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As the results of last month’s poll clearly show, the majority of you either use or would like to learn more about using a tablet device for illustration and sketching. In reaction to that we will be tweaking some of the content over the next few weeks to explore the tech side of our industry a bit more with news and tutorials showcasing some of the latest illustration-related technology. In a bit of perfect timing, Wacom announced its newest device last week called the Inkling which essentially bypasses the need for scanning your sketches.

Here’s the official product description:

The Inkling digital sketch pen captures a digital likeness of your work while you sketch with its ballpoint tip on any sketchbook or standard piece of paper. Designed for rough concepting and creative brainstorming, Inkling is ideal for the front end of the creative process. Later, refine your work on your computer using an Intuos4 tablet or Cintiq interactive pen display.

In addition to capturing your sketch, stroke by stroke, Inkling allows you to create layers in digital files while you sketch on paper. Digital files are transferred to your computer using the Inkling Sketch Manager software, and later, exported to applications such as Adobe® Photoshop® and Illustrator®. Files can also be opened with the included Inkling Sketch Manager software to edit, delete, add layers or change file formats.

The two things that I find most remarkable about this new device are the abilities to create new layers while sketching and the fact that it digitizes your exact sketch as a vector graphic– that’s pretty cool! At an initial price point of $199 when it goes on sale later this month, the Inkling seems like more of a luxury item than a necessity, but it’ll be interesting to see if the new device warrants the expense once it’s released.

What do you think: necessity or luxury?

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If someone gave me the opportunity to grab one drawing implement and one drawing implement only, without a doubt, I would reach for my Pilot Precise v7. Yes it’s an office pen, but it’s my office pen. Of course, I said one implement, and drew two. The v5 and the v7 look exactly the same, the v5 is a bit thinner (v2 thinner, I guess) and gets used for fine detailing, but it can be left behind.

What drawing implement do you prefer?

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Here at Fuel Your Illustration, we have always been fascinated by the supplies that various illustrators use and hold dear to their hearts. Rachel Salomon perfectly presents her Tachikawa dip pen in words and drawing (as well as a sampling of her personal works):

“Don’t really have much to say about it actually. Except I love it.”

• Rachel Salomon: Illustration / Personal works