Don´t be mistaken, drawing on a computer isn´t necessarily easier than drawing traditional. It requires at least the same amount of knowledge and skill. But If you want to draw on a computer, then I am going to show you all the things you need, how to set them up, and how much it will actually cost you. So let´s get started!
The Tools For Drawing on a Computer
SO let´s start out with the tools. All you really need is a computer, that has at least one USB port and that has acceptable specs, it should have 2 Gigabytes of Ram and a decent graphics card at least, and a Graphics tablet.
I highly recommend getting a graphics tablet. It is possible to draw with a mouse but in the long run and when you really want to draw digitally, then you should get a Graphics tablet. And finally, you will need a program to draw in. Don´t worry, there are quite a few programs, that are free to use and do the job more than just fine!
A Good and Cost-Efficient Graphics Tablet?
There are two main types of Graphics Tablets. A Graphics tablet with a Display. This tablet acts as a second computer screen and lets you draw directly on that screen. Most professional artists use a tablet like that and even though it is amazing to draw directly on the screen it is not needed. These Tablets are generally more expensive and you don’t really need them in the beginning.
If you want to get one anyways then here is an Amazon link to the “Artist 12” from XP Pen
It is a very powerful little drawing pad and with just 199,99$ it is actually pretty cheap for what it can do! And you get a free copy of open canvas 7, with normally costs around 50 $!
An alternative would be a regular Tablet, with no integrated screen. You draw on a surface and your mouse movements will be translated on your screen relative to the position of the pen on the surface. These can be a little weird in the beginning and you will need a little bit of getting used to. But in the end, they are in no way inferior to a tablet with an integrated screen. But, they are a lot cheaper! My first tablet was a 50$ Tablet from bamboo and I am still using it today when I am traveling or not at home.
So if you are searching for a more traditional and cheaper tablet, then I would suggest the “Gaomon M106K”. It will cost you around 60$ and it is more
Programms to draw in?
As mentioned above, you will need a Programm that you can draw in. So let’s look at some of the best right now!
Photoshop
In the old days, and to a certain point still today, photoshop was used by artists to draw in. But Photoshop was never meant to be used as a drawing program so for a while it had some drawbacks.
Obviously, Adobe realized that there is a new market and they adapted. Nowadays you can draw very easily in Photoshop and the program supports it too.
But it is very expensive when you compare it to other drawing programs so I wouldn´t really recommend it anymore.
MediBang Paint Pro
The interface is very similar to photoshop but MediBang was developed from the start as a Digital Painting program. And that shows. There are some features, that MediBang has, that Photoshop doesn´t. Like a proper color wheel for artists and a huge variety of brushes.
This Program is very powerful and more than enough to learn digital drawing and you could even use it later one as well! But you can just try it for yourself. It is free after all!
Krita
And finally Krita. Like MediBang it is absolutely free. It is an opensource painting program, that you can download here. The Layout of Krita is similar to photoshop as well.
It has Layers and filters. And, just like MediBang, it has a big Library of brushes. And if that still isn´t enough you can download more brushes and more for it at any time!
Now, How Do You Actually Draw?
So, you have all the tools you need but how do you actually start to draw on a computer? I already said it in the Intro above, drawing digitally is not in the slightest easier than drawing traditionally.
It is just another medium to draw in. There are a lot of different ways and methods to draw and illustrate. I will give you some Tipps, that will help you in the beginning though
Tipp Number One: Don´t Rely on Brushes!
This is really the number one mistake new digital artist make. Don´t overdo it with your brushes. Yes, it can look amazing to use them and yes, they are a lot of fun.
But it is very easy to overdo it and your drawing will look too chaotic and will have to much texture if you are not carful. So use them carefully!
Tipp Number Two: Use Layers!
Every drawing Program has this amazing feature called Layers! You can think of them as different pieces of transparent paper stacked on each other.
They are amazing and If you don’t want to “Destroy” your painting, then you can just create a new layer and your drawing underneath is safe. You can also use the Layers for amazing effects but its the same case like with the brushes, don’t overdo it!
Final Tipp: Have Fun and Don´t Give Up!
This is the Tipp I always give just because I think it is the most Important!
When you learn how to draw, if it is traditional or digital, you will get demotivated and it will be frustrating at times. Especially if the Picture, you had in your head won´t come out on the paper, the way you imagined it.
Just stick with it! Don´t give up and keep on learning and you will get better fast. Just stick with it and I guarantee you, you will learn how to draw and paint!
Hi, I am a passionate maker and professional prop maker for the entertainment industry. I use my woodworking, programming, electronics, and illustration know-how to create interactive props and puzzles for Escape Games and marketing agencies. And I share my knowledge and my experience on this blog with you so that you can become a maker yourself.