Who would have thought that a tablet would revolutionize the art world? The iPad has made digital drawing accessible to everyone - from hobbyists to professional illustrators. With apps such as Prpreate you can make artworks that are not inferior to traditional techniques. As an iPad specialist I help you discover how you can turn your iPad into a digital studio, regardless of your current drawing skills.
Why the iPad is perfect for digital art
The iPad has completely changed digital drawing. Where you used to need expensive graphic tablets and complex software, you can now do everything with one device. The combination of a responsive touchscreen, powerful processors, and intuitive apps makes the iPad the perfect choice for digital artists.
The great thing about digital drawing on the iPad is the directness. You draw directly on the screen, just as you would do on paper. No mouse, no indirect control - just your hand, a stylus, and the screen. This natural way of working makes the transition from traditional to digital much easier.
Advantages of digital drawing on iPad:
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Unlimited colors and brushes
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Undo
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Layers for complex compositions
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No mess or expensive materials
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Easy to share and edit
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Always your complete studio with you
Which iPad is the best for digital art?
iPad Pro: the professional choice
For serious digital artists, the iPad Pro is the gold standard. The promotional screen with 120Hz Refresh Rate ensures that your Apple Pencil regions are followed perfectly without delay. The larger screen gives you more room to work, and the powerful processor can handle the heaviest art projects.
Why the iPad Pro is perfect for art:
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Promotional screen for natural pencil response
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Large screen (11 "or 12.9") for detailed work
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Powerful M-Processor for complex projects
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Support for Apple Pencil 2nd generation
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Professional color reproduction
iPad Air: the smart middle ground
The iPad Air is an excellent choice for artists who want professional performance without the premium price. The screen is slightly less responsive than the Pro, but for most artists this difference is hardly noticeable.
Perfect for:
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Hobby artists who want to become serious
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Student graphic design
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Illustrators who work on the road
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Artists with a limited budget
iPad (normal version): for beginners
Are you new in digital drawing and do you first want to try out if it is for you? Then the normal iPad is a great starting point. He works with the Apple Pencil (1st generation) and runs ProMreate without problems.
Apple Pencil: Your digital brush
The Apple Pencil is not just a stylus - it is a precision instrument that detects pressure, angle, and even the direction of your hand. This makes natural, expressive regions possible that you could never make with your finger.Apple Pencil Pro: the flagship
The newest Apple Pencil Pro takes digital creativity to a higher level. Thanks to Haptic Feedback, it feels like you work with real tools, and with a simple turning movement you switch directly from Brush or Tool. In combination with the latest iPad Pro models, this is the ultimate choice for professionals who do not want a compromise. Second generation Apple Pencil is a technical miracle. It attaches magnetic to the side of your iPad, charges wirelessly, and has a double-tik function to quickly switch between tools. For artists this is the ideal stylus.
Apple Pencil 2nd Generation: The modern choice
The second generation Apple Pencil is a technical miracle. It attaches magnetic to the side of your iPad, charges wirelessly, and has a double-tik function to quickly switch between tools. For artists this is the ideal stylus.
Unique functions:
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Pressure sensitivity to variable line thickness
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Tilt detection for shadow effects
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Palm rejection (your hand is ignored)
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PixelPrecious accuracy
Apple Pencil USB-C: the accessible choice
The Apple Pencil USB-C is an affordable, versatile stylus that is ideal for students, notes and hobby drawers. It offers pixel accuracy and tilt detection, but has no pressure sensitivity. Charging is easy via USB-C.
Apple Pencil 1st generation: still excellent
The first generation of Apple Pencil works with the regular iPad and offers the same drawing performance as the 2nd generation. The only difference is the way of charging and confirming.
Procreate: the king of drawing apps
Procreate has made digital drawing on the iPad popular, and rightly so. This app combines professional functionality with ease of use in a way that does not match any other app.
Why Procreate is so popular
Intuitive interface: everything you need is within reach, without complex menus powerful brushes: hundreds of realistic brushes, plus the possibility to make your own laying system: work with multiple layers for complex compositions Time-lapse recording: Each drawing is automatically recorded as a video outing performance: even with large canvases
Procreate for beginners
Are you just starting with digital drawing? Procreate is surprisingly accessible for beginners. The app comes with extensive tutorials, and the interface is so intuitive that you can be productive within an hour.
