Things That Shaped My Workflow as a Digital Artist
Over the past few days, I’ve been asked quite often which brushes I use and what helps me most when drawing digitally. So I put together a short overview of the tools and resources that have made the biggest difference for me:
Color & Textures
For color palettes and current trends, I like using Adobe Color. It’s a great place to quickly find interesting combinations and get inspired. I also regularly browse Etsy, especially for textures and different paper backgrounds that add more depth to my work. That said, I mainly see pre-made palettes as a starting point. The best results usually come from experimenting and developing your own sense of color.
Drawing feel on the iPad
One of the biggest improvements for me was using Paperlike It gives the screen a texture that feels much closer to paper. Without it, drawing on the iPad often felt too smooth and slippery. With it, the experience is much closer to working in a sketchbook.
Brushes
I really enjoy working with brushes from True Grit Texture Supply, especially the “Chromograph” and “Rusty Nib” sets. They bring a nice, analog feel into digital work. I also use brushes by Kyle T. Webster, which offer a wide range of styles and applications. Over time, I’ve tried many different brush sets, which has helped me a lot in developing my own visual style.
Resources & Assets
On Creative Market you can find a wide range of resources from typography and brushes to mockups. It’s a very useful platform if you work digitally and want to expand your creative toolkit.
Apple Pencil alternatives
On Amazon you can find different types of replacement tips for the Apple Pencil.
I found the metal tips particularly interesting, as they feel more like a ballpoint pen. I’ve since gone back to the standard tips, but experimenting with different options was a great way to explore different drawing experiences.
Workspace & posture
The Sketchboard Pro is a great option if you prefer working on a larger surface or want to rest your arm while drawing. It somewhat simulates the feeling of a traditional drawing desk and makes longer sessions more comfortable.
Drawing on the go
For drawing outside or while traveling, I like using the iPad mini. It’s a bigger investment, but perfect for quick sketches and capturing ideas on the go.
For me, it’s a practical alternative to a traditional sketchbook.
All of these tools are things that have personally helped me grow. Even if I don’t use all of them anymore, the process of trying them out was what mattered most. Every artist has to find their own path. This is simply meant as inspiration and an encouragement to explore and try new things.