Mountainous attempt

[kacey]

I think you're doing us all a major disservice if you don't continue to work on this style. The only thing to giggle at here is the fact that you think this isn't any good. It's extremely difficult to get nice lines with a mouse, and no pressure sensitivity, but I believe it's entirely possible... Look what you've done with cc3, you've pushed that programme to do things it wasn't intended for many times, you're entry in the September challenge is just one example where you managed to make something look as tho it had been painted in PhotoShop or gimp, and I'm absolutely convinced that you are capable of emulating pressure sensitivity in gimp if you're willing to learn the programme.

I worked for a year on an old iPad with my finger in procreate, and managed to get variation in line thickness by adjusting the brushes tapper settings, and was able to acheive something just as effective as pressure sensitivity by lowering the opacity slider when I wanted it to appear as tho I didn't press very hard. I got so used to doing this that it became second nature, and when I got my new computer, and started using PhotoShop with pressure sensitivity it seemed alien to not have to adjust the opacity, and line thickness constantly... And as for you're "flat mountains" in all honesty I think this is reminiscent of some of Jonathan Roberts work, and I wonder if you've seen any of his tutorials over at fantastic maps.

I think you're crazy if you don't hone in on this talent that you have, you've pushed software to it's limits before, why can't you do the same with gimp, and get that mouse working for you. I think if you give yourself a chance to practice in gimp, and learn it well, that you'll be producing some top notch maps for us all to enjoy.

[Bogie]

Beautiful work Mouse, to me this looks like it would be perfect as part of the rim of a gigantic crater.

[Mouse]

I don't know what to giggle about, this looks amazing. You did great job with the light,, and it's a pity it's "probably" your last attempt, as I can imagine maps created by you would be exremely popular.

Oh, I'm so sorry Kevin. I don't know why, but your comment wasn't showing when I responded to Josiah and Voolf!

Thanks for the encouragement

Mouse, I 'll just say this : ditch CC3 Even without a tablet, you do a great job, imagine what you'd do if you could draw directly. And if you find your mountains too flat, tell you this : this is your first attempt. Practice makes perfect and you're already near perfect.

LOL! But I love CC3. And it will be a very long time before I will be able to draw everything else in GIMP. Just think - I'll now have to join the forest loathing society

I think you're doing us all a major disservice if you don't continue to work on this style. The only thing to giggle at here is the fact that you think this isn't any good. It's extremely difficult to get nice lines with a mouse, and no pressure sensitivity, but I believe it's entirely possible... Look what you've done with cc3, you've pushed that programme to do things it wasn't intended for many times, you're entry in the September challenge is just one example where you managed to make something look as tho it had been painted in PhotoShop or gimp, and I'm absolutely convinced that you are capable of emulating pressure sensitivity in gimp if you're willing to learn the programme.

I worked for a year on an old iPad with my finger in procreate, and managed to get variation in line thickness by adjusting the brushes tapper settings, and was able to acheive something just as effective as pressure sensitivity by lowering the opacity slider when I wanted it to appear as tho I didn't press very hard. I got so used to doing this that it became second nature, and when I got my new computer, and started using PhotoShop with pressure sensitivity it seemed alien to not have to adjust the opacity, and line thickness constantly... And as for you're "flat mountains" in all honesty I think this is reminiscent of some of Jonathan Roberts work, and I wonder if you've seen any of his tutorials over at fantastic maps.

I think you're crazy if you don't hone in on this talent that you have, you've pushed software to it's limits before, why can't you do the same with gimp, and get that mouse working for you. I think if you give yourself a chance to practice in gimp, and learn it well, that you'll be producing some top notch maps for us all to enjoy.

My word! I didn't realise I'd got it sort of close enough for anyone to realise who's video's I've been watching to the point of fascinated mesmerisation for the last several days. Spot on with Jonathan Roberts - I even made myself a background that's sort of a bit like his (I know you can download it if you want but I had already been working on a few parchment textures). This is the one I've been watching. I think his work is just totally gorgeous... :sigh:

Thanks Kacey

Beautiful work Mouse, to me this looks like it would be perfect as part of the rim of a gigantic crater.

Thanks Bogie

I hadn't seen it like that - particularly as I was trying to do something more like Mr Robert's work with far more crinkles and interesting nooks and crannies, but now you say it I can see what you mean. I might have a go at completing the ring

[Greg]

Just going to add to what everyone else has said Mouse. Nothing at all to be ashamed off with these beasties. They may be large, but you definitely ave a knack for the style and shading (the latter something that I think always makes or breaks a mountain). What's more with them being drawn by a Mouse (see what I did there? ), makes them all the more impressive.

Seriously, if you ever do manage to get hold of a tablet (pretty sure you could pick up something small, but decent enough to play with for less than £50, whether it be a low range Wacom or a different brand like Huion who are a bit cheaper all round, but I've heard good things) these mountains could really take off ...or should that be stay grounded... .

