I was very privileged yesterday to get to meet Matt, one of the software developers for a glimpse at what's in store for the next iteration.  We sat together with fellow Artrager Jake (Enchanter) around Matt's laptop in the cafeteria of the National Gallery, while he showed us what he and the team have been putting together.

All I can say is WOOOOOOOOOOW!  It will be so worth the wait.  I'm forbidden from going into any details, but can reveal that the whole thing has been rewritten from base up to include some mind blowing tools (and I mean really powerful and effective inclusions).  One new tool in particular is really going to have the likes of Adobe and Corel sitting up and taking notice, offering a revolutionary level of control I've not seen before.  There's also a watercolour brush offering wonderful response and pigment interaction that I'm just dying to get my hands on.  The interface while retaining some of the look of version 2.5 will be much more customisable, and adaptable for different platforms.  If pricing remains even near to as competitive as it has been in the past, it's set to become an indispensable software for any sort of digital artist.  Kids will love it for the sheer fun it is to use.  Serious digital artists will love it for its power and control.  It's already very compatible with Photoshop, but that's set to improve even more.  I'd love to have it in my arsenal now, and am thrilled to have seen it .

The only downside - it's not likely to be available until 2009.  An Alpha version will become available some time in September for those in the testing group.  If you're a serious ArtRager who can keep his mouth shut until official release, and would like to be considered as a tester, it might be worth joining the ArtRage forum and asking the development team.  They moderate the forums and are very approachable.  Don't worry if you don't get immediate response.  They are a small team and rather busy creating something special for us at the moment.

http://www2.ambientdesign.com/forums/ 

 

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http://nickillus.co.uk

Sounds good. I've been wondering what they will do to it beyond the current version. There was only a couple of things I wanted added/fixed, so if they have added those I'll be happy.

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Hey there Marcus - Long time no chat.

From what I've seen it'll definitely be worth having.  Not everything is resolved in terms of how they want to present palettes and interface, but looks better organised already.  Matt is very aware of work flow and usability issues and wants to be able to offer a significant step forward, while keeping the  simple charm of ArtRAge as a drawing and painting package with better tools.  The unfinished version he showed us demonstrated a bigger leap forward to 3 than there was from version 1 to where it is now.  And that was a significant leap from purely fun and hobbyist to having a toolset that put it on the fringes of professional usage.  I'm using the current full version 2.5  now on some illustrations for a children's History book.  Can''t show anything until it's out late in 2009 unfortunately, but I can tell you I'm enjoying using it.

 

 

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http://nickillus.co.uk

The changes they added in 2.5 were a pretty big jump as you say. I hope it's a bit quicker with larger canvases. That's normally the only reason I end up jumping over to Photoshop or Painter. That and the lack of a cutting tool of some kind. Everything else does pretty much what it needs to, so anything else is a bonus.

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That's really good news Nick.  Has there been any discussion concerning price?  You can't beat ArtRage with Bang for the Buck.  Great program!

BTW, never got around to saying so, but thank you for all you've done to promote ArtRage and make tutorials.  I know a lot of people have been exposed to it that wouldn't have if it weren't for the information you've shared.

 

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Thanks Gix.
I just reckon ArtRage is such good news that it'd be criminal to keep it to myself. 

When I met up with Matt (one of the developers) a few weeks ago, he couldn't give us a price but suggested that although a slight increase was unavoidable, they aren't out to lose their user base by ramping it right up.  It should still be way more affordable than some of the bigger boys and girls on offer - and with the new toys, should be an essential weapon in your arsenal anyway.

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http://nickillus.co.uk

so seeing as i've just recently bought 2.5 a couple of month ago, will there be upgrade options do you think Nick? However, i can't use it well anyway, so a moot question really!

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Hi Kazzaziwazki.

Good question.  I know that when I bought version 2, the upgrade patches just kept on coming all the way up to version 2.5 for free, and it was a transformed software by then. I'm afraid Matt didn't mention whether an upgrade would be possibe.  My hope is that it'll be so brilliantly priced again that it'll be cheaper than any upgrade to those other packages, and we won't mind paying for the full gubbins.

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http://nickillus.co.uk

hmmm....there's actually a mac version now. I remember looking at this when it first came out and if I remember correctly the first one never had a mac version. I could be wrong though. Maybe it was another cheap art program I was looking at. either way, the price of it is exceptional. if I didn't already have painter and photoshop I'd probably pick it up.

hell, I'm still thinking of maybe picking it up and giving it a try just because of the price.

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"Live life like a fantasy. Reality is only in your mind!" - Fabledgoat

well i did Adam, couldn't resist, even though i have both of the big players, i was sold on the work that Nick did with it, guess it's just talent cos i can't get it to do anything good! And it's only £15! which is $7! bargain. 

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lol. I may have to give it a try sometime soon then. see if I can't do just as good as you and come up with nothing. heaven knows I have a hard enough time sitting down to come up with anything in the big two.

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"Live life like a fantasy. Reality is only in your mind!" - Fabledgoat

Just got the Alpha of version 3 to play with this weekend.  By the time they iron out the wrinkles, it really is going to be some upgrade!  They are taking comments and suggestions on board.  Anything you want me to mention?

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http://nickillus.co.uk

I just want a simple cutting tool (lasso equivalent). They can call it a knife or scissors or anything else they want as long as it allows me to cut something from one layer and stick it on another one (maybe with a pritt sitck tool).

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I'm just smiling a lot but not saying anything.

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http://nickillus.co.uk

Argh! Damn youuuuu *shakes fist* . I guess I can look forward to happiness in the next version then.

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