If I have to do any digital illustrations or extensive tablet use in Photoshop I always do a short warm up. It usually consists of a box, a pyramid, a circle, squiggly lines and a test of different pressures/line-weights.
Side question: Does anybody know of any good techniques to draw in Illustrator. I have tried multiple times but always quit in frustration over how finicky and seemingly inprecise it is when changing stroke weights. Any suggestions or tips would be appreciated.