People often ask how I add handwriting to my photos here on the blog. Some people even assume that this is a handwriting font! Nope... this is my real handwriting drawn with a digital tablet. I love using a tablet because it's super quick and convenient and I get to practice handwriting in a brand new way. Here's a little bit about what I use and why...
I use the Wacom Bamboo Connect Pen Tablet (CTL470)
with Photoshop CS5 to add handwriting to my photos. There are tons of different versions of both wacom tablets and photoshop out there to fit different budgets. Mine is smaller because I carry it with me in my computer bag most days.
Learning to draw on the tablet takes a little bit of practice. When I first started using a tablet I found it unnatural, but after just two or three nights of practice it felt totally normal... just like drawing on paper (but easier to erase!). One of the tricks I've found is to zoom in and out often, that helps me a lot. Now I feel just as comfortable drawing digitally as I do with pen and paper.
Well, I hope that helps! I also use the Mobile Sketchbook App for the iPad + iPhone to draw on my photos when I'm traveling. Have a lovely weekend! Elsie
PS... here's something I made the other night while missing my sweetie!
I have one of those tablets! Yup, thought you were using a font. Had no idea it was handwritten. You've got gorgeous/consistent handwriting!
Posted by: Kathryn | March 10, 2012 at 01:26 PM
This is too funny! I asked myself that question this morning! I've been wanting to purchase a wacom tablet for awile now and that's enough to seal the deal!
Posted by: Logan | March 10, 2012 at 01:30 PM
I have a Wacom tablet as well that I use for things like this, although even after using for a couple years it's not very natural feeling to me. It's amazing that your handwriting is so beautiful handwriting even with a tablet! I'm impressed. ;)
Posted by: Courteney | March 10, 2012 at 01:36 PM
Your handwriting is gorgeous Elsie!
Posted by: M | March 10, 2012 at 01:38 PM
Such a brilliant post, I've always wondered how you do it! You have such lovely handwriting, just from it you can tell you're a creative person! I love the squiggles and swirls!
www.styleisalwaysfashionable.blogspot.com
Posted by: Kate | March 10, 2012 at 01:42 PM
Thank you so much for your help! I use a lot of writing in my photos on my blog and this will not only look better, but save time with sizes and fonts. I think it also adds more personality if it's your own writing instead of a pre-designed font.
Thanks again!
Aoife x
http://aoife-blake.com
Posted by: Aoife Blake | March 10, 2012 at 01:43 PM
Awesome!!!! Soo good to know. Thanks!
- Sarah
http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com
Posted by: Sarah @http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com/ | March 10, 2012 at 01:45 PM
Terrific inside info about one little detail that helps make your blog so great! Nice share.
Posted by: CrochetBlogger | March 10, 2012 at 01:47 PM
Wauw! Love to read this, I always wondered how you do that! Love this post.
Posted by: Veronique | March 10, 2012 at 01:55 PM
I was given one of those tablets for my birthday yeeeears ago and I've only tried using it once, everything came out so wobbly... then I put it away and kinda forgot about it. I definitely need to give it another try and practice with it! I love how you write on your photos! Plus I'd like to get into digital drawing.
Posted by: Danielle | March 10, 2012 at 02:05 PM
Both sweet & really useful idea... I love drawing with a graphics tablet too! Some of your photoshop (or editing program) techniques & photo balancing tips would be great too if ever you had time :)
Posted by: Charlie (forages and finds) | March 10, 2012 at 02:05 PM
ah, I'm planning on getting one of those soon! Perfect for graphic design.
Posted by: debbie | March 10, 2012 at 02:06 PM
You can also write on your photos in Microsoft paint. :)
Posted by: Michelle Sexton | March 10, 2012 at 02:07 PM
Love this tip, Elsie! Can you say the exact app you use on your ipad? I'm stumped...there are soooo mannnyyyyy!!!
Posted by: Amy | March 10, 2012 at 02:09 PM
I've been thinking about a tablet for a while now, but your post just SOLD me on it! Awesome!
Posted by: Sisifo | March 10, 2012 at 02:10 PM
I didn't know it was your own! You have such a lovely handwriting!
Posted by: WS | March 10, 2012 at 02:13 PM
Q: Can you say the exact app you use on your ipad?
A: It's called "Mobile Sketchbook" I use it on the iPhone & iPad
Posted by: elsie | March 10, 2012 at 02:14 PM
Thank you so much for sharing this! I must say, i was one of those people pondering how you got such awesome handwriting font on your website! lol! Well, thanks again!
Posted by: emily balazs | March 10, 2012 at 02:19 PM
Thanks!!! And congrats on the DIY Besties! You so deserve it! :)
Posted by: Amy | March 10, 2012 at 02:23 PM
Oh yes, SketchBook Mobile is awesome! I've been using it like crazy. I was thinking I'd save up for the Bamboo Tablet, but for $2, this does what I want!
Posted by: Mac | March 10, 2012 at 02:39 PM