First steps in Priscreate:
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Start with the standard brushes
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Experiment with different layers
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Use the cancellation function freely
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Try different canvas formats
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View your time-lapse videos for inspiration
Advanced Procreate Techniques
Procreate offers powerful tools for advanced users such as:
Adapted brushes: Make your own brushes with unique textures and behavior Symmetry tools: Tick Perfect symmetrical patterns and mandalas Color harmonies: automatic color palettes based on color theory 3D models: use 3D references for accurate anatomy and perspective Animation: Make simple animations:
Other excellent drawing apps
Although Prpreate is the most popular choice, there are other apps that offer specific benefits.
Adobe Fresco: Vector and Raster combined
Adobe Fresco combines the best of both worlds: vector and raster drawing in one app. Perfect for artists who want flexibility between different styles.
Unique benefits:
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Vector and grid in one app
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Cloud synchronization with other Adobe Apps
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Lifelike oil and watercolor pens
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Professional typography tools
Affinity Designer: Professional vector art
For logos, illustrations, and other vector art, Affinity Designer is unparalleled on the iPad. It offers desktop level functionality in a tablet interface.
Arthy: Traditional media simulation
Arthage simulates traditional artificial materials such as oil paint, watercolor, and pencil in a very realistic way. Perfect for artists who miss the feel of traditional media.
Tips for starting digital artists
Start easily
Do not immediately start with complex projects. Start with simple sketches and slowly build up your skills. Digital drawing has a learning curve, even if you can already draw on paper.
Experiment with layers
Layers are one of the most powerful aspects of digital drawing. Use different layers for line drawings, colors, shadows, and effects. This gives you much more control over your artwork.
Use references
Use photos, 3D models, or real objects as a reference. Procreate has a handy reference function with which you can place an image next to your canvas.
Practice regularly
Just like traditional drawing, digital drawing requires exercise. Try to draw something every day, even if it is just a quick sketch.
Learn from others
YouTube is full of procreate tutorials. Follow artists you admire and learn from their techniques. The digital art community is very helpful and likes to share knowledge.
Accessories for digital artists
Paperfeel Screen Protector
A matte screen protector gives your screen a paper -like texture that makes drawing more natural. It also reduces reflections and fingerprints.
Glove glove
A drawing glove prevents unwanted touches from your hand on the screen. Especially useful for detailed work where your hand rests on the screen.
Adjustable standard
A good standard let your iPad put in the perfect angle for drawing. This reduces neck pain and gives you more control over your regions.
External storage
Digital artworks can become large, especially if you work with high resolutions. External storage ensures that you never lack space.
From hobby to professional
Many professional illustrators and artists started as hobbyists on the iPad. The accessibility of digital drawing has made a new generation of artists possible.
Build portfolio
Use platforms such as Instagram, Artstation, or Behance to share your work. Consistency is more important than perfection - regularly share your progress.
Accept committees
Start with small committees for friends and family. This helps you to gain experience with deadlines and customer wishes.
Follow online courses
There are excellent online courses for digital drawing. From basic techniques to advanced illustration - something is available for every level.
Networks with other artists
The digital art community is large and supportive. Participate in online communities, challenges, and events to meet other artists.
Avoid common mistakes
Too many details too early
Start with large forms and work towards details. Focusing on details too early often leads to unbalanced compositions.
Not enough contrast
Digital screens can be misleading. Ensure sufficient contrast in your work so that it is also clearly visible on other devices.
Forgot to
Although Prpreate automatically stores, it is good to regularly backups of important projects.
Too dependent on filters
Effects and filters can improve your work, but use them sparingly. Good basic drawing skills are more important than fancy effects.
The future of digital drawing
Digital drawing on the iPad only gets better. With every new generation of iPad and Apple Pencil, the possibilities are expanded. Augmented reality, AI assistance, and even better pressure sensitivity are just a few developments that are coming.
For artists, this means that investing in an iPad and digital drawing skills is a smart choice for the future. The tools are becoming increasingly powerful, but the basis remains the same: creativity, exercise, and passion for art.
Ready to start your digital art trip?
Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced artist who wants to go digitally, the iPad offers unparalleled possibilities for digital art. With the right tools and some practice you can make artworks that you had never thought possible.
Discover our range of iPads perfect for digital art, complete with Apple Pencil and all the accessories you need. Start your digital art trip today!
[View all iPads for Digital Art →]
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