TIPS FOR CREATIVES | iPad or Wacom? Which is Best for Digital Drawing?
iPad or Wacom? Tablet Recommendations for Illustrators
My main tool for illustration these days is an iPad and Apple Pencil. Do you create too? What do you use?
I only embraced digital drawing 4 years ago! Which is weird because I’ve drawn in the same clean line style for 23 years - and it’s suited to digital! Before the iPad I used fine tip pens like Copic or Artline on paper and felt apprehensive about trying digital for illustration (even though I was always on a computer for graphic design work!)
When I finally decided to give tablets a go, I did heaps of research online. It was a toss up between Wacom and iPad. I went with the iPad, and use it with Procreate software. I absolutely adore it! Here are a couple of things to consider if you are getting an iPad for drawing:
〰️Size〰️
Mine is a 10.5inch- the small screen size suits me because I draw quite small, some other artists enjoy a bigger surface. I recommend having a think about how big you like to draw. If your pen and paper drawings are in between A6 and A4, the smaller size screens should work nicely for you.
〰️Your Drawing Style and Model〰️
I still use the 2017 model even though there have been many upgrades since. If your art style involves colour and detail you’d probably benefit from the upgrades of the more recent models. Personally I don’t feel the need to purchase a newer one because I’m pleased with the simple black and white line drawings I can create on my current tablet.
How I use my iPad is actually much like how I use Serato (a digital DJing system). I use the tablet just like I would pen and paper, and use Serato like I would vinyl. Although I love technical precision in both art forms, I also adore the human moments, like pulling in a mix that’s gone out of time, or a little wobbley bit on a clean line drawing. The tools I choose are perfect for creating this vibe.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, even if you consider yourself more of an analog person, new technology can be embraced in a way that feels natural for your style and personality. You could be pleasantly surprised with the results like I was.
About Natalie Ex Design Studio
Hello, my name is Nat. I’m a qualified and experienced Illustrator and Graphic Designer in Melbourne. I have a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design and over 18 years of industry experience in illustration, graphic design and digital marketing.
The trademark Natalie Ex aesthetic is a playful and polished clean line style, inspired by my half Japanese upbringing.