Whatever the case, they're great mountains. Your difficulty in getting them drawn to a smaller scale I imagine is simply a combination of using a mouse and getting used to GIMP (and the latter is definitely the bigger of those two elements, as believe me with anything like that you're constantly learning anyway). Anywho keep it up and perhaps you can treat yourself to a cheaper tablet as a Christmas present to yourself.

[Mouse]

Just going to add to what everyone else has said Mouse. Nothing at all to be ashamed off with these beasties. They may be large, but you definitely ave a knack for the style and shading (the latter something that I think always makes or breaks a mountain). What's more with them being drawn by a Mouse (see what I did there? ), makes them all the more impressive.

Seriously, if you ever do manage to get hold of a tablet (pretty sure you could pick up something small, but decent enough to play with for less than £50, whether it be a low range Wacom or a different brand like Huion who are a bit cheaper all round, but I've heard good things) these mountains could really take off ...or should that be stay grounded... .

Whatever the case, they're great mountains. Your difficulty in getting them drawn to a smaller scale I imagine is simply a combination of using a mouse and getting used to GIMP (and the latter is definitely the bigger of those two elements, as believe me with anything like that you're constantly learning anyway). Anywho keep it up and perhaps you can treat yourself to a cheaper tablet as a Christmas present to yourself.

Thanks GLS

I don't really know what to say to everyone! I'm a bit overwhelmed. This doesn't seem real... but I know its got to be

I have to admit that I've never even looked at a tablet because I just don't have the money for stuff like that. It took me 3 years just to get a bottom of the range HP laptop. (I'm on about half the 'average income' per hour, and feeling it).

There are just so many tablets out there, and I've no idea at all what to go for. There are tablets with screens and tablets without - and that's before the pen thing is considered.

I'm wondering if anyone can perhaps point me in the direction of an actual tablet that would reliably last me a couple of years, and cost me no more than £50? I can manage without a screen - I suspect that's why the expensive ones are so expensive.

[ChickPea]

Hey Mouse, I'm also going to echo the comments praising your mountains. Seriously, they're fab! I'd absolutely love to see (even a simple) hand-drawn map from you. I know you're very fond of CC3 but it doesn't hurt to push your boundaries. I feel ya on Gimp being a bit odd at first, but it's all down to what you're used to. I learned some Photoshop in college but I've used Gimp since then. I've poked about in PS once or twice since that time, and now PS feels weird and wrong to me! My advice is to watch a few Gimp tutorials on YouTube (not necessarily mapping tutorials) just to get an idea of the tools and what's possible.

As for tablets, this one might be what you're looking for. Wacom's probably the biggest 'name' in tablets and this one is right in your budget. It feels strange when you use a tablet at first. It took me a little while to adjust, but once you get used to it, it's hard to go back.

[Mouse]

Hey Mouse, I'm also going to echo the comments praising your mountains. Seriously, they're fab! I'd absolutely love to see (even a simple) hand-drawn map from you. I know you're very fond of CC3 but it doesn't hurt to push your boundaries. I feel ya on Gimp being a bit odd at first, but it's all down to what you're used to. I learned some Photoshop in college but I've used Gimp since then. I've poked about in PS once or twice since that time, and now PS feels weird and wrong to me! My advice is to watch a few Gimp tutorials on YouTube (not necessarily mapping tutorials) just to get an idea of the tools and what's possible.

As for tablets, this one might be what you're looking for. Wacom's probably the biggest 'name' in tablets and this one is right in your budget. It feels strange when you use a tablet at first. It took me a little while to adjust, but once you get used to it, it's hard to go back.

Aw thanks ChickPea

Right at the moment GIMP is just like this really wild and very terrible animal that I'm tentatively poking bits of food at through the bars! LOL!

I'll see what I can do about a hand drawn map for you a bit later today, though I have an interview to go to, and a lot of faffing around with hair do and clothes to get right before I sit down again.

As for the tablet? That's exactly the sort of thing I needed someone to point me at. That's extremely helpful of you - thank you so much

[Straf]

Mouse those mountains are stunning. I tried to follow those same tutorials (I recognise the style) but I couldn't get even close to what you have managed.

Good luck in finding a tablet I've been looking myself but not really knowing what to look for. ChickPea's link has given me a great starting point, thanks ChickPea

[Voolf]

I myself am using older version of the Wacom ChickPaa suggested. Wacom has very solid tablets with good pressure sensitivity. Small without touch option is a good start. It is really all you need Mouse to draw great things. You need a couple of days to get used to draw on tablet though.

[Matthew VE]

Wow! I have to say these are amazing mountains Mouse. WAY better than I could do with a mouse. If you had a tablet and a bit of practice, just imagine what you could do! I think you'd be amazing at hand drawn maps.

As for a cheap tablet, I think we got our Bamboo Create a number of years back for about $80 or $100, but it seems that one is completely unavailable now.