Penguin Capers

I understand that I am a bit new to this review thing, so I will do my best and be as concise as possible. Over the years, I’ve used several varieties of computers and input devices that I’m probably at the point where I can do this for the devices I’ve used in the last 4 years. I’ve used primarily Apple devices since about 2005, so this is definitely going to have a strong bias for Mac usage. If these app prices are not accurate, please notify me and I will make the correct adjustments.

In late 2015, early 2016, I acquired an iPad Pro (12.9″ display) 1st generation tablet, and the 1st generation Apple Pencil. The hardware was definitely up to Apple’s finest quality (especially you took very good care of it!). However the number of applications I could use with it at the time had still been in their infancy. My chief complaint about the 1st and 2nd generation iPads with Pencil is the way the Pencil needs to be charged.

In 2019, I acquired a second iPad Pro (12.9″ display) 3rd generation tablet along with the 2nd generation Apple Pencil. It was considerably thinner and smaller than the 1st generation iPad Pro. The magnetic charging on the 2nd generation pencil was a big purchase point, as I didn’t need to worry about how I was going to charge my pencil and my device at the same time (this was a common issue I had).

 

Apps I have used:

These are the few apps I have used in my comic creating process successfully:

ProCreate

The first app that I purchased for my iPad a few years prior to purchasing my Pro model. This feels a lot like what Photoshop could have been early on in mobile development.

Ease of use is fairly simple for those just starting out with digital art. It’s simple setting up canvases, modifying and creating new brushes can be a little more challenging if you’re uncertain of what you’re doing.

Setting up entire pages is like drawing them traditionally, and it’s quite challenging if there is not/cannot find the ruler tools.

The cost of this app fairly inexpensive, so it’s well worth the investment to have, especially starting out drawing comics (this is a comics blog, after all.)

Astropad Standard

This turns the iPad into a digital display to use with your laptop/desktop.

Its cost runs considerably more than ProCreate (~$20 vs ~$6) and it requires the use of an additional device. If you already have drawing apps on your desktop or laptop and do not wish to spend extra on mobile apps, this is a good option.

ComicDraw by Plasq

This is a complete setup for beginning and intermediate comic artists that don’t wish to spend extra money on Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint. There are plenty of presets for standard comics, plus you can set up custom paint pallets as well as brushes. It’s a definite win if you’re looking at cost (last known cost to my knowledge ~$10-$12) The only drawback that I encountered when I was using it, was the limited file exports.

 

Clip Studio Paint (EX version) for iPad

This is currently my main go-to comic-creating app on the go. The setup is very similar to the desktop version, though the interface is scaled down a little. This is one of the more expensive drawing apps in the store currently, as EX version requires a ~$70 annual subscription (monthly subscriptions are also available). The standard version is quite a bit less, but it doesn’t have access to all the features that I prefer. If you want to give this a go, there is a free trial period to test out its features. There is also the subscription option of desktop and mobile subscription for about $3/month.

 

Astropad Studio with LunaDisplay Adapter

This is a more complete version of Astropad Standard. Its annual subscription cost is ~$70 which includes a lot more features than Astropad Standard, though there is a 30-day trial you can utilize to see if this is right for you. Paired with the LunaDisplay adapter, it turns your iPad into a true second display so you can use multiple displays on the desktop or laptop. If you already have an iPad Pro, this is a less expensive option to choose for a drawing display if you prefer working with desktop apps.

The LunaDisplay adapter runs for about ~$79.

 

Yes! It can be expensive!

It all depends on what you are going for if you’ve decided to become a digital artist. If you are dedicated, there is no right or wrong way to choose, unless financial decisions bind your selection. I chose an iPad Pro because of the amount of processing power it provides to keep Clip Studio Paint running efficiently with minimal lag. Technology is expensive for a lot of folks out there. It’s not about what you create with, what counts is how you create and overcome your challenges. If you can get your hands on a 1st or 2nd generation iPad Pro, this is a great beginner’s way to go, and it will cost a bit less than purchasing something brand-new. Since my initial purchase, Apple has added additional, smaller iPad Pro models that would definitely be worth considering. If you draw a lot and don’t want the worry about having to charge a pencil at an inconvenient time, I recommend the 3rd and 4th gen iPad Pro with the 2nd gen Apple Pencil.