I was wondering if anyone here uses a Wacom tablet in their design process? I purchased one and have found that the pen is harder to control and get the precision that I " thought" you could get easily from a Wacom. I guess when you watch videos of someone who has practiced with something, it always looks easier than it is when you first start out. Well, I guess it is back to practice, practice, practice.
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Yes they take practice. You must set up the points on the tablet to make sure it is interacting as expected.
I have more control with the mouse, and have found that if you don't stick with it you will never gain the control. They are fun. I do like the freedom of writing with the pen.
Judy, I've been playing with the pen and tablet today and after I cut off the computer and restarted it the pen works much better. Maybe I didn't have something configured right the first time and it fixed itself when it restarted.
Enjoy the tablet.
Wacom Bamboo has a driver problem with Windows 7 and 8 that sometimes make the pen work really weirdly. Make sure you´re not facing this problem. If you are, reinstall the driver every time this happens. It´s a known issue, but seems Wacom didn´t found a way to solve it.
I also found it a bit difficult to use at first times, but practice makes your trace better. If you used to draw on paper and pencil before, it works too. And there are almost none tutorials that are really helpful if you´re starting.
A hint of mine: I realised sometimes the better position to the pen is the one similar to when you´re drawing/writing something with a quill/nankin kind of pen - I hope this is the way you name it in English, lol - It´s that black inked pen that you use to do the "final" art and the textures to illustrations - this pen is used at almost 90 degrees of the paper.
I have a wacom tablet that I used only a handful of times, because it wasn't what I had expected either.
A tablet such as a surface or blackberry tablet, with the screen built in, is much better than the wacom, but also has sensitivity issues. The best tablet, and I have had a few, is the Samsung Galaxy Note with an 8 inch screen. I will never ever give it up ever....LOL
I bought a Wacom Bamboo a couple of years ago and it sure isn't what I expected. It was one of those thing that I just had to have to make my designing easier. I have tried several times to use it and I'm just not happy with it. It now sits on a shelf collecting dust.
I also had a Bamboo and it aggravated me so badly after a few tries that I sold it. That's been a few years ago and I sometimes regret getting rid of it. It wasn't at all what I expected.
I did mention this in my post, but to the ladies that also had a wacom bamboo tablet, and were horribly dissapointed, please give the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 a try if you can afford it. I am fairly computer literate, and I know my stuff, and I have to say, the Samsung is the best. I have tried other tablets, such as the acer iconia, several models of the iconia actually, the iPad, and blackberry, as well as a proscan tablet, and the Samsung is the best. I also asked myself, wouldn't the 10 inch one be better, or the 7 inch, wouldn't that work as well? The answer is no. I have compared the ram, the PPI (Pixels per inch), as well as touch sensitivity, and more, and the Samsung Note 8 inch is the ONLY one to choose. You will not regret it, I promise you. There are several programs that are awesome with the samsung, available in the google play store, that you will love, also, there is a free program, that you can use, to draw on your samsung screen, and have it show up on your laptop or desktop, sort of like what we wanted with the wacom, but didn't get. lol I haven't actually used the program for the connection to the regular computer, but when I do, I will update you.
Marlene
Wacom actually teamed up with Samsung to make the pressure sensitive screens for the Galaxy Note devices. However, they do not have the same pressure sensitivity as a Wacom graphics tablet. I think that it should be clarified that a Wacom graphics tablet is a peripheral device that connects to a computer and allows the user to use a pen (stylus) on a pressure sensitive pad, whereas the Galaxy Note is a tablet computer that runs Android and has some pressure sensitivity on its screen. Just so there is no confusion, a Wacom graphics tablet does not have any functionality on its own separate from being connected to a computer, and the Galaxy Note is a self-contained mobile device. Though it has some pressure sensitivity, the Galaxy Note can't be used in the same function as a graphics tablet. I just don't want anyone who might not be familiar with these devices to get confused.
I don't have experience with the Wacom Bamboo. I have an Intuos 3 that I got on eBay YEARS ago (it goes for about $60 used on Amazon now). I've never had problems with it. It took some time getting used to pressure sensitivity, but it was a similar learning curve to trying a new style of pencil or paper, so it wasn't a big deal. And I can hold the stylus in my regular posture.
I DID have some issues in Windows 7 & 8 with the tablet and touch screen support stuff that automatically starts up when a tablet is plugged in. It lets you use gestures, changes the way the pointer works, will recognize long and short presses of the stylus as left and right clicks, and brings up an on-screen keyboard - basically screwing up any attempts at drawing. So, I Google searched for some support articles and found out how to disable it, and had no more problems after that.
I am sorry to hear that the Bamboo has so many issues. According to Wacom, the drivers are certified for Windows 8 through Microsoft, but apparently some of Windows extra features are getting in the way.
