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Should I learn how to draw first?

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fem4life

Programmer
Dec 28, 2007
2
Is it best to learn how to draw before using an Illustration Software?

Thanks
 
...not necessarily, although an advantage, people who are comfortable with a brush or pen on paper can struggle with a computer brush or computer pen (my brother is one of those), many of these people find a wacom tablet to be of great use:


...learning the software program is the first step whatever your drawing abilities. My brother is a good illustrator on paper, but for him to put his ideas on a computer is a different dimension totally, mainly because he struggles with what a computer tool is capable of achieving and how it behaves. Certainly he has an advantage over me because he can draw and is good with light direction and how shadows may cast or fall on a given object or scene...

...if he could apply more time to the software he has available to him it would become less frustrating over time...

...but whatever your own ability, drawer or not really a one (like me), you can still gather the foundations of how a software program works and produce something that you can be pleased with...

Andrew
 
I think one thing that would help, is to have a basic understanding of illustration. Being able to apply shadows correctly, or giving something dimension properly, or just getting your illustration to "look real" will come easier, if you have the artistic background to pull it off. Go to your local bookstore or library and just look at illustrations and images, to help with your assignments. Do a little research first! Good luck!
 
I am of two minds on this one;
Yes! You should have a basic grounding in design and layout so that you are using tools to create effects, etc. rather than just responding to what the tools/effects do.
Otherwise, edit/undo is your best friend! Trial and error becomes a much less painful process when you can hit 2 keys and back up a step.
The most important thing is to keep trying new stuff; use that ctrl+Z- when you don't know what a tool/effect does, just try it & undo if it doesn't look good.
Best of luck to you!
-E
 
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