supersatanson

Hand Cramps and a new setup

Added 2018-04-14 18:47:37 +0000 UTC

I've been getting slight wrist cramps from as early as 2016, where I started using a splint to rest my right hand. Lately, it is my left hand the one getting the cramps (right hand is kinda OK), mostly because of my current setup as seen on the drawing up there. I need my hand there to access shortcuts like Undo, change brush size, rotate, zoom, and a long etc.

To prevent possible injuries though, I got a Keypad thingie (recommended by other artist ), which is basically 1/3rd of a keyboard.

On the new setup ( see the graphic :P ), I can position my hand in a more comfortable position, and move it around easily within my workspace. A complete extra keyboard wouldn't fit in my desk, since the laptop takes a big space.

You might think this kind of keypad is too much, but it is more ergonomic, has a little joystick and wheel, and enough keys for all the shortcuts I use on the left hand. I even needed a couple more extra keys, but it's good as it is and feels nice on the wrist.

The only downside is that I had all the keyboard shortcuts on muscle memory and worked with them almost like on instinctual reflex, so I'm in the process of re-learning a bit, hopefully to achieve the same usual drawing speed.

I also do some hand excercises to relax and relieve the pain, which help out as well.

Finally, I need to thank all of you Patreon Backers, since your support made possible for me to afford this!

So, a million thanks to every single one of you! :)