Discontinuing the Wacom Art Pen will DESTROY Livelihoods
I have spent a decade building a business that is hinged on the 360° barrel rotation functionality of the Wacom Art Pen. I'm literally on my fifth pen because I use them so heavily that they eventually just fall apart mid-brushstroke.
Although my roots are in traditional mediums (oil on canvas specifically), I have managed, with the help of the Art Pen to merge traditional mediums with modern methods utilizing Photoshop, starting first with the Wacom Intuos 4(?), graduating to the Wacom Intuos Pro medium, and now I'm blissfully painting on the Wacom Cintiq Pro 24.
The constant has always been the Wacom Art Pen.
I know my typical painted portraits aren't "advertisement worthy" since it's not the sensational stuff Wacom typically uses, however, people genuinely love painted portraits of their children and family. I have custom portraiture hanging from Oregon to the UK and everywhere in between. Thanks to the Art Pen, I've been able to provide this service to thousands of clients over the last decade.
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Official comment
Hi Everyone! We created the Art pen in 2008 but unfortunately, we had to suspend production as some components are no longer available. Wacom is investigating the possibility of recreating the Art pen with updated pen technology, but there are challenges as barrel rotation is very unique. If we determine a new Art pen is feasible, it will take time for us to start production. Sorry no definitive answers but stay tuned, be patient and keep telling us how you use the Art Pen. Please follow the original thread here for the most up to date information.
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This is disturbing. I have used the art pen daily for 3 plus years. At this point and can't imagine not having the capabilities it provides. I honestly don't know how to do what I do, every day, all day without the Art Pen. Please tell me there will be a new version coming soon.
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As I can attest to, as well, this pen's rotational functionality is imperative! As Michelle noted above, many artists will loose productive time, and therefore money, without the 360 degree rotation function of the Art Pen. Please review your choice to discontinue this feature.
From a business perspective, I have a hard time imagining who would think this was something that could be easily dropped from any future pens you develop. It makes no sense at all to try painting with a pen that one can't rotate by simple wrist/hand movement. Even using the tablet touch ring, and programming it to simulate the "arrow" usage with the new Pro Pen is increasing the time and frustration of using the Wacom tablets. Are there so few people using it that Wacom can simply drop it and not expect an outcry? With the number of individuals I know using this equipment specifically for digital painting, it would seem you could be losing a lot of business if your competitors develop something similar. So, if you can't think about your customers' satisfaction and business, consider what this will do to your business.
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I have tried to paint digitally a couple times prior to starting Michelle's class, nothing ever worked. I have painted images I'd only every dreamed about. The entire class is heavily reliant on the art pen and the barrel rotation. There is no substitute. Every student uses one, the classes could not be completed without it. Many students also have their livelihoods with painting using the art pen.
The art pen is as necessary to digitally painting as the computer and tablet are. Without it this work is impossible. I along with all the students have come to rely on it. Please bring back the art pen or release a second generation with barrel rotation.
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As someone involved in the world of digital painting, I can't echo enough the sentiment about the crucial role the 360° barrel rotation feature plays in creating authentic, traditional-like brushstrokes. The ability to reposition the bristles intuitively is irreplaceable when striving for that genuine, nuanced effect in digital art.
The comparison with the tilt feature is apt—while useful for shading, it doesn't quite address the essence of repositioning brush bristles. The manual methods like arrow keys or external consoles might serve as temporary fixes, but they disrupt the creative flow significantly. In an industry where time is money, these workarounds end up being costly in both time and efficiency.
The plea to Wacom to continue to provide a pen with the 360° barrel rotation is absolutely valid. It's more than a mere convenience; for many artists, it's a lifeline, a means of sustaining their livelihoods.
Wacom has been a cornerstone for digital artists, and continued support of the art pen is crucial. This isn't merely about convenience; it's about preserving livelihoods and ensuring the continuation of artistic endeavors. Hoping Wacom hears this heartfelt plea and works toward a solution soon.
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I am one of Michelle's students and want to confirm that discontinuing the art pen would be disastrous for those of us who enjoy painting in Photoshop. I have always wanted to be an artist and found the ability to do that through the painting of the photographs I've taken in Photoshop. Please don't take that ability away from us. I do not want to have to purchase a console and learn how to use it to achieve what is easily accomplished with the art pen. This image, painted in Photoshop with the Wacom Art Pen, was in the top ten of children's portraits in the 2017 PPA competition. I have since painted two more for the mother of this little girl. I have no idea what your reasoning is behind removing the Art Pen from production but I sincerely hope that you will reconsider.
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Please do not discontinue the Art Pen! I use my Art Pen exclusively for my painting in Photoshop. Almost all of my custom brushes utilize the rotation feature, as that is how brushes work. Two years ago I specifically purchased the Wacom Intuos Pro medium tablet and Art Pen just so I could learn to paint in Photoshop and embark upon a new career path. I am very concerned of what will happen if I cannot find another Art Pen when it comes time to replace it. Please, please, please bring the Art Pen back!
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Agreed. I'm surprised you (WACOM) are not moving towards the Art Pen functionality in all your pens. It is critical for some brushes to work as they need to. Please at least keep the Art Pen in your lineup; even better, add that function to all your pens. Don't go in the wrong direction. It doesn't take long for the competition to overtake you if you are going backward in capabilities.
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I use the Art Pen exclusively for my Photoshop painting and am astonished that you would consider discontinuing this pen. I switched tablets to Wacom SPECIFICALLY for the Art Pen. I use this pen every day in my business. Rest assured that if you do not make a pen with barrel rotation available I will not EVER purchase another Wacom product. I'm quite sure your competitors will see the market gap.
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I also am one of Michelle’s students, and her program has completely changed the trajectory of my art career.
