How digital artists optimize their hardware – The best equipment for digital art

The switch from a traditional pen-and-paper setup to a digital canvas is a groundbreaking step for many artists. The popularity of digital art create successful and professional works on the digital canvas as a digital artist

The transition from analog to digital art can be challenging, as familiar tools suddenly become irrelevant. However, with access to new software tools tools and resources to succeed in the digital art world, regardless of experience level

The following are the most important tools and resources for working in a digital environment…

Digital Art – Tutorial for Beginners

Workstation

Your workstation includes everything you use to get your work done. For example, if you spend most of your time at home, a desktop PC and a graphics tablet the most practical setup.

If you travel a lot or spend a lot of time outdoors, you might also consider investing in a high-quality laptop to get your work done.

Screen

Your computer screen is your canvas as an artist . That's why you need a high-quality monitor. There's a wide selection on the market, and you should match your computer's capabilities with the monitor's specifications.

The goal here is to ensure all colors are displayed accurately and that you have enough screen space to work. Monitors can be expensive, but 1080 HD resolution doesn't have to break the bank these days.

Drawing tablet / graphics tablet

Regardless of which direction you want to take with digital art, a digital tablet indispensable. Whether you specialize in digital painting or graphic design, your tablet will be your primary work tool for most creative projects.

There are two basic types of tablets you should know about before buying: Tablet computers such as the Apple iPad or the Microsoft Surface Pro are standalone computers with touchscreen capabilities and their own operating system.

, graphics tablets or pen displays such as the Wacom Cintiq and Intuos series are designed for connection to a desktop computer and serve as powerful input devices for drawing software.

Choosing the right type of tablet depends on cost, personal preferences, and workflow. Figuring this out can be tricky, especially if cost is a factor and you primarily plan to draw at home. Apple iPads offer excellent pressure sensitivity and some of the best art software on the market.

Size is another important factor: tablet computers are generally small, while graphics tablets come in various sizes. These specialized tablets are equipped with everything you need, including a precise pen. The downside, however, is that they must be used in addition to a computer.

The market leader and arguably the best manufacturer of drawing tablets is Wacom . However, there are a number of strong challengers and exciting alternatives such as XP-Pen , HUION , or Xencelabs .

Ultimately, choosing the right tablet is a personal decision, but we have already done a large part of the research for you in our article “Graphics Tablets 2024: The 7 Best Models for Digital Artwork (under 1,000 Euros)” .

The right choice depends on individual preferences

Every artist has their own way of working and individual preferences regarding handling, features and must-haves in relation to a graphics tablet.

Here, it helps to look over the shoulders of experienced graphic designers and digital artists as they experience the product firsthand.

In the following video, the digital artist tests smartphones, pen tablets, multimedia tablets and software that she believes make up an optimal hardware set for digital art.

In the second video, digital artist and illustrator Brad Colbow discusses the hardware and software he needed to get started.

Drawing pen (stylus / pen)

While it's technically possible to draw with a mouse (or finger for tablet users), it will be difficult to create anything substantial in a short amount of time. Much like a traditional artist uses different brushes, your stylus often serves as your primary drawing tool in your digital workspace.

The difference is that the settings in your drawing software can transform your pen into a variety of brush outputs. This is important because you need to choose a pen that works well with your desired setup. Sometimes, selecting the right pen doesn't require much effort.

For iPad users, the Apple Pencil the obvious choice, and most Wacom tablets come with a Wacom stylus . In these cases, you're opting for a system where the tablet and stylus work together to achieve impressive results. However, there are some drawbacks and limitations to consider.

Wacom tablets only work with Wacom styluses, and the Apple Pencil cannot be used with other tablets. Further conflicts include limited compatibility. For example, iPads can interact with third-party styluses, but the device provides no information about the stylus's pressure and tilt sensitivity—two crucial factors that can affect an artist's ability to draw in a digital medium.

If you plan to buy a different stylus than the one that came with the tablet, be sure to check the compatibility specifications and make sure the stylus works as intended.

Top recommendations:

The Apple Pencil is the only logical choice for drawing tablets in conjunction with the iPad . The combination offers a highly technical and mobile drawing experience. The stylus is both tilt- and pressure-sensitive, which, along with the software's customization tools, makes it a versatile option for artists. The choice of Apple Pencil depends on its compatibility with the iPad. In conclusion, the Apple Pencil is the right choice if you work with an iPad.

Don't own an iPad or simply prefer a different stylus? Take a look at some of these alternative options.

• Adonit styluses . The Adonit team has a long history of producing universal styluses. They offer a wide variety of options for different tablets. Most are affordable and offer a broad range of features.
• ZAGG Pro Stylus a cost-effective alternative. Numerous reviews claim that this device is just as powerful as the Apple Pencil, with the Pro Stylus featuring palm rejection and a dual-tip design with integrated tip detection.
• Wacom Bamboo Ink Wacom pen offers a precise and natural writing and drawing experience for Windows devices that meet its compatibility requirements. While the Bamboo Ink doesn't support Apple iPads, it's a good alternative for users of Windows Surface devices.
• The Wacom Pro Pen 2 is an extremely sensitive pen that makes fine-tuning details and brushstrokes easy in any drawing program you use. Transmission is virtually lag-free. Only when using Bluetooth might you experience slight stuttering during demanding tasks. The excellent driver allows you to customize the pressure sensitivity using sliders or a pressure-output curve with three handles, enabling particularly precise adjustments.

graphic

The image quality of your computer is primarily determined by the graphics card (GPU), which is used to support the central processing unit (CPU). You can buy a dedicated GPU or opt for integrated graphics – the choice is highly debated.

