A Place for the new Wacom Cintiq 12WX amongst 3D artists

As a regular Wacom graphics tablet user, I love the freedom and natural movement of the pen and tablet when working and designing. Most of my work is done on Wacom's Intuos 3 (and previously a Graphire) but the effortless control of Cintiq models and the ability to work directly onto the digital sketchbook have always been enormously appealing to me.

Wacom's new release, the Cintiq 12WX, give you this ability of working straight onto the pressure-sensitive display, allowing artists like myself to record ideas immediately - at your desk, on your lap or wherever you're preferred working environment might be! After testing the 12WX and seeing the tempting price tag, owning a Cintiq could now be a reality for me and many other similar artists!

The 12.1" widescreen display is familiar after using the Intuos and the high resolution (1280 x800) gives amazing accuracy and clarity. The screen boasts pressure, tilt and rotation sensitivity and many other great features but the biggest benefit I discovered is the greater flexibility and creativity that working immediately onto the screen provides. Its portable shape and size also offers more freedom and the opportunity to work where I feel most creative.

Neil Housego, a 3D artist and senior lecturer at the University of Lincoln, uses Softimage's XSI, Autodesk's Maya and an Intuos tablet as part of his workflow. He decided to enhance his work process with a Cintiq but was torn between the new 12WX and the larger 21UX. After testing both models, he opted for the 12WX and here are his comments on that choice:

"I have to say that it is spot on and has fitted into my workflow perfectly. It integrates in a dual monitor setup really well. I have attached a couple of sketching tests, showing the line quality that can be achieved. I am using it for everything from sketching to storyboarding to animation. I do use it for modelling but as a traditional tablet - I find it feels as if my hand is in the way after years of modelling with the Intuos."

Cintiq's 12WX offers artists many advantages but the most noticeable are the portable size and the accuracy of working directly on the display. And costing under £700, the Cintiq 12WX is a brilliant solution for artists both on the move and in the office.

Click here to visit our shop to purchase Wacom's Cintiq WX now!

Get in touch with any questions you may have for our 3D team - call 03332 409 309 or email 3D@jigsaw24.com