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MichaelO — MichaelO Desktop

Published: 2009-02-24 06:15:18 +0000 UTC; Views: 80650; Favourites: 994; Downloads: 0
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Description I have been using computers since the Apple IIGS so I have seen my share of various setups and components. I settled with PC because of their ease of customization, affordable prices and user-friendliness. This system evolved over a number of years and has seen many upgrades. The monitor on the left is a separate computer that use for email and music. It is a simple system that I bought at a thrift store for $60. Since its only function is to run Outlook, Winamp and Rhapsody, it does not need to be high tech.

The 2 monitors in the middle are a dual monitor setup for my main computer – a quadcore with 6GB RAM. The monitors are 24” Dell UltraSharp. The graphics card is top-of-the-line which I needed in order to rotate both monitors 90 degrees. I prefer the vertical orientation of the monitors on this computer because most of the artwork I create is vertical. Call me stubborn but I still use Windows XP and Photoshop CS2. I prefer very plain and simple components that do the work I need them to do without the extra bells and whistles that I will never use. The operating system is even running in ‘classic mode’ with a plain gray wallpaper.

The monitor on the right is obviously a TV. Sometimes I get sick of listening to music while working so turn the TV on instead, although, I try not to do that too often because it is distracting.
The desk was custom built. I designed it to fit perfectly in my office using 3D Studio Max. It was built by a local craftsman.

Lastly, you will see that I do not use a tablet. I do have one but I have not found a use for it outside of making long strokes (like painting hair). I really do not know how people can stand using them all the time.
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Comments: 457

bozkus [2016-09-17 11:28:07 +0000 UTC]

too much clean

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slowdog294 [2015-12-01 05:42:02 +0000 UTC]

Excellent.

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Sketch252 [2015-02-26 19:00:36 +0000 UTC]

I can't Imagine not using my tablet...  So does that mean you do all this Absolutly Beautiful art with a MOUSE????????   I can't even see how that is possible, Question do you paint all your picks from scratch, or are do you trace somethings, or do a lot of photo manipulation, and other tricks and short cuts, just wondering???

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GuyInRacoonSuit [2014-11-17 11:36:59 +0000 UTC]

thax man! u inspire me fr the last 5 years, now im working in engineering department, but im using a tilt vertical monitor with a standard laptop.

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kl3opatra [2014-01-22 14:22:51 +0000 UTC]

too many mouses hehehe ..but u r briliant

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DarkZoneGraphics [2013-10-20 16:56:07 +0000 UTC]

i want...

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damilepidus [2013-10-15 16:36:05 +0000 UTC]

Your style/ technique must be amazing if you do this without a tablet.  I can't figure how you do it.  That is some serious and constant hotkey work for opacity and brushes......

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GraphiteOnPaper [2013-10-08 12:58:52 +0000 UTC]

Good to see you at cgtalk!

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CarnalConcepts [2013-10-05 08:58:30 +0000 UTC]

Nice setup. I too am stubborn and have no designs to ever give up Photoshop CS3

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Mlauviah3400 [2013-10-05 02:28:22 +0000 UTC]

 Incredible 4 monitors are so expensive! that luxury!

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MISSVICTORIAJK23 [2013-08-08 04:15:27 +0000 UTC]

I'm really impressed that you do all of this without a tablet. That takes a lot more time, effort, and skill. Kuddos to you my friend, you have some amazing pieces out there. I look forward to seeing the next piece.

Although, curious question, how long did it take you to learn how to use the mouse to paint? Lol

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MichaelO In reply to MISSVICTORIAJK23 [2013-08-15 23:56:44 +0000 UTC]

since i developed this style on my own, i suppose it did take a while.  i would say it takes about 5 pieces to start to perfect it

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crazyworld1 [2013-06-14 17:46:01 +0000 UTC]

Umm interesting and just amazing! I love ur desk and place

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snowyremy [2013-04-20 22:59:43 +0000 UTC]

goes to show talent doesn't need the latest apple products. A humble and sensible setup.

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MichaelO In reply to snowyremy [2013-04-22 07:33:21 +0000 UTC]

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photostreamer [2013-04-17 16:57:36 +0000 UTC]

I can only say

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LillGrafo [2013-04-08 07:33:10 +0000 UTC]

Wicked setup!

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JohnRevelationXXVI [2013-02-20 16:41:14 +0000 UTC]

Very cool!!

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NilRecurring [2013-02-19 10:16:02 +0000 UTC]

There's only one thing wrong with this. You need Synergy so you don't need two sets of peripherals

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mamarilmanson [2013-02-16 16:17:06 +0000 UTC]

If drawing on paper was your past time when you were in school then you would understand that a tablet is a weapon of a digital artist... but if you don't then let it be... you're used to using a mouse anyway... )

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SeasonofSara [2013-01-20 20:21:29 +0000 UTC]

I'll pay you for that setup. XD

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Siephe [2012-12-25 06:05:17 +0000 UTC]

My god... mouse for mostly everything. You are my new idol!

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profutur1971 [2012-12-08 23:02:25 +0000 UTC]

Beautiful image ! Beauty, originality, and more ! Good job ![link]

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mohitbhagat0786 [2012-11-28 19:12:37 +0000 UTC]

greaaaaaaat .......