I would suggest making sure that you have the most recent driver installed and make sure that the 'service for pen and touch screens' (I think that's what it is called) is disabled. Or, Google your symptoms and see if there is a workaround or suggestions on the internet. 
I really appreciate this info! I'm hoping to try my hand {stylus?}
again after Christmas!!
Mine frustrated me, too. I have 2, but half the time I start out attempting one thing and just end up getting frustrated with it and quitting. On a side note, I do have a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and I can use the stylus to draw on it (albeit, it's only like a 4" wide screen) and import the images to the PC as .png files, and I have had much more success with that than with the Bamboo!!!
It's the same for me Tina. I think Mollie must have more patience than me haha. Yes, the bamboo is a seperate peripheral device that cannot run without a computer, and perhaps that is the issue for some of us. I think it was for me anyway, because I like the feel of the samsung tablet, I can see right on the tablet what I'm drawing etc. I do see your point though Mollie, I bet that a more higher end one would be better. I didn't use my Bamboo long enough to know for certain the level of sensitivity, so I can't speak for that.
Thank you so much for clearing it up though, I was looking for the right words to explain that a bamboo is not the same as a Samsung...I still can't wrap my head around it enough to explain it, even though I know the difference haha.
Is the Intuos by Wacom as well?
Yes, the Intuos is also a Wacom. Mine is the Intuos3 6x11" widescreen. There are other brands of graphics tablets, but I don't know their names and have never meet anyone who owned one. Lol. Wacom has kinda become synonymous with graphics tablet, like Bandaids and bandages, etc. At least for me. (Google graphics tablets and there are quite a few "what you should know before you buy" style articles out there that might be helpful.)
I can see where seeing your drawing below your pen vs drawing while looking at a screen can be very different. I remember a bit of a paradigm shift when I first got mine, but I had been previously (and painstakingly) drawing with a mouse, so it wasn't too bad.
Wacom DOES have some solutions to that, but they're expensive (worth it, IMHO. Lol). They recently released a Windows 8 tablet computer that is ALSO an on-screen graphics tablet. It's called the Cintiq Companion, and it runs about $1200, which is pretty decent for a tablet computer. And, then there's the $1000 Cintiq, which is a peripheral graphics tablet that has a video screen, so you are also drawing on what you see.
The pressure sensitivity and ability to use a pen always were worth any struggle for me. I've wanted a tablet since my first trip to Disney World, where I saw the graphics tablet's granddaddy. Lol. It was an infrared pen that you could use to touch a tube television screen and paint in a program! And that was before personal Windows 3.1.1 PCs were common! Lol!
My art has improved by leaps and bounds because of my tablet. I sketch more and experiment more because I am not restricted by the fear of wasting supplies, and I can colour with my coloured pencils on physical media better because I better understand the pressure exerted by my hand! It just amazes me! Lol. So, yeah, I stick it out for my tablet.
But, then, I consider myself just a tad bit more techy than the average bear, too... and my husband is VERY skilled at computer and network troubleshooting and repair, so if I can't get it to work I ask him. But, you spend enough time tinkering with computers and sticking it out through the bugs doesn't seem so bad either.
And, yes, the Bamboo stylus, and even some of the Intuos, can be used on the Note - and they are recommended for comfort, quality, and durability, but they don't help pressure sensitivity because that is typically registrered in the tablet board itself. I have read rumor that Wacom is releasing a stylus that can be used on Android and iOS devices that actually has the pressure sernsitivity in the stylus, but I don't know the details.
Depending on what kind of drawing lessons and practice you did on your "previous life" (lol) not to look to your hands when you´re drawing isn´t too bad. Or even depending on the way you write... As I was used, due to a previous work, to write what people were saying and still keep looking at then and just giving quick checks on the notebook, seing the drawing on the screen wasn´t a problem at all for me to get used - I even found it somehow better. One of the worse things when I was starting, however, was the brush choice. For me, it is easier to know how a pen or pencil will trace, than a brush. And the most "set up" you need for a pencil is sharpen it, or make sure your nankin pen is filled... but with virtual brushes you have lots of settings to do. And lots of times the right brush isn´t the round one with sharp borders...
Other thing that I realised is that not always the pen pressure needs to be enabled. To make simple stuff sometimes it only makes thing worse, since when we are beginning it´s hard to keep constant pressure. Did you - that had problems to use the wacom - tried to disable pen pressure, or use other brushes?
The lack of really useful tuts on it is also really disturbing. I looked for good tips for weeks and gave up. It would be good to have a site with a "drawing in Wacom for beginners", but I couldn´t find it. The tutorial I found the most useful to me was a YouTube video in Portuguese of someone trying to teach a friend from other state how to use wacom to draw manga characters...
