How can I improve my drawing tablet skills?

Question

I've tried using my fianceé's tablet a few times, but find it difficult looking at the screen instead of my hand as I'm working. Does anyone have any tips for becoming more comfortable so I can make better use of the tool?

Answer 1

I found tracing over my own drawings I drew on paper helped a lot when I was learning on a screenless tablet. I'd scan in the drawings and draw right over the lines. By doing that, I relearned my own muscle memory and eventually it felt like second nature.

Answer 2

I hate to be this guy right now, trust me, but honestly it just takes practice. I had a job where I had to use a tablet for 8 hours a day and I was 100% analog drawing at the time. What helped me initially was just using the tablet for everything on the computer, like even just for straight up internet browsing, point and clicking type stuff. That way I could use it in a low-pressure way where the act of using a pen at a distance eventually becomes second nature. Just make sure not to beat yourself up about how bad your drawings are when you try, because that'll just be discouraging. Maybe try looking up some low-pressure drawing exercises (like drills, almost) that you can use as practice before attempting, say, a full-on digital painting, so you don't set yourself up for disappointment. It'll be rough at first, but in due time it'll feel as natural as picking up a pencil!

Best of luck,

Elk