Learning a new skill, students in Graphic Design III are beginning to use digital drawing tablets.

“I started integrating the drawing tablets because they are industry standard,” Graphic Design teacher Rosarita Olvina said. “I want students to use drawing pads because it combines traditional drawing styles with technology.”

Students were assigned to choose a landscape photo and to draw it using Adobe Photoshop.

“The drawing tabs were actually kind of difficult to do in the beginning, but after you get used to it, they’re really easy and fun,” senior Jennifer Shelley said. “It makes illustrating on the computer a lot more realistic.”

Since this is the first time the drawing tablets will be used, students are also participating in a class critique and a gallery walk. During the gallery walk, seniors are required to critique their own drawing, as well as two other students.

“It really lets me express [myself] through a screen with modern technology,” senior Andy Khamsengmanivong said. “I think they’re cool and different, which makes this a lot of fun.”

Once they finish drawing the landscape photos, students will be using the drawing tablets to create their next project: self-portraits.

“I find it easier to use the drawing tablets because I understand how to draw regularly, and these allow me to draw normally, while still being able to use Adobe Photoshop to present my work,” senior Allyana Gorospe said.