Book Cover Illustrations

I often receive questions about what software I use (or recommend) for artwork (along with that ever-common,”Do you use software or only brush and oils?”). So I thought a post on all this might be in order.

First, my artwork is digital from beginning to end. I seldom sketch on paper except to make “notes” on a project when I’m on the phone. And I almost never paint with actual media these days (though I do have pen-and-ink as well as painting experience in my background).

Most of my illustration work via the paint and blend features in Corel PhotoPaint, one of the programs in the company’s Draw Suite. I still use an old version from Draw 8. I upgraded and tried several of the later versions — but have found Corel’s updates and new versions of this program are so bug riddled that I returned to 8. And until Corel gets its act together and offers stable programs, I can’t presently recommend any of the company’s software (which is a shame — as Corel’s Painter has a lot of potential).

I do have Photoshop — and almost never use it. It’s a quality program, but just too clumsy for my tastes (and over-priced, I think). Adobe’s recent decision to make its programs subscription services seems a dubious plus as well, given that like a pusher, once they have the user hooked, prices can be raised according to whim (yes, I am cynical about how big corporations treat their customers).

What programs do I recommend?

I know this may be heresy, but I don’t think Inkscape (for vector drawings) and the unfortunately named Gimp (for bitmap) lack the polish most pros need. I know some love and swear by these two programs, and they’re free so by all means try one or both out if you’re looking for art software. If they fit your needs go with them — free is hard to beat.

Another free paint program with promise is Paint.net; this is the software I’m currently watching for that sad day I have to retire PhotoPaint. Again, Paint.net lacks some features you might need, but it has a lot of good qualities. And did I mention it was free?

MS is also working on a free paint program Fresh Paint which is currently available but lacking some of the features it will eventually have for a full range of oil, watercolor, etc., effects. Unlike some of MS’s previous art offerings, this one looks promising.

Artrage is another simple paint program with a low price tag. It is also another that tries to mimic actual art media (a concept I have mixed emotions about); ArtRage has an easy learning curve, too.

Autodesk’s Sketchbook Pro is pretty slick IF you wish to draw in a cartoon/illustrator style with heavy outlines. Pretty affordable, too. If you’re interested in cartooning, graphic novels, etc., this is one to consider. (If you are totally into cartooning, then Manga Studio might be of interest as well.)

For vector work, Serif’s DrawPlus is slick and affordable. And I love this program. I don’t do a lot of vector work, but when I do, DrawPlus is what I pull out of the digital toolbox. All of Serif’s software is rock stable, and the software recovers well on the rare occasions it freezes or fails. Its programs are very affordable, and Serif offers older versions for free as demos. (To my mind, Serif is the way all software companies and programs should be — but too often are not.)

I do on occasion create logos and typefaces. Often this pairs DrawPlus or PhotoPaint (for the creation of the design) with HighLogic’s MainType. Among other things, MainType has an amazing engine for importing graphics — in most cases I can just copy and paste a bitmap into it and instantly have the vector icon or letter I want ready to be manipulated and eventually ported as a TrueType font. Very nice for typography work.

There are a lot of other minor art programs I use from time to time. But the above will serve a digital artist well and about 98 percent of all my work is done on one or more of the software listed above.