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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1234839
Natural, but Digital With all of its focus on an accurate replication of physical media, Fresco does not forget some of the key benefits of artistry in the digital realm. We have already seen some of that in its ability to manipulate its AI-powered Live Brushes in ways impossible in reality. But Fresco does not neglect the digital essentials like the ability to work in layers. Obviously, raster and vector artwork lives in their own, as do graphics brought in from photos and a separate background layer. The layers can be nested, grouped and merged, while vector layers and images imported from your photo library can be converted to pixel layers. The layers support Adobe's usual group of blending modes and a very tactile and intuitive method for masking. As with many features in Fresco, there are built-in, interactive tutorials to get you started. Fresco based on a "freemium" pricing model. The free version includes a limited set of brushes and 2 GB of cloud storage. The paid versions unlock its ability to import brushes and access your Creative Cloud brush and color libraries. It's available in a single-app plan for $9.99 per month and is included in the Photoshop's $19.99 single-app plan and as part of Adobe's Creative Cloud full subscription. The question on many tablet artists' minds is how does Fresco stack up against the $9.99 Procreate, up until now, the gold standard of iPad drawing applications? In our mind, it easily its own, but each has a unique niche. Fresco's Live Brush and Vector Brush technologies will bring in some converts, particularly those who use the program as part of an Adobe-centric workflow. Procreate has an edge with its animation tools, for those who want to work in that medium. Both programs can capture your work as time-lapse video, sport similar layering management tools as well as Apple's pencils. Our conclusion, however, is that Fresco is going to take the lead in terms of allowing artists to push forward into new territories. Live brushes will let them combine their skills working with both the physical and digital media of their choice beyond real-world constraints. It will also provide a pathway for artists to explore different media without