SKETCHBOOK PRO 2009: Inching Forward

I was astounded when I first demo'd Alias' Sketchbook Pro in 2005 at SIGGRAPH on a Wacom Cintiq. This was the future I thought. A true digital drawing platform that delivered realistic tool simulation the likes of which have never been seen. I downloaded a demo and I was hooked. Soon I purchased version 2.0 and over two years, one comic book and numerous sketches and illustrations later, SBP is still a mainstay in my digital process.

In between that time, Alias was acquired by Autodesk and this beloved program was put in limbo with it's future uncertain. Rumors of other companies purchasing SBP where rampant and speculation was that Autodesk was simply going to let the program die. Meanwhile the SBP faithful clamored for so many features to be added to SBP in a hypotethical version 3.0.

The ability to work on multiple windows, blend modes, fill or paintbucket feature, special effects, etc. are just some of the many suggested new features that can make an already great product more powerful.

After downloading and performing trials on Autodesk's attempt at an updated version of SBP, I can safely say that it's been sort of a let down. I guess I was really looking forward to a much more substantial upgrade that what was released.

Basically, the program remains unchanged. ( see Fig 1 and 2 below for the interface comparison) This is a GOOD thing really because had they fooled around with the tool simulation I would have really cried foul, got my cash back and ran back to the loving arms of version 2.0. But thank goodness Autodesk decided not to fix something that wasn't broken.

Okay so what's new? Not a whole lot really. The following are the two most notable new features:

1. PHOTOSHOP PSD INTEGRATION - It's now possible to switch from Photoshop to SBP seamlessly and modify PSD files. SBP even preserves all the original layer information. This is a very big deal because the old alternative was to work with TIFF files. Because SBP's compression is different from Photoshop, layers where automatically flattened when you create TIFF files in SBP and import them to Photoshop. (and vice versa)

2. FLOOD FILL / FLOOD FILL VISIBLE LAYERS - a.k.a - a paintbucket tool. No more enlarging the paintbrush to fill large portions of art with color. Unfortunately these new tools won't work in conjunction with either Select or Lasso Select. Pretty lame in my estimation. So the way it works is the area to be filled must be closed in by a line.

The less notable features? In the LAYER window a thumbnail of each layer is now visible. Instead of writing in the name of a layer, it's now typed in via keyboard. (You can still write the layer name in by selecting this view) And to accomodate the layer thumbnail image, the layer opacity slider has been moved. Honestly these features are either here or there for me. In fact, the old layer interface in SBP 2.o was better. This one looks pretty clunky.

So if I had to grade Autodesk on this version of SBP what would it be? a whopping C+

As much as I am glad that SBP is getting a much needed boost, it falls short of expectations and the new features (mainly the FILL tools) lack any kind of groundbreaking functionality. This felt like "going through the motions" and does not take advantage of the programs unique and innate qualities.

Thankfully for us who have come to rely on Sketchbook Pro, the program still delivers the goods and the additional features are a welcome addition. I hope there's a bit more vision and a whole lot more useful features to be found in the next version of this landmark program.

Fig. 1 - The old Alias SBP version 2.o interface

Fig. 2 - The new SBP 2009 interface. Not much has changed.

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Autodesk Sketchbook Pro 2009

It's been a long time coming but the much clamored-for update for the phenomenal digital sketch program SKETCHBOOK PRO is finally available for purchase.

I paid $90 for the downloadable upgrade from Alias' version 2.0. Now called SKETCHBOOK PRO 2009, it has some new features including the ability to import and modify Photoshop PSD files. Expect a full review soon on a separate post.

Fun with Color

While in Ventura, California recently I painted part of a hillside using Sketchbook Pro. I imported the the image to Photoshop for color correction and added some texture. It was an impromptu situation so the framing was not optimum. I had to tug and stretch the image in Photoshop to fit in a square, so unfortunately the image looks a bit cropped. Otherwise I was happy with the outcome.

Modbook at Drawing Class

I took my Modbook to a costumed gesture drawing class at work for the first time and it performed beautifully. I also tried tilting the tablet upright and sketching in "Portrait" mode and discovered some quirks along the way.

While upright and drawing using Sketchbook Pro I found that the digitizer behaved erratically and the pen would lose it's alignment in certain spots of the screen. But for the most part it behaved well enough to sketch.

For more details regarding the Modbook's debut in drawing class and complete collage of poses, click HERE for my companion post on Random Anomalies.

