Do you have an iPad? Have you considered using it for art purposes? With the increasing popularity of digital media, artists are finding more and more uses for their iPads. Today we are going to list reasons why the iPad is great for artists!
We’ve seen students, artists and professionals alike utilize the digital arts to enhance their crafts. So what exactly makes tablets so beneficial when it comes to art? Below are 24 reasons that iPads are great for artists!
1. They’re portable
This may seem like a no-brainer since they are small enough to fit in your purse or backpack but if this was not the case, artists would lose half its benefit in use. We enjoy taking drawing materials in my backpack when we are headed out in search of inspiration, having a tablet that fits into your bag comes in handy every time!
2. You can trace pictures
This one seems pretty straightforward but it’s worth mentioning. The ability to import pictures or screenshots into the drawing app of your choice, then be able to trace it over is an excellent feature. If you’re ever stuck trying to draw something but can’t quite get the proportions right, importing a photo and tracing it over will save you tons of time!
3. Digital paintings are now possible
With certain apps on the iPad now, digital paintings are increasingly popular among artists who traditionally paint with traditional methods. When choosing which art materials to buy for your tablet, keep in mind what mediums would work best since some don’t have very good compatibility with the stylus that comes with iPads.
4. You don’t have to buy special paper anymore
If you prefer working traditionally, but don’t want to invest in all the supplies you would need for drawing, painting and everything else then the iPad is a great alternative. The included stylus that you can buy usually has interchangeable tips that can be swapped out so depending on the style of art you’re doing, you could use different kinds of pencils or paintbrushes!
5. There’s an app for whatever your art form is
If there isn’t yet, someone will probably make it soon. Digital media has become such a large part of today’s society to put it simply and artists are no exception. People who enjoy illustrating, writing/poetry, sculpting and even cooking have made apps dedicated to their medium to help them create their work (and hopefully sell it). There has never been such a large selection of art apps at anyone’s fingertips.
6. They’re more affordable than their tablet counterparts
If you’re considering switching from traditional media to digital, but don’t want to spend hundreds or even thousands on an iPad, rest assured that they do not cost more than their non-digital equivalents. On the contrary, some people argue that paper and pencils may be more expensive and wasteful!
7. You can bring up your e-portfolio anywhere
Everyone knows how easy it is to access photos on the internet nowadays but did you know about all of the apps dedicated to displaying your artwork? Artists like David Hockney use tablets as a way of showing off their portfolio and there are countless apps that allow you to showcase your work on the iPad.
8. There are limitless possibilities with digital media
We could probably write 10 separate blog posts about the benefits of digital media and how artists can benefit from them and still not cover everything. If traditional media is what you prefer and the thought of drawing on a tablet makes you nauseated, that’s okay! But if you’re curious about trying out digital art and want to see how it could be beneficial, we challenge you to give some apps a shot and see where it takes you!
9. They’re great for concept art
For those who enjoy creating characters or worlds through drawing/painting, iPads are an excellent tool for visualizing ideas before they become set in stone. Take your time experimenting with different styles and don’t hesitate to show off your work: the more artists there are sharing their concepts online, the better we can get at producing new ideas!
10. It’s a great way to share your work with the world
Perhaps you’re not planning on having your artwork as your career, but that doesn’t mean it should be locked away to collect dust. There are tons of artists out there who have utilized their iPads to show off their work and receive feedback from thousands of people worldwide. The more comfortable you get sharing your art, the better chance you’ll give yourself at growing as an artist!
11. It’ll force you out of your comfort zone
If we can learn anything from digital media it’s that it is inherently different than traditional media such as pencils and paintbrushes (and even cameras). Whether this will end up being good or bad, only time will tell but we believe that it is definitely worth it. Being forced into a new environment will help artists today grow and learn more about themselves as an artist, what they enjoy doing, and perhaps even what kind of career they should pursue!
12. Easy to buy apps anywhere
iPads are easily accessible in most places! If you’re an artist who frequently travels for one reason or another then having an iPad is a great way to still work on your art even if you can’t bring all of your materials with you.
13. The Apple Pencil
The apple pencil is easier to use than most tablets. There are plenty of digital art tablets out there for artists, but the majority of them are notoriously difficult to use. I’ve experienced this first hand when using a Wacom tablet at my school’s library and their screens were incredibly responsive. While it may be more expensive, iPads with the Apple Pencil create easy-to-use apps that can help you improve your skills as an artist.
14. You don’t have to rely on expensive materials!
Granted, there are some apps out there that may be more expensive than others but we believe the asking price is worth it if you’re looking for high-quality artwork. However, traditional media can get incredibly expensive depending on what you use. One of the big draws of digital media is that there are no expensive materials to buy, which means you can give it a shot regardless of your budget!
15. The iPad has many functions beyond art apps
iPads are powerful devices that have many different applications outside of drawing apps! For artists interested in photography, iPads are an easy way to take your images with you on the go. For those who enjoy playing games, there are many apps that let you play tabletop card games right on your device!
16. They’re fun!
Above all else, it’s important to keep in mind that drawing has been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries and is a great way to relieve stress! Whether you’re looking for a fun hobby or want to pursue art as your career, the iPad is a great choice for artists of all skill levels.
17. The easy eraser tool
Artists aren’t perfect, and one of the hardest things about drawing with traditional media is starting over. The easy eraser tool on the iPad makes it incredibly quick and easy to undo mistakes whenever you make them.
18. Easier to draw in public
If you’ve ever taken a public drawing class then you probably know the feeling of being stared at by dozens of eyes! No one will be staring at your screen when you’re using an iPad to draw, which makes it easier for artists who are looking to better themselves in an art studio or if they’re just trying to have fun.
19. Digital media is easier to keep organized
This may not seem like a big deal, but it’s important to note that the iPad makes it much easier for artists to organize their pictures and drawings. Whether you’re looking to do digital art as a hobby or you want to pursue it as a career, the organization is key!
20. Improve your skills at all times
Whether you’re one of those people who constantly have to be moving around or you just want the ability to take your drawing with you on the go, an iPad can help you do both. This is especially helpful if you’re looking for a way to improve your art skills while traveling!
21. Digital tools such as apps are used in art classrooms!
Many teachers are teaching their students digital drawing tools that they can use on iPads instead of just pencil and paper. This is great for artists who may be attending school in an area where there aren’t any traditional drawing classes available to them, or for those who want to keep up with their skills while traveling back and forth to school.
22. Easy to use
The fact of the matter is, using iPads with apps specifically designed for artists is incredibly easy! Whether you’re just starting out with digital art or you want to improve your skills without worrying about complicated setups, an iPad can help you do so quickly and easily.
