What Tools Do I Use for My Illustrations and Why?

What Tools Do I Use for My Illustrations and Why? 🎨✨

Digital drawing has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many illustrators now create their artwork on tablets. But I often hear the question: "Is it still hand-drawn if you draw on an iPad?" The answer is simple – yes!

Even though I draw on an iPad, the process itself doesn't change. I still hold a pen in my hand, guide my strokes with intuition, and build up lines one by one—just like I would on paper. The only difference is that instead of traditional materials, I use digital tools that offer more flexibility and creative possibilities.

My Main Tools

My primary tools are an iPad Pro (an older 2018 version), an Apple Pencil, and the Procreate app.

This combination allows me to draw smoothly and naturally, just like using a classic pencil or brush. Thanks to digital tools, I can easily experiment with colors, layers, and textures without worrying about making mistakes. If I'm not happy with a part of my illustration, I can simply adjust it instead of starting over.

Despite all this, my artwork remains 100% hand-drawn. I create every stroke, refine every detail, and bring my illustrations to life—just as I would on paper. Digital drawing is simply another medium, but the creativity still comes from my mind, hand, and heart. 💖

Why Does Digital Drawing Work for Me?

✅ Flexibility – I can work anytime, anywhere, without needing paper, paints, a sharpener, or an eraser.

✅ Endless Creative Possibilities – I can easily change colors, "brushes," add effects, or try different styles. I can also work with layers, which makes the process much easier.

✅ Convenience – No need to pull out sketchbooks and paints—everything is in one device. Plus, I no longer lose my drawings, which used to end up scattered in different drawers. Now, everything is neatly stored in one place.

✅ Light – If the power goes out in the evening but my battery is charged, I can keep drawing!

✅ Easy File Management – I don't have to scan my illustrations and spend time "cleaning them up" in Photoshop. I can send finished artwork to clients directly from my tablet in various formats.

✅ Drawing Directly on the Screen – Some digital artists use a graphic tablet connected to a computer, where they draw on the tablet while looking at the monitor. That process never worked for me. This is why I love my iPad—I can see my hand moving on the screen, just like drawing on paper.

Are There Any Downsides?

❌ Drawing Outdoors – Paper works better for outdoor sketching. A smooth screen reflects sunlight, making it hard to see what I'm drawing.

❌ Battery Life – If my tablet runs out of battery and I don't have a charger, there's no more drawing.

❌ Regular Backups Are a Must – I've accidentally deleted a finished illustration before and had to redraw it from scratch. Lesson learned!

❌ Cost – Let's be honest, it's not a cheap tool. I just hope mine never breaks and lasts forever! (Okay, at least another 10 years...) 😄

And what about you? Have you ever tried digital drawing? Or do you prefer traditional techniques? Let me know in the comments which style works best for you! 😊✨

#digitalillustration #illustration #procreate #digitalart