Best Computer For Tattoo Artists? Top Answer Update

As an artist, the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to creating your art. That goes for graphic designers, musicians, and every artist in between.

Mac computers continue to be one of the best tools for creative designers. In fact, 99.9% of graphic designers use a Mac instead of a Windows PC.

Why do artists use Macs? What makes her so special?

Artists, graphic designers, and musicians use Mac computers because Apple has developed a variety of high-quality creative applications designed to run in the Apple ecosystem. In addition, Mac’s operating system and user interface are simpler and more intuitive for creative-minded people.

Read on as we dive into the ins and outs of what makes Mac Computers (Amazon) best for many artists, musicians, and graphic designers, and we’ll also discuss some of the artist-friendly programs Apple has developed for the Mac, such as z Logic Pro, Garageband, Sketch and more.

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Why do artists use Mac computers instead of Windows?

As mentioned above, many artists – including musicians, graphic designers, etc. – choose Mac computers over other options like Windows for a variety of reasons.

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Let’s examine some of them below:

Excellent build quality and performance

From the new MacBook Pro and the elegantly thin Air to the classic iMac desktop computer, Apple’s range of computers is considered by many to be premium products.

The main reason is the elegant design and excellent build quality of Apple’s products. For the most part, Mac computers are ahead of the curve when it comes to hardware and aesthetic design.

Apple’s computers are known for their sleek and sleek contemporary designs — take the Macbook’s aluminum unibody, for example — not only look good, but they’re built to last.

As a graphic designer, I personally appreciate the retina display on my Macbook Pro, which really makes my designs stand out.

Not to mention that when comparing my Mac laptop to my Windows laptop, there is a day and night difference in terms of speed and ease of use.

This is of course partly thanks to the Mac OS itself, but the M1 chip in my Macbook Pro was designed to significantly increase performance and battery life, and I find it definitely delivers on both fronts.

Wide range of accessories useful for artists

Designing or putting together music-related projects on a computer without the right accessories can be nearly impossible.

Luckily, there are a variety of unique and helpful external tools for Mac computers that make an artist’s life a whole lot easier.

Apple Pencil and Magic TrackPad

While pens aren’t a new accessory, the Apple Pencil (Amazon) is arguably one of the best out there.

Not only is it often praised for its ergonomic design (which feels good in the hand), but it also offers precision when designing with programs like Pixelmator Pro or Affinity Photo.

The Magic TrackPad (which is a separate accessory) acts as a tablet, allowing you to take notes and sketch with your Apple Pencil, just like you would on a piece of paper.

magic mouse

Unlike most “wireless” mice on the market, the Magic Mouse (Amazon) allows users to perform simple gestures to quickly scroll through documents, swipe between programs, and more.

The mouse’s design is perfect for artists who work fast and need a mouse that doesn’t lag behind.

It also has long battery life so it won’t die when you’re in the middle of a creative project.

AirPods

The Airpods (Amazon) are very popular among music listeners and anyone who wants to chat wirelessly on their iPhone.

That being said, the sound quality of these wireless earbuds makes them an incredible accessory for musicians and producers working on a track in Garageband or Logic Pro.

What Mac apps and programs are available for artists?

Whether you use a Mac computer to make music, design logos, or create sketches, the operating system has a few applications and programs designed specifically for artists like you.

Apps for musicians

Logic Pro

Both music producers and artists of all genres use Apple’s Logic Pro. This digital audio workstation lets you mix and record tracks in one place with a range of other useful features including:

Thousands of samples and instrumentals

loops and sound effects

An easy-to-use interface for fast music production and recording on Mac computers

garage band

Garageband is similar to Logic Pro in that it allows you to produce and record tracks in one all-in-one application.

You can create anything from songs to podcasts while using a library of samples and sound effects to enhance your projects.

Both applications are specially designed to run on Apple devices and the Mac operating system. While there are workarounds to running these programs on a Windows computer, it’s not as seamless as running them on a Mac.

Affinity Photo & Pixelmator For graphic designers and artists

As a graphic designer and Mac owner, I use these two apps on a daily basis. However, Affinity Photo has a slight advantage over Pixelmator Pro in my opinion.

affinity photo

Available at a much lower price than similar apps, this top-notch photo editing tool allows you to edit images, create layered graphics, and more.

If you’ve ever used Adobe Photoshop in the past, Affinity Pro will look and feel a lot like you.

With that in mind, it is one of the best apps for designers and artists who are moving from a Windows PC to a Mac.

Pixelmator Pro

Pixelmator Pro lets you draw and edit images in a single app with a special feature that not many photo editors have: an automatic color matching tool powered by machine learning.

This allows designers to easily make color changes. Beyond this feature, you can also export images directly to your website.

Here are some additional features of Pixelmator Pro that I think digital artists and designers will appreciate:

The preview option allows users to see what changes will look like before committing them

Text editing tool

Easily edit and export SVGs

Draw and sketch by hand with built-in painting tools

https://youtu.be/ZEoGS_ESXBU Cannot load video because JavaScript is disabled: Why some graphic designers choose Mac (https://youtu.be/ZEoGS_ESXBU) See why many graphic designers choose Mac computers.

Conclusion

Why do artists use Mac computers? As we’ve discussed, artists, designers, and musicians choose Mac primarily because it offers the most widely used operating system in the creative design industry.

In addition, however, an Apple computer offers excellent build quality, a wide range of accessories and a wide range of applications and programs that artists can use to work on their craft.

That being said, Macs cost significantly more than other computers out there, like Windows PCs, and they’re not for everyone.

If you’re an artist, we encourage you to do some research and find the best computer for you.

More questions and answers about artists found by Artistik

resources

https://www.apple.com/

If you’re looking for the right desktop to use as a digital artist, check out my list of the 10 best computers for digital art.

As a creative professional, it’s important to choose the best device for your specific needs.

That’s why having the best computer for digital art is such a huge benefit for people doing art digitally.

What is the best computer for digital art?

In all honesty, there are many computer brands that claim they have the best PC for digital artists.

So I understand that it might be confusing for you to choose the one that is right for you.

This article aims to introduce you to some of the best digital art desktops to buy in 2022.

For those looking for the best Apple computer for digital art, I would recommend the Apple iMac 2021, which is also the best overall.

However, if you are interested in buying the most powerful PC for creatives, then the Alienware Aurora R10 is a solid choice.

Whether you want to buy the best value digital art computer or the most affordable, I have rounded up the best products for you.

So, without keeping you waiting, here is my list of the 10 best computers for digital art in 2022.

Would you like to add your product to the list? – Find my address on the contact page and send your product for review.

The 10 best computers for digital artists

How to choose the best computer for digital art?

If you are a digital artist planning the best PC for digital art, remember that there are certain things to consider when making your purchase.

To help you buy the best digital art computer for you, here are the top things to check:

Display processor GPU RAM memory

And so that you understand why these things need to be considered when buying a computer for digital art, here’s why:

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One of the most important considerations when choosing a digital art desktop is the screen or display.

Computers these days have either a High Definition (HD) or 4K display.‍

While a PC with an HD display is great, it’s best if you go for the 4K display, especially if you’re a digital artist.

This gives you the best view of the creative work you’re working on.

processor

Choosing the best computer processor can be confusing, but let me help you find the best processor for your needs.

In fact, Intel Core and AMD are both ideal processors for a computer.

When choosing a CPU, look for the highest possible clock speeds within your budget while also making sure you have the cores/threads you need for your workload.

This way you ensure that you as a digital artist have the best computer.

graphic card

On the other hand, when choosing the right graphics card for your needs, you must first consider the complexity of your work.

If your workload involves editing photos and videos, an Inter graphics chip will suffice.

However, if you have more complicated work like creating 3D artworks, you can choose between AMD and Nvidia.

Just remember that an ideal GPU can usually be identified with a large memory bus, 64-bit or higher, and a high memory clock speed.

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to check the graphics card of the digital art computer you’re considering buying so you don’t end up with the wrong equipment.

R.A.M.

RAM refers to the maximum amount of data that can be stored in a computer’s short-term memory at any given time.

If you’re on a tight budget, I think your best bet is to go for an 8GB digital desktop.

However, keep in mind that 16GB laptops are better suited for drawing and design tasks.

You should also consider a 32GB digital art PC if you frequently use creative software related to digital art, including Adobe apps.

