Tradigital Method? HELP!

[thirstypixels]

Hi there, I've been animating for the past couple months and I just got myself a spanking new Wacom Cintiq 12WX. I was wondering if anyone had some advice (or could point me to a link) on how to set up Flash CS3 to use it like a lightbox. Thanks so much!

[thirstypixels]

...or should I just get ToonBoom? I've heard awesome things about it, but it seems that hardly any studios actually use it, and if I ever want a job and I can't use flash... bleh. So yeah, any help?

[James R]

Yo TP, These Cintiq's are awesome hey?! As far as setting up Flash like a lightbox, I suppose one way you could do that is like so: Open a new FLA file. Give your stage (drawing area) the dimensions you want in the Properties panel. (If it's not there for whatever reason, you can choose Window > Properties > Properties).

Next, look to the timeline where you'll see a "Layer 1" layer. Add two more layers by clicking on the left-most icon in the same area as Layer 1. Rename the bottom layer "Sketch"; the middle layer "White"; the top layer "Ink"

Next, find the Color Picker. From there, choose the color box next to the paint bucket icon and choose pure white and set the alpha at 75%. With that done, select Layer 2 (you may have to click on an empty keyframe [an empty circle on a layer] to activate the drawing area) Click the Rectangle tool (r) and make a rectangle over your whole stage area.

In short, make the translucent white cover the entire stage. Then lock layer "white" by clicking the dot below the picture of a lock and beside "white".

Draw your sketches on layer "sketch", and tighten up your drawings on layer "Ink". The sketch layer should then look hazy white enabling an easier time inking. Just move "white" below any layer that you're drawing on. Pretend it represents your paper and the layer above represents your drawing. Good luck with Flash. Hope that helps!

[thirstypixels]

and yeah, Cintiq's will change the way you think about your computer

[thirstypixels]

Thanks man, sorry I never told you that.