The Art Pen is integral for this, and without it, my art will be nearly impossible.
If you do not have a replacement for the pen, I ask wholeheartedly that you please reconsider your choice to discontinue it. There are the careers of artists at stake.3 -
Please don't discontinue the Art Pen. I use the Art Pen exclusively for my painting in Photoshop. all of my custom brushes for painting utilizes the rotation feature. I bought the Wacom specifically for photoshop painting. Without the Art Pen it is usually to me. Please reconsider.
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My name is Jessica, and I recently enrolled in Michelle's course, where she spoke highly of Wacom products, urging us to consider them for an enhanced learning experience. Following her recommendation, I invested in the Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet to support my artistic journey.
While preparing to acquire the recommended Art Pen, I was disheartened to discover that it has been discontinued. The Art Pen, beyond being an essential tool for Michelle's course, symbolizes the commitment of Wacom to the artistic community. It has come to my attention that fellow students have not only benefitted greatly from this specific product but have also developed a sense of loyalty to the brand.
The importance of brand loyalty goes beyond individual products; it signifies a mutual trust and commitment between students and Wacom. As students invest in Wacom products based on recommendations and experiences shared within the artistic community, it is equally crucial for the brand to reciprocate this loyalty by ensuring the availability of recommended tools.
I kindly urge you to reconsider the decision to discontinue the Art Pen. Its unique features contribute significantly to the learning experience of aspiring artists like myself. Moreover, sustaining the availability of recommended tools reinforces the trust and loyalty that students place in the Wacom brand.
Your dedication to supporting the artistic journey of students will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and loyalty of Wacom enthusiasts.
Thank you for your understanding and prompt consideration.
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I have been using Wacom tablets for years. I did not know about how great this Art Pen actually was until I became a student of Michelle Parsley's Elevate your Art . She exclusively uses the Art Pen & a Cintiq, without the Art Pen our brushes can not simulate actual brush strokes on our paintings. I was very excited when I received my Art Pen rotated in my hand without having to press a button, turn a dial or hold a key down and have it act like a paintbrush I would put to canvas.
If the discontinuation of this pen is because sales were not what was expected, your advertising of this product is to blame. It was explained as a felt marker or calligraphic fountain pen, perfect for handwriting and sketches. If it because the technology is outdated tell us that and tell us what the plan is going forward.
If our pleas go on deaf ears with you am pretty sure that your competitors will jump at the chance to get our business. It would be a shame....people associate Wacom being the best in the business and no one could match, how things are now changing.
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I just bought an Intuos Pro specifically so that I can use my Art Pen. I am a dog photography and photo editor who uses this setup to offer a custom bespoke product and editing service. The Art Pen's functionality and style is key to my work. Please do not discontinue this product; if you do, please replace it with something of equal quality. Even if you just advertised to Michelle's students, you would have plenty of sales.
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I also bought the Intuos Pro after using the knock Huion tablets for years without issue. I bought the tablet and the art pen specifically to grow my skills in painting in PS. I see the colorful, eye catching designs Wacom promotes and assumed Wacom was interested in helping to support the arts community. Please heed the voices of established painters like Michelle Parsley who has made a living painting with oils and in PS. She trains artists with this art pen and I am one of them. Please reconsider and continue manufacturing the art pen!
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I have been using Wacom products since 2005. Aside from being enrolled in Michelle Parsley's course, I'm a full-time Graphic Designer. I rely on the Art Pen and its unique functionality every day. I'm 100% sure I am not the only one. I hope to hear that the reason for discontinuation is a newer model otherwise this will be devastating to many artists.
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It is very disappointing to hear that this pen is being discontinued. I certainly hope you will add full rotation properties to a new pen ASAP as this is the pen I use daily, in digital painting and photoshop composites. As evidenced by these messages, a lot of students and professional digital painters rely on these pens for their livelihood and art projects. Please let our community know that you have heard our response. Thanks.
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As stated above, discontinuing the sale of the Art Pen without any sort of update to the current line of pens to support barrel rotation is a REALLY bad idea!
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I can't believe Wacom is doing this!!! As digital painting artist, we rely the Art Pen as a MAJOR tool in our trade!! How could you put us in this uncertain position? Everyone from Elevate Your Art are talking about this. And at this point, if we find another company with a rotating pen, I'm sure you will lose all of us. Shame on you!
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I'll add my comment about the Art Pen.
I was shocked to find it's been discontinued. At this point, there is no difference between tablets Wacom produces to that of their competitors. The art pen is the sole reason I continue to use Wacom. If the competition adds barrel rotation, I would be forced to switch. The art pen is that important.
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I actually came here because Apple just announced their new Apple Pencil Pro today that has barrel rotation. I personally have never used an art pen since my work doesn’t really rely on it (I draw more than I paint and I rotate my canvas a lot so doing so helps). But I imagine a lot of artists are excited for this feature for their iPads. That being said, I wonder how the discontinuation of the art pen and the introduction of the Apple Pencil pro will affect what product digital artists choose to get.
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Hello Wacom, so you responded that the part you needed to continue making the Art pens was hard to get. So why was Apple able to make a device and you can't? Looks like your competitor(s) will be getting all the Art Pens users business if you don't bring the Art Pen back soon.
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I just bought an art pen off ebay. You Wacom people really need to remake these, it's only available 2nd hand and it's priced high because it's discontinued. Yes I get that normal regular Wacom pens can do the same thing by tilting, however axial tilt rotation is very different because tilting with your hand can only be done so much before it becomes unnatural. And if you guys at Wacom don't make new ones I will have no choice but to leave to other competitors that do
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it looks like it is currently in stock: https://estore.wacom.com/de-de/art-pen-for-intuos4-5-dtk-kp-701e-01.html
or is that some other pen?
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Out of stock in the US
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