Thanks ladies for all your insights on this issue. I am back to having trouble with the pen, it jumps and skips, and when I lift it from the tablet it keeps making a line and messes the drawing up. I guess I'll just have to keep at it and eventually figure it out. * I don't know what happened, but I posted replies on here a few days ago and today they have disappeared. * Anyway, I wanted to say thanks for all the great information
I have a wacom bamboo, and i wouldnt use anything else, i love it!,if you dont want to use the pen mine is a touch also , so i get the best of both, had it near 3 years and i would never go back to a mouse, i use it not only for my scrapping but surfing the net everyhting.xx
Love them! I have spent many years in the graphics art department of several top-notch commercial printing companies and doing the art with the mouse destroyed my wrists. The artists with higher seniority got the nice large pads....I bought the the small tablet for home over 8 years ago and my wrists actually healed well. Now I need to get a new one since the old one is no longer compatible with my new laptop....I Miss It Terribly! Practice helps a lot. I work one hand with pen and other for the shortcut keys and helps workflow go a lot smoother...
Enjoy your tablet!
Vickie
Thanks Vickie for the hints.
I saw your post and you had me intrigued about these tables. Then I found a couple of sketch programs on the iPad. Are you familiar with any iPad apps? I am wondering if the Wacom tablets would provide a better option for sketches. I am still brand new to digital scrapbooking, but I can see how fun it would be to create my own elements with a drawing program.
I am not familiar with IPad apps, so I cannot help here.
The difference is with a tablet you use a pen instead of a mouse.
I just got a Wacom tablet, and I'm in love with it. No complaints from me...
I have tried using the stylist with the iPad apps. I haven't explored it fully, but I can see how using a dedicated tablet for drawing would be helpful. I am still fumbling my way around Photoshop, I must be the most inept person on the planet when it comes to using the basic functions.
No, Photoshop is not always easy to understand at first. There are settings and tools hidden and if you do not know where they are it can be confusing. If you stick with it, it will become second nature and you will enjoy Photoshop.
I wish I had seen this thread sooner!
My husband bought me the Wacom Intuos creative pen + touch tablet for Christmas. The packaging, branding, design.. it was all beautiful. I thought I was going to design all over myself before I could even get the box open.
However, when I got it installed and watched a few videos, like you, I noticed the stupid pen was not cooperating. I messed with it for a few minutes, not exactly as easy as the videos looked. I got scared, debating if I should tell my husband maybe it wasn't what I thought, or maybe our computer just wasn't fast enough to compute the quickness (haha). I put it away for a couple days, and prayed about it. I really thought this was THE TOOL to complete my design toolbox and grow.
Finally, I just jumped in. I noticed the software I was using (Sketchbook Express, one of those that you can download when you register your tablet) was frustrating, so I tried it in PSP x5. BINGO! It worked beautifully. Still lagged just a little when dragging my pen, but once I adjusted the settings a bit more, it worked 100x better than my first test drive.
I still struggle with a few things, but the more and more I play with it, the more and more I love it and am glad I stuck with it.
Like you said, practice, practice, practice.
Like you, Rae, I simply could not wait to have my Wacom. Got hubby to get me one for Christmas as well. Yep, like you, did not like it. Put it away for a few years, then decided to try it once more and now use it a tremendous amount with my PSP and with my "photo shopping". I can easily trace things with my pen, crop them out of whatever "photo" they are in and then insert them into whatever I'm working with at the time. Saves me loads of time. I love it. The more you play around with it, the more you love it. Like you said, practice, practice, practice.
You all are making me want one of these tablets more and more.
@Tina: When you feel a bit more confident with photoshop, try to buy an used one on the internet used marketing for your country. As not everybody get used to it, it´s not difficult to find almost new wacoms for sale on these kind of sites, as people which don´t have a good experience often sell them to buy something else/save space at home...
Lorien, thanks that is good to know. I will definitely look into getting a used one when i get more confident with the software.
I have had the same Wacom Bamboo Fun since at least 4 years (if not more). I love it. I work on W7 and occasionally, it starts going wonky, but the few times it happens, I reboot and it is ok.
I found that I cannot work with the tablet on the side, so it is in front of me, on the keyboard tray. I can use it just like I would with a pen and paper and my left hand is on the various buttons. It really feels like I am just writing. Then my keyboard is on the desk. Since I use the tablet more than the keyboard, the tablet is the one device that is ergonomically positioned.
I use my tablet for EVERYTHING: text editing, coding scripts, graphic, surfing the net, etc.
I have the Bamboo Create - I love, love, love it. It did take a lot of practice to get the hang of, as it doesn't necessarily work as you think it should (pen and paper) - I couldn't do without it now. I think the learning curve varies depending on what you're used to. My ten year old daughter had no difficulties at all, and was churning out some very impressive art immediately. We ended up buying her one for her computer (She's far more talented that I am)
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