itsybitsyartist asked: Hi! I know you're pretty much a full time artist, and was wondering if you have any advice for maintaining wrist and eye health! Drawing often and staring at a computer screen often can really do some damage, and as an animation student I'd really appreciate any health tips you might have for being a healthy artist.

Answer:

My advice would be pretty standard to keeping healthy in general. Eat right, exercise often, take frequent breaks. Posture is important too, and don’t skimp on important equipment like a decent desk chair. Consider a standing desk if possible. Don’t force yourself to work in an uncomfortable environment. Clear the desk if you need room for your tablet so you don’t balance it awkwardly and thus work in an unnatural position that could strain your body.

Higher quality monitors are easier on the eyes than your standard $50-$100 cheap-os. Invest in a good one. Not only will it display colors more accurately, it should help with any eye strain you might have. Cheaper monitors tend to have really high contrast or back lighting that kills me to look at and is impossible to fix in the settings.

Another important tip to wrist health is a large tablet. Smaller tablets have a more constricted usable surface and require you to make shorter, more tense strokes. This leads to strain and fatigue much quicker. You want to be able to use your whole arm in the motions, which a larger tablet allows for. Spring for the bigger tablet, it’s worth it!

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