If you frequently use professional drawing tools that require a lot of memory, consider investing in a computer with more RAM.

storage

The last thing to consider when buying a computer for digital art is the memory of the device.

Technically, the more memory the PC has, the better off you are as a digital artist.

It allows you to save and keep your creative work and you don’t have to delete other files just to have enough space for your new art.

And that’s all for my guide to buying computers for digital art – now let’s move on to my list of the 10 best desktops for digital art.

If you are looking for the most advanced and powerful computer with great tools to take any idea to the next level, the Apple iMac 2021 is the best choice for you.

The best overall computer for digital art.

In terms of features, the new 2021 Apple iMac looks like an update to the series, with colors reminiscent of Apple’s iconic G3 all-in-one computers.

In addition to Apple’s own Silicon M1 SoC, an updated webcam, and the beautiful, colorful makeover, it uses the latest integrated graphics.

The Apple iMac 2021 features the M1 chip, the most powerful and advanced chip ever made by Apple.

The 4.5K Retina display is well suited for digital illustration and graphic design applications and runs pretty much any graphic design app with ease.

The Apple iMac 2021 is a great choice for creatives looking for the best Apple computer for digital art.‍

A dedicated graphics card may be required if you intend to use your PC for 3D sculpting or animation.

Although the 24-inch iMac is an excellent PC for visual design, in terms of sheer performance, the 27-inch iMac is far superior.

specifications

Display: 24″ 4.5K retina display

CPU: Apple M1 chip

GPU: Radeon Pro 555X with 2GB VRAM

Memory: 16GB

Storage: 1TB

advantages

Outstanding Performance Speakers deliver rich, vibrant sound

Disadvantages

The entry-level model lacks features

Buy Apple iMac 2021 on Amazon

On the other hand, the Dell Inspiron 7700 is an ideal option for those who want to buy the best mid-range computer for digital art.

The best mid-range digital art computer in 2022.

This is elegantly packaged in an AIO PC design that saves space by elevating the screen onto a tented platform made of curved metal tubes.

The 27-inch Infinity Edge touch display is framed on three sides by slim 8mm-thick silver bezels and a wider chin at the bottom that anchors a silver speaker bar.

With the new design, Dell has eliminated the all-in-one 4-resolution screen option on the 27-inch AIO series.

Currently, the only display options are a Full HD (1920 x 1080) touchscreen or a non-touch display.

Unlike the 4K and 5K options available on the iMac, there is no 4K option here.

The Inspiron 7700 is a powerful computer that doesn’t stutter when you load content-rich websites into many browser tabs.

specifications

Display: 27″ FHD display

Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7

Graphics Processor: Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Memory: 32GB DDR4

Storage: 1TB SSD

advantages

Comfortable keyboard dual storage drives

Disadvantages

Requires external power supply

Buy the Dell Inspiron 7700 from Amazon

For digital artists who love to paint, this IdeaCentre AIO 3 may be the perfect computer for your needs.

The best computer for digital painting.

This digital art computer is also capable of multitasking, so you can increase your productivity as a creative.

Take advantage of the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Mobile Processor and Radeon Graphics with the IdeaCentre AIO 3.‍

Thanks to the solid state drive, apps, films and everything else can be loaded and transferred in milliseconds.

There are plenty of ports on the IdeaCentre AIO 3 for all your devices, including USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, a 3-in-1 card reader and an HDMI output.

Because of the FHD display’s 90 percent screen-to-body ratio and wide-angle view, colors are rich and dramatic from every angle.

Do more in less time with the AMD Ryzen 5 4500U mobile processor with Radeon graphics in the IdeaCentre AIO 3.

specifications

Display: 24″ FHD

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 4500U

Graphics processor: AMD Radeon

Memory: 16GB DDR4

Storage: 512GB SSD

advantages

Sleek design with funky excellence

Disadvantages

dim screen

Buy Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 on Amazon

If you are a digital artist who wants one of the fastest computers you can use for your daily work, then this product is for you.

The most powerful computer for digital art.

The Alienware Aurora R10 is an amazing choice if you want to buy a powerful digital art computer.

AMD Ryzen 9 5900 processor and AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT 16GB GDDR6 graphics allow you to experiment with new creative styles.

Most importantly, it comes in a variety of configurations, making it easy to find one that fits your specs and budget.‍

Since AMD’s phoenix has risen from the ashes, this is a wonderful alternative for those who prefer an AMD-powered desktop over an Intel computer.

The Alienware Aurora R10 offers excellent value for money, especially considering the high build and design quality.

specifications

Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900

GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT 16GB GDDR6

Memory: 32GB DDR4 XMP HyperX™ Fury

Storage: 2TB SDD + 2TB HDD

advantages

Outstanding Performance Customizable from the factory

Disadvantages

Loud fans

Buy Alienware Aurora R10 on Amazon

As for the next product on my list, the Apple iMac 2020 also gives you a better experience and comes with an incredible design that best suits your needs.

The most affordable computer for digital art.

With a faster processor and graphics, more memory and storage, and a Retina 5K display, the new 27-inch model is an improvement in every way.

A Retina display, with its 1 billion colors and 500 nits of brightness, meets your needs as a digital artist better than any other display.

When it comes to graphic design, iMacs are the PCs of choice, and MacOS offers all the software you need.

An all-in-one design means you don’t have to buy a separate monitor and run cables everywhere.

The Apple iMac 2020 offers great storage and all-flash SSD storage is now standard on all iMac models, offering both high capacity and lightning speed.

Apple’s largest iMac has powerful 10th generation Intel Core processors, although it’s a bit older.

You can also get a 10 core Intel processor which is very powerful making this a great PC for digital art.

specifications

Display: 27″ 5k Retina

CPU: 3.1 GHz 6-core 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor

GPU: Radeon Pro 5300 with 4GB GDDR6

Memory: 8 GB of memory

Storage: 256GB SSD

advantages

Fast computing power Graphics power

Disadvantages

Expensive

Buy Apple iMac 2020 on Amazon

If you draw digitally, the next product on my list, the Dell XPS 8940, might be what you need.

The best computer for digital drawing.

Since this is an office-friendly PC, it’s also powerful enough to do some basic editing. We all know that every digital artist wants a powerful PC that’s also affordable.

This digital art computer allows you to optimize every graphic parameter to the maximum.

The Dell XPS 8940 is a great choice for creatives looking for the best computer for digital drawing.

Stay in the flow with a new 11th Gen Intel Core XPS desktop that makes editing photos and videos quick and easy.

And since it has an impressive amount of storage space, it’s ideal for digital artists like you, as it lets you store a lot more art that you have.

specifications

Processor: Intel Core i7-11700

Graphics processor: Intel UHD Graphics 750

Memory: 32GB DDR4

Storage: 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD

advantages

Good performance. Small, quiet design

Disadvantages

No extremely strong

Buy the Dell XPS 8940 Desktop from Amazon

For those looking to get started with digital art, this computer from HP is a great option for you.

The best computer for digital art beginners.

The HP Pavilion 590 is the perfect entry-level choice for those looking for the best digital art computer for beginners.

The Intel Core i7-8700 in the HP Pavilion 590 is an ideal PC as it comes with powerful specs including 12GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

Despite the fact that the hard drive is slower than a solid state drive, it’s an acceptable compromise for a good desktop computer at this price point.

While the HP Pavilion 590 may be a few years old, it has a reputation for being an excellent budget desktop computer and is a solid option for budget-conscious designers.

With the processor’s integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, you can perform 3D modeling in real time.

It’s also worth noting that the Pavilion 590 packs plenty of ports, including USB Type-C, Type-A (3.1, 2.0), HDMI, and DVI.

specifications

Processor: Intel Core i7-8700

Graphics processor: Intel UHD Graphics 630

RAM: 12GB RAM

Storage: 1TB hard drive

advantages

High-quality chassis Great workmanship

Disadvantages

Weak computing power.

Buy the HP Pavilion 590 from Amazon

Another impressive Apple digital art desktop on this list is this Apple Mac Mini 2020.

The best budget computer for digital art.

This computer is suitable for both beginners and hobbyists as it comes at an affordable price.

The M1 chip takes Apple’s most versatile, do-it-all desktop to a new level of performance that’s ideal for most artists.

The Apple Mac Mini runs the same operating system as other Apple computers, making it compatible with any graphic design software that works on an iMac.

The Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU and 16-core Neural Engine is included in the base model, which also has a 256GB SSD.‍

Because of Mac mini’s small size, it can be carried around like a laptop.

