Writing Freeware

184th day of 2016.

I am still procrastinating to start my July NaNo. Instead of actually started my NaNo, I strayed off to YouTube, to reading old novels and then finally inspired to search for other Writing Freeware that has story writing in mind.

I had been using Scrivener for my last 2... or was it 3? NaNo during the official November months, which they have free trial offer. That is the most eyeopening writing software I have ever tried at that time, as the only other writing software I used were Microsoft office and Open Office. I realized that I had been using the wrong keyword in searching back in the time.

To my delight, this search brings me to quite a few Scrivener similar programme, most importantly Freeware, as Scrivener is a commercial product.

Links
bibisco 
yWriter 
Quoll Writer 
Manuskript 
Trelby 

Krita 04 - Vector

97th day of 2016.

Talking about line inking in digital media, the best one I had tried was Paint Tool SAI. Krita does have the same tool albeit in another 'package' since Krita is a Paint programme compare to Image Editing programme.

The tools' name for lining/inking in Krita is called Calligraphy, which used a Vector Layer. There are 2 different layer types in Krita, Paint layer which is Raster and Vector layer which reads Paths.

PRO
+ Each stroke is a separate selection.
+ However, you can have multiple strokes in one Vector layer.
+ Adjustable width, rounding.
+ Easier to apply gradient and pattern effect.
+ Editable path points.

CON
- Have to delete the stroke one by one or select one by one. Though you can select multiple by click and drag the area.
- Unable to micromanage each pressure of path points. (Like in SAI, for the OCD person like me.)
- Seems to have just one nib type. 

It bugs me that being able to present with so MANY Brush engines, yet the Calligraphy only has one nib type. I am very likely missing out something there, will have to read the Krita manual.

Krita 03 - Mirror

96th day of 2016.

Another awesome feature from Krita. M.I.R.R.O.R.

It has two buttons each for Horizontal and another for Vertical. The position of the mirror line is adjustable, not necessary at the middle. I love flexible settings.

This opens up quite a lot of convenient uses. Especially if the focus of your art style that resemblance art nouveau or renaissance or any other style that has intricate details. Definitely would save up quite a lot of time and ensure nice symmetry.

Now I have to search whether it only allows just one line for each axis...
*being greedy*

Krita 02 - Brush

93rd day of 2016.

There are a few Brushes that are quite unique in Krita. Although I am well aware that some of them could be easily replicate using other tools in the Adobe programme, but Krita made those easier. Not to mention the other Brushes that are real unique.

Krita 01 - Brush Palette

92nd day of 2016.

Krita exploration crossed my mind earlier but scrapped off thinking that I can mix it with my Annanix project. But when I tried out Krita, I am pleasantly surprised that it is a bigger learning curve than I anticipated.

The first thing I check out other than the short cuts, is the Brushes. At first glance, I thought that it is a familiar layout with Adobe Photoshop with the standard list of different art media ,default presets and the ultimate customization properties adjustments. Whilst I am getting familiar with the Brush Palette, I am stumped to finally discovered that the small white area is not the white background of my canvas. XD It is a swatch area to test out the tools.

That is a very practical addition, I could already imagine that is how many artists have scrap paper by their side to test out their colors and technique before applying it on the art. Even though it is just one feature, but it already shows that the whole design of the programme is very user friendly, very close to how traditional art method works.

Krita

79th day of 2016.

Last few months, I had a sudden bright idea to hit a search on google using "free open source art programme". That is when I stumbled upon Krita. Browsing through the website, I am immediately hooked and downloaded it. However, I did not really have the time or motivation to dive into it.

 

 I had been using mostly Adobe Photoshop for years, expecting that there would be some getting use to. First clicking through, made me a bit impatient. lol. First off, I was so used short cut keys, and many of them don't work on Krita. Many basic tools are available, but with different positions than I am used to.

Put aside those habitual negativity, I noticed there are fun extra things Krita had too. I would have to spend more time playing around it. 

Links
Krita 

  

MuseScore

 
5th day of 2016.

I was expecting a smoother day today at work. Unfortunately, I was assigned to go to a meeting outstation tomorrow, it really mess up my plan and mood. Later the day, I was suddenly assigned another task to finish, preferably by tomorrow. -__-;;

I vent it a bit, gather my thoughts on what I planned to Artherapy about. I stumbled upon a freeware Musescore 2 years ago, it is a music scoring programme. The best part is, it has quite a comprehensive collection of musical instruments, more geared to western orchestra type and provide playback of the music notes.

I had played with it and attempted one simple ten seconds tune, and come to a conclusion that I better understand more about the musical family for my next attempt. Therefore, I am studying up the various instrument available in Musescore, categorizing it according to material? clef? octave? pitch? Really not sure, it is still an ongoing process.

Links
MuseScore