Getting Started with Digital Drawing: Tools and Software recommendations for Newcomers

This class is intended for people who want to start digital painting or illustration, but who are not equiped yet. I will review and suggest material from the best of my knowledge and experience. The links I'll provide are affiliate links, it means that if you decide to buy from it I'll recieve a small comission, which supports this course and the channel! 

French version of this class available soon/ Version française bientôt. 

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Next, you will find a copy the material I use.

Option 1: Graphic tablet

This one being the entry level option, it's not expensive at all and it is excellent to experiment your first steps with digital drawing. However, you must be aware of the significant learning curve getting used to the material.

• Small size tablet  
  • USA: Huion Graphic Tablet 4'' and Pen - about 30 USD
  • Canada: Huion Graphic Tablet 4'' and Pen - about 40 CAD 
• Medium size, good sensitivity (recommended) 
  • USA: XP-Pen Deco Graphic Tablet 10'', Stylus and Keys - about 60 USD
  • Canada: XP-Pen Deco Graphic Tablet 10'', Stylus and Keys - about 80 CAD

Option 2 : External monitor

Such a device needs to be plugged into your computer. The price range is quite large, from 200$ to 1500$ and even more.

• External Monitor, good sensitivity, good size, off-brand option
  
  • USA: XP-Pen Monitor Artist 15.6'' and Stylus - about 370 USD
  • Canada: XP-Pen Monitor Artist 15.6'' and Stylus - about 470 CAD
• Foldable Stand (check for size compatibility)
  • USA: Adjustable Foldable Table for Desk - about 40 USD
  • Canada: Adjustable Foldable Table for Desk - about 35 CAD
• Fixed Monitor Stand (verify screw and holes compatibility with your monitor)
  • USA: Arm Mount Monitor Stand - about 100 USD
  • Canda: Arm Mount Monitor Stand - about 80 USD

Option 3 : Standalone device

What I mean by that is an iPad (or other tablet) or a flip-screen computer. Those systems are autonomous and portable, and you need complementary accessories.

Computer

• Flip Touch Screen Computer (Spec. Min. Core i5, 8 GB RAM;  Ideal Spec.  - Core i7 - 16 GB RAM. Make sure pen is included. Other brands can be equivalent)
  • USA: Lenovo Yoga - about 1300 USD
  • Canada: Lenovo Yoga - about 2200 CAD
• Compatible stylus (if needed)
  • USA: Lenovo Active Pen - about 50 USD
  • Canada: Lenovo Active Pen - about 70 CAD
• Accessories
  
  • USA : USB Mouse and Keyboard - about 25 USD
  • Canada: USB Mouse and Keyboard - about 30 CAD

iPad series:

Please also evaluate the other brands option.

• iPad 
  • USA: iPad Pro 10.5'' - from 650 USD
  • Canada: iPad Pro 10.5'' - from 800 CAD
• Apple Pencil (no need for glove)
  • USA: Apple Pencil - about 100 USD
  • Canada: Apple Pencil - about 120 CAD
• No Brand Stylus (glove needed):
  • USA: Anivana Compatible Stylus Pen USB Chargeable - about 35 USD
  • Canada: Hahakee Compatible Stylus Pen USB Chargeable - about 45 CAD
• Glove (you may need more than one layer glove)
  • USA: Anti-Smudging Glove - 5 for 9 USD
  • Canada: Anti-Smudging Glove - 5 for 15 CAD

I tested the Canadian version of most of the material listed above. I cannot guaranty it fits exactly your needs, so please read carefully the product descriptions also rely on your judgement when purchasing something. If you have any question, please write in the comment section of the course and I'll do my best to help!

Software and apps

For the computer, you can use Photoshop which has a paid plan from 20$ a month, or Medibang which is free. The first one is excellent for colors and software ergonomics, but the second one is best for the lines. I use both. Medibang has an online community evolving around manga.

When downloading Medibang, there sometimes propose other addons and search bars that you don't want, so just make sure to install only what you need!

For the tablet, explore your app store and try the free trials. You'll find the one you like the most. I use Sketches as a free app, but it's limited at some point unless you subscribe to the paid plan. Procreate is also a very trendy app at the moment, it's about 15$ and you can buy extra brushes. It has a really good user experience.

• What to expect from this class
• Option 1: Graphic Tablet Review
• Option 2: Monitor Review
• Option 3: Standalone Devices Review
• Software and apps for drawing
• Homework and Social Accounts Community
• Upcoming tutorials - Stay tuned!
• Get Started With This Tutorial!