On the back there are four expansion ports for external USB or Thunderbolt storage, as well as an HDMI 2.0 port that can support two monitors simultaneously.

The 8-core GPU in the M1 chip is the most advanced and powerful graphics processor Apple has built to date.

Overall, the Apple Mac Mini 2020 is an excellent choice for creatives looking for a budget-friendly computer for digital art.

specifications

Processor: Apple M1 chip

GPU: Apple 8-core GPU

Memory: 8 GB of memory

Storage: 256GB SSD

advantages

Brilliant performance Surprisingly quiet

Disadvantages

Fewer USB-C ports than Intel model

Buy Apple Mac Mini 2020 on Amazon

If you’re a digital artist and gamer at the same time, then the ROG Strix GA15DK is perfect for you.

The best computer for digital art and games.

Aside from its ability to run creative digital art software, it’s also great for gaming and streaming.

ROG Strix GA15DK has been redesigned from the ground up to deliver the best possible artistic and gaming experience with best-in-class cooling.

In the digital art industry, where responsiveness is critical, crisp and fluid graphics are essential.

Streaming and video editing are no problem for the powerful AMD Ryzen CPU and the reliable NVIDIA GeForce graphics thanks to their excellent frame rates.‍

Using a multi-zone chassis minimizes thermal interference between the CPU, graphics card and power supply, resulting in lower operating temperatures.

Overall, the ROG Strix GA15DK is the perfect choice for digital artists looking for the best computer for gaming and art.

specifications

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800X

GPU: GeForce RTX 3070

Memory: 16GB DDR4

Storage: 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD

advantages

Great Design Outstanding Performance

Disadvantages

Expensive

Buy the ROG Strix GA15DK on Amazon

And as the last product on my list, I would like to mention the best computer for graphic designers, namely the Apple iMac 21.5″.

The best digital art computer for graphic design.

For Windows users considering a move to macOS, Apple’s 21.5-inch iMac is one of the best all-in-one options available.

With its 4K display and brilliant tones, the specs of the 21.5-inch iMac were already enticing, not to mention the rich and detailed photos and movies that can be viewed on the computer.

Desktop computers for everyday use, such as B. web browsing, email and productivity software, can perform much better.

Even the most demanding software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects can be run on this device.

For those who don’t plan on using their computer for any length of time, this is a great option as it packs so much power into such a small package.

The Apple iMac 21.5″ is the ideal choice for graphic designers looking for the best computer for digital art.

specifications

Display: 21.5 inches

CPU: 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor

Graphics processor: Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640

Memory: 8 GB of memory

Storage: 256GB SSD

advantages

Elegant all-in-one design Potential video boost with macOS High Sierra

Disadvantages

Flat keyboard

Buy Apple iMac 21.5” from Amazon

Conclusions

For digital artists, buying a computer to help you with your daily tasks is a great investment.

Luckily, there are plenty of suitable digital art computers to buy in 2022.

Which PC is best for digital art?

As a creative, I can say that the Apple iMac 2021 is the best PC for digital art.

It can provide you with the best possible and fastest performance, which is ideal for boosting your productivity.

Another great option is the Alienware Aurora R10, the most powerful computer for digital art.

Note, however, that the Aurora R10 is one of the most expensive digital art computers out there. So if you are on a budget, the Apple Mac Mini is a perfect alternative.

Additionally, for those looking for the best digital art gaming computer, the ROG Strix GA15DK is a must-have.

I hope this list of the 10 best computers for digital artists will help you choose the best desktop for your needs.

After giving you my top tips, what do you think is the best computer for digital art? – Leave a comment below.

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Yes, it does. Just ask any tattoo artist about their machine grip. The function of the handle is to secure the machine and allow accurate and comfortable movement when tattooing. Grips are usually universally sized and are meant to make the tattoo artist’s job much easier, but most need to wrap their smooth Xion or other machine’s grip in cloth material to keep it bulkier and lighter for intricate illustrations that last a long time. A bold grip helps avoid the discomfort and hand fatigue of clinging to the grip for long periods of time. This extra pressure on the joints and tendons of the hand can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. As always, FK Irons has the edge. Get ready for the bestial gorilla grip – 1.5 inches in diameter.

While there are other great grips on the market, FK Iron’s Gorilla Grip is the only one that’s ergonomically designed to effortlessly fit the hand’s natural cavity when flexed. It does not need to be tightened and in fact the handle itself fits in the hand, with the grooves allowing the index finger to rest perfectly on it without any pressure. This is ideal comfort for lining and color packing, especially when working on those detailed realism tattoos like the amazing rendering by FK Irons ProTeam artist Evan Olin, winner of all Massachusetts Tattoo Convention awards.

Tattoo artists deserve the best tools for their art, and that doesn’t stop with a state-of-the-art machine from FK Iron – it includes power supply, foot switch, grips, hoses and needles. If you can use a fat grip, FK Irons is all about making the technical aspect of tattooing as easy as possible – so skip all those mummy wraps – the Gorilla Grip has you covered.

TATTOO ARTISTS DISCOVER IPAD PRO AND APPLE PENCIL FOR THEIR ART

Las Vegas tattoo artist Fred Giovannitti has taken his art to a new level. He presents his clients with a preview photo of the tattooed body part. But how does he do it? You might think it would require a special tattoo app, but no, he just uses the ProCreate drawing app, his Apple Pencil, and his iPad Pro. All Fred needs is a photo of the customer and he can start the personalized artwork. Clients can see the art on their own body and make an informed decision as to whether the tattoo reflects their personality and whether they want to associate with the image for life.

Gone are the days when Fred sketched analogue images and patterns on a piece of paper. Thanks to ProCreate’s built-in time-lapse feature, its clients are even encouraged to see work in progress on their tattoos. The preview image is created in a face-to-face conversation, where Fred listens carefully to capture his client’s mood and motivation as a defining feature of his illustration. If the customer is satisfied with the preview, it is laminated onto the skin and on we go!

We are a healthcare IT company and wanted to create a mobile application for Android and IOS using Flutter. The Concetto Lab team was very patient with our project requirements and made sure all of our questions were answered. It was a great demonstration of professionalism and customer rapport. Even during the project, the team was very accommodating to all change requests. The project was successfully delivered and we made the app available on the Android Play Store. Overall, the whole process was very transparent and the team was able to deliver exactly what we had envisioned as the outcome of the project.

Loved by creative professionals and aspiring artists alike, Procreate is the premier creative application for the iPad.

Featuring hundreds of handcrafted brushes, an array of innovative artistic tools, an advanced layer system, and the blazing-fast Valkyrie graphics engine – Procreate has everything you need to create expressive sketches, rich paintings, gorgeous illustrations, and beautiful animations. Work on the couch, on the train, at the beach, or while you wait for coffee. It’s a complete art studio that you can take anywhere; Packed with these powerful features and more:

• Highlights:

– Ultra High Definition canvases – up to 16k x 8k on compatible iPad Pros

– Beautiful intuitive interface for iPad and Apple Pencil

– Revolutionary QuickShape feature for perfect shapes

– Smooth and responsive swipe sampling

– 3D painting with Lighting Studio and animated export

– Powered by Valkyrie: the fastest 64-bit painting engine for the iPad

– Connect a keyboard to use shortcuts

– Create artworks in stunning 64-bit color

– Continuous automatic saving – never lose work again

• breakthrough brushes:

– Packed with hundreds of beautifully designed brushes

– Brush sets to organize your painting, sketching and drawing brushes

– Over 100 customizable settings for each brush

– Add metallic and roughness to paint in 3D

– Brush Studio – design your own custom Procreate brushes

– Import and export custom Procreate brushes

– Import Adobe® Photoshop® brushes and run them faster than Photoshop®

• Fully equipped shift system:

– Overlay your art for precise control over detail and composition

– Create layer masks and clipping masks for non-destructive editing

– Stay organized by grouping layers together

– Select multiple layers to move or transform objects at once

– Access over 25 layer blending modes for industry-standard compositing

• Color without compromise:

– Fill your line art with ColorDrop and SwatchDrop

– Disc, Classic, Harmony, Value and Palette color charts

– Import color profiles for color matching

– Assign color dynamics to each brush

• The design tools you need:

