Graphics Tablets (Wacom) - Tested & Works 100%

[Jonathan_TA]

This thread is for creatives and others who use graphics tablets. I just tested two WACOM graphics tablets, an old/barely used Intuos 4 Medium Tablet (8+ years old) and a brand new Intuos Pro Large (Less than a year old). The basic functions of both tablet works 100% including assigning keystrokes and left-handed adjustments, no issues at all; literally plug and play. I am using Linux Mint 20+ for this testing. Now I only need to change WACOM tablets if I want to, not because I have to because of forced upgrades.

Since I can use either one flawlessly, and I got my EPSON Printer and Scanner working 100%, I can go ahead, with 100% certainty, and switch to Linux Mint as soon as I can afford the Thelio Desktop Hardware from System76; I will be able to anything between 2D, 3D, Video and other multimedia with this OS. This is also the most user friendly Linux OS I have personally tried and tested. You now have an additional advocate for Linux Mint. Thank you to all the people who invest your time to keep this OS going.

- Jonathan

P.S. If there are any other artists that would like help setting up their computer for creative ideas, send them to me and I will help them.

[Ivy_Pool]

I would not refer to myself as a creative; however, I recently plugged in an old CTE-450 Wacom Bamboo Fun. I never really learned to use the tablet, but I can scribble with it. The only issue that I can find with my Wacom is the touch ring is not longer backlit and doesn't appear to work. I was thinking about replacing the tablet with a new one since they seem to be more affordable. What software are you using with your tablet?

I am able to scan documents with my Canon printer using LM. I have downloaded Krita and watched a couple of beginner user videos. I was hoping to use the tablet to edit drawings and place them on a website.

Do you recommend any particular videos, books, or online classes to get started?

[Jonathan_TA]

Big Note: I know this is going to be a lot of information for you to handle, and I didn't want to leave critical details out. This is just me being more thorough than what I usually do for most people. Creativity is a learned skill, and will grow with time. Just apply consistent practice several times a week, even if you can only manage 30 minutes to 1 hour a day, some consistent activity is better than doing nothing. Read all of this and take a long break to think it over.

The following information is your gold mine. I am managing to pay for this even on a fixed income due to my individual circumstances. Have fun and work through this information very slowly. take frequent breaks if you need to so you can think all this over.

First,I do not recommend going straight into Digital Art without proper training with traditional (non-digital) art skills being highly developed first.
By learning traditional first, you will save yourself from the headache of learning to draw properly AND learning software. I am speaking from personal experience, do not attempt to do both at the same time.

Edit: The software i am using to manage my Wacom tablet is the built-in software called "Graphics Tablet" located in "Preferences" in the Applications menu of the Cinnamon Desktop.

The following are low cost resources, do not go for cheap; the prices listed are fair and well worth the cost as you are paying for each Author's expert-level experience which will save you months and years of going "blind" search without structure. Here they are:

#1: https://www.wattsatelier.com/online/ For starting out, go with the $99/month option and make significant use of the Watts online forums. The maximum you will ever need to use is the $199/month option which covers everything else beyond figure drawing. You will never need the higher priced options as the people in the Watts Forums are very friendly toward each other and welcome "newbies" without hesitation; just ask for help.

#2: https://drawabox.com/ This service doesn't cost you a penny and the content is free; I was told to just use this one as a supplement, only go for lesson one to cover the basics of perspective needed render accurately, it will help you greatly to improve your Watts Atelier online assignments.

#3: https://www.dickblick.com/ - Use this service (if in the U.S.) or find a local equivalent. The items I use specifically are: "Conté à Paris Sketching Pencil - Pierre Noir B, Single Pencil" (Buy 12 in a single order, so they all come in a box automatically); "Blick All Purpose Newsprints - 18'' x 24'', White, 500 Sheets" (1 pack a time is sufficient). $100/month for ongoing physical art supplies is more than enough for starting out, especially if you stick with pencils and papers only.

#4: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075R ... UTF8&psc=1 - This is the drawing board I personally use and is built very solid and well worth the purchase price, and with good care lasts a long time.

#5: https://www.udemy.com/course/krita-basi ... c&kw=krita - If you want to stick with Krita, this is the premier course to pay for, and well worth the price. Plus, Krita has the capability of exporting a photoshop image, so others can help you with your work.

#6: https://paintable.cc/academy/ - This school is more expensive because they charge an annual payment, but again your paying for the business owners experience, and this school is something you should only attempt after build up your art skills traditionally first, neither Watts Atelier nor Digital Painting Academy is easy. I was a previously trained Electronics Technician, and that is an engineering role that is about as analytical as it gets. This academy primarily teaches Adobe Photoshop, but remember Krita can export a photoshop image in the "Save As..." feature. They also have a support community on the Discord chat servers service.

I am a very analytical person by nature, just remember that even the ability to create amazing art is a skill that can be developed by anyone given ongoing consistent practice; the only thing that changes is the time it takes for each person to improve their art skills. We all achieve high skill levels through different time spans. So my own, and others, is no indication of your rate of development.

Here is the secret to affording any of this is to follow a budget. Linux Mint has free budgeting software in its software center called "Home Bank". Home Bank can import common bank account files such "QFX", "QIF", and "OFX". Take full advantage of Home Bank, doesn't cost a penny and its open-source software.

[Ivy_Pool]

Thank you for taking the time to write that response and be so helpful. Your suggestions are great!

What graphics tablet do recommend that costs <$200?

[Jonathan_TA]

I strongly recommend you go for a medium size wacom tablet at the minimum because it gives you more drawing room; even though it will take longer to save up for it. With a medium size tablet you will be able to draw more naturally with your whole arm, which is what Jeff Watts (hence "Watts Atelier") teaches.
Just think: Smaller Tablet, tighter drawing space.

Here is the home page for Wacom: https://estore.wacom.com/en-US/?country_code=US
Here is one that fits your budget: https://estore.wacom.com/en-US/one-by-w ... 72k1a.html <-- Immediately Affordable
Here is a medium size tablet: https://estore.wacom.com/en-US/wacom-in ... th660.html <-- Best Option/Most Natural Movement, save up for it

I have a medium size Intuos 4 it felt more natural because of the larger drawing surface.
I have not tested the Paper Edition features, only the basic functions of both tablets such as what is necessary for drawing and keystrokes only

The particular wacom tablets listed have become more affordable over the years.
Excluding taxes and shipping, the medium Intuos Pro (product code: PTH660) only costs about $379.95 maximum; This is worth saving up. I have tested the Intuos Pro large and Intuos 4 Medium with Linux Mint 20+ using the Graphics Tablet software built into it. Works great.

If you're wondering how this is possible, here is the project that provided the necessary software, which is installed by default in Linux Mint:
https://linuxwacom.github.io/ Don't worry about installing the Linux Wacom software, it is already installed by default since at least 2010.