Digital Art 101: Digital Art Equipment & Software for All Budgets

Hello my friends! Have you been thinking about getting into digital art but feel a bit overwhelmed by all the equipment and software options out there? Or perhaps you're worried it's going to cost a fortune? Well, don't worry! In this video, I'm breaking down all the different digital art tools and programmes available, catering to every budget – from completely free to more professional setups.

What You Need for Digital Art

To get started with digital drawing, you essentially need two main things:

1. Drawing Software/App: This is the programme where you'll actually create your art.
2. Device: This is the platform the app or software is hosted on (like a smartphone, tablet or PC) 
3. Input Device: This is the tool you'll use to draw onto the screen (like a digital pen or tablet).

While digital tools offer incredible features, I always emphasise that learning the fundamentals of drawing – like colour theory, perspective, and anatomy – is still super important. The tools just make the process easier!

Digital Art Equipment Options

Let's look at the different types of hardware you can use, from what you might already own to more specialised equipment:

Stylus (for your phone or tablet)

A stylus is basically a digital pen. If you already have a mobile phone or a standard tablet, a stylus is your most budget-friendly entry point. You can find popular options like the Surface Pen (around €50) or the Apple Pencil (around €150). There are also cheaper alternatives starting from €10-€15, but always double-check their compatibility with your specific device!

A stylus can turn your everyday device into an art canvas.

Pen Tablets

These are like a trackpad with an integrated stylus. You draw on the tablet surface while looking at your computer screen. They detect motion and pressure, giving you great control. Many come with customisable buttons for shortcuts, which is super handy! The Wacom Intuos S is a popular and affordable starting point, usually around €50. Major brands include Wacom, XP-Pen, Huion, and Xencelabs. They connect to your laptop or PC.

Pen Displays

If you prefer to draw directly on the screen, a pen display is for you! These are like pen tablets but with a built-in display. They often have shortcut buttons too. Keep in mind that most still need to be connected to a computer, though some standalone models are starting to appear. Prices typically start around €300, with brands similar to those for pen tablets.

Standard Tablets (e.g. iPad, Surface Tablet)

Many fantastic drawing apps are designed specifically for standard tablets like iPads or Surface tablets. These are incredibly versatile devices that you can use for much more than just drawing. Surface tablets start around €400, and Apple iPads around €600. You can often find better deals in refurbished sections or during sales. Remember, you'll need a compatible stylus for these!

Tablets like the iPad offer a portable and powerful digital art studio.

Pen Computers

These are the high-end, standalone pen display tablets that have an integrated computer. They are incredibly powerful and portable, perfect for complex art and animation projects. However, they come with a high price tag, comparable to powerful laptops (e.g., a Wacom Mobile Studio Pro can be over €2,000). I wouldn't recommend these for beginners due to the cost and their professional focus.

Digital Art Software Options

Once you have your hardware, you'll need software! Compatibility often depends on your device's operating system (Android, iOS, Windows, Linux).

Free Options (Great for Starting Out!)

• Krita: A fantastic open-source and completely free painting software for PCs, compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux.
• Sketchbook: Free and available for both PC and tablets, working on Windows, Android, and iOS.
• Adobe Fresco: Offers a free version, compatible with Mac, iPad, and Windows (though the PC experience can differ). Note that the free version has some limitations on brush imports, font use, and cloud storage. It's not compatible with Android tablets.

Paid Options (For More Features & Professional Use)

• Adobe Fresco (Premium): Unlocks all features with an Adobe monthly subscription, typically around €27 for a single app or €68 for all Adobe apps.
• Adobe Photoshop: While primarily a photo editing software, Photoshop has extensive drawing capabilities. It's available as an app on iOS and full software for Windows/Mac PCs. I recommend using it on a desktop for full functionality.
• Adobe Illustrator: This is for vector-based graphics, meaning your artwork can be scaled to any size without losing quality – perfect for logos and print!
• Procreate: A hugely popular drawing software exclusively available on iOS (iPad). It's a fantastic value with a one-time fee of just €11.99.

There are many more available apps like Clips Studio Paint or Affinity that I am trying out, so stay tuned to find out my thoughts on these. 

My Recommendations by Budget

Here’s a quick guide based on what you’re looking to spend:

• Low Budget (Under €60): Start with your existing mobile phone or tablet and a free drawing app like Sketchbook or Adobe Fresco. Alternatively, invest in a pen tablet like the Wacom Intuos S (around €50) or a cheaper compatible stylus.
• Medium Budget (€400-€600): Consider investing in a standard tablet (Windows Surface or iPad) with a compatible stylus. You can use free software or a paid app like Procreate (€11.99 one-time fee). Always look for deals or refurbished options to save some quid!
• Plenty of Budget (€1,500+): If you have a generous budget, a powerful PC or laptop paired with a high-quality pen tablet or pen display will give you the most flexibility and power. The total cost will depend on the hardware specifications you choose.

Please note that the pricing may vary and change after I've posted the video and article, so double check what applies to you.

Unlock advanced features with professional digital art software.

My Personal Digital Art Setup

For my own work, I primarily use an iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil, combined with an Adobe subscription that gives me access to all their apps, especially Adobe Fresco for most of my drawing. When I'm doing heavier work like animation, I use a custom-built PC with a Wacom Intuos S. Sometimes, I even connect my iPad to my PC to use it as a pen display – it's a super versatile setup!

Update: I now use Clip Studio Paint for drawing and animating on my iPad Pro which is significantly more affordable than Adobe. 

Don't Forget the Accessories!

One small but mighty accessory I recommend is a drawing glove. This prevents your hand from accidentally registering on the screen while you draw, making for a much smoother experience.

I hope this guide helps you navigate the exciting world of digital art equipment and software! The most important thing is to find a setup that works for your budget and your creative style. Don't be afraid to experiment and enjoy the journey!

Happy creating!