Tools I use for Digital Art
Stationery
- Any heavyweight sketchbook, pencils and pens for the sketchbook.
- Dotted Notebook - Typically A5 Leuchtturm 1917 notebooks.
- Ink Pens - Typically Uni Pin Fine Line Pens (0.3 - 0.8mm).
Software
I currently use Clip Studio Paint (desktop) and MediBang Paint (tablet).I’ve also used Photoshop and Paint Tool Sai on desktop and LayerPaintHD, Artflow on tablet.
Hardware
Samsung Galaxy Tabwith S-Pen (11” screen)Dell XPS 15 9560 with a Wacom Bamboo Pen and Touch Small (CTH-460).
Typical Process
My process and what tool I employ and when, is a result of trying to be efficient and what sort of mood it requires.- Thumnails/Idea generation: Ink Pen on dotted paper (the evenly spaced dots allows me to quickly draw several boxes with the same ratio as the final illustration, so i can test my ideas within the same aspect ratio).
- Concept Sketches and Line work: Currently On mobile tablet, I don’t like being at my desk when fleshing out the thumbnails into the concept sketches, and I like being able to draw directly on screen when it comes to line work.
- Rendering illustration: On laptop with wacom tablet, due to heavy texture files and a crazy colouring process where I play around with everything; the shortcuts i’ve prepared for the desktop software, just make this part a breeze. I like to figure this colouring and texture part out whilst sitting at a desk, I feel like it requires more calculation. by the way I place my laptop at eye level using a stand (recommended for health workplace safety), then use my wacom tablet and a wireless keyboard and mouse to operate my laptop as i draw.
Resource Updated: 11th May 2023