As I mentioned in my previous article on software, I decided to take the plunge toward open-source solutions. But beyond the openness of the software and its platforms, one thing weighed even more heavily on my mind: I wanted to find solid alternatives to US-based solutions. If you’re European like me, you know exactly what …
Some water has flowed under the bridge since the first software review I wrote last fall. For many reasons — well, really just one, but let’s not dive into politics right now — I finally decided to give Linux a proper chance as an operating system. I remember saying, “It requires a bit more technical …
Epson XP-8700 is the one I’ve been using since 2022. It’s a pretty decent device — I mainly use it for printing and editing sketches by hand, but even more for scanning photos and drawings. For a “cheap” printer/scanner, it actually performs rather well in that department. This particular Epson produces excellent black and white …
Again, a pretty standard fineliner — but much better than their V Sign Pen. These have a slightly more generous ink flow compared to Pentel or Molotow, and the ink is a deep black. The nib is good and moves smoothly on regular paper. It dries fairly quickly, and once dry, it can be painted …
Some artists online rave about these. I don’t really get why. I assume they’re great for cartoons or certain styles? But for my needs, they’re just… fine. They get the job done — no complaints there. But once dried, the ink on thinner paper isn’t deep black — it’s more of a dark grey. And …
The V-SIGN PEN by Pilot is probably a multipurpose marker. It closely resembles alcohol-based markers typically used for labeling rather than detailed drawing. You can draw with it, of course — especially if you’re already used to similar markers like the Sharpie. The V-Sign pen lays down a smooth, vibrant line of liquid ink, but …
Basically really good, but it doesn’t dry all that fast. Well, it’s almost immediately “touch dry,” but no matter how long you wait, if you paint over it with acrylics, the ink still shows through — even though the manufacturer claims it’s waterproof once dry. Go figure. That said, if you sketch with a pencil …
Yes, this one is also made by the same manufacturer behind the Posca acrylic markers. Uni-Ball is a solid, high-quality marker that differs slightly from the Uni Pin series. It’s not a fiber tip, but a ballpoint pen — size 0.5 mm, water-based pigment ink. The markers are made in Japan but are available worldwide. …
Arguably the most crucial tools, if you ask me. If money isn’t an obstacle, you’d most likely go with some version of the Adobe Creative Cloud package. After all, it’s more or less the industry standard. I’ve worked with Photoshop — part of the Adobe family — since 2000. If I remember correctly, I started …
Now, let’s continue where I left on the “Computers” article… In order to actually get anything done and delivered to the public, having just a computer and art supplies isn’t enough. You naturally need the right software to handle all the necessary tasks — and there’s plenty of those where I come from. I’ll say …