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 period from analog to digital art can be difficult because usual tools suddenly become irrelevant. But with access to new software tools and work processes, artists can bring their art to a new level. This guide offers the necessary tools and resources in order to be successful in the digital art world.

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 are on the move or outdoors, you can also invest in a high -quality laptop to do your work.

Screen

The screen of your computer is your canvas as an artist . That is why you need a high -quality monitor. There is a large selection on the market and you should coordinate your computer's skills with the specifications of the monitor.

This is about the fact that all colors come into its own and you have enough space to work. Monitors can be expensive, but to achieve a 1080 HD resolution, you no longer have to spend assets.

Character tablet / graphic tablet

Regardless of the direction in which you want to go with digital art, a digital tablet indispensable. Regardless of whether you specialize in digital painting or graphic design, your tablet will be your main work device for most creative projects.

There are two basic types of tablets that you should know before buying: tablet computers such as the Apple iPad or the Microsoft Surface Pro are independent computers with touchscreen functions and your 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.

The size is another important factor: tablet computers are usually small, while graphics trays are available in different sizes. These special tablets are equipped with everything you need, including a precise abbey. However, the disadvantage is that they have to be used in addition to a computer.

The market leader and probably the best manufacturer of drawing tablets is Wacom . But 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 work for you in our article "Graphics Tablets 2024: The 7 best models for digital works of art (below 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, the digital draftsman and illustrator Brad Colbow into the hardware and software that he needed to get started.

Character pin (Stylus / Pen)

It is technically possible to draw with the mouse (or finger for tablet users), but it will be difficult to create something essential in a short time. Similar to a traditional artist uses different brushes, their pen (stylus) often serves as a character tool in their digital work area.

The difference is that the settings in your drawing software can transform your pen into a variety of brush editions. This is important because you have to choose a pen that fits your desired setup well. Sometimes the selection of the right abbey does not require a lot of effort.

Apple Pencil is a clear choice for iPad users and most wacom tablets are delivered with a Wacom pen . In these cases, they opt for a system in which the tablet and the pen work together to achieve impressive results. However, there are some disadvantages and restrictions to consider.

Wacom tablets only work with wacom pencils and the Apple Pencil cannot be used with other tablets. Other conflicts include limited compatibility. For example, iPads can interact with pencils of third-party providers, but the device does not provide any information on the pressure and inclination sensitivity of the abbey- two important factors that can affect the ability of an artist to draw in a digital medium.

If you plan to buy a pen other than that of the tablet, be sure to check the compatibility specifications and make sure that the pen works as intended.

Top recommendations:

The Apple Pencil is the only logical choice for drawing tablets in connection with the iPad . The combination offers a high -technical and mobile character experience. The pen is both sensitive to inclination and pressure, which, together with the software-intentions, is a versatile option for artists. The choice of Apple Pencil depends on the compatibility with the iPad. In summary, it can be said that the Apple Pencil is the right choice if you work with an iPad.

Do you have no iPad or simply prefer another pen? Take a look at some of these alternative options.

• Input pencils from Adonit . The Adonit team has long been producing universal input pencils. There are a variety of options for different tablets. Most are inexpensive and offer a wide range of functions.
• Pro stylus from Zagg . The ZAGG Pro Stylus was developed to be compatible with apps that support the Apple Pencil and is intended to serve as an inexpensive alternative. In numerous reviews, it is claimed that this device is just as powerful as the Apple Pencil, whereby the per stylus has a manual dismissal and a dual-tip pen with integrated top 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.
• Per pen 2 from Wacom . The extremely sensitive pin facilitates the fine -tuning of details and brush strokes in every drawing program on which you are working on. The transmission is almost delayed. Only when using the Bluetooth function can small jerking began for demanding work. In the excellent driver you can use the controller or print output curve with three tabs to make your individual configuration of the pressure levels. These allow particularly detailed adjustment.

graphic

The image quality of your computer is primarily determined by the graphics card (GPU), which is started to support the central unit (CPU). You can buy a dedicated GPU or choose integrated graphics - the decision is very controversial.

