MicrostockGroup

Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Stock Discussion => Topic started by: tab62 on April 08, 2012, 22:52

Title: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: tab62 on April 08, 2012, 22:52
Hey MS Folks,

How many of you use a Graphic Pen/Pad instead of a mouse? I've been told that a graphic Pen, especially when using the pen tool in CS, is much better a tool than the old fashion mouse. Thus wanted to see what you folks are using.

Thanks.

Tom
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: Jo Ann Snover on April 09, 2012, 00:44
I use the Wacom tablet and stylus for everything. It isn't everyone's choice, but after about a decade of using one I can't imagine going back to a mouse. I think for mask making, painting as well as work with the pen tool in illustrator or Photoshop, the pen works so much more like a pen or brush in the real world.
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: rubyroo on April 09, 2012, 01:10
For me a digi-pen and tablet is a must!  I find a mouse far too clunky for detailed, fine work.
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: Metsafile on April 09, 2012, 01:46
I use a mouse with both left and right hands and the pen for hand drawing with my right.
   
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: ShadySue on April 09, 2012, 08:35
What's a mouse?  :P
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: LSD72 on April 09, 2012, 08:44
What's a mouse?  :P

 :D
http://thatslikewhoa.com/taxidermy-computer-mouse/ (http://thatslikewhoa.com/taxidermy-computer-mouse/)

(http://thatslikewhoa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/gross-taxidermy-computer-mouse3.jpg)
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: ShadySue on April 09, 2012, 08:52
 ;D
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: cathyslife on April 09, 2012, 09:02
I use a wacom and pen, especially when working in PS. So much more control than a mouse.
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: Tabimura on April 09, 2012, 11:16
This (http://store.razerzone.com/store/razerusa/en_IE/pd/productID.220156700) is much more versatile than a tablet and its perfect for photo retouching. I also have a wacom tablet too, use it rarely and mostly for drawings.
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: tab62 on April 09, 2012, 11:53
Thank you folks just order my wacom and pen...


Tom
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: oxman on April 11, 2012, 20:54
I've used a mouse for ages and bought a tablet to test it. It was like my fingers were on ice wearing roller skates. I took it back and am therefore a life long mouser.

keep your receipt. ;)

ox
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: velocicarpo on April 11, 2012, 21:19
Once I tried to use a Wacom but failed to get used to it....so I`m on a Mouse ;-) However, it fascinates me that there are only People who are LOVING their Tablets and on the other hand the People who cannot get along with them at all...
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: tab62 on April 11, 2012, 22:02
I am ready to toss the graphic pad out of my window! I was told to put my mouse away for one full week to give the graphic pad & pen a real fair chance...
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: cthoman on April 11, 2012, 23:58
I am ready to toss the graphic pad out of my window! I was told to put my mouse away for one full week to give the graphic pad & pen a real fair chance...

I think the real test for me was when I started a freelance project with my tablet. I quickly realized what I'd produced with it was garbage, then plugged in my mouse and finished the project. I think the lesson learned was that if you already have a good workflow with one tool, it's hard to replace it with another.
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: ShadySue on April 12, 2012, 01:55
I am ready to toss the graphic pad out of my window! I was told to put my mouse away for one full week to give the graphic pad & pen a real fair chance...

You ordered it on the 9th and it's only just the 12th and you're going to toss it?! It took me just over a week before I loved mine, and I don't even know where my mice are (from the photo above, I realise it's what I get in my live trap from time to time and take up to the park, or further ...) I'm only doing photos, not illos, BTW.
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: tab62 on April 12, 2012, 09:28
Yeah, my new tool came in real fast. I did an isolated object last night on white- I did okay thus will stay with the graphic pen. I put my mouse way to force myself to learn and give the new toy a fair try...

Thanks.


Tom
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: cathyslife on April 12, 2012, 10:27
I am ready to toss the graphic pad out of my window! I was told to put my mouse away for one full week to give the graphic pad & pen a real fair chance...

Don't give up so quickly. You have to keep using it and get used to it. It took me about 2 weeks, mostly because I was resisting too. It was so different than the mouse, I kept wanting to leave the new and go back to the familiar. But persistence paid off, and if you use any kind of brushes in Photoshop, it adds 2-3 times more functionality to the brush than a mouse.
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: Microbius on April 12, 2012, 10:40
Definitely there is an adjustment period with a tablet, I think it took me a couple of weeks too, when you get used to it it is much better than a mouse in my opinion.
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: rubyroo on April 12, 2012, 10:42
I didn't realise others stopped using their mouse altogether.  I've been using a graphic pen/tablet now many years for both drawing and for post-production work, but I still use my mouse for general menu-clicking etc.  For me the pen is my creative device only.

I guess I like the ol' 'clunky' for clunky work, and the pen for very fine, concentrated work.  Just mentioning that in case anyone who is new to the pen finds this a better solution for them too.
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: lisafx on April 12, 2012, 12:44
I've used a mouse for ages and bought a tablet to test it. It was like my fingers were on ice wearing roller skates. I took it back and am therefore a life long mouser.

keep your receipt. ;)

ox

Yep.  Me too.  I could not get the hang of the tablet.  Finally said "why am I putting myself through this?" and happily went back to the mouse. 

If I hadn't gotten so used to the mouse over the years, I might have had an easier time with the tablet. 
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: WarrenPrice on April 12, 2012, 13:03
I've used a laptop for ages, drawing or creating with my finger.  Do you think that would make adapting to a stylus/pen any easier?
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: ShadySue on April 12, 2012, 14:30
I've used a laptop for ages, drawing or creating with my finger.  Do you think that would make adapting to a stylus/pen any easier?
Couldn't possibly say - I really hate that wee trackpad thing and have only used very basic touchscreens. IMO, anything would be better than a touchpad.
Title: Re: Mouse vs Graphic Pen/Pad
Post by: cathyslife on April 12, 2012, 14:38
I didn't realise others stopped using their mouse altogether.  I've been using a graphic pen/tablet now many years for both drawing and for post-production work, but I still use my mouse for general menu-clicking etc.  For me the pen is my creative device only.

I guess I like the ol' 'clunky' for clunky work, and the pen for very fine, concentrated work.  Just mentioning that in case anyone who is new to the pen finds this a better solution for them too.

Same here. If I'm just doing general stuff, I use the mouse. Once I go into PS, it's the tablet.