I mentioned a couple months ago that I was going to upgrade my graphics tablet. Well, my Intuos5 tablet arrived today and after messing with it for a few hours, I'm very satisfied. I was having fun just moving the mouse pointer with my fingers. I definitely won't miss using the mouse...okay maybe a little bit. I didn't think I would adjust to the tablet quickly, but I got the hang of it. I definitely see the difference regarding pressure sensitivity. I don't have to apply too much pressure when sketching. Also liked the bigger drawing area. I actually thought it was too big and should've went with the smaller Intuos5. But then I remembered the times my hand would cramp up while drawing on the bamboo tablet and it was happening a lot more frequently. The only gripe I have is that the nib is already wearing down. Though, that's expected with its paper like surface. I wonder if I should purchase a clear cover or something to prevent the nib from wearing down so fast. Or let surface smooth itself out over time I guess. In the end, I'm very happy with the tablet. I won't be upgrading to another Wacom tablet for a long time......*eyes Cintiq*.

I recently watched the new trailer for Ghost in the Shell: Arise. Honestly, when I first saw an early promo picture last month, I wasn't enthusiastic about it. I was happy that a new Ghost in the Shell movie is being made, but seeing the new character design of Motoko made me a bit skeptical. Though, I kept an open mind since there wasn't much information about the new movie at the time. After watching the trailer, knowing what the setting/story is, and seeing the new character designs...I like it. Since it's a prequel, it makes sense to redesign the characters since they're younger in this movie. I also like the art direction they're taking it. They could've made the movie look like the art style from the Stand Alone Complex series. But they chose to go with the classic 90's art style like the earlier Ghost in the Shell movies with modern animation. Judging by the trailer, we're going see what happens before Motoko joins Section 9 during and as well as the rest of the crew. On a side note, I really should watch the earlier Ghost in the Shell movies. I got hooked onto the series after watching Stand Alone Complex. That's it regarding anime. Couldn't help it.

As for art, I'm drawing/sketching a lot now. Right now I'm only going to upload sketches. I hope to start uploading colored drawings...after practicing how to color properly. I have an idea on how I want to color, I just have to actually take the time to practice doing it. That and I'm (for some reason) scared to actually color. I think I'm afraid that my drawings will look even worse once colored. Again, I'm over thinking it and I need to stop doing that. It's useless to think that it won't work if you don't actually try.

That's it for this journal entry. Until next time, take care!