Parts: 1 2 3 4 5
Do I really need another drawing program?
If you are reading this, you are either pondering purchasing Autodesk Sketchbook Pro, have already bought it, or you are on the 15-day free trial. Greetings, my artisan brother or sister!
This isn’t a how-to guide or a review.
This is a raw, naked in a school bus dream theater, give me the overall substance of the thing, not necessarily a step-by-step overlook. This is to help quickly aid you in your decision to purchase this software or not, and to get you familiar with the interface enough to get up to speed in creating content in Sketchbook Pro.
Understanding that will help you follow along and not get frustrated looking for the breakdown of tools or a step by step.
Let’s get some software
First of all, if you haven’t given the trial a spin I recommend doing so.
For PC: autodesk.com/trysketchbookpro
*For Mac users running 10.6 OS, you can get it from the Mac App Store
there’s also a free “express” version available
This guide will be written using a motion computing tablet PC and the Windows version.
Here also, are Autodesk’s Frequently Asked Questions that may address any concerns I don’t intend to cover here (for example, the iPad or mobile versions, filetypes, etc).
images.autodesk.com/adsk/files/sketchbookpro_2011_faq_us.pdf
I downloaded the non-consecutive 15 day trial from Autodesk’s website about two months ago and promptly purchased the software upon finishing my trial period.
The free form trial means you can use it for 15 actual unlocked days, one day at a time, even if it takes you a year to use up those days. Which is very cool of them to do.It took me a little under two months to fit those trial days into my schedule.Now, I use Sketchbook Pro every day. I’m still uncovering features of the program, so if I leave anything out, drop me a note and I’ll add it into the next Sketchbook Pro post.I want to take a minute and shine some light on this though, how many times have you downloaded a timed software trial and simply run out of free time to experiment with it because your days ran out? Not so here.
There’s no “time trial” stress in seeing how the product fits into your current workflow. You can naturally fold it into whatever life throws at you as your trial days are unlocked only when you open it and use it.That’s enough about the demo…Let’s talk about what Sketchbook Pro is and is not.
Sketchbook Pro is not a replacement for Photoshop.
Photoshop was created for image editing. Somewhere along the way it became the standard for digital artists. I still use Photoshop for some things, but my primary drawing program is now Sketchbook Pro.
Every design decision in Photoshop was made to better edit photos and do layout prototyping. Every design decision in Sketchbook Pro was made for the express purpose of illustrating. The difference when you are drawing is immediately noticeable.In other words, there’s no wasted processing power or features you may never use.
The software seeks to help funnel the rapid development of your sketches, storyboards, concepts, or rough ideas and get them marked down quickly, without having the user interface get in the way.It flourishes on tablet computers or a Wacom Cintiq, due to the interface being completely designed around their draw-on-the-screen functionality.
For more about Wacom’s Cintiq, visit the droolworthy page:
wacom.com/cintiq/
Even though the workspace and tools seem initially built only for simplicity and speed, they are also very robust, powerful, and flexible.
in part 2, I delve into the toolsets, the workspace, and what to make of all you see when you first get started.
*submitted by Eric Merced 2/14/2011. Thanks Eric!
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I have sketchbook for my computer and just got the app for my iphone, and one thing i was hoping for was for the picture with the layers to be able to transfer to the computer but i understand that isnt eady to do with the file types; however, cant there be a way to use a file sharing app? For instance i use dropbox. Thatll keep the file type and ill be able to bring it right to my computer from the internet….i do not know a whole lot about conputers and files ect but it was an idea that i think most people who purchased sketchbook would find very useful. =)…sorry if im wrong haha
Sketchbook pro is awesome. We use it a Blue Sky for storyboards. I wish it had a time line though.
It’s already pretty sweet, but If it had a timeline it would be one of the most amazing applications of all time.
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I have been a paper sketch artist for years and have just discovered this
Sketch Pro. Is there any How to instructions for this also what is a good
stylus for this. Any help would be appreciated as I’m already hooked but
don’t know how to work it. Like an artist without paper I await your response
anxiously
Thanks
Left controls ar choices for spray guns brushes etc choose one then up top hit the brush menu for main use is colors touch any color or hue. Chose opacity and radius for with of stroke. Choose different guns stroke possibilities hit all the different buttons an try them. There is a button to the right of the paint bucket that opens the back panel settings with options such a jitter minimum maximum and many other options if you watch the whie square as you change the controls you can observe what each button is doing just experiment an hit every button to see what happens. You will be amassed at the possibilities. The biggest secret is to hit the brush on top. Oh the squiggle line gives yo great circle line and box options.
If you are working on an iPad, maybe look into Wacom’s stylus. The version of the program I use is the desktop version.
Sketch book pro is a great program I have been without the time or materials often to do my art and it is just great to be able to do art in my spare time. I find it quite versatile With many settings and layering possibilities I have one thing that really aggravates me about the program it is the eraser button in the left top corner. I am often a loose and free creator and far to many times I have simply dragged my han accross i trying to fill the corner and erased my entire work accidentally and it is not recoverable either. Please do me a great favor and get rid of this horrible button. Seriously!!!
I’ve used many editing software but must say Sketchbook pro has been the easiest to get to grips with. After a few hiccups, it seems to flow naturally. I use it with my IPad. Would not change either.
Hey Carsten,
Excellent series, thanks for putting in the work and effort. I would like to know which motion tablet you are using, if you don’t mind sharing that info. Seems like you’ve picked up an older model and that it essentially serves as a cheap cintiq. Anyway, just wondering which model you’re using.
Thanks again.
Sorry Carsten, nevermind- I just caught the comments at the end of page two. Thanks again for all the great info.