Guiding You on Starting Digital Art: Choosing Between Drawing Tablets with or Without a Screen

Welcome to the world of digital art! If you're just beginning your journey in 2D digital art, choosing the right equipment is crucial. This guide will help you decide between a drawing tablet with or without a screen, and provide recommendations on brands that offer the best performance.

Choosing the Right Equipment

For a beginner in 2D digital art, a drawing tablet with a screen is generally recommended. It provides a more natural drawing experience and allows you to see your work directly on the screen, which can accelerate your learning process and improve accuracy.

Non-screen tablets can still be effective but may involve a steeper learning curve. If you are interested in tips for beginners, you can check out my Quora Profile for more guidance.

Display Tablets vs. Drawing Pads

Choosing between a display tablet and a drawing pad depends on personal preference and budget. Display tablets offer the benefit of direct drawing on the screen, while drawing pads are more affordable. Both options have their pros and cons:

Display Tablets

Direct drawing on the screen for a more natural experience Offers instant visibility and feedback on your work Supports more detailed work, suitable for professionals More expensive than drawing pads

Drawing Pads

Cheaper, making them a more budget-friendly option Still effective for beginners and intermediate artists Can require some adjustment to the disconnect between hand and eye

For those on a budget, it's a good idea to start with a non-screen tablet and consider upgrading to a display tablet later as your skills improve. Popular brands like Wacom and Huion are known for their quality and offer models suitable for detailed work. To make an informed decision, explore my Quora Profile for more digital art tips.

Best Options for Beginners

For those who are really into drawing and wish to invest in the best, Wacom devices are highly recommended. If you can afford a Cintiq, that would be ideal for a professional-grade experience. Otherwise, a basic Wacom tablet is a great starting point. Other brands like Huion also offer good value, although some users have reported occasional quirks with software compatibility.

An interesting point to consider is that both my stepdaughters have been using no-screen drawing tablets from Wacom for several years. The oldest even sells some of her works, illustrating the lasting quality of these devices. I would highly recommend trying out these options in an electronics store to find the best fit for you.

Other Considerations

Despite the convenience of a screen, non-screen tablets can still be effective for beginners. If you are on a tight budget, you can use a combination of a monitor and a tablet without a screen. I've used Wacom tablets exclusively and haven't faced any significant issues, although some people do prefer Huion. Both brands offer good performance.

When selecting the size of the tablet, consider the size of your screen. For example, in the Wacom Intuos series, Pro versions recommend a different screen size compared to basic versions. Based on my experience, a basic medium Wacom Intuos tablet might suffice for a Pro setup, but a small tablet could work for a Pro version.

Additionally, consider investing in a monitor that offers better color and contrast. Tablets often lack this quality, so a monitor might be a better choice for high-quality output.

Overall, the key is to choose the option that aligns best with your budget and artistic goals. Whether you opt for a tablet with a screen or a non-screen tablet, the important thing is to find the tools that help you express your creativity effectively.