A few days ago I was talking with Matt about how it's quick to sketch the pages on the computer, but it takes a while to re-sketch and clean them up on Bristol. He mentioned the idea of printing the digital sketch lightly on Bristol using a wide format printer. I dismissed the idea at the time. We don't need more tech in the house.Today, after a frustrating time of trying to re-sketch things, I found the idea won't leave my head. So, I tried looking up A3 printers out of curiosity. I figured the high price would make me drop the idea quick.
Instead, I found the HP Officejet 7500A for a decent price. Damn it.
I'll admit, I'm tempted. What it comes down to is it's faster to sketch the comics digitally. I can move things around and re-size as needed, which I can't do easily on paper. But, it takes me ten to fifteen hours to ink digitally where it's only around four to six traditionally, even with using the tech pens. Transferring the digital sketch to Bristol using a light-board and re-sketching/cleaning it up before inking takes three to four hours. Cleaning the sketch up digitally takes only one to two hours.
The cintiq showing its age is a concern - some days it works better than others - but with there being cheaper alternatives out there I no longer have to worry about dropping a couple of grand when it finally goes. Thank goodness. I don't regret buying the cintiq, it was certainly worth it, but the cost is a little steep. If I can get another year or two out of it, I'll be a happy puppy.
But, since CN:H doesn't bring in an income anymore I shouldn't be spending money on items to make the comic unless we can use those items for something else as well. The thing is, I don't know what else we could use a A3 printer for. We don't sell prints and it's cheaper to get mini giveaway posters printed out in bulk than to do them in house. We certainly don't need it to print hosting bills or articles from the net.
Damn crazy ideas, get outta my head. Go on, shoo! Out! Out!
"A computer lets you make more mistakes faster than any invention in human history - with the possible exceptions of handguns and tequila."
-- Mitch Ratcliffe
4 comments:
The only thing I would recommend is that you factor into your budget the cost of some sort of extended service plan. There aren't many printer manufacturers I like, each of them having done something to irritate me at some point or another (HP being the most consistently least vile across their product lines, but by no means the best in certain areas.)
What I have found is that if a printer is going to break before you get any real use out of it, it's either going to break during the store's return policy or after the manufacturer's warranty expires.
If it breaks during the return period, no harm, no foul. If it breaks after the manufacturer's warranty and you don't have any sort of service plan? $$$
True, especially with something that's going to potentially take a beating. I think we're going to hold off on picking one up for the moment, though. Neither Matt or myself can think of any other uses for a printer that size. Maybe sometime in the future. I'll keep your advice in mind. Thank you! :D
Make sure to consider the cost of ink! I've currently got a Brother that my wife beats to death with homeschool materials, printouts, copies, and projects for four kids. It's lasted for 4-5 years now, printing 500+ pages/month, and I spend less than $100.00/year on ink. (Search the web for cheap 3rd party high-capacity ink cartridges. An option you don't have with HP.) Also, Brother has several models w/ an 11x17 scanner as well. For example:
This Brother Printer
Good Luck.
@Anonymous: Thank you for the tip and the link! :D
Post a Comment