Starting digital art requires you to invest in a few tools. Lacking any one of the tools will not allow you to start your digital drawing smoothly. These tools can be purchased from your local computer store in the neighborhood. You must select the equipment that meets your drawing needs. The following are 4 essential tools for a digital artist.
1. Computer
You need a computer with an adequate amount of hard disk space and RAM. Ideally, it has at least 8GB – 16GB RAM. The hard disk space should be at least 250GB. If you have a lot of images, you have the option to get an external hard disk. The CPU should be an Intel or AMD processor of 2 GHz with 64-bit support. The faster your computer, the more smoothly your drawing software will run. If the specs are low, the software can lag when you are drawing. You could choose 2-in-1 tablet computers designed for drawing such as Microsoft Surface Pro, and Apple iPad Pro, for example. However, each model has its own unique features and specifications, so it can be difficult to determine which one best suits your needs. Thankfully, there are many resources now available to help, for instance, sites like bravotello have useful guides to help you discover the best ipad for procreate, so that you can make an informed decision that will empower your artistic endeavors.
2. Drawing Software
Next, you need to get the drawing software. There are free as well as paid drawing software. Paid software offers advanced features that require some learning curves. You get what you pay for. With paid software, you are paying for product support, updates, and security. Before buying, you must get some hands-on experience by signing up for the trial version. The type of software you choose depends on the art style such as comic, and portrait. Krita and Gimp are the two open-source software. Some of the paid drawing options are Sketchbook, Corel Painter, and Adobe Photoshop.
Many paid options offer free trials. However, you can start with the open-source drawing software before using the paid software. This will get you familiar with the various features of drawing software in your project. Adobe Photoshop is best for use in designing banners, and logo. Paint Tool SAI is a simple drawing software that requires a low specification computer. Clip Studio Paint is popular for artists that draw comics and illustrations. You also want to consider your budget when you are choosing a drawing software.
3. Pen Display
Alternatively, you may want to opt for a pen display. Pen display is a flat tablet that is pressure sensitive and allows you to interact with it with a special stylus. It displays what you are drawing so that you don’t have to look at the monitor. You can start with a lesser-known brand before buying an expensive model like Wacom. The special stylus that comes with the pen tablet can draw lines with different thickness. You should always test the drawing feeling before purchasing the tablet. A small pen display can cause eye strain if you keep using it. So, if you can afford it, you should get a big pen display to enjoy a more optimal drawing experience.
4. Additional Accessories
You can buy additional accessories for your computer to improve your drawing experience. You can get a second monitor for displaying reference photos. The second monitor can be used when you are drawing at home. However, it is not suitable if you travel a lot. It is recommended that you get a big monitor that is at least 20 inches to prevent your eyes from becoming worn out. You may want to get a scanner. With a scanner, you can scan the sketches you made on paper and import them into the drawing software for editing. You can also scan color and textures for use in your graphics. You can also consider buying a new keyboard if you have a lot of shortcut keys.
