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How I Make Art That Doesn't Look Like It Was Made on an iPad
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items People keep asking about my process, so here it is — the hardware, software, and digital assets I use to create my signature style. From the textures that give my work that "soft charcoal" feel to the tools that keep my wrist happy during 4-hour illu...
Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.
My entire studio in one slab of glass. It’s the only screen with the color accuracy I need for those watercolor washes, and it’s way easier to pack than an easel.
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) (2025) - Target
The haptic feedback on this is a game-changer. When I’m detailing those expressive eyes, I need that kind of precision—my mouse-drawing days are a dark, pixelated past I refuse to revisit.
Buy Apple Pencil Pro
It adds just enough "tooth" so the Pencil doesn't slip. It’s the difference between "slippery digital art" and "actual drawing." My sanity thanks you
Paperlike™ 3 – iPad Screen Protector for Paper-Feel ...
If you aren't using this, what are you even doing? It’s the gold standard, and the brush engine is where I built my personal texture library.
Procreate — Creative apps designed for iPad
I’ve spent months perfecting these. These are the brushes I use to get that "soft charcoal" look without the actual dust and mess getting all over my clothes.
The Charcoal Master Pack : Procreate Brush Set - Etsy
The secret to my style. Don't just paint—layer. These high-res textures give that digital wash a realistic, "organic" paper feel
Watercolor texture digital assets - Creative Market
Sounds extra, but if you’re drawing for hours, it stops the palm-rejection glitches and keeps your screen smudge-free.
DokiWear
Mounted to my desk so I can tilt the iPad to the perfect angle. My neck is no longer a permanent "C" shape, which I consider a major professional win.
VIVO - Desks, Monitor Mounting, and More Home & Office Solutions ...
My illustration files are massive. I keep everything backed up here because a corrupted file is an artist's worst nightmare
Samsung T7 1TB Portable External SSD
For when I need to move from the iPad to the desktop to finalize prints. You need to see what the colors actually look like in real life.
Buying a Monitor for color grading. : r/vfx - Reddit
Old school, but essential. When I’m working on anatomy or expressions, I check my own face in the mirror for proportions
Looking in the Mirror Drawing Reference - Pinterest
Sometimes the best digital work starts on real paper. I still prefer a high-quality lead pencil for the initial concept sketches.
rOtring 600 Mechanical Pencil 1
For the field studies. It’s where I capture the "natural history" side of my work before it ever hits the digital canvas.
Sketchbooks | Moleskine
Because I’m usually staring at a screen until 2 AM. These help with the eye strain so I can actually sleep when I’m done.
Blue Light Glasses - Felix Gray
I use these guys to turn my digital illustrations into physical art. Great quality, and easy to set up for anyone else who wants to sell their work.
Printful: Custom Print On Demand & Dropshipping