Digital Art Pens: Editing Game Changer
Why it’s time to ditch your mouse and meet your new best friend.
The grass really is greener on the other side of the editing fence. If you’ve ever considered breaking up with your trusty mouse and jumping into the world of digital art pens, I’ll explain why you should make the switch and what you can expect from your first digital pen.
Digital art pens are a game changer for photo editing. As someone who has been using Wacom products for years, I can attest to the many benefits of using a digital pen instead of a mouse or trackpad.
First, let’s talk about precision.
A digital pen allows you to make precise selections and adjustments in your photos with ease. Whether you’re removing blemishes, fixing color, or adding elements, you have complete control over every brush stroke and line you make. With a mouse, you may have difficulty getting the accuracy you need, especially if you’re working on a small or intricate detail.
Second, using a digital art pen can make editing faster and more efficient.
You don’t have to constantly switch back and forth between tools or take the time to adjust your cursor size and pressure sensitivity. With a digital pen, you can simply adjust your brush size, pressure sensitivity, and other settings as needed to create your desired effect. This can save you a lot of time and frustration, especially if you’re working on multiple photos at once.
Third, using a digital art pen can be more comfortable than using a mouse or trackpad.
With a mouse, you often have to grip it tightly and make repetitive motions, which can cause hand and wrist strain. A digital pen, on the other hand, mimics the feel of drawing with a traditional pen or pencil, so you can use it for longer periods without experiencing discomfort.
Okay, so you’re sold on them. But which ones should you choose?
In the world of digital art pens and tablets, there is a plethora of choices. Wacom, XP-Pen, Huion and others make excellent products and all have a variety of options.
I personally use a Wacom Cintiq Pro 24 at home for my photo editing needs, and the Wacom Intuous Pro for when I’m traveling. The Cintiq Pro 24 offers a large, high-resolution display that makes it easy to see even the smallest details in my photos. It’s amazingly easy to acclimate to the Cintiq Pro because you edit directly on the screen, just as if you were painting or drawing with traditional mediums. I even opted for the ergonomic stand which allows me to place the screen at the most ideal tilt and location for my comfort. Although this one is a pricey option, it makes for impeccably accurate and intricate editing with a natural motion of the wrist and hand.
The Intuous Pro is a more portable option that still provides excellent accuracy and control, making it perfect for on-the-go photo editing. It’s the perfect size to fit in my laptop bag and accompanies me to all of my workshops. I’ve even used it while flying on a plane to edit an award winning image!
I started out as a beginner with the Wacom Intuous medium, which was the perfect size for me to learn the basics of digital art. As I got more comfortable with the digital pen, I was able to upgrade to a larger model that offered more advanced features and capabilities. Regardless of which model you choose, using a Wacom digital pen will help you bring your photo editing skills to the next level.
You’ve got your pen…now what?
Take it slow: Just like any new relationship, you need to give your digital pen some time to grow on you. Don’t expect to be a pro right away – it takes some time to get used to the new way of doing things.
Get to know each other: Every digital pen is different, so take the time to learn about your pen’s unique capabilities and quirks. Play around with different brush sizes and pressure sensitivity settings to see what works best for you.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: When you first get started, you’ll make mistakes and that’s okay. Embrace the learning process and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Stay committed: If you want to make this relationship work, you need to be willing to put in the time and effort. Keep using your digital pen, even if it feels awkward or slow at first. But don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it.
Lean on friends: If you’re feeling overwhelmed or lost, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to other photo editors who use digital pens, or look for tutorials online to help you get the most out of your new tool.
Just like any new relationship, getting used to a digital pen takes time and effort. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll never go back to your old mouse. You’ll enjoy more precision, speed, and comfort in your photo editing, and your mouse will be a distant memory. So go ahead, take the leap, and start your new love with a digital pen today!
Want to see some of my work using a digital art pen? Check out https://www.amberdamour.com/galleries
