Mac Artists: What programs do you use???

[Charlie]

I recently purchased a mac. I love/hate it. I do miss windows... a lot. One thing I miss is Paint Tool SAI (can't seem to find the mac version that actually gives me the program) and basic Microsoft Paint. I really need help finding art programs that are compatible with this beast. Seriously, why did apple have to make art life so complicated? Any help is much appreciated!

[Aura]

I use Manga Studio EX5. I had Paint Tool Sai before it and I love Manga Studio a lot more. although I believe Sai is easier for painting.

[Charlie]

I use Manga Studio EX5. I had Paint Tool Sai before it and I love Manga Studio a lot more. although I believe Sai is easier for painting.

Thanks for your help! I Manga Studio EX5, and it looks to be pretty expensive.. Did you buy it?! :o

Update: I can't get Paint Tool SAI to work with my mac. Did you use it on yours? I've never had so many computer problems until getting a mac. I really miss my toshiba now

[Mindfang]

i havent ever personally used it because im too poor for a mac but

(you need an account to see links). i say i havent used it but i did once for about 10 minutes while artblocked, it seems pretty stable and close to sai at least. but its in japanese for some reason, i had an english version? whatever. it works.

ive heard good things about mangastudio too but yeah it is pretty expensive

i hear (you need an account to see links) is also quite good. another one i used once while artblocked, but ive heard good things. works on mac and windows

[Accelerator]

Thanks for your help! I Manga Studio EX5, and it looks to be pretty expensive.. Did you buy it?! :o

Update: I can't get Paint Tool SAI to work with my mac. Did you use it on yours? I've never had so many computer problems until getting a mac. I really miss my toshiba now

You can get everything for free (if you know where to look )
(you need an account to see links) either free or commercial.
For example when I'm using ubuntu, the most basic tool I've found is GIMP D:
On Windows I basically use Paint, PS CS5, Inkscape (when I want to do vectors) & Paint.net if my memory serves me right e-e

[Aura]

I got it for Christmas; my aunt bought me it. It was pretty pricey, but I definitely love it. I haven't used FireAlpaca myself so I don't know how it is, but I think it's good??
no, I couldn't get Sai to work for me neither.

[Accelerator]

Depending on the specs of your Macs you could install VirtualBox and install a copy of Windows or try Wine&/Mono, doesn't seem to be 'heavy' on resources so...

[Munna]

Your best bet honestly is probably photoshop, unfortunately. Since it is directly compatible, you shouldn't have any issues at all. You can do everything plus some that SAI can do, you just have to learn the interface.

[Mindfang]

the only issue i have with drawing on photoshop is theres no stabiliser lol
its cool if you prefer to go freehand but man i just cannot.

which sucks because i like a lot of the brushes you can get in photoshop that dont translate to sai very well. theyd make for nice lineart. but to lineart i need a stabiliser... which only sai has...

a constant struggle.

[rat]

you can get lazy nezumi for stabilizing your lines on photoshop if you really really need it. the best option is to just practice, tbh. it takes a little extra effort to get the same kind of smoothness but it's still possible.

fire alpaca is just as good as SAI with some added elements (easier to see transparency, text tool, etc.)
i believe gimp can also work, though i've never used it personally.