Since all new and shiny toys eventually lose their luster, I figured that I would chronicle my experience and impressions of using the Cintiq 12wx in a three part review. That of initial impressions, after three months of working with it and lastly at six months to provide a more complete picture to anyone thinking of purchasing one.
Having owned a number of Wacom products over the years, the first being in 1993, I finally decided to take the plunge and go for one of the Cadillac models and step up to the Cintiq. There were many reasons behind my decision to get a Cintiq, but primarily it was that I never really got over the disconnect of looking at a display in front of me while drawing on a tablet laying flat on my desk. Maybe I've just been spoiled working with pen and paper.
After much internal debate over the cost versus return, I went ahead and ordered a new 21ux. Fear not, this is still a review of the 12wx, but I thought it important to note that I did in fact try both models available as of this writing. Long story short I found that the 21ux was simply to big for my set up and the only solution was to either get a new desk or return the 21ux and get the 12wx. So I returned the larger model and ordered the 12wx.
Preparing for the Arrival of the 12wx
Prior to ordering the Cintiq I had done quite a bit of research, reading reviews, forums, etc. Two things that I read repeatedly that caused me some concern was the issue of the screen scratching and transmitted heat. It doesn't get hot, but warm enough to make your hand sweat a little. Anyone who's used a tablet in the Summer can attest to the sticky friction issue.
As part of the solution to avoid scratching the screen and protecting my hand from heat I found a product called the SmudgeGuard® which is essentially a one (SG) or two (SG2) finger glove that allows your hand to glide smoothly over the surface of the screen. To say the least, this item is a must have for all tablet users and south paw sketch artists. I only wish that I had known about the product sooner to work with my Intuos3.
To protect the screen itself, I opted for PhotoDon anti glare film which uses silicone resin - no residue adhesion to stick to the screen. Make sure you clean the screen thoroughly before applying the film as even the smallest dust particle can cause an air bubble. After cleaning the screen with the screen cleaning kit from PhotoDon I blasted the tablet surface a couple of times with compressed air just to be sure there wasn't any dust before applying the film. Prior to applying the film I donned a pair of latex gloves to avoid getting any finger prints or oil on the film while handling it. The result: complete contact with the screen and no air bubbles.
The last thing I did was purchase extra Felt nibs directly from the Wacom eStore Cintiq Pens & Accessories page. I prefer the Felt nibs anyway, they provide a bit more resistance than the standard acrylic nibs, but after reading more about the scratching issue I found that a few Cintiq owners recommended them as they are softer than the acrylic.
I cannot say wether the Cintiq is susceptible to scratching or not as I took all the above precautions before ever using it. I figured why take the chance with such an expensive investment. It would have been a shame to spend so much money just to have a bunch of scratches staring back at me after a few months of use.
Unpacking and Setting Up
There's already been a few reviews on the details of unpacking the 12wx and what comes with it, so I'll just add my opinion on the breakout box and connections. I really can't find an issue with it thus far. The cord that connects to the tablet is about six feet long so I can either use it on my desk or flip back the stand and lean back in my chair and draw. I don't use it in my lap laying flat as the heat vents from underneath. Calibrating the Cintiq is quite easy as well, although I do think that there should be more than two calibration points.
First Impressions
After working with the Cintiq for the past few weeks, I can say that I am very impressed, not just with the product itself, but also with how it has improved my workflow.
Workflow
Before the Cintiq my workflow would usually involve starting with a pencil sketch, scanning it in, importing the scan into Photoshop or Illustrator and then inking or coloring. After getting the Cintiq, I simply put on my SmudgeGuard and start sketching, inking and coloring.
Control
Being able to look at what I'm drawing has definitely helped my workflow as well. It's been a little bit of a retraining in how I make my brush strokes compared to how I would work with the Intuos3. Firstly, it seemed like I was always hitting Command-Z to get a stroke just right on the Intuos, but not so on the Cintiq. Secondly, I can use less pressure with the exact same settings in the control panel that I used for the Intuos to achieve variances in stroke width more fluidly.
Screen Jitter
I read a lot about the cursor jittering towards the edges of the screen, but I haven't found that to be an issue for the most part as I tend to center the screen to the part of the canvas I'm working on to ensure that I have a full range of motion available for creating smooth strokes. When I did occasionally draw to the extents of the screen it did result in a slight jitter or skipped pixel, but I don't feel that this is a deal breaker.
Conclusion
In terms of whether it is worth the money, so far I would have to say yes. In the first few weeks of ownership, I have saved enough time in my workflow to already justify the cost. Did it make me a better illustrator, in short no, but it did make me a more efficient one.
Would I recommend purchasing a Cintiq today? That depends on whether you think you can benefit from the workflow improvements and if you think you will use it enough for it to pay for itself and increase your earnings potential.
If you do decide to get one, shop around as I found that most stores list it for the suggested retail price if not more.
Related Content
- Wacom Cintiq 12wx Review: Part 2
- Wacom Releases New Cintiq 21ux
- Review: inklet and Pogo Sketch
- Setting Up Illustrator and Photoshop to Use with a Cintiq
- Unsticking Your Brain
About the Author
Brian Rhinehart is a designer and illustrator who has worked in the media and design industry for the past sixteen years. Aside from freelancing and running Illustration Toolbox, he enjoys playing the bass, spicy foods and chasing the cat around the house with squeaky toys.
