that would be it.
You'll also need 7-zip to extract it from it's 7z file, but I can PM that to ya as well~

[Kiana]

okay, thanks!

[Carl]

I used to use Photoshop CS6, and I still use it for editing and sometimes touching up images, but I've found that the actual drawing is much nicer and much more natural with Fire Alpaca, which is a free program by default. I honestly recommend trying several different programs, as everyone has different preferences. I know a lot of people like Paint Tool SAI, or GIMP, but for me personally, Fire Alpaca and Photoshop all the way.

I also use a Huion drawing tablet which works pretty well and was really cheap, like $40. Most drawing tablets are either crappy or are much more expensive, with Wacom tablets being the most popular, but also more costly.

[Kiana]

Oh cool! Does it have a digital pen that goes with it? I've tried the fire alpaca before, but I forgot if i liked it or not lol.

[Carl]

A pen does come with the tablet, yes. It also has a handful of replacement tips. And the pen is powered by AAA batteries. Just needs one, I believe. I've had the thing for a couple years and have only changed the battery once so that might be a bit off.

[Gemini]

I use Paint Tool SAI and the Wacom Intuous Pro (medium size). I love both and would recommend.

SAI I got for free shhhh don't tell anyone but normally it's about $40. I rarely use anything else, to be honest. It's probably the most quality you'll get for your buck anywhere (if you can find a way to get CS then do but normally anything Photoshop is really expensive).

The tablet is a bit more on the expensive side ($250) so probably not something that's realistic for a Christmas present - I had to wait to actually make some money after I graduated to get that and I consider it an investment since I want to do commissions one day. For a good starter tablet I would recommend my first tablet, the Wacom Bamboo. It's significantly cheaper (about $100, possibly less now, dunno... sure you could find a good deal somewhere as it's a common tablet) and it served me well for two or three years. Only reason I stopped using it is because the USB cord area broke and that's when I decided to upgrade. But for a beginning tablet, though, it's definitely high-quality and got everything you need!

So yeah, hope that helps.

[Kiana]

Yeah it does! Thank you, i'll definitely check into that.