Tools of the Trade

[photo]

I am a beginner with some talent at 2d imagery. My problem is simple : Ive got photoshop and i cant draw in it BECAUSE OF THE
MOUSE !!! Ive got a normal (almost unknown )
brand of regular wire mouse ,700 something dpi
.I can draw only line-like ,jagged,ugly curves.
Question: what (detailed please) is the standard 2d computer artist's mouse (or is the mouse passe?).Is it wireless, optical? I just want some smooth curves!
Thank you!

 

[BDNFLNC]

I work in PhotoShop all day at work. I have the standard cheap-o mouse that came with the computer.

At home I have a regular 2 button Microsoft mouse. Nothing special.

I don't think your problem is the mouse.

 

[jimoblak]

The mouse is the primary tool. CG artists obtain fluid curves with the pen tool and editing control points on a path.

Another good way to input your creativity is with a scanner. Draw your illustration on paper and scan it in.

A final way is to get a drawing tablet. The Graphire tablet from Wacom.com is a nice entry level pad ($100).

You may also want to experiment with your other hand. I am left handed but prefer the mouse in the right. I use my left hand for tablet drawing.

 

[mscallisto]

Does your mouse flow smoothly as you move it about or does it jerk and stutter?

If the latter, the ball may need cleaning or perhaps you're taxing memory (ram) and the operating system can't keep up with the mouse.

Let us know

 

[jimoblak]

Yeah, there is nothing more obscene than dirty mouse balls.

I have tried optical mice and been a little disappointed. They get confused over textured mouse pads. The standard ball and wired mouse suits me fine.

 

[leonec]

Wacom...for drawing or painting, with release 7 PS has become better in the painting field but if all you want to do is paint and draw I would not suggest Photoshop, I would however look into Corel or PaintShopPro. But a Wacom tablet will help you out alot. goto wacom.com

 

[kh707]

I just went out and purchased a new wireless track ball. Thought I would finally get with the program. But...I would absolutly not recommend doing that. I have - after one day - gone back to my good old three button mouse where I have total control. I have finally just ordered my wacom tablet as I have heard that is really the way you wnat to go in these types of programs. Hopefully it works better for me than the track ball! But I'll always keep my faithful mouse around - dirty ball and all!

 

[SPYDERIX]

I think that my optical is the best ever, never have to worry about it being dirty or dusty. It just takes time and practise to develop a steady mouse hand.

Anything like that takes practise. I tried out some friends tablets and thought they were horrible, but never really tried to get used to it and just went back to my optical.

http://www.spyderix-designz.com

 

[photo]

to mscallisto
it stutters. Could be the mouse pad, the sensation is far from smooth also its slippery.What mouse resolution you reccomend?

 

[mscallisto]

Most often it's not the mousepad although the tracking ball may need cleaning once in a while as jimoblak can verify.

Memory management could be the reason the mouse stutters. If not enough memory is available (rough explanation), the mouse needs to wait until the system catches up with it's movement.

When you exit out of Photoshop and use other applications like Word or E-mail etc., does the mouse respond OK?

We need to know more about your memory usage.
Whatever operating system you are using MAC, Windows etc.
can you determine your memory usage or do you need help with that?