Some time ago we told you that a dedicated GPU is the only solution in question. However, the CPU chipsets have developed considerably, which means that integrated graphics are also very suitable for graphic design (unless you render in 3D).

This is good news for your budget, because the graphics card is the most expensive component of a computer - visit Lenovo.com for more information.

Operating system

Windows or Mac? This is a debate that will never end and you can form an opinion for yourself. In most cases, the Windows operating system is better because it is versatile and can be integrated with countless peripheral devices and software.

But we have to honestly say that Mac OS is much more efficient when it comes to graphic design. However, both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, so choose the system with which you feel most comfortable.

R.A.M.

The RAM (RAM) is often confused with the memory in which games are stored. Instead, the RAM of a computer is responsible for storing data that is used for ongoing tasks.

If the RAM is full, your computer will be willing to be counterproductive for digital art. For the best performance, we recommend using 2 x 4 GB 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 is available in different 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 on the image quality, which can be achieved in most price ranges. First take a look at the specifications of your design software and then take the bar a little higher to achieve the best performance.

The best software & essential apps for digital art

The selection of the art software (or apps) you use is crucial for drawing in digital format. With these applications you get a virtual canvas and all the required artistic tools to develop your individual drawing style. Since most of these apps have integrated tools, they serve as a central point of contact for digital artists.

In other words:

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

This includes all pens, ballpoint pen and brushes you need to create impressive works of art. You can also adapt the brush and canvas settings to achieve realistic results, or use digital tools such as mixed modes and capacity settings to precisely control your work.

There are countless digital art apps on the market. Some offer a variety of functions, while others focus on special applications or purposes. The variety of available apps does not make the decision easy. Nevertheless, a few apps have established themselves as favorites among the artists. Some artists also use various apps in their workflow to achieve unique and stylized results.

Take a look at our top recommendations below, but do not be restricted by the selection. Try different apps independently.

Top recommendations: Procreate or Adobe Fresco

There are currently two main candidates for the top position of our software recommendations : Procreate and Adobe Fresco.

Procreate is a powerful digital painting that enables every conceivable creation. By using Apple technology, it offers its users of one of the best digital drawing and painting experiences. With over 10 years of experience on the market, the further development of the digital art landscape for the iPad is continuously developed.

Other apps have already followed their example in many ways. When choosing an app for digital art, the decision can be overwhelming. An important aspect for artists is often the price.

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 so that only an iPad and an Apple Pencil can be used. Nevertheless, Procreate is a great application and the initial investment is minimal compared to subscription models. When opening the app, you can set the canvas size and start painting immediately. Procreate's user interface is simple, with a focus on the canvas and only a few tool symbols. This makes it easier for new users to get started.

Procreate works grid -based, which particularly strikes the brush selection. It is a powerful all-in-one program with 3D model support and an impressive painting engine, which is 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 current market is Adobe Fresco. This app, which is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, offers professional and highly adaptable drawing tools at an affordable price. It has been an integral part of many creative people, including professional artists, for over a decade.

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.

Crash course Adobe Fresco with Carina Lindmeier | Adobe Live

Look at how the illustrator Carina Lindmeier gives an introduction to the essential functions of Adobe Fresco, the free app for illustration and painting. You will learn how to use Adobe Fresco optimally for your creative ideas to transform them into artistic works.

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 fan base and offer a variety of online resources to support the basics, new processes and work processes.

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

More software and apps

Procreate and Adobe Fresco may be the most popular, but there are many other apps that are worth a look. Here are some we like.

• Inspire Pro. This application is mainly presented as a realistic painting app, but offers an extensive arsenal of tools for drawing and sketching. With its own paint engine and fast render speeds, it is a great option for those who are looking for an alternative to top competitors in this category.
• Clip Studio Paint Pro. Clip Studio Paint is characterized by the fact that it works well on various devices such as Chromebooks, Android tablets and iOS devices. In addition to a standard selection of drawing tools, the app also offers unique functions 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.