The Digital Tablet ... An Artist Tool
Updated: Apr 7, 2020
I like traditional colored pencil art but I really really prefer to work digital. The supplies over all are more affordable.
All you need is a computer and program and a tablet. Heck, now a days all you need is an app and a stylus!
But I'm sure not everyone can afford that fancy Wacom since the decent ones are a little on the pricy side. Hey I've been there! I was a broke college student and a struggling parent. Sometimes I still look at new tablets and my heart clenches about as tight as my wallet. My budget screams in terror and my Bank is telling me to walk away slowly.
It's terrifying.
With that being said, I've tried three different graphic tablets. Xp-pen, Wacom and a Huion. Below are my super duper short reviews on these three tablets. Be warned; I am using the dreaded affiliate links to Amazon. Just in case you want to something to the wishlist for later.
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My all time favorite is the Huion.
This guy is an amazing tool. The pen has replaceable nibs. NO BATTERY!!!
The tablet connects with a usb and it's simple. No fancy buttons or gadgets. It's also sturdy and I can attest to this as my two kids keep running off with it and dropping it. It's a good starter tablet for those who are just learning.
Size wise, this covers the entire screen and the stroke is smooth. No fancy pants frills on this one. It's straight to the point... or nib. If you like puns.
I did a video using this tablet. A speed drawing of one of my favorite cartoon characters of all time; Lydia Deetz from the Beetlejuice animated series.
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Second Fave is the most commonly used by professional artists.
The Wacom Intuos. This one that I have pictured is the medium which I think works for most artists. I am currently using this one at the office and I have a much much older model here on my desk at home until I fork over the money for a new Huion.
As far as lines go, this one is just as smooth with replaceable nibs. More options of nibs actually. No battery in the pen and the latest models have been bluetooth enabled. A cool feature but I still leave it plugged in. Old habits, I guess.
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A long long time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make me... wait.... that's a song.
Let me start again.
A long long time ago, I used to use a tool called Xp-Pen.
Unfortunately the tool I used is out of fashion but this is the closest to it. Small... portable and sturdy.
This baby got me through my art school training. Oh yes, I do love this budget buddy.
Sadly since it was so long ago, I can't say if the new editions have changed the only complaint I had about this tool. Needs battery for the pen. Hopefully that is no longer the case but for 30 something bucks? It's worth a risk.
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That's all there is to it! Hopefully one of these three will be your best match.
I want to make it my goal to help new artists grow and find the tools that fit for them during the time in which they need it. The world of digital art is confusing and full of intense topics. Not always will you find the answers you need but hopefully, with time, I can cover the concerns brewing in that brain of yours.
Until next time, have fun! Draw lots!
As much fun as colored pencils and paint can be, in the long run a digital tablet will be kinder to the wallet. (sigh) I go through so many pencils...