– Add vector text to your illustrations

– Easily import all your favorite fonts

– Crop and resize your canvas for a perfect composition

– Visual guides for perspective, isometric, 2D and symmetry

– Drawing Assist perfects your strokes in real time

– Tightening and stabilization smooth strokes for beautiful calligraphy and expert inking

– Use Scribble to name layers, change settings and create text

• Accessibility features:

– Advanced impact stabilization

– Dynamic type, voiceover and feedback sounds

– Assignable single finger gestures

– Color naming

• Animation and page help

– Simple frame-by-frame animation with customizable onion skin

– Create storyboards, GIFs, animations and simple animations

– Sketch page-by-page concepts or start a comic with Page Assist

– Import, edit and share PDFs

• Dramatic finishing effects:

– Brush in image adjustments and effects with the Apple Pencil while retaining the ability to tweak the effects

– Glitch, chromatic aberration, bloom, noise and halftone add new dimensions to your work

– Gaussian, motion and perspective blur filters create depth and movement

– Powerful image adjustments including color balance, curves, HSB and gradient map

– Let the mind-blowing powers of Warp, Symmetry and Liquify Dynamics bring your art to life

• Time-lapse playback

– Relive your creative journey with Procreate’s acclaimed time-lapse playback

– Export your time-lapse recording in 4K for high-end video productions

– Share a shorter 30 second time lapse on your social networks

Share your creations:

– Import or export your art as Adobe® Photoshop® PSD files

– Import Adobe® ASE and ACO color palettes

– Import image files such as JPG, PNG and TIFF

– Export your art as native layered .procreate files, PSD, TIFF, transparent PNG, multi-page PDF, web-ready JPEG, OBJ, USDZ and animated GIFs, PNGs and MP4s

It’s time for another issue of Stencil Science, in which we tell you a lot more about tattoo stencils than you ever wanted to know. Last week we talked about how to keep the stencil on the skin. This week let’s talk about the color red and why it’s a great choice when stenciling.

Before we get into the weeds here about what “color” really is, let’s get something out of the way – the COLOR “red” is not dangerous when stenciling. Much has been written and debated about using red permanent markers to draw on skin, and S8 advises artists not to use products that are not intended for use on skin for stencilling. But the most important thing to remember is that not all reds are the same because the dyes people have used to color red things are incredibly different. Humans have used two different types of winged bugs, carcinogenic metals and beets to dye things red throughout our long and illustrious history. The dye used in red permanent markers is probably not good for human skin as permanent markers are not intended for use on human skin.

We’re a little bit different. S8 labs take security seriously. As a result, we only use dyes that are approved for use on human skin by all major cosmetics authorities. Finding dyes that worked, were approved, were formulated to be compatible with thermal imaging printers, and stayed on the skin for a long time was a struggle. why did we do it

First, let’s summarize why we stencil. We use stencils to visualize the future tattoo and provide guidelines for the session. This means stencils must be visible on the skin, last a long time, and can be different from the ink the artist uses to outline.

What does it mean when a stencil is visible on the skin? And whose skin are we talking about? Skin color is largely a function of the amount and type of melanin present in the skin. Dermatologists spent most of the late 19th and well over half of the 20th century creating classifications for skin color – the most notable being Von Luschan’s Chromatic Scale (with 36 categories) and the Fitzpatrick Scale (with 7 metatypes). In the case of the Von Luschan chromatic scale, there was significant inconsistency in readings—observers held colored glass panes next to the subject’s skin, leading to user error and bias—and thus this scale has largely fallen out of favor with scientific use; it is still often used in cosmetics. The Fitzpatrick scale is still widely used by dermatologists as a means of classifying skin by expected tan and sunburn. In fact, this scale is so widely used that the Unicode standard uses the Fitzpatrick types for emoji. Today scientists also use spectrophotometers to measure the reflectance and transmittance properties of skin, but this doesn’t lend itself well to simple categories.

When developing a tattoo stencil, a one-size-fits-all approach is impossible. Instead, S8 Labs decided to develop 3 different stencil colors. The first was RED. RED is designed for skin types that approximate Types I-IV on the Fitzpatrick scale. The other two meet specific visual needs within Types V and VI – we hope to announce those colors later this year.

Red as a color works well with these lighter skin types for a number of reasons. While we’re really not approaching “color” in very abstract terms, it’s really important to remember that what we’ve seen isn’t simply an exercise in color or chromaticity. Variables such as luminance, lightness, lightness play a large role in what we see as “color”, and chromaticity itself is a function of hue and hue/saturation/chroma/intensity/purity of excitation (the “appearance parameters”). And all we see is electromagnetic radiation “bouncing” off objects – but just as important are the frequencies that aren’t reflected off objects. If this all sounds very complicated, that’s because it’s researchers working on such concepts, in stealth fighter programs, digital sensor departments for companies like Apple, or (like S8’s lab team) in the art and… Bodymod material section. We encourage every tattoo artist to venture down this rabbit hole of concepts, and we’ll likely write about each of these ideas a little later.

Virtually every stencil “pops” on very light skin – that is, they are visually distinct enough for an artist to distinguish between the stencil and the underlying skin. This is because light skin is comparatively luminous – most dyes (with the exception of some fluorescent yellows) are less luminous than very light skin, allowing for easy visual differentiation. The red dyes we use are no different. But it’s about more than the visual separation from the skin. The stencil must be visually distinct from the ink.

Most modern tattoo movements rely heavily on black ink. Whether it’s heavily outlined new school and kustom culture work, sturdy full color traditional and neo-traditional pieces, black and gray washed tattoos, or heavy all-black tattoos, we all agree that black is the new black . And this is where red makes the difference.

You see, black is an achromatic color with very little luminosity. It absorbs large swaths of the visible electromagnetic wavelengths we see, meaning the degree of visual separation between light skin and black lining ink is dramatic. The problem with traditional purple stencils is that the dye used in purple stencils also has a very low luminosity. While this creates a significant degree of visual separation between light skin and a purple stencil, the purple is too similar to the lining black ink. This can mean that artists cannot tell if a section was lined or if the line weight was appropriate.

The color red is different. Because the red dyes we have selected are brighter than those used in traditional violet stencils, and because of red’s chromatic properties, red is an ideal color for black lines on skin types I-IV, both in theory and in practice. Red offers the greatest possible optical separation compared to the laminating colour.

This is an image of two templates – an S8 RED and a traditional purple. We drew a quick line across the top with a permanent marker (breaking our own rule, but we did it for science). It visually shows what it took us almost 1000 words to describe. Basically, it’s easier to tell the difference between red and black than purple and black.

So why hasn’t anyone done a red tattoo stencil before? Physics. We’ll get into that next time when we talk about how a thermal stencil making machine works. Remember to leave your questions and comments in the space below or on our Facebook page. And follow us on Instagram for pictures of our product at work and discount codes.

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This article was updated on March 24, 2015. Also check out the list of the best laptops for artists.

Here’s an artist’s guide to buying computers and laptops.

This is not a geek guide. I will not run benchmarks and timing tests.

The general trend today is that processing power generally exceeds the requirements of the software. Put simply, this means that any computer you buy should run your software without much trouble unless you use special software, e.g. 3D rendering software.

This guide aims to help you optimize your purchase by recommending what you should get based on the type of work you are creating.

By the way, I work for a small newspaper that uses Windows computers in the office, but I have a Mac at home.

What are you going to do on the computer?

That’s the most important question.

Yes, I know you make art, but what kind? Vector? 3D? Comics? digital drawing? Animation? Need to carry your computer around?

What you do determines what you buy. You don’t want to spend too much money on a maxed out computer for performance you don’t need.

Okay, let’s look at the parts and what they mean to artists.

R.A.M.

RAM is used to store temporary data. When you draw something on the screen, e.g. prompt for something to be temporarily stored in RAM before actually saving your file.

The amount of RAM determines how much graphics you can get on screen before saving. When you run out of memory, your computer will slow down. It slows down because it has to switch to storing that temporary on-screen data on the slower hard drive.

More RAM helps increase the number of undo actions you can save.

4GB of RAM should be enough for light graphics work, e.g. not running too many graphics applications at the same time. 8GB RAM is generally recommended for graphics work. Note that RAM is also shared with other software and the operating system (OS).

RAM is cheap. It’s worth the money.

hard drive speed

The hard drive (or hard drive) is used to store your permanent data, your graphic files, the PSDs, AIs, TIFFs, PDFs, etc. It is much slower than RAM when storing and reading data. So it directly affects the speed at which you work, in small increments that can add up to a huge waste of time. The operating system is also stored on the hard drive, which explains why it takes a while to boot up.

