I'm doing it!
I'm doing it!
After more than two years I'm updating my portfolio. Today more than ever you should do too!, 2022 will be a great year for creatives! Also sharing some budget iPad alternatives, a game & Behance tips
Hi everyone, new week, the new edition of The Creative Draft! For those of you interested in art, remember you can join more than 350 creatives at The Creative Draft Discord at any time, and as always, it is free.
This week I want to talk about some drawing tablets that I’ve tested, as I get asked a lot what’s the budget alternative to the iPad that can work with both PC and Mac. So for those trying to get an iPad alternative to have an extra tool for digital art or design, without hurting your wallets, or those starting out or on a budget, I made a small review of some of the drawing tablets and pen displays out there.
Also, for those trying to create their own portfolio, I will talk about having a good Behance, and how you can build up your portfolio fast and affordable way. I’ve been using Squarespace for my website for a while, but I’m looking for more up-to-date alternatives, and I think I’ve found a cool one.
The Menu for This Week
🌳 Beautifully Crafted Videogames
🌳 iPads on a budget? Drawing tablets review
🌳 Behance is about to become more relevant in 2022
🌳 Starting 2022 with a new portfolio web
Röki: Adventure, Courage & Folklore
I had the chance to play this fantastic game!
Röki is another adventure indie game I want to share with you. It is inspired and based on Scandinavian folklore, myths, and tales. What made me fall in love with it was beautiful art, magical snowy settings, and landscapes. Playing Röki feels like being part of an animated movie which I found incredibly inspiring. Although sometimes too slow, this game is very atmospheric and unique, with a soothing soundtrack and amazing graphics.
My favorite part was getting lost in the mystic forest covered in snow and full of magical creatures. You play as Tove, a young girl, that needs to save her family. In order to do that, first, she looks for her brother Lars, taken by Röki, an ancient monster. By solving puzzles, you unlock the next path forward.
I really enjoyed the game and the wonderful imaginary, so as soon as I’ll have some time to work on personal illustrations, you can expect some Röki-inspired illustrations from me!
The game won a few awards already, and it is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, and Xbox X/S. Publishers: United Label, CI Games and developed by Polygon Treehouse
Budget Drawing Tablets & Pen Displays
I review a few affordable iPad options! Are they good?
One of the most common questions I receive is if the iPad is the only way to start with a digital illustration or if I have some alternatives to recommend. So in the past weeks, I took it on myself to buy a few tablets and pen displays and try them out to give an honest and informed opinion.
None of the brands you see in the video paid me or gave me the tablets; I bought those with my own money. And to be honest, with most of them under $500, there are a few alternatives for those who either want to start out with illustration, test the waters without making a huge investment, or if you want to add a pen display to your tools without emptying your bank account.
I personally couldn’t find any of those competing with the iPad Pro I have in any way. That was not the point of the video. The idea is to compare it to an entry-level like the iPad Mini or the iPad Air, which are around the same price point. And two of those, the Huion and the Wacom, are perfect choices for all those reasons I share in the video.
In the video, I review three tablets:
One by Wacom on Amazon: https://geni.us/PfJp
Huion Pen Display on Amazon: https://geni.us/nc9Dhwt
Wacom Cintiq (my favorite) on Amazon: https://geni.us/6AMA
In the video, I also mentioned a Photoshop class by Gemma Gould, for those who want to start using a pen display or digital drawing tablet other than the iPad. I think this class is great for beginners or someone that want to learn a few tips and tricks from a great professional illustrator like Gemma.
Behance comeback in 2022
A small reminder to keep your online portfolios updated!
Having a cohesive and well-presented body of work allows your potential clients to understand and appreciate the scope of your work and what you focus on. I bet all the artists can confirm how important it is to regularly add new work to your portfolio, but also how hard it is to carve those moments out of our work routine.
Despite always repeating how crucial a good online portfolio is, I’ve been failing to update my website for a long time.
As I’m in between the website builders right now and after chatting with you on my recently opened Discord ( yes, The Creative Draft has a Discord server now!) You can join us here 👉 https://discord.gg/242cyY8AgG ). I decided it’s time to start building my Behance folio to share some of my work.
Slowly but steady, I hope to be uploading there my illustrations and projects, so if you also are hanging out on Behance, let’s connect over there!
Updating My Website
This year I have no more excuses. My website is way overdue!
The last time I updated my website was a year plus ago. And it was not a full redesign. The website was left behind with everything that happened in 2020/21, plus a very busy season. And I’ve procrastinated on the task too much. And that’s bad, really bad because it’s the opposite of what I’ve recommended to everyone in the creative space. To have a good and updated portfolio.
The issue is that creating a website from scratch takes time, and not only that, once your site is well-indexed by Google search, changing something can affect your website performance. So if you move something, it has to be done right.
So I was already looking for some cool alternative, and then I met Zyro. Full disclosure, Zyro sponsored my last video (not this post though!) that’s how I came in contact with them, and learn about the platform. Before they reached out to me, I wasn’t familiar with them, and I honestly think they’re worth checking out!
They have cool templates you can use. Also, there is an AI builder that will help to get you started based on what you need. And it’s very easy to use even for someone that has no experience building websites. Literally, you can drag and drop stuff around and build your web! It’s quite modern, has a portfolio, landing pages, shop, blogs, and more.
So, if in the past you had some bad experience trying to set up your page (I did!) or you get easily frustrated with technology (I do!), I definitely recommend you try it out.
Plus, you can have your own website starting at like $3/month. If you want to check them out you can use my code ASIAORLANDO for a discount, they are running a limited-time offer with a discount and 4 months free.
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