sandcarving

Computing Resources

(this was written in 2003, much has changed since then - Jim)

The computer is used to ensure that line art has consistent line weight. And, it allows those of us who are artistically challenged to redraw until we get it right! Sand carved glass can be no better than the line art that starts the process, so professional quality vector art software is a must. We use Adobe Illustrator, version 10. Of course, Photoshop 7 has been helpful in acquiring the raster images. A good alternative for PC users on a budget is Corel Draw Essentials, which combines both vector art and photo/paint capabilities for $49. All of this runs on Dell Precision Workstations.

So, how do you find a model who can hold a pose for a long time, and doesn't mind shaving her head if you happen to need a bald lady? We use Curious Lab's Poser to generate 3D people, as an assist in 3D contouring.

Mary Anne and I both use dual monitors. We find they're very useful with Illustrator and Photoshop, since the desktop clutter is so great from all the tools... you've got to have a place to park all that stuff, so you can see what you're working on! (Alternatively, you can use the tab hot key in either program to clear the clutter). Does everyone need two monitors? Of course not, it would be major overkill for most sandcarvers. But with Mary Anne's graphics business, it comes in really handy.

Printer

It's now possible to get pretty good images off a good quality inkjet, using Photobrasive's Accuart film. For very fine work, though, a commercially produced film positive or a high end laser are required. We now use an HP 5000 laser, with 11x17 capability at 1200 dots per inch (true resolution) and PostScript level 2 emulation, and HiRes Solutions' laser film.