Hard drives come in many speeds. 7200 rpm, 15,000 rpm, 5400 rpm. RPM is how they measure hard drive speed. Typically, desktop computers ship at 7200 RPM, laptops at 5400 RPM.

If the speed isn’t listed on the computers you buy, ask a seller or get the model number of the hard drive and search the internet.

You should get at least 7200 rpm.

In addition to the hard drives measured in RPM, there are also the SSD hard drives. They are like RAM but can store permanent data. They are much faster, but also more expensive.

If you can afford it, you should get an SSD, maybe 120GB, to run your operating system and applications as well as daily work. Get cheaper, larger external storage, like the Western Digital External Storage (I use a few of those).

Hard drive speed is the bottleneck of any system. If you are on a budget, I would suggest upgrading the HDD to SSD instead of upgrading to more RAM (but at least 4GB RAM).

Because you install your operating system and have a fast SSD, you save a lot of time booting every time.

disk space

Hard drives are relatively cheap these days. How much disk space you need depends on the size of your typical work files. Five 200MB Photoshop files take up 1GB.

A 1 TB (1000 GB) hard drive should suffice.

If you can, get an extra one for backup purposes. Hard drive can fail. In that case, you’ll lose all your work – professional hard drive recovery is insanely expensive. If you’re going to get a desktop, go for an internal drive. For laptops, opt for an external hard drive – not many models allow two hard drives to be installed, although this may make your computer too hot to work with.

Just to reiterate my recommendation. If you can afford it, get an internal SSD drive and a large capacity external drive for backup. I personally use SSD with multiple external drives as backup.

If you’re really short on cash, get at least a 7200 RPM hard drive. In the long term, however, you will definitely get your money’s worth with an SSD.

processors

At least a dual-core processor if you want to be comfortable. Everything else is because you need the processing power, especially for 3D rendering.

Get at least a dual core processor, probably 2GHz dual core.

Most computers today are quad-core. Not many applications use quad-cores, but they’re easy to get if the price difference versus dual-core isn’t too big. This is because the operating system can allocate the processors to the operating system functions and some processors to the software, and if there is no processor sharing, you will get a better response.

graphic card

Unless you do 3D modeling, you probably don’t need a high-end card. 2D digital painting, vector work or layouts don’t really require this map to compute 3D data. In general, the graphics card that came with your computer should be sufficient.

If you use a specific 3D software, you should look at the graphics cards recommended by the software company. Any 3D software can have its own little quirks when running on a non-recommended graphics card.

And if you want to play other games besides art, check out the list of recommended graphics cards for the game.

Laptop graphics card cannot be upgraded after purchase, so choose your laptops wisely. If you don’t need to play games, this is where you can save some money.

CD drive

A DVD burner can burn 4GB of files that you can easily send to your customers.

However, nowadays it might be faster to just upload your files to the cloud storage and send the clients the links. Recommended services include Amazon Cloud Drive, Dropbox, and Google Drive

software

Sometimes computers come with bundled software that is “free” (as advertised) or heavily discounted. They aren’t really free because you pay for everything you get.

However, if you have the option not to buy them, especially Microsoft Office, don’t buy them. You can find a lot of open source software (equivalent to free and legal) software that has similar functionality. Even Photoshop has an open source competitor like GIMP.

Computers don’t usually come with art software, so you have to buy it. The two licenses to be aware of are Education and Commercial. The cheaper Education licenses are intended for learning purposes. Commercial licenses are for artists who want to make money from their work.

monitor

Get a high-resolution, high-pixel LCD monitor. The more pixels you have, the more things you can display on the screen. For example, a screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 (about 24 inches) can display almost two web pages side by side.

I would recommend a width of at least 1600px (about 20 inches) that gives you enough workspace and room to place the palettes and other controls.

Glossy or non-glossy depends on your personal preference. I recommend shiny.

Get IPS panels for your monitor. They have better color reproduction, color accuracy, wider viewing angles, and can display more colors. Don’t get TN panels for graphics work.

I recommend Dell IPS monitors. I have used several models over the years and they are really high quality monitors and value for money.

Brands

There’s not a huge difference, but I’m sure marketing departments will say otherwise. How different can brand A differ from brand B with similar specifications?

The service and warranty plans that come with the computer are important. Computers can break and it really is a matter of luck. Do you have a local service center where you can bring it? Do they have technicians waiting on site? Does the warranty cover all parts and service? These are the questions you should ask yourself and more when asked to purchase extended warranties. Amazingly, the extended warranty terms sometimes differ from the first year warranty terms.

Windows vs Mac

On the internet you will see a lot of people saying that more creative people use Macs or prefer Macs or something like that. These people have no evidence of what they say. The reason for this association is that Macs ushered in the desktop publishing era in 1985 (source: Wikipedia). This era really instilled in people the idea that creative people work on the Mac, but seriously, there are tons of artists working on Windows, too.

Today, Macs and Windows are comparable in functionality. What you can do on Windows, you can also do on a Mac, unless you need super specialized software that doesn’t have a Mac equivalent. If your software has the same name, e.g. Regardless of the Photoshop version, your files will still work on both platforms.

Macs tend to be more expensive if you compare them based on specs alone. A big difference is the operating system. Macs use Mac OS without it being as cheap as the cheapest Dell. The workflow between these two operating systems is slightly different, e.g. B. how they manage files, find things and move things. The differences may not be as big as you think. Both are user-friendly, especially now that Windows 7 is out.

The best way to decide is to go to an Apple Store to get a feel.

I personally use a Mac at home and really love it. There are no viruses and no stability issues, which is what many of my Windows friends say about their system. The real winner here is the lack of maintenance you have to do, basically none. If something is wrong, it’s always the hardware. Windows computers are difficult to troubleshoot if you don’t know if the problem is hardware or software.

The other reason for the Mac is that there are no games – no distractions. And if you really need Windows, you have Boot Camp software to help you install Windows on your Mac.

Laptops vs Desktops

The only reason you would want to get the laptop is portability. I emphasize the word “only” because I see that many people are seduced by the higher specs of desktops. There’s honestly no comparison here – you can’t carry your desktop around freely like you can a laptop.

Always remember what you are buying the computer for.

Visit a store to get a feel for the weight of the laptop you will be carrying frequently. 15-inch laptops aren’t light, but they offer a higher screen resolution, which is really useful. Or you can grab a smaller laptop and get an extra LCD monitor for more resolution. Lots of people do that.

Other things

Having backups is important. I always make sure I have copies of all my files at all times. That means I have a couple of extra external hard drives. Sometimes I have external drives to backup external drives. They’re cheap, so they’re a good investment, good insurance against data loss or destruction.

homemade

If you are tech savvy enough, you can try assembling your own computer. But for the most part I would recommend buying an assembled set. It saves time and is more convenient.

If you have any questions, just comment.

Creative Bloq experts spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Learn more about how we test

Using the best drawing tablets can make creating art digitally as natural as sketching on paper or painting on canvas. The best drawing tablets used to be expensive and exclusive to professional artists, but in recent years as new brands have come out these art tools have come down in price.

Whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or a dedicated professional looking for a bargain or a good replacement for your drawing tablet, there are many options to choose from. With so many new brands and models to choose from, it can actually be daunting. That’s why I put together this buying guide to the best drawing tablets.

You can rest assured that the devices I have selected have been rated by artists who use these tablets on a daily basis

Our reviewers have tried all of the drawing tablets on this list—and even more that didn’t make it—so you can rest assured that the devices I’ve picked have been reviewed by artists who use those tablets every day. They rated each tablet for display and build quality, and overall drawing and user experience (see How We Test for more on our forensic testing approaches).

Whether you’re looking for a graphics tablet, pen display, or tablet computer (and if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, scroll down to the bottom of the page where we explain what those terms mean), you will find it Here are the best options.

All of the best brands are in my list, including drawing tablets from Wacom, Huion, XP-Pen, and Xencelabs. However, I also recommend some of the broader tech brands like Apple and Microsoft, as tablets from these manufacturers can also be used as drawing tablets – the excellent Procreate, for example, works beautifully on the iPad Pro.

If you want to know more about what drawing tablets are available, check out some of our other guides including best tablets for students and best drawing tablets for kids. We also take a closer look at the best animation drawing tablets if you’re passionate about this unique art form.