***CLARIFICATION***

When I mentioned that I worked in Portrait mode, I should clarify that this meant physically tilting the Modbook upright and sketching while the tablet is set at the default "Landscape" mode. Right now Mac OS 10.4 does not provide for tilting the screen upright, but it certainly does not stop any user from drawing or noting with the screen tilted upright. (You can simply rotate the resulting graphic in Photoshop afterwards)

Settling In

Five weeks after receiving my Modbook, It's finally assimilated itself into my daily routine. For a while I was still switching back and forth between the Modbook and my old 12 inch G4 Powerbook as the tablet and I went through the honeymoon phase.

Now, it's part of my professional and personal life. At work it's become indispensable as my primary note taking and sketching device especially at meetings and brainstorm sessions. I lug it everywhere else as a digital sketchbook and diary.

My urgent plan is to use my Modbook as my main presentation tool at work, either integrating with, or completely bypassing my company work station. I simply port in to a monitor via mini-DVI and use Adobe Bridge with the Apple remote to pitch my storyboards. (probably with an assist from MIRA)

I'm eager to explore and implement this set-up and i'll report back here as to the result.

But for now it's been smooth sailing for the Modbook.


ACCESSORY UPDATE:

I'm still waiting on word regarding the shipment of the MATIAS iRizer and FOLDING KEYBOARD I ordered around 2 1/2 weeks ago. The Keyboard was supposed to be released around now so I am hoping to be notified soon. (hopefullly....)

Accessory Update: Ergotron LX Desk Mount

The box from Amazon.com arrived today with my order of the ERGOTRON LX DESK MOUNT and needless to say, I was anticipating getting home tonight to try it out.

The specs said that the LX is definitely made of metal but I wasn't really sure what kind and how heavy it was. Lifting the box to needed some flexing of the muscles. Without opening it I was getting an idea how durable the LX might be.

Upon opening the box, I was wading through a whole maze of packaging. From it I could make out spare parts, plastic baggies filled with all sorts of screws and hardware. Pretty intimidating. I'm already telling myself that this could be a late evening sipping coffee while figuring out which end is which.

Amazingly, there is really nothing to the LX. I installed it in about 15 minutes and my Modbook was sitting in it in about 25. There are four major parts: The table mounting post, 1 connecting arm, 1 forearm and the laptop mounting tray. For my initial set up I only installed the forearm that connects to the mounting tray. My art table is not that big and it's a cheapo at that. It's already a little rickety so the less hardware, the better. This whole post was created with the Modbook mounted with a USB keyboard attached. (An ADESSO mini Mac keyboard) And speaking of the mounting tray. I was kind of curious how it works and the kind of mobility it gets. I was doubly curious how it actually secures a laptop while it's mounted. The answer? The tray (which you have to attach out of the box) is mounted on a swivel head with a counter weighed spring so when you remove your laptop, the whole tray swings up. It's designed to accept the weight of a laptop up to 11 pounds.

And what about all that hardware? The LX was designed to fulfill many needs so depending on the situation, there are extra screws, fastening clips and several sizes of hex screw drivers for modifying your set up. So basically I ended up not using most of the hardware. (for now)

I read all the available reviews for the LX before my purchase so I can compare notes. I'll likely be updating on this accessory the more I use it. For now IT ABSOLUTELY WORKS GREAT. Seeing my Modbook freely suspended and mounted on the LX side by side with my WACOM CINTIQ is just overwhelming. My ideal set up is now a reality.

All the LX info is around this blog especially the sidebar.

Now check out the pictures:

25 minutes after unboxing and assembly, I mounted my Modbook on the LX next to my CINTIQ

Sideview- before I connected the Mag-safe power supply, USB and DVI cables

Rearview - Notice that the black mounting tray connects to the arm via a standard VESA mounting plate. According to Axiotron, a VESA type mount will be available in the spring to attach to the back of the Modbook. This means I can have the option of mounting the tablet directly to the LX..... But that kind of defeats getting a portable tablet don't you think?

View directly above the mounting tray. You can easily detach the tray by removing those knurled knobs.

another sideview

Looking up at the LX, there is a provision to run wires and cables through those plastic tunnels running along the length of the mounting post and forearm directly to your machine.

As I mentioned above, when you remove the Modbook, the counter-weighted tray lifts up

A look under the LX sans Modbook.

..... now I'm cooking with gas!! Sitting in between these two makes me feel like Tank from The Matrix.

It looks a little gnarly with all those wires but it's a quick demo. I'll need to tidy things up later.

... it almost looks kind of hospital-ish doesn't it?

.... euphoria has just set in folks....

Modbookin' at the Car Wash

I've been taking my Modbook outdoors to sketch and it's been quite fun. Today at lunch I went to the car wash and did some doodles while I waited.

The bright sun did impair visibility of the screen a bit, but there was more than enough to work with. Just keep the screen directly in front and not at an angle.

Done on SKETCHBOOK PRO using a 2B pencil and chisel tip pen.

(Check out this related post on Random Anomalies)