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Find the Right Drawing Tablet for Your Digital Art

With over 13 years of experience using Wacom tablets, I can confidently say they offer the perfect tools for every creative project.

 

Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade, explore the range of tablets to find the one that fits your needs, from beginners to professionals.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Drawing Tablet

Display vs. No Display

With Display: Drawing directly on the screen feels more intuitive and natural, especially for those transitioning from traditional art. However, these models are generally more expensive.

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Without Display: More affordable and portable. You’ll need to look at your computer screen while drawing, which can take some time to get used to.

Pressure Sensitivity

The higher the pressure sensitivity, the more control you’ll have over the thickness and opacity of your lines.

 

Most professionals prefer at least 8192 levels, while beginners may be satisfied with 4096 levels.

Budget and Purporse

Entry-Level Tablets: Perfect for beginners or hobbyists who don’t need high-end features. These options are affordable and great for learning the basics of digital art.

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Mid-Range Tablets: If you’re an intermediate artist or creating art more regularly, investing in a mid-range tablet can significantly enhance your workflow without breaking the bank.

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High-End Tablets: Professionals working on detailed, high-precision projects will benefit from a larger display, better color accuracy, and more advanced features. These tablets, though more expensive, offer the best performance for illustrators, designers, and animators.

Size of the Tablet

Small Tablets: Great for portability and quick sketches, but the workspace is limited. Ideal for beginners or those with limited desk space.

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Medium to Large Tablets: Offers more drawing area, which is essential for detailed work. Larger sizes are perfect for professionals handling intricate designs.

Connectivity Options

Wired: Reliable and consistent but limits mobility.

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Wireless: Offers more flexibility and a cleaner workspace but may require battery management.

Computer Setup

The performance of your tablet is directly influenced by the power of your computer.  The better your computer’s specs, the better your tablet will perform.

 

Processor: A faster processor ensures smooth operation, especially when working with large files or complex illustrations.

 

Memory (RAM): More RAM (at least 8GB, but ideally 16GB or more) allows your computer to handle heavy design programs without lagging.

 

Graphics Card: A dedicated graphics card is crucial for professional-level work, particularly when using tablets with displays like the Wacom Cintiq series.

OK, But What’s My Personal Story with Tablets?

I’ve been on my own journey with Wacom tablets for quite some time. I started with a Wacom CTH 470, a 10-inch tablet without a display, and illustrated with it for over 7 years. This model has even been discontinued, but it served me well for a long time. It’s just a matter of getting used to drawing on a tablet while looking at a screen. If you’re worried about not having a screen, rest assured that many artists, including myself, have started this way and adapted quickly.

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An equivalent to my old tablet would be the Wacom Intuos Medium, which offers a great balance of size and features for beginners and intermediate artists alike.

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Now, I’ve been using a Wacom Cintiq 16 for the past 5 years, and the experience of drawing directly on the screen has been transformative. The direct interaction with the display allows for more fluid and precise work, especially on complex and detailed illustrations.

 

That being said, I can confidently illustrate in the same style no matter which tablet I’m using, whether it’s a simpler model or one with a display. If you’re wondering which tablet might be right for you, check out my list of recommended products below! 👇

Beginners: Starting Your Creative Journey

Perfect for those new to digital art, these tablets offer ease of use and affordability to help you get started.

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Wacom Intuos Small  (7 Inches)

​Best for beginner illustrators or those just starting with digital drawing. Its compact size and simplicity are ideal for those learning to use graphic tablets. It features 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity.

$ 69.00

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Wacom Intuos Medium (10 inches)

Slightly larger than the Small, offering more comfortable workspace, great for those starting to take on larger projects. It features 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity.

$ 109.95

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Wacom One 12 (12 Inches)

For beginners who want the experience of drawing directly on the screen without spending too much. It features 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity.

$ 299.95

Intermediate: Elevating Your Digital Art Skills

Designed for artists looking to improve their precision and control on larger projects.

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Wacom Intuos Pro (13 Inches)

Ideal for intermediate artists needing greater precision and control in their work. It’s portable yet offers a larger and more sensitive work area with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and shortcut buttons.

$ 299.00

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Wacom One 13 (13 inches)

The Wacom One 13 offers a slightly larger drawing surface than the 12-inch model, providing more room to work on detailed illustrations. It also features improved color accuracy and a better viewing angle.

$ 599.95

Professional: Tablets For Precision and Performance

High-performance tablets for professionals who need precise tools for detailed work.

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Wacom Cintiq 16

For professionals wanting to work directly on the screen with instant visual feedback. The Cintiq 16 is perfect for those seeking a fluid drawing experience with a good-sized screen. The one that I use.

$ 611.89

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Wacom Cintiq Pro 16

For professionals who want the premium version of the Cintiq 16. The Pro has better resolution and precision, offering more control and image quality.

$ 1,399.95

Advanced Professionals and Studios

Top-tier tablet with a large 4K display, perfect for studios and demanding projects.

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Wacom Cintiq Pro 22

For professionals wanting to work directly on the screen with instant visual feedback. The Cintiq 16 is perfect for those seeking a fluid drawing experience with a good-sized screen. The one that I use.

$ 2,900.31

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Wacom Cintiq Pro 27

For professionals who want the premium version of the Cintiq 16. The Pro has better resolution and precision, offering more control and image quality.

$ 3,499.95

Looking for More Options and Feedback?

If you’re still undecided or want to explore more models and read additional feedback from users, head over to the official Wacom store. You’ll find a wider selection and insights from artists around the world.

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