Wacom Cintiq Users and Stereotypes

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ditto9
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ditto9




Warning: this is a topic I feel very strongly about, but would like to open it up for discussion. I would like to post it as news, but I feel that it may stir unwarranted opinions from individuals.

I own a Cintiq and I'm not an amazing artist.


There we go, we got that out in the open. So, first things first, some people are unaware of the stereotypes of a Cintiq artist. So I'll explain the few I have come across and then explain my own story and reaction to these claims.

"You own a Cintiq - you must be so rich!"

This is one I get the most. You must be rich because you own an expensive piece of equipment. 
More often than not people who own Cintiqs have either saved or were gifted them. However, some people are rich enough to afford them easier, and that is their business whether they choose to spend their own money on such items. 

I saved for five years, after I saw the original 21UX in the first copy of ImagineFX in 2006. Saving was not easy, but I got together a nice sum, enough to buy an Intuos4. I felt like spending that much money on an Intuos4 when a Cintiq was not that much more was a silly thing, particularly when I'd been so set on getting the latter.
During this time, my student funding had been holding back a lot of money that I was owed. After a 2.5 year battle I was reimbursed £8000 in full, with an apology letter. I instantly spent £2400 on a Cintiq and a new system, and the money I'd saved went on moving house and buying a 3DS. 
Don't tell me you wouldn't do the same.
Most people told me to buy a car. A car?! Firstly, I cant drive, secondly petrol is horrifically expensive in the UK and thirdly a Cintiq doesn't require taxing. 
A car is far more expensive, but you don't typically assume someone with an old banger to be rich, right? No, but the chances are their old car cost a lot more than my tablet.

"You own a Cintiq - you should be amazing at drawing!"

I typically see this in reaction to my own work and to those who own Cintiqs but are not masterful artists. Masterful meaning they are not fully sure of themselves and haven't reached a state of happiness with their work.
FYI a Cintiq is not a magic box of talent. You don't automatically start being amazing.

I know I'm not amazing at art. I have a Cintiq because of my dedication. Personally the best thing about the Cintiq is the speed in which you improve. Because the Cintiq is quicker and more natural to use (for me personally) my improvement and personal growth have expanded quicker. 

"You own a Cintiq - that's why you're so good!"

No. Like I said, a Cintiq is not a magic talent device. It's very rude to suggest that a person's talent is because of their devices they use. It's just the same as any other medium.
Also, this is a person's negative way of lessening the talent of those who are amazing who have Cintiqs. It is seen to them that 'They're only good because of a Cintiq' - thus lessening the skills and patronising and insulting the artists who have worked hard to get where they are.

I have had this said to me too - although I disagree mostly with 'good' as I'm not fully happy with my own work.

"You own a Cintiq - I'll never get one"

Yes you will. If you want one and save and put hard work into getting one then you will. Sell commissions, do a bake sale, get a job. If you want one that hard you'll put the dedication into it like the rest of us did.

I said this for years. I've had my Cintiq two years now.

"I'm not good enough for a Cintiq"

A Cintiq does not judge you on your art, only people do. If you want to buy one no-one should tell you otherwise. You own your own money, no-one else, and never let anyone tell you you cant spend your own money. 


If you really want to go for it and buy one, do it! Enjoy your life and your art and if a Cintiq makes you as happy as it did me then I'm all for it. If not, you can typically resell it for a large portion of what you paid.

What I'm saying overall is that it does not matter what medium you use. You should never lessen the skill and talent of people who are amazing just because of what they use. If you're that bitter about it, please don't inflict it on others.

Defending digital artists is something I am strongly in agreement with. Seriously, haha.

Feel free to discuss, even if you disagree with me, I'll not argue back and I love a debate! (Just remember to respect everyone's opinion, and you will gain my respect in return)

Take care everyone and keep drawing!

Features of Cintiq Users 

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Pau-Norontaus's avatar
Pau-Norontaus
I just broke the pen of my Intuos4 L and as it was hella expensive, I figured I'd go for the 22HD instead. Took all of my savings, but it should arrive in a week. I'm eager to see how much further I can go with my art. My fault is rarely spending more than 3h on one pic, so the faster Cintiq (plus the sweet 'guilt' of buying one as a penniless student) should improve my flow! Yey! I'm giddy : D Been dreaming of one for a few years now.

I've heard just any soft glove with cut fingers will do the trick? I don't fancy ordering a 20+ glove with 10+ shipping, to be honest.