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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Intermediate: Elevating Your Digital Art Skills
Designed for artists looking to improve their precision and control on larger projects.
Professional: Tablets For Precision and Performance
High-performance tablets for professionals who need precise tools for detailed work.
Advanced Professionals and Studios
Top-tier tablet with a large 4K display, perfect for studios and demanding projects.
Subscribe to my Art and Illustration Newsletter
Get a free sample pack plus regular art, illustration, design, drawing content and more!
@2023, Fernando Nunes See More