The best drawing tablets currently available

(Image credit: Ben Brady)

01. Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle The best pen tablet comes with excellent accessories Specifications Active drawing area: 10.3 x 5.8 inches Pen pressure sensitivity: 8192 Connections: USB-C to USB-A See today’s best deals at Amazon (opens in new tab ) Reasons to Buy + Fantastic build quality + Nice drawing experience + Included accessories Reasons to avoid – Requires an external display

For our money, the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium is the best drawing tablet you can get right now. Xencelabs is a relative newcomer to the market, and while the name sounds like another cheap knock-off Chinese brand, its designers at Wacom cut their teeth and the results speak for themselves. This is an outstanding drawing tablet that is beautifully designed and hits the absolute sweet spot of price and quality.

When we tried the tablet we found the texture of the drawing area to be spot on, with the perfect amount of “bite” against the stylus making it very satisfying to use. The tablet also comes with two included styluses, a regular and a slim version, and you can customize them fairly extensively. This is a handy way to set up the two pens for different purposes, such as: with one optimized for drawing lines and the other for shading. Pressure sensitivity and tilt sensitivity are excellent.

While we think this tablet is well priced, Xencelabs also offers a cheaper, smaller version of the tablet that offers a similarly premium drawing experience if it’s outside your budget.

Would you like to know more? Take a look at our Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle Review, where we gave the tablet bundle five stars.

(Image credit: Future)

02. Apple iPad Air (5th generation, 2022) One of the most powerful drawing tablets you can buy Specifications Active drawing area: 9.74 x 7 inches Resolution: 2350 x 1640 Pen pressure sensitivity: N/A (requires optional Apple Pencil) Connections: USB – C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth OS: iPadOS 15.4 Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on John Lewis (opens in a new tab) View on very.co.uk (opens in opened in a new tab) Reasons to buy + M1 chip performance + Exceptional screen quality Reasons to avoid – Screen maxes out at 60Hz – No Thunderbolt 4

Apple’s in-house M1 chips have been an absolute game changer in recent years. They’ve beefed up Apple’s laptop and desktop computers, transformed the iPad Pro and are now found in the iPad Air, bringing with it super-smooth performance. This, coupled with Apple Pencil 2 compatibility, means the latest iPad Air is one of the best drawing tablets available today, as well as a superb all-round tablet.

We reviewed the Apple iPad Air (5th gen, 2022) and found it had a great deal to love. Its display is absolutely stunning: a 2360 x 1640 IPS LCD panel that delivers 264 pixels per inch for incredible clarity, with full color support and even backlighting, with a maximum brightness of 500 nits. Granted, the iPad Pro offers a superior display, with 600 nits of brightness on the 11-inch version, or a whopping 1,000 nits on the flagship 12.9-inch iPad Pro. The Pro also offers a much smoother refresh rate of 120Hz instead of 60Hz (more on that in a bit), but it’s also a significantly more expensive offering.

Put the two tablets side by side with an Apple Pencil 2 and the different refresh rates mean you’ll notice the difference in terms of latency. But let’s not overdo it here: in practice, 60Hz is more than enough, and the iPad Air 2022 is still one of the smoothest drawing experiences you can currently experience – plus you can watch Netflix on it and much more that you’re using Done drawing what you can’t do on a Wacom.

(Image credit: Future)

03. iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1, 2021) An incredible feature-rich drawing tablet Specifications Active drawing area: 10.32 x 7.74 inches Resolution: 2732 x 2048 Pen pressure sensitivity: N/A (requires optional Apple Pencil) Connections: Thunderbolt 4 , Bluetooth, Wi-Fi OS: iPadOS 15.4 Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in a new tab) View on very.co.uk (opens in a new tab) View on John Lewis (opens in a New tab opened) Reasons to buy + Unbeatable processing power + New ultra-strong display Reasons to avoid – iPadOS needs a refresh – More than you need?

The iPad Pro offers the best of both worlds; When the best drawing tablet just isn’t enough for you and you want the all-around best tablet, there really is only one choice: the latest 12.9-inch M1 iPad Pro. It’s so far ahead of the rest of the tablet market that it’s not even funny.

Not only is the iPad Pro powered by Apple’s blazing-fast M1 chip for absolutely stunning performance, it also features a mini-LED XDR display with amazing brightness, as well as local dimming to deliver amazing contrast. Combine the two (and add the wonderfully smooth and intuitive Apple Pencil 2) and you have a nearly unbeatable all-in-one system for creating digital art and showing it off to its best advantage.

Despite all this, why isn’t it our first choice? Well it depends on what you need. The iPad Pro 12.9-inch (M1, 2021) is so capable, and priced accordingly, that if you’re just looking for a drawing tablet and don’t need its many other features, it’s probably not worth it. Special tools like the ones above offer a better price – money. Still, let’s not lose sight of the fact that this is one of the overall best tablets out there right now, and arguably one of the best for drawing.

Check out our iPad Pro 12.9-inch M1 (2021) review for an in-depth look at why this tablet is so good. Also note that the 11-inch iPad Pro is another excellent, albeit pricey, choice; our iPad Pro 11 inch (M1, 2021) review goes into detail.

(Image credit: Future)

04. Microsoft Surface Pro 8 The new flagship brings a much-needed refresh to Microsoft’s offering Specifications Active drawing area: 11.25 x 7.5 inches Resolution: 3000 x 2000 Pen pressure sensitivity: 4,096 levels (with Surface Pen) Connections: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, USB-C OS: Windows 10 Pro Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in new tab) View on Microsoft UK IE (opens in new tab) View on very.co.uk (opens in new tab ) Reasons to Buy + Runs on Windows 11 + Great, responsive display Reasons to Avoid – Stylus costs extra – And it starts at $1099.99

Microsoft’s Surface tablets have never quite achieved the cachet enjoyed by Apple’s iPad line, but the latest Surface Pro 8 feels a lot more like a challenge to Apple’s dominance. It’s roughly the same price as the new 12.9-inch iPad Pro, and Microsoft has clearly put a lot of work into making this tablet look like a viable alternative, both in terms of looks and performance.

Even the base model, which packs an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB SSD, packs plenty of power. If that’s not enough for you, there are even more powerful configurations, but be aware that the price will go up even further.

Windows 11 is also a great benefit for this tablet, allowing you to use the full desktop version of programs like Photoshop

When we tested it we thought the display was excellent, with a resolution of 2880 x 1920 and the option to boost the refresh rate up to 120Hz. This makes it very responsive when used with the Surface Pen stylus. Note, however, that you must purchase this separately.

Having Windows 11 is also a huge boon for this tablet, as you can use the full desktop version of programs like Photoshop instead of messing around with tablet apps. If you’re already in the Windows ecosystem, this tablet definitely makes sense as a purchase. Our Surface Pro 8 review takes a closer look at this tablet and compares it to previous iterations of the Surface Pro.

(Image credit: Wacom)

05. Wacom Cintiq 22 This drawing tablet is still awesome Specifications Active drawing area: 19.5 x 11.5 inches Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pen pressure sensitivity: 8192 levels Connections: HDMI, USB 2.0 Today’s best deals Check out Amazon ( opens in new tab) Watch at Currys (opens in new tab) Watch at Wex Photo Video (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent pressure sensitivity + Fantastic price Reasons to avoid – Low screen resolution for the size – No built-in ExpressKeys

Wacom used to have the drawing tablet pretty much to itself, but in recent years a whole host of challenger brands have popped up to take a bite out of its lunch, particularly at the cheaper end of the market. However, despite increasing competition, the Wacom name is still very serious, and in our opinion the Wacom Cintiq 22 is definitely one of the best drawing tablets you can get your hands on.

With a 22-inch display, this is a serious tablet with plenty of room to play. It’s Full HD resolution – not as many pixels as some newer, flashier tablets, but more than enough for most people. You can get sharper screens on other Wacom tablets, but they tend to cost more, and this model is all about offering Wacom quality at an affordable price. And let’s not forget that many tablets, including Xencelabs, don’t have a screen at all.

What really makes using the Cintiq 22 so enjoyable is the Wacom Pro Pen 2 with a whopping 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity plus tilt sensitivity. Wacom has been in this game for a long time and it’s hard to imagine an artist complaining about the Pro Pen 2. It just works really, really well.

