If you’re an artist, a graphics tablet is a convenient and versatile tool for creating digital art. Drawing tablets allow artists to draw, sketch and color on a lightweight, transportable frame and come with a stylus for drawing on a screen or a screenless version. It’s like having a piece of paper or a notebook with you, but because they’re digital, you’ll never run out of paper, need to sharpen a pencil, or worry about making a mistake you can’t erase.
There are several sizes of drawing tablets, including small, medium, large, and extra-large. The size really depends on what you use it for. As for choosing the best size, it all depends on your drawing needs and your level of experience drawing and using a graphics tablet. A small-sized tablet around 11 inches may be best for those who are new to creating digital art, while someone who has been drawing for years and is considered an expert may want to consider a mid-sized or even large tablet between 14 and 24 inches.
Drawing tablets can be set up like an easel or laid flat, depending on the artist’s preference. There are two types: those with screens and a stylus to draw on them, and those that connect to a screen and use a stylus on a pad. You will find several brands like Wacom and Huion, but some of the best Android tablets work too.
What to Look for in an Artist’s Tablet
Choosing the best tablet can come down to a few features. For artists who are new to drawing tablets, you may want to consider using a small tablet measuring between 11 and 13 inches. Their minimal size makes them easy to carry and gives you plenty of space to draw small scenes and characters. If you draw for a studio or as a career, a larger tablet between 18 and 24 inches is a good option. Mid-sized tablets, typically 14- to 18-inch screens, are ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
You can get a drawing pad with a screen that works on its own or connects to an external source like a computer to power the screen. Wacom makes models that don’t require connectivity and work autonomously, but that means they will have internal storage. If you draw a lot or professionally and need to store a lot of artwork, you’ll want to avoid this common mistake people make when purchasing a new tablet. If you don’t draw a lot, a model with less storage or connected to your computer should work fine.
When it comes to features, graphics tablets with display come with their own operating system, like Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. They will include access to software applications such as Clip Studio Paint Debut that allow artists to create using different pen tips and textures. Users can also download Adobe software and much more.
Types of Artist Tablets Available
Huion and Wacom offer a wide range of drawing tablets for beginners and professionals at different price points. Some start at $259.95, while others, like the Wacom Cintiq Pro 27, can go as high as $3,499.95. Note that these tablets at these prices were the ones available at the time of writing this article. It’s worth doing some research to determine which tablet is best suited to your needs.
The Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 is a high-quality graphics tablet designed for professional artists. It is available in sizes between 17 and 27 inches and includes a 4k, 120 Hz and 10 ms display. This makes a nice screen on which to create artwork. It also has almost no latency between pen and screen, meaning that as soon as the pen touches the screen, it starts drawing. Cheaper tablets may have increased latency. Meanwhile, the Wacom One 14-inch features an HD display, a battery-free pen that doesn’t need to be charged, and 16ms typing latency, making it a solid beginner’s tablet. From drawing tablets designed specifically for art to Android tablets that users love, there’s a device for beginner artists looking to create what speaks to them or for experts creating for work.