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vamakaam [2012-09-26 22:01:18 +0000 UTC]

woooooooooow so amazing u r really artist man

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leovitalisart [2012-09-15 18:06:10 +0000 UTC]

No graphic tablet? Gosh, that is shocking! Your art is amazing!!!

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firesite [2012-08-05 17:44:16 +0000 UTC]

Wow I wish you would do some YouTube Tutorials, I love Photoshop and I love learning and it would be awesome if you would teach us throw a YouTube Channel. Plz think about it. Great work. Especially because you uses a mouse's only!!!

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Taher-Painter70 [2012-07-29 09:09:45 +0000 UTC]

wow!

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dudeofblokes [2012-07-22 23:12:43 +0000 UTC]

really impressive

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Stuart-Dillon [2012-06-18 21:22:38 +0000 UTC]

holy shit not tab for your work

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LithoStone [2012-06-04 14:41:08 +0000 UTC]

If you don't mind me asking, what are you using to backup your computer files?

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jonnygee64 [2012-05-09 03:58:48 +0000 UTC]

Inspiring!

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Prydferth-Menyw [2012-04-26 19:35:41 +0000 UTC]

Not a speck of dust! LOL...you have a very nice office

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xaogeo [2012-03-28 14:21:15 +0000 UTC]

U got to answer this: U DO NOT USE A GRAPHIC TABLET ?!

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budhaxx [2012-03-05 10:30:42 +0000 UTC]

amazing

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hacter [2012-02-27 11:34:22 +0000 UTC]

NIce set up

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Lexedon [2012-02-23 17:27:38 +0000 UTC]

Everything done by mouse, that's how i work it lol <3

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Arttt225 [2012-02-12 04:35:22 +0000 UTC]

that my friend is Awesome ^^

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AchrafDes [2012-02-11 15:45:25 +0000 UTC]

wOOOw

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draniu [2012-02-08 22:03:16 +0000 UTC]

Wow... excellent!

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23ultraviolet [2012-01-06 19:19:04 +0000 UTC]

that looks like a fun workshop!
Your work is amazing btw!

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Aryoma [2012-01-05 07:46:48 +0000 UTC]

Why you do not use i mac ?

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MichaelO In reply to Aryoma [2012-01-27 00:19:16 +0000 UTC]

i used them in school and i didn't like them. Not user friendly IMO. I just can't get behind a company that actually sells commuters with no right click on the mouse.

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LithoStone In reply to MichaelO [2012-06-04 14:39:20 +0000 UTC]

I have been using computers since the early 80's. I used macs in school also. I found them much more difficult to use that the windows XP machine I used at work. I don't understand the attraction to apple computers. I recently started using win 7. I highly recommend it.

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Amanda-Graham [2011-12-30 11:59:53 +0000 UTC]

*eyes the neatness, the order, the clean clean everything*

*looks around at the dust, the stacks of negative sheets, the box with the necklace she wouldn't wear, the altoids scattered everywhere, the ash from at least 100 cigarettes, reading glasses for when my eyes blur too much to see straight, two open packs of cigarettes, three coffee cups, four types of photographic printing paper, consumed ink cartridges, new wifi router unconnected, piles of cd-r and dvd-rs blank and used, bar towel (sort of used), eleven empty generic diet cola cans 4 laying on their sides, a framed photo of my daughter when she was 20 months old (dusty), open box of strike anywhere matches, zippo style 1935 lighters (2), piles and piles of consumed ink jet generic type/copy/print paper (words by the millions), screw driver, head phones, 100s op post its adhering to everything, un connected 4 way speakers and sub woofer, rat's nests of connecting wires and charging cords and wtf do THOSE odd plug ends fit into?, POS epson R1800 ink sucking f'ing printer, Epson Perfection V750 Pro scanner (oh, i love you sooooo), Mac book Air (newest model and lovely, fast lightweight goes EVERYWHERE) charging, 3 strip plugs none of which ground properly, Dell Inspiration (some model or another but ages old), 22 inch wide screen monitor (and STILL the g'damned print is tiny and hard to read), wireless keyboard and mouse (so filthy that i now have carpel tunnel from pounding on the m'fucker), a photograph of the girl i love so much that every work that i write is wrapped around her, cobwebbs in the window (it's 7 AM and still black outside so the funnel spider web is almost invisible), leaves on the floor at my feet on the ceramic surface (i leave my door open for her even thought i know she'll never come), and me (older, wider, but still here).

HOW do you WORK in that OCD ORDER?

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Shamrocc [2011-12-17 05:18:28 +0000 UTC]

WoW just love that painting nice setup also

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ejkaull [2011-11-20 01:42:31 +0000 UTC]

Man, you are so neat. My desk is a wreck! Papers, Bills, Lighting, Printers, Old Computers to be fixed under the desk, Books, Backup CD's, Tissue Boxes, Phone, Check book, nik-naks, pens, usb hubs.....how do you do it. Hmmm......me thinks Mr. Photoshop edited out his clutter. ha ha ha! Wow, I'm impressed with your efficiency.

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Amanda-Graham In reply to ejkaull [2011-12-30 12:04:37 +0000 UTC]

LOL i KNOW!!!

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Amanda-Graham In reply to Amanda-Graham [2011-12-30 12:05:05 +0000 UTC]

i just bet he has maid service *giggles*

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ejkaull In reply to Amanda-Graham [2011-12-30 19:23:50 +0000 UTC]

He didn't respond. Makes me think I'm right! - just kidding!

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