Coffee_Geek
Who sits on Saturn
Hello Artists!
As stated in the title, I am going to recommend art programs that I have tried out or what others have tried out (comment in the thread!). I will add others' experiences/art programs here!
Firealpaca
Very much like Paint Tool Sai, it does not come with vector tools (Mouse Users.) Easy to understand and is free.
Sketchbook Express/Pro
It's best to get the free version. Comes in various medias, Easier to understand and is pressure sensitive.
Gimp
Has vectors and is free
Paint Tool Sai
Commonly used, same dynamics as FireAlpaca, but with vectoring. 54$ for Full version, there is a 30 day trial available. Not compatible with Mac.
Krita
Recommended by many people on this thread it is free and has many tools to choose from. As of now, they have been trying to implement animation (sort of jittery at the moment) but a very good program overall. The website has free sources and guides that will give you tips/tricks/advice on using the program.
Open Canvas
Medibang Paint
Available on IOS devices (IPad/IPhone) and Windows/Mac. It was created by the same creators of FireAlpaca and it does have a few similarities with FireAlpaca/Paint Tool Sai. It is free and comes with comic patterns; Pressure sensitive and have an online community (if you're using the app on a mobile device.)
Apple Applications
Clip Studio Paint
A highly requested drawing program that has been gaining popularity over the years - price is about $50-$220, $50 is standard and $220 is the full featured CSP. However, I believe it's worth trying because there's plenty of resources it comes with such as, 3D models, tools to replicate manga/comics, screen toning, effects, and much more! Animation was recently added as well.
Animation
GraphicsGale
Program for pixels! As of now I believe it is only available for Windows. Great for making sprites/pixel art and animating pixel art. There are plenty of guides on using it and it is free!
I only use Macromedia Flash 8 and Photoshop CC for animations.
-Macromedia Flash 8 is free! Many guides/tutorials to find out there.
If you would like to add extra notes to these as well, tell me and I will happily edit it in!!
As stated in the title, I am going to recommend art programs that I have tried out or what others have tried out (comment in the thread!). I will add others' experiences/art programs here!
Firealpaca
Very much like Paint Tool Sai, it does not come with vector tools (Mouse Users.) Easy to understand and is free.
[expired image]
Sketchbook Express/Pro
It's best to get the free version. Comes in various medias, Easier to understand and is pressure sensitive.
Gimp
Has vectors and is free
My favorite of all the time. Very simple to use, available on every operating system. Another cool feature is that you can write plugins if you know how to program in Python. It's open source and 100% free.
Commonly used, same dynamics as FireAlpaca, but with vectoring. 54$ for Full version, there is a 30 day trial available. Not compatible with Mac.
Krita
Recommended by many people on this thread it is free and has many tools to choose from. As of now, they have been trying to implement animation (sort of jittery at the moment) but a very good program overall. The website has free sources and guides that will give you tips/tricks/advice on using the program.
Just in case no one has mentioned it or some of you don't know about it - Krita is a really good, free, open sourced program made by artists, for artists.
Here is the website: [x]
I advise putting Krita. It can be a tad difficult or complexed to understand at first, and it's always a learning process. However, I do feel it would be good use considering they have a free version packed with some good tools, and it can be like photoshop or sai. Or both, really.
Open Canvas
Hmm, I use OpenCanvas 6 which I paid $50 (USD) for. I would recommend the software too since I have had it for almost 2 years now. You can purchase it off their website or off steam. (I would recommend steam since it is a bit cheaper, website sells it for $59 while steam sells it for $50)
http://www.portalgraphics.net/en/oc/
There is a free trial on their website you can download too. Also at the bottom of the page tells you about the system requirements. (I don't think it works with mac, sorry :C)
(There is a little bug with the Wacom's tablet driver V6.3.14-1 that causes you to be unable to draw. If you have it, on their website they provide a link to download the latest version if it from the Wacom's website)
http://store.steampowered.com/app/301610/
The app on steam has videos on the store page of speed paints with this software if you'd like to watch it. Along with some photos of the tabs. I also have a screenshot to show them too. Forgive my bad handwriting, I slur the letters together a lot. I tried not to.
If I got carried away showing buttons forgive that too >.> (Haven't really made an example for software I use before so don't really know what all to put.)
Some examples of things I have made in this software:
Medibang Paint
Available on IOS devices (IPad/IPhone) and Windows/Mac. It was created by the same creators of FireAlpaca and it does have a few similarities with FireAlpaca/Paint Tool Sai. It is free and comes with comic patterns; Pressure sensitive and have an online community (if you're using the app on a mobile device.)
Apple Applications
If any of you are ipad inclined, here's a few apps you might try:
Procreate - Literally the best ipad drawing app on the market. Really supportive of artists, you buy it once and you've got it forever. No subscription, and their forums have a crap ton of free brushes and other resources. I've used it for drawing mayors, and writing/illustrating a children's book. It's the best of the best.
SketchClub - Decent set of tools, and has a unique "club" aspect where you can live stream work and also share work with a community. Decent for the price.
Adobe Sketch - Has some really neat watercolor brushes that actually behave somewhat like water with pooling and such. Worth experimenting with.
Assembly - Not exactly a "drawing app" but more of a vector app where you can make stickers by layering shapes. However, I have a good friend in real life that was able to make a really cute chibi of my mayor with this app, so if he could do it, you could make some pretty unique things too.
A few other apps that might be worth trying, but aren't notable enough (to me) to warrent a paragraph: Inspire Pro, Paper, Sketches Pro, MyBrushes Pro, Brushes Redux.
Clip Studio Paint
A highly requested drawing program that has been gaining popularity over the years - price is about $50-$220, $50 is standard and $220 is the full featured CSP. However, I believe it's worth trying because there's plenty of resources it comes with such as, 3D models, tools to replicate manga/comics, screen toning, effects, and much more! Animation was recently added as well.
Animation
GraphicsGale
Program for pixels! As of now I believe it is only available for Windows. Great for making sprites/pixel art and animating pixel art. There are plenty of guides on using it and it is free!
I only use Macromedia Flash 8 and Photoshop CC for animations.
-Macromedia Flash 8 is free! Many guides/tutorials to find out there.
If you would like to add extra notes to these as well, tell me and I will happily edit it in!!
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