Some time ago, we told you that a dedicated GPU was the only viable solution. However, CPU chipsets have evolved considerably, meaning that integrated graphics are also very well suited for graphic design (unless you're rendering in 3D).

This is good news for your budget, as the graphics card is the most expensive component of a computer – visit lenovo.com for more information.

operating system

Windows or Mac? That's a debate that will never end, and you can form your own opinion. In most cases, the Windows operating system is better because it's versatile and integrates with countless peripherals and software.

However, we must be honest and say that Mac OS is much more efficient when it comes to graphic design. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one you feel most comfortable with.

R.A.M

Memory (RAM) is often confused with the storage space where games are saved. Instead, a computer's RAM is responsible for storing data used for ongoing tasks.

If your RAM is full, your computer will crash, which is rather counterproductive for digital art. For best performance, we recommend using 2 x 4 GB of RAM for drawing, which will be more than enough.

You can buy a single 8GB stick, but two 4GB sticks will increase speed and capacity, which is a benefit for your art. If you're building your own PC, also keep in mind that the RAM needs to be installed in the correct slots.

Digital art comes in various forms and sizes, but regardless of what you do, you need a high-quality workstation.

When optimizing your PC for graphic design, the priority is image quality, which is achievable in most price ranges. First, take a look at the specifications of your design software , and then raise the bar a little to get the best performance.

The best software & essential apps for digital art

The choice of art software (or apps) you use is crucial for digital drawing. These applications provide you with a virtual canvas and all the necessary artistic tools to develop your individual drawing style. Since most of these apps have built-in tools, they serve as a central hub for digital artists.

In other words:

With the right art app, you always have your entire artist's studio with you.”

It includes all the pens, pencils, and brushes you need to create impressive works of art. You can also adjust brush and canvas settings for realistic results, or use digital tools like blending modes and opacity settings for precise control over your work.

There are countless digital art apps on the market. Some offer a wide range of features, while others focus on specific applications or purposes. The sheer number of available apps makes choosing one difficult. Nevertheless, a few apps have established themselves as favorites among artists. Some artists even use different apps within their workflow to achieve unique and stylized results.

Take a look at our top recommendations below, but don't let the selection limit you. Try out different apps on your own.

Top recommendations: Procreate or Adobe Fresco

Currently, there are two main contenders for the top spot in our software recommendations : Procreate and Adobe Fresco.

Procreate is a powerful digital painting application that allows you to create any imaginable artwork. Utilizing Apple technology, it offers users one of the best digital drawing and painting experiences. With over 10 years of experience in the market, Procreate is continuously working to further develop the digital art landscape for the iPad.

Other apps have already followed suit in many ways. Choosing a digital art app can be overwhelming. Price is often a key factor for artists.

The cost of Procreate can be broken down as follows: The Procreate iPad app is available in the App Store for $12.99. There is also an iPhone version called Procreate Pocket for $5.99. The individual purchase model makes the apps much more accessible than subscription-based alternatives and allows immediate access to all new features.

Procreate is designed exclusively for Apple devices , meaning it can only be used with an iPad and Apple Pencil. Despite this limitation, Procreate is a fantastic application, and the initial investment is minimal compared to subscription models. Upon opening the app, you can set the canvas size and start painting immediately. Procreate's user interface is simple, focusing on the canvas and featuring only a few tool icons. This makes it easy for new users to get started.

Procreate uses a raster-based system, which makes its brush selection particularly impressive. It's a powerful all-in-one program with 3D model support and an impressive painting engine, which will be discussed in more detail in the next section.

First steps in digital art – traditional artists test PROCREATE

Another of the most powerful art apps on the market today is Adobe Fresco. This app, part of the Adobe Creative Cloud , offers professional and highly customizable drawing tools at an affordable price. For over a decade, it has been a staple for many creatives, including professional artists.

Adobe Fresco can work with both vector and pixel-based images and is Adobe's first drawing tool for mobile platforms. Although an annual subscription is required to use the app, it offers a blend of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator features. It's hard to go wrong with either app, especially if you're just starting out with digital illustration.

Adobe Fresco Crash Course with Carina Lindmeier | Adobe Live

Watch illustrator Carina Lindmeier give an introduction to the essential features of Adobe Fresco, the free app for illustration and painting. You'll learn how to get the most out of Adobe Fresco for your creative ideas and transform them into beautiful works of art.

Procreate vs. Adobe Fresco in the showdown

Both Adobe Fresco and the other app mentioned are solid options, packed with everything you need for your creative process. They have a large following and offer a wealth of online resources to help you learn the basics, new processes, and workflows.

From fonts to anime and manga to the recreation of traditional art styles, both apps offer a wide range of tools for digital artists.

Other software and apps

Procreate and Adobe Fresco are perhaps the most popular, but there are many other apps worth checking out. Here are a few we like.

• Inspire Pro. This application primarily presents itself as a realistic painting app, but offers an extensive arsenal of drawing and sketching tools. With its own painting engine and fast rendering speeds, it's a great option for those looking for an alternative to the top competitors in this category.
• Clip Studio Paint Pro. Clip Studio Paint stands out because it works equally well on various devices, including Chromebooks, Android tablets , and iOS devices. In addition to a standard selection of drawing tools, the app also offers unique features such as Shade Assist, 3D reference models, and cross-platform compatibility.
• Astropad Studio. Although not a pure drawing program, Astropad Studio is mentioned because it allows you to transform your iPad into a drawing tablet for use in a desktop setup. With this drawing software, your iPad can replace dedicated graphics tablets like a Wacom Intuos or Cintiq. The result? You can use your iPad to extend your desktop painting software and then use it for other purposes when you're finished.