One benefit of Wacom tablets for students and those looking to get into digital art professionally is that they’re pretty much the industry standard, so learning to use a tablet is a very good step. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider other tablets, it’s just something to keep in mind. Find out more in our Wacom Cintiq 22 review.

(Image credit: Wacom)

06. Wacom Intuos Pro (large) The best graphics tablet for artists and illustrators Specifications Active drawing area: 12.1 x 8.4 inches Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels Connections: USB, Bluetooth Operating system: Windows or macOS See today’s best offers Check out Jessops (opens in new tab) View on Amazon (opens in new tab) View on Laptops Direct (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent pen sensitivity + Fluid drawing + Wired or wireless connection Reasons to avoid – The drawing area could be larger

Ideally, to create artwork on a drawing tablet, you need plenty of space to work with and a pen that feels the same as the one you would use on paper. In that case, you should go for the Wacom Intuos Pro Large, which offers pretty much the most natural drawing experience you can get digitally.

While the drawing surface isn’t the biggest you can get, it still gives you plenty of space, and the pen’s 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity make it feel as close as possible to using a real pen. All of this is supported by Wacom’s broad ecosystem of alternative pens and texture sheets to give your drawing surface a distinctive feel.

The Intuos Pro is also available in other sizes. So if the asking price is a bit high and you’re willing to work with a smaller screen, you might want to consider the Intuos Pro Medium or the Intuos Pro Small. Both tablets offer similar features as the largest version, just with smaller workspaces. Find out more in our detailed Wacom Intuos Pro review.

(Image credit: Ben Brady)

07. Huion H430P Start with this inexpensive but very user-friendly mini drawing tablet ) Reasons to buy + Brilliant starter tablet + Low cost Reasons to avoid – Four shortcut keys – Drawing area too small for some

Huion is a name that has given Wacom a run for its money in recent years with a range of drawing tablets that offer impressive features at great prices. If you’re just starting out and not quite sure if you want to spend a lot of money on a tablet, the Huion H430P is a perfect way to test the waters, as it offers just enough features without costing you a lot.

Yes, the drawing area is small, but the stylus is sensitive enough to give you a real sense of the creative benefits that drawing tablets can bring. It may not be long before you outgrow this tablet, but it’s a very affordable way to get started.

Note, however, that this is a graphics tablet and not a pen display. So you need to hook it up to some sort of external display to be able to see what you’re drawing. A monitor is ideal, although a smartphone or other tablet will do the job in a pinch. Our review of the Huion Inspiroy H430P examined why this small but mighty graphics tablet is a good choice for beginners.

(Image credit: Ben Brady)

08. XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 A sleek tablet that offers a professional experience at a tempting price Specifications Active drawing area: 13.42 x 7.55 inches Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels Connections : USB-C Today’s Best Deals Watch on Amazon (opens in a new tab) Watch on Wex Photo Video (opens in a new tab) Watch on Currys (opens in a new tab) Reasons to Buy + Excellent Feeling of drawing + Minimal parallax Reasons to avoid – No stand included – Screen could be brighter

Besides Huion, XP-Pen is the other company that has made big strides in the drawing tablet market and the XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 is a great example of their range, offering a professional drawing experience at a surprisingly affordable price. It’s an updated version of the Innovator 16 that offers an amazing drawing interface with 99% Adobe RGB coverage and hardly any parallax.

The XP-Pen Artist Pro 16’s new pen is equipped with an intelligent chip that XP-Pen says offers 10 times more touch sensitivity than previous offerings. This allows for a really light touch when it comes to making fine lines, requiring only 3g of pressure to make a mark. Two dials and eight customizable shortcut keys make controlling the Artist Pro 16 a pleasantly tactile process, as does the all-metal body that surrounds it.

The lack of an included stand is a bit of a letdown, and some monitor setups may require a bit of cable clutter to work, which can annoy those who prefer a clean desktop. But other than that, this is an impressive, sleek and enticing tablet. Read more about the pen and how this tablet compares to the others in our full XP-Pen Artist Pro 16 review

(Image credit: Ben Brady)

09. Huion Kamvas 16 (2021) An updated version of Huion’s popular mid-size tablet Specifications Active drawing area: 344.16 x 193.59 mm Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) Pen pressure sensitivity: 8192 levels Connectors: USB-C View today’s best deals at Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to Buy + Laminated textured screen + Great pen technology + Excellent drawing experience Reasons to avoid – Could be brighter – Stand sold separately

If you are looking for a good entry-level pen display drawing tablet, the upgraded Huion Kamvas 16 (2021) is a very good option. This is a pen display that can be used for many different types of art, as well as a screen for playing video games, editing videos, and learning.

Our review of the Huion Kamvas 16 (2021) notes that this device has a Full HD screen with excellent color accuracy, making it ideal as a good second screen too. Our reviewer also noted that the stand for this device is sold separately but is worth purchasing as it’s ergonomically designed to make drawing easier.

(Image credit: Mike Griggs)

10. Wacom One (2020) Wacom’s most affordable version, providing a great tablet for the masses. macOS or Android (some devices) Today’s Best Deals Watch on Amazon (opens in a new tab) Watch on Currys (opens in a new tab) Watch on Wex Photo video (opens in a new tab) Reasons to buy + Great for on the go + Unparalleled Wacom Quality Reasons to Avoid – No iPhone compatibility – Small drawing area

Wacom has long had a reputation for being reassuringly expensive, so it’s good to see the company responding to an influx of challengers by releasing a much cheaper drawing tablet to lure users away from cheaper brands. The Wacom One (not to be confused with previous Wacom Ones) is a great little 13-inch portable tablet that offers a fantastic drawing experience but doesn’t cost you a fortune.

Its Full HD display offers 72% NTSC color and an anti-glare film, and the tablet even has little legs to stand on when you’re on the go and want to jot down a few ideas quickly. It’s the ideal tablet to put in your day bag; For more information on what to expect from this device, check out our in-depth Wacom One review.

(Image credit: Mike Griggs)

11. XP-Pen Deco Pro Medium Extremely cheap Wacom alternative but without some features Specifications Active drawing area: 11 x 6 inches Resolution: n/a Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels Ports: USB-C Operating system: Windows, macOS or Android Active drawing area: 11″ x 6″ Resolution: n/a Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels Connections: USB-C Operating system: Windows, macOS or Android Today’s best deals View on Amazon (opens in new tab) View on Wex Photo Video (opens in new tab Tab) Watch at Currys (opens in new tab) Reasons to Buy + Excellent value for money + Solid build quality Reasons to avoid – Software a bit choppy – No iPhone/iPad support

If you’re looking for a cheap alternative to Wacom’s Intuos Pro, the XP-Pen Deco Pro is worth considering. It’s about a third the price of the Intuos Pro and honestly it shows in places; It doesn’t quite have Wacom’s premium feel and the software drivers can be clunky, but when it comes down to it, it offers a solid drawing experience.

You get a smooth drawing surface and a stylus with 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, and the tablet’s overall design won a Red Dot award. This isn’t just a cheap knockoff – it’s a premium knockoff, and if you’re an artist on a budget it definitely deserves consideration, as our XP-Pen Deco Pro review confirms.

(Image credit: Ben Brady)

12. Huion Kamvas 22 Plus Huion’s 22-inch tablet offers an excellent screen at an enticing price Specifications Active drawing area: 18.77 x 10.56 inches Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Full HD Pen pressure sensitivity: 8,192 levels Connections: USB-A/USB-C/HDMI Today’s Best Deals View on Amazon (opens in new tab) Reasons to buy + Excellent screen + Great value for a 22″ tablet Reasons to avoid – None Touchscreen – The stylus is pretty basic

Have your eye on the Wacom Cintiq 22 further up the page but can’t quite go for the price? The Huion Kamvas 22 Plus would like to talk to us. It’s significantly cheaper than the Cintiq, but it’s still a quality drawing tablet with a nice and spacious display. It’s 16:9 and Full HD resolution.

The big selling point is that it’s made from etched anti-glare glass rather than having an anti-glare film; The end result is a pen display that feels really comfortable to draw on, with a tactile and decidedly analog drawing experience.

With an anti-parallax design, 140% sRGB coverage and the ability to reproduce 16.7 million colors, this is a very impressive tablet. The included stylus is basically decent and will get the job done – it’s perhaps a bit unfussy, with just one type of nib.

