Hello there ^_^ I'm an aspiring artist and I really want to improve my art, therefore I wanna start using something OTHER than MS Paint.. X'D I've tried some programs before and some were cool, some a bit confusing, some VERY confusing.

So I want to know what programs you use for art c: (If you want, you could show me some of your art examples and tell me what's interesting about the program(s))

I'm mostly looking for programs that are free, but feel free to suggest pay-to-use programs as well for future reference X3

It's not necessary, but if you can, you could share with me a few art tips :3 I still have some trouble using anything other than MS Paint XD Especially when it comes to smooth lines, anatomy, fur texture, shading and lighting, etc.



Also while we're on the topic, does anyone know of any good animation programs? I want to start making my own animations but I don't know much good animation software. Mostly looking for things that have a trace of the previous frame for you to draw the next frame (Rotoscoping I think it's called..? Basically the feature in Flipnote Studio for NintendoDS where the previous frame is printed out on the next frame so you know where to continue drawing) and something easy to use. It would be cool too if some of the animating software also had some cool brushes and tools to create effects, textures, etc.

Lemme know any good recommendations and/or art tips you could share with an aspiring artist like me X3 Thanksies ^u^