My Comic Artist Tools (Digital)
- Sarah Nelson
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
If you’re getting into digital comics and feeling overwhelmed by the mountain of gear people swear you need, I've got you.
This is everything I use to draw my comic digitally, from the drawing tablet to the software to the little extras.
I pulled together a visual cut-out of my setup below so you can see the whole kit at a glance and I’ve linked everything in this post in case you’re building your setup.
Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase (at no additional cost to you). It helps me keep the lights on and keep making my weird little comic, so thank you!
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 on a trip.
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:
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.
Low-Mid Budget (2022 Model - 6th Gen - 12.9 inch M2 chip)
High Budget (2024 Model -13 inch - M4 chip)
Stylus: Apple Pencil
The Apple Pencil is the closest pencil-like feel I've had with a stylus.
✅ My picks:
For the 2022 Model iPad Pro
For the 2024 Model iPad Pro
Optional Stylus accessories I love:
✅ My picks:
Extra Pencil Tips: When the Apple pencil tip eventually wears down, you'll need an extra.
Pencil Holder: I use the pencil holder when I travel because the pencil can easily get lost (the magnetic holder isn't very strong).
Software I Use for Drawing Comics
Procreate (My Main Drawing App)
I do almost all of my comic art in Procreate, and honestly, the reason is: the interface is simple and intuitive. When I’m working, the last thing I want is to dig through a bunch of menus or fight with software.
Procreate has a low learning curve but still has enough customization to give me the control I need. It just works!
One-time purchase
Low Cost
Low Learning Curve
✅ My picks:
Procreate App
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 vibe with how I work. I want to focus on drawing, not figuring out software.
That said, if you’re doing multi-page comics or want advanced layout features, it might be worth exploring.
Comfort & Setup
Tablet Stand
Whether I’m working on my desk or couch, I like having my screen at the right angle. Ergonomics matter more than you think when you’re drawing for hours.
✅ My favorite stand:
Sketchboard Pro
Screen Protector
Adds texture for a paper-like feel.
✅ My pick:
Drawing Glove
Keeps smudges off and reduces friction.
✅ My pick:
Drawing Models
Hands are always difficult, so I love the right and left-hand manikins as well as the full body.
✅ My pick:
Backup Storage
I save my work to iCloud Drive so I don’t panic about losing files. In Procreate, you'll need to manually save your files as a Procreate file and a PNG periodically to the cloud to safeguard against the worst-case scenario of your iPad or the app somehow losing your work.
✅ My pick:
iCloud Drive
Noise-canceling Headphones
Drowns out distractions while I draw.
✅ My pick:
🖤 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!
Follow me on my journey to creating my dark fantasy comic book / graphic novel, Dark Time.
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