Overall, as we found in our Huion Kamvas 22 Plus review, this Huion tablet is a good buy, especially when compared to the competition at this price point from XP-Pen – it has better color coverage and an overall better drawing feel.

The best drawing tablet accessory

Wacom Pro Pen 3D

A third button might not sound like a huge innovation, but it enables the Pro Pen 3D (opens in a new tab) to support panning and zooming in three dimensions, giving 3D artists unrestricted navigation at their fingertips.

Wacom ink pen

For that traditional feel, you can use the Inking Pen (opens in a new tab) to place a piece of paper on your Wacom tablet and then draw in ink on it while the tablet simultaneously captures your drawing movements. The ink pen is only suitable for Intuos tablets: it can damage the screen of Cintiqs and MobileStudios.

Adonit Jot Pro

If you don’t like the Apple Pencil or your iPad isn’t compatible, the Adonit Jot Pro (opens in new tab) is a stylish stylus that works on any iPad (or Android tablet). The nib, which combines a fine tip with a plastic circle for registration on the tablet screen, looks odd but works well in practice.

The best drawing tablets: what types are there?

Broadly speaking, there are three main types of drawing tablets. Each takes a different approach to the core challenge of helping you draw on your Windows PC or Mac as if you were drawing on paper.

When it comes to drawing tablets, there is everything from professional high-resolution graphics tablets to portable tablets that cost under £40 and fit in a small backpack. There’s also a growing market for drawing tablets for little ones, and you can check out our dedicated guide to drawing tablets for kids if that’s what you’re looking for. Want to unplug for a while? Take a look at our best lightboxes for more hands-on creativity. And if you’re specifically looking for an editing tablet, check out our best tablets for photo and video editing.

graphics tablets

(Image credit: Wacom)

If you’ve been around computers for a long time, when you mention a drawing tablet, you probably instinctively think of this: a smooth surface on which you draw with a stylus, with your work displayed on a separate computer monitor (opens in new tab). Graphics tablets remain the cheapest category of drawing tablets. Their main drawback is the feeling of “disconnection” between the artboard and the screen, although most people get used to it quickly.

pen displays

(Image credit: Wacom)

Pen displays consist of a flat screen with a pressure-sensitive surface on which you draw with a pen. They don’t have that disconnected feeling you might get with graphics tablets, and they’re more portable; however, they cost more. Also, there are many cables between the display and the computer (see the best computers for graphic design) and the display surfaces don’t offer the “bite” that graphics tablets have.

tablet computer

(Image credit: Apple)

Android and iOS devices like the Surface Pro and iPad Pro compete against the other drawing tablets in two ways. You don’t need another computer: just download an art app and start drawing with your fingertip or a stylus. If you want to use the Creative Cloud suite (opens in new tab) on your main computer, these can also act as graphics tablets with apps like Astropad (opens in new tab).

The Best Drawing Tablets: Which Ones Should You Buy?

Right now we’re confident to say that the absolute best drawing tablet you can buy is the Xencelabs Pen Tablet Medium Bundle, which offers some super cool features and is very affordable. If you want a more recognizable name, the Wacom Cintiq 22 is next. This offers Wacom’s famous quality in a pleasantly large tablet at a surprisingly affordable price.

If you’re totally new to this market, it’s worth pointing out that there are three distinct categories to consider.

Graphic tablets on which you draw directly with a pen

, which you draw directly on with a pen. Pressure-sensitive pen displays that connect to a monitor

that connect to a monitor Tablet computers that can be customized via an app for drawing

Need a summary? Here are the best drawing tablets, graphics tablets and tablet computers of the moment…

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If you want the short answer, it’s entirely possible to get started with digital art without a very expensive or high-end PC. However, you need a better PC if you want to continue working in this field and take your skills to the next level and make meaningful progress on your digital art journey.

Well, if you want the longer answer, here’s my story and the factors that go into your decision to start with a cheaper computer;

How I got started with digital art

My 10 year old laptop

Before I started graphic design and illustration work I always wondered if I could do this kind of design on my 10 year old Dell Inspiron with only 4GB of RAM that my cousin gave me as a gift.

I used to be discouraged when I saw that even amateur designers have at least a $500 PC and some additional technology like a drawing tablet and the latest software that only the latest computers can run.

As a broke college student I just couldn’t afford it so I decided to just use my dusty old laptop and try out free software like Krita – a great alternative to Photoshop.

After saving some money I bought the Adobe products as they were and still are the industry standard for digital production.

I started designing restaurant menus and logos for a few small local businesses. That was the start of my career and it wasn’t very smooth as sometimes my applications crashed in the middle of a project, I also lost a lot of data because my computer’s hard drive crashed and my fan stopped working due to overheating, which I then replaced with a new one.

Sure, the low memory, inconsistent processing, and frequent bugs and errors made it difficult, but not impossible.

But now to the real question: do YOU ​​need a PC to start your digital art career?

If I were like most people, I’d say, “If I could do it, so can you,” but the thing is, I’m balancing between traditional and digital art, so I don’t fully rely on digital art as a full-time career , but if so, then there are some things you need to consider.

The essence of work

This is the most important. If you know early on what field you want to enter, you should start by researching what type of software and equipment is required to fulfill that specific role. Will a drawing tablet be necessary or a choice? Do you need the latest industry software or software that could do the job etc.?

For example, if you’re applying to be a motion graphics designer and your job is just to animate subtitles over iconic celebrity speeches, you might be able to do it on a low-end PC with cheap or even free software, but if it’s yours The task is to create a full-fledged animation for adults that describes all the healthy habits they should adopt in their 40s. You may need a display graphics tablet for drawing/animating and some of the latest software programs such as After Effects and Photoshop to complete this project.

time

If you want to create digital art using a cheap PC or laptop, you have to be patient to get the results you want.

You’ll be frustrated and even a little angry at how some people can just click and drag to make their fantasy come true, while you have to be willing to spend extra hours using an outdated technique to add a fairly simple effect.

This is because digital art continues to evolve rapidly due to changing business dynamics and the demands/needs of consumers, in this case digital artists. In order to remain competitive in the market and continue to provide convenience to these artists, companies are constantly updating their software and releasing new versions of it, making the earlier versions obsolete and obsolete.

However, if you’re using a cheap PC, you won’t have access to the convenience of newer resources and are more likely to be limited to the time-consuming, ineffective methods of previous versions.

That doesn’t mean you can’t achieve the same effect or compete with artists who have the latest IPad Pro and Apple Pencil, but it will take time to get there.

budget

This is usually the main reason many people fail to advance their digital art career. A tight budget means you’re limited to some resources available to other designers, but it also depends on how tight your budget really is.

You may not be able to afford an iPad Pro and an Apple Pencil, which is currently very popular with digital artists along with its exclusive Procreate software, but you may still have some cash to afford a decent mid-range PC. Not too fancy, but still able to run some high-performance software and have enough RAM to create digital paintings, animations, etc. without crashing.

While you might have money to just afford a very cheap laptop with barely 4GB of RAM and a 32-bit OS, it’s just not worth it

Waiting until you’ve saved just enough to buy a decent budget laptop/computer with good RAM and running a 64-bit operating system would be a much better decision as it allows you to download the latest versions of most software.

creativity

What I find really great about broken artists is that since they’re limited to their supplies, they seem to take full advantage of them and experiment a lot to get the results they want.

To win over the competition and your audience, when working with a cheap PC, you need to be creative by finding alternatives to expensive resources.

For example, when digital artists want to draw something, they just whip out their display drawing tablet, plug it into their computer and start designing, but I didn’t have a tablet, nor could I have good software at the time that would stabilize my lines, even if I chose to draw with my mouse since my laptop was running a 32-bit processing system.

So what have I done?

I drew exactly the sketch I wanted on a piece of paper and took a picture of it with my phone, I sent this picture to my laptop with Gmail and scanned it to make the lines clearer. Then I finally loaded it into Krita and traced the drawing with the line and curve tools to finally add some effects for the finishing touches.

You’ll have to develop this level of creativity to work on a cheaper laptop as you won’t have the extra or necessary help, but I assure you the results are just as good.

Conclusion

In summary, it’s not impossible to get into digital art without an expensive or high quality PC/Laptop, but it’s definitely worth investing in one as it opens up a lot of possibilities for you and is a lot more cost effective in the long run View. But as a beginner just trying to get a feel for things and see if they’re serious about making digital art or not, a cheap computer can help you with that.