So many people know where I stand when it comes to digital drawing/painting. If you don’t well I’ll tell you. I really don’t like drawing digitally. I know allot of people who do and I’m not hating. Why I dont like it…. well I just like the feeling having a piece of paper.  Drawing digitally, I really can’t walk away with anything.

I have tried a few different programs like Corel Painter and Adobe Photoshop. With Corel Painter, I like the different types of brushes Corel Painter has, but I don’t like the interface and the way you navigate.

Probably my biggest problem drawing digitally is that it just doesn’t feel like the real thing…

During one of my demos someone asked me if i sketch using any program, and I issued my problem of drawing on the computer, and someone recommend me to try out a product from Autodesk called Autodesk Sketchbook Pro. Autodesk is a great company. They are makers of the amazing programs like 3D MAX and AUTOCAD. So I tried the trial Autodesk Sketchbook Pro to see if they could change my mind.  I am always open to new things.

So I gave it a shot.

First impressions?
-Well the first time that I ran the program, really felt like I was drawing on paper.

The Good
- I like how the the art-board (the white page) takes over the screen.

- I don’t feel confined on a small box which I feel most of the time.

- Very nice interface; very simple, clean, and easy.  I think they took in consideration the screen being a big tool to sketch. All the tools are great, very customizable.

The Bad
-One thing that really started bugging me was about an hour after I started using it, you zoom in and out..  its great… you just need to use the space bar.  But I like having the option of using hot keys like in most programs: command + & command -(ctrl + and crt - on a pc) to zoom in and out. That’s partly the fact that I’m just so use to doing that in many other programs.

The Ugly
- Autodesk Sketchbook Pro is very limited on hot keys. Not having many hot key is a big no-no for me. Using hot keys enables you to work quicker.

 - Its limited on how many brushes it has. I know they’re trying to make it just a sketching tool but many people sketch differently.  Some use water colour others use pastels .

What i wish it had?
- More Hot keys

- Different types of art-board like Corel Painter

- More tools

Would you buy it and recommend it to people?
- I see myself using it from time to time.  If I’m traveling, doing a quick sketch for a client, do a few quick layouts, then I say yes.

- Do I recommend it?  Well every artist is different when it comes to this subject of drawing digitally.  I’d try the trial version of Autodesk Sketchbook Pro to see for yourself and see how it feels.

My rating of Autodesk Sketchbook Pro?
I give it 4 starts out of 5

If you would like to try out the trial they have a Mac and windows version that can be found here.

First sketch on Sketchbook Pro.

* small disclaimer I was not payed by Autodesk to do this review.

Happy valentines day!!! from Mr.Jay21
I want to wish everyone a super sexy valentines day!! especially Miss 21!!!

Hello all,

It was a great show last week, It was a small show but very good one. The piece I submitted was a little different from the usual stuff I do. It was inspired by a look from the 90’s.

A good friend came right off a plane from the Philippines and showed up at the show; With out any of us knowing. It was great! he showed up with very cool magazine for me from their. Lots of hot girls! and lots of BOBBIES!!!!

I had fun doing the sketch off. I got to do the “frankinfrog”.
I was clueless the first minute but I came up with something within the 3 mins and won the match. YAY!

Thank you for showing your support to all of us artists!
We need that kind of support sometimes to keep us making that great art everyone loves.

The top left one is the one I submitted.

Hello kiddies!

Just want to let you guys know that I will be part of art show this weekend. This show is something I haven’t done before.  All the artist in the show had to create a piece of art using and old record sleeve. The rule is the piece has to have something from the old record. Also after, there will be a sketch-off.  People have 3 mins to draw something random that will be shouted out by the attendees at the art show. This is something I love doing.  So if your around the neighborhood drop by! here is their link.
Address:
The Labyrinth book store
386 Bloor Street West
(2 blocks west from Spadina Subway Sttion)

Hello everyone,
Just wanted to tell all you guys and gals that I’m doing a workshop this week. This Workshop will be about my step by step on creating some of the things I do using Illustrator. This work shop will be on Wednesday and Thursday from 6:15 to 8:30( not sure when it will really end).
If your would like to see me do this please shoot me an e-mail and I can see if I can squeeze you in.

The address is:
The art centre
725 Bathurst Street,
Toronto, Onario,
M5S 2R5

See you there!!