Autodesk Sketchbook Pro

comic image being drawn using
Autodesk Sketchbook Pro

Although this program is geared more for those who use an electronic tablet, I found using Autodesks fine illustrating program, Sketchbook Pro, to be a streamlined wiz for creating artwork without all the added sidebar menus or filters and plugins you may never use. This program has a straight forward approach to electronic sketching that comes about as close to actual hand drawing as it gets. It comes with a full range color chart (and the ability to build and store your own custom swatches) and typical drawing tools (pencils, pens, markers, airbrush) which react about as efficient as the real thing. When using Sketchbook you become adapted to creating your image in layers, one of the few functions that help preserve your original image; if you don't care much for a car in red, quickly create a new layer and make it in green, or blue, or whatever color and however many colors you feel like. The tool panels maneuver around the work area at your ease giving you access to all the drawing tools you need but not getting in the way of your work. The canvas and tools slide around at your discretion. Presets can be stored to keep your favorite pen settings and the tools adjust nicely to tablet sensitivity settings. Another nice feature....works for both PC and MAC.
If you go online Autodesk allows you to download a free trial version (full function) of their software so what have you got to lose? I found that at the very least, trying this program will improve skills in other paint programs.

Blender Dishes Up a New Look

interface from Blender 2.4 (top, red)
and Blender 2.5 (bottom green)

 

 

 

 

After a very long hiatus, I am back on the blog scene and feel excited to start fresh with a great new update on an older software package. One of my earlier posts introduced you to Blender, a freeware program that allows you to create 3d models, animate, render-even game creation, while saving you the big bucks usually spent out on such comparable programs like 3D Studio Max, Maya or Truespace. In this day and age when so many software companies are constantly updating versions of their software on your dime, with minimal changes or advancements to the program, Blender continues to provide us a valuable tool an, in fact, has added a sizable update to the interface. One of the problems I had found with the 2.4 and earlier versions of Blender was the network of dropdown menus-even locating simple functions seemed to take more time than was worth to learn the software. The newer 2.5 version has introduced a more user-friendly appearance, more accustomed to users of other 3d modelling programs. The user options allow you to tailor fit the look and feel of the interface, load or create themes to your personal preference. Another added bonus is the consistent look to the interface across all platforms, so when you view those online tutorials and the presenter is using a Mac and you're on a PC, your not saying 'my screen doesn't look like that-where is THAT button?'
Blender continues to grow in performance and gives anyone the ability to download (did I mention it was free enough?) this high performance program. Don't be misled into thinking this is a quick little point-and-click prog though. Time must be given to learning its' versatility but the end result withh astound you.