Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 8/21/2011

Question
Hi Kevin,

I've recently started doing illustrations using Illustrator CS1, mainly portraits whereby I scan the image into Illustrator and then trace over the top.

I'm able to use the pen tool to click around an outline, but mainly there are curves and rounded edges which when trying to use the freehand pencil tool can be, at best, hit and miss.
And trying to draw using a mouse is very difficult.

My question is this:

I'm considering buying a Wacom Intuos 4 graphics tablet to hopefully make the tasks outlined above more easier. Can you tell me please if the Intuos will be able to do the things I want to do - i.e. will I be able to use the Intuos pen to select the tools in the Illustrator toolbox instead of the mouse, essentially being able to do all the things with the Intuos pen as I would be able to with the mouse?

And presumably it'll be compatible with my Mac?

Thanks
Dave

Answer
Hi Dave,

A newer Wacom tablet will help, but the issue is with the pencil tool itself. If you double-click the pencil tool, you can change the Fidelity and Smoothness, both effect how closely your pencil tool will follow your original drawing. Adjusting these settings will make a huge difference in the accuracy.

Thanks

Kevin