Getting into digital drawing and painting can sometimes be a bit of a big expense, but we do get a break every now and then. This Black Friday, there are a number of great deals to take advantage on as you start your digital art journey.
(This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, however, they do not affect your price.)
Display tablet
Display tablets offer the gentler learning curve than screenless drawing tablets, but they do cost a bit more. You can read more on this in our post on screen versus screenless drawing tablets. There are a few affordable options though.
XPPEN Artist Pro 16 2nd Gen
XPPEN has really stepped things up recently with the release of their 2nd Gen Artist Pro 16. It offers a 2.5k resolution and includes their X-Remote Control. At roughly 16″, it’s also a great size for a smaller workspace but still doesn’t leave you feeling too cramped while you work. This pen display is 15% off during Black Friday.
If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, there is also the 14″ Artist Pro 2nd Gen for around US$360.
Screenless Tablets
Screenless drawing tablets tend to have a steeper learning curve BUT they are cheaper than display tablets. This makes them an ideal option for the cash-strapped beginner. But you will also find that many professionals actually prefer this kind of device.
Xencelabs Medium Bundle – $250
Aimed at the more professional user, Xencelabs seem to have put a lot of thought and time into their user experience. They first came onto the market with their screenless drawing tablet and you can pick up their Medium Bundle art tablet during Black Friday for around $250. This includes their QuiuckKeys controller.
XPPEN Deco Pro 2nd Gen – $125
Featuring the same pen as the display tablet from XPPEN listed above, the Deco Pro 2nd Gen is the brands more premium screenless tablet option. I used their 1st Gen Deco Pro for two years and loved it.
The Deco Pro 2nd Gen tablet comes in three different sizes starting at around $125, and it includes their controller.
(Note: I haven’t had a chance to test out some of these tablets and am basing my recommendation on reviews from fellow reviewers and artists whose opinion I would trust in my own purchasing decisions.)
Wacom Intuos Small – $40
While it’s not all that new of a device, the Wacom Intuos is a well-tested and reliable tablet for designers and digital artists to start with. It’s compact, and even Android compatible. So if you don’t have a computer, and don’t want to spend on something like an iPad, then you could instead connect this with your smartphone.
The Wacom Intuos Small for digital art is currently going for $40 on AmazonUS for Black Friday.
Standalone
If you don’t have a computer