How to Pick a Drawing Tablet As a Beginner Artist
Are you looking for a way to unlock a whole new world of art? Do you want to try out different mediums without having to buy all the materials? If so, a drawing tablet is right for you!
Drawing tablets allow you to create digital art, animation, 3D modeling, and more, thanks to their drivers that work with a wide range of design program. They are also versatile and can be used for more than art, with web, editing, and learning capabilities.
With all of these capabilities, drawing tablets are complex electronics with many factors at play that help make one great. When buying your first one as a beginner, you want to make sure you get something that will last a while and will support you in your art journey.
To help in this decision, we will go through and break down some amazing drawing tablets for beginners, along with all their pros and cons, so you can have an easier time shopping.
What to Look for When Buying a Drawing Tablet
The world of digital art is massive. Because of that, there are a lot of specifications, or specs, to consider when looking at a drawing tablet. These different models, makes, types, weights, and screen sizes create a lot to choose from. It can be overwhelming for anyone to sift through!
But when it comes to drawing, there are a few specs you want to keep your eye on that all affect the art functionality of the tablet.
Specs to look for:
In a drawing tablet, the main specs you want to look for are:
Response time: The response rate corresponds to how quickly the screen reads the pen; the lower the number, the smoother it will feel.
● Look for one between 10-25 ms.
Resolution: Resolution accounts for how many pixels are on the screen. A higher resolution means there are more pixels, and the screen will look crisper.
● Look for a 1980 x 1200 resolution or higher.
Color Gamut: In art, the importance of color can never be understated. A higher range of colors can make your art more vibrant and give you more to create with.
● Look for 100% sRGB or higher.
Pen pressure: Pen pressure controls the sensitivity of the stylus against the screen. A higher pressure allows you to differentiate line weights while drawing.
● Look for 2048 levels or higher.
All of these specs factor into the quality of your drawing experience and are what you want to keep your eye on as we move through the models.
Kamvas 16
The Kamvas 16 has a 15.6-inch display and is priced at $419.00. It has an anti-glare screen with a high color gamut, which ensures stunning visuals that artists and designers expect.
It comes with a high-pressure sensitivity pen as well as programmable buttons for you to utilize the advantage of digital art through shortcuts.
It is compatible with many operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux. It also offers the ability to connect to other screens, such as a laptop or desktop, for more intense creation.
It weighs 1.26 kg, which is the heaviest of all the drawing tablets mentioned here today, but it is still very lightweight and portable.
Specs:
Response Time: 25 ms
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
Colors: 120% sRGB
Pen Pressure: 8192 Levels
Pros:
● Good pen pressure levels
● Large screen size
Cons:
● Heaviest option
● Price
XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2)
The XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2) has a 14-inch anti-glare display and costs $419.99.
The XPPen offers the highest resolution, color gamut, and pressure sensitivity of all the tablets we talk about today. These upgraded specs offer you a more immersive tablet, allowing you to choose from more colors and work with a smoother pen.
The included pen is fast and accurate, with buttons that can be easily adapted to shortcuts. This allows you to switch functions without having to move your hand.
There is also a built-in stand and wrist-rest to create comfort in any environment without extra equipment.
The XPPen drawing tablet supports Windows, Mac, Android, Chrome, and Linux operating systems, offering the most options of any tablet mentioned here.
It also helps you hit the ground running with a free software included in your purchase. You can choose from a range of different programs, from animation to digital art.
While the XPPen Artist Pro 14 is perfect for beginners to dive into the world of creating, it has the capability of supporting you through your art growth. With the included X-Remote control, you can program the remote to your needs and switch between tasks.
The customization and add-on features make the XPPen a lifelong tablet that can help you at the beginning of your journey but also allow you to grow your craft with more complex systems.
Specs:
Response Time: 25 ms
Resolution: 1920 X 1200 Pixels
Colors: 123% sRGB
Pen Pressure: 16384 Levels
Pros:
● Pen pressure levels
● Resolution
● Operating System Compatibility
Cons:
● A bit expensive for beginners
One by Wacom
The One by Wacom comes in a small and medium size range from 8.3 x 5.7 inches to 10.9 x 7.4 inches. The small costs $39.95; the medium costs $59.95, making it one of the cheapest options on the market.
Due to the small screen size, they are also incredibly lightweight, weighing 250 grams and 447 grams respectively. This makes it great for bringing with you on the go.
But the smaller screen size also limits your space to create. You may have to zoom in or zoom around, especially when trying to create more detailed pieces.
The One by Wacom is specifically made for ease in digital learning, which makes it great for students or beginners. But while it can be great for getting started, it can limit you further down in your creative journey.
The One by Wacom is compatible with Windows, Mac, or Chromebook systems.
Specs:
Response Time: 26 ms
Resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 Pixels
Colors: 91.7% sRGB
Pen Pressure: 2048
Pros:
– Budget-friendly
– Strong built
Cons:
– Screen Size
– Limited Use
Gaoman PD1320
The Gaoman PD1320 has a 13.3-inch screen and costs $319.00.
It has a good resolution and pressure sensitivity levels, with the standard anti-glare screen.
It can be used with Windows, Mac, and Android operating systems. It also offers multiple connection options, allowing you to hook it up to laptops, PCs, and even gaming consoles.
It has a lightweight and portable design, weighing 0.88kg. However, unlike the XPPen, which has a built-in stand, the Gaoman PD1320 comes with an attachable stand, which you would have to carry around as well.
Specs:
Response Time: 25ms
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Pixels
Colors: 120% sRGB
Pen Pressure: 8192 Levels
Pros:
– Connectivity
– Pressure levels
Cons:
– Limited Operating Systems
– Separate Stand
Buying Guide: Other Important Factors
We have talked a lot about the drawing-specific requirements for a drawing tablet, but it’s also important to remember they can be more than that. When buying a tablet, you want to make sure it can accommodate all of your needs.
Things like screen size, compatibility, or even tablet color might be important to you but won’t impact the digital art functionality of the drawing tablet.
If you are looking for a tablet to use for art but also for school or to browse the web, then ones like the One by Wacom might not be the best choice due to the simplicity of the device.
Instead, you will want to get one like the XPPens Artist Pro, which excels when creating art but also serves any other needs or functions you need a tablet for.
Conclusion
When looking for the best drawing tablet with screen for beginners, you want to make sure you find something that fits all your needs but also gives you room to grow into.
If you want one that has all the power of an amazing drawing tablet and the functionality of a regular tablet, the XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2) is the one for you. It has a top-of-the-line reverse rate, screen technology, and color scale that will truly elevate your art.
It is easy to use, comes with everything you need to get started, and is perfect for anyone starting their art journey. But with the advanced, high-quality features and add-ons, it will be there to support you as your digital art grows to new heights.
For a drawing tablet that stands above its competitors, check out the XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2) today.
