My Comic Artist Tools (Digital)

If you’re getting into digital comics and feeling overwhelmed by the gear you need, I've got you.

This is everything I use to draw my comic digitally, from the drawing tablet to the software.

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My Core Comic Artist Tools for Digital Drawing

Tablet: Apple iPad Pro 12.9” or 13"

This is my main drawing surface. This is why I love it:

• The portability. It's easy to switch up my workspace and draw at a coffee shop, move to the couch, back to my desk, and take it on the go when traveling.

  
  

• Big screen real estate. The iPad is quite large at 12.9 and the newer model is at 13 inches. I like the size; it's similar to a sheet of paper.

  
  

• The multifunctionality. I LOVE being able to quickly switch between drawing, surfing the web for references, editing, and writing. The iPad also has dual app views, and I find this useful when I'm on the go and need to pull up a reference.

✅ My picks:

• Apple iPad Air  

  •  13-inch (M4)

• Apple iPad Pro

  • 13-inch (M4)

    
    

I currently use a very old 3rd-generation iPad Pro, but I don't necessarily recommend buying an ancient model today unless you are tight on budget and plan to buy another one in a couple of years.

My 3rd gen was top of the line when I purchased it 8 years ago, and it still works, but storage has been the biggest issue, so I'll probably be upgrading in the next year or two. I'll be looking at the higher storage and RAM models so that it hopefully lasts me another near decade.

Model	Aprox. Price	Recommended Storage	Pros	Cons	Compatible Pencils
Apple iPad Air 13-inch (M4)	$899+	256GB (or 512GB) Avoid the base 128GB tier if you draw daily or plan to keep time-lapse recordings active.	• 13-inch large canvas space without Pro pricing. • 12GB RAM handles large canvases. • Large storage capacity for large canvases and lots of layers in Procreate.	• Slightly heavier	• Apple Pencil Pro • Apple Pencil (USB-C)
Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4)	$1,399+	256GB (or 1TB+) The 1TB / 2TB tiers unlock 16GB of RAM (instead of 8GB), making it near-limitless.	• 13-inch large canvas space • Tandem OLED 120Hz display. • 1TB/2TB models offer 16GB RAM for near-limitless layers.	• The most expensive setup.	• Apple Pencil Pro • Apple Pencil (USB-C)

Stylus: Apple Pencil

The Apple Pencil is the closest pencil-like feel I've had with a stylus.

✅ My picks:

• For both the Apple iPad Air 13 in (M4) and the Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)

  • Apple Pencil Pro

  • Apple Pencil (USB-C)

Optional Stylus accessories I love: 

✅ My picks:

• Extra Pencil Tips: When the Apple Pencil tip eventually wears down, you'll need an extra.

  •  Apple Pencil Tips

• Pencil Holder: I use the pencil holder when I travel because the pencil can easily get lost (the magnetic holder isn't very strong).

  • Apple Pencil Holder

Software I Use for Drawing Comics

Procreate (My Main Drawing App)

I do almost all of my comic art in Procreate, because the interface is simple and intuitive.

Procreate has a low learning curve, is a low-cost one-time purchase, and similar to just drawing on a piece of paper.

• One-time purchase

• Low Cost

• Low Learning Curve

✅ My picks:

• Procreate App

  • Download Procreate here

Why I Don’t Use Clip Studio (Yet)

I know a lot of comic artists swear by Clip Studio Paint, and I may try it one day, especially for its comic paneling tools and export options. But right now it feels overwhelming to me.

Between the high learning curve, the dense UI with a million buttons, and the subscription model, it just didn’t connect with how I work.

That said, if you want advanced layout features and 3D models, go for it.

Pose & Light References / 3D Models

✅ My picks:

• 3D Poseable Models with Lighting - Posemyart

  • Posemyart

• Light References on the Asaro Head

  • https://www.artstation.com/artwork/GX3Ax1

• Library of various 3D Models to Reference - Sketchfab

  • https://sketchfab.com/3d-models

• References for specific angles of face - Angleref

  • https://angleref.com/

Comfort & Setup

Tablet Stand

Whether I’m working on my desk or couch, I like having my screen at an angle. Ergonomics matter when you’re drawing for hours.

✅ My favorite stand:

• Sketchboard Pro

  • For Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M4)

Screen Protector

Adds texture for a paper-like feel.

✅ My pick:  

• Paperlike Screen Protector

Drawing Glove

Keeps smudges off and reduces friction.

✅ My pick:  

• Wacom Drawing Glove

• Articka Drawing Glove

Drawing Models

Hands are always difficult, so I love the right and left-hand manikins as well as the full body.

✅ My pick:  

• Left and Right Hand Manikin

• Body Manikin

  
  

Backup Storage

I save my work to iCloud Drive, so I don’t panic about losing files. In Procreate, you'll need to manually back up your files as a Procreate file (and a PNG) to the cloud to safeguard against the worst-case scenario of your iPad somehow losing your work.

✅ My pick:  

• iCloud Drive

Noise-canceling Headphones

Drowns out distractions while I draw.

✅ My pick:  

• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones

Chair that I can sit in for hours

I can't use normal chairs for some reason. This one is the first chair I've been able to sit comfortably for long periods of time because it lets you sit cross-legged.

✅ My pick:  

• Cross Leg Chair

🖤 Support + Connect

If you end up picking up anything from this list of comic artist tools, send me a pic! I love seeing other artists' setups. And if you have questions about anything I use, drop them in the comments or DM me, I'm happy to help!

Thanks for supporting my comic work. Every share, like, or affiliate click helps me keep going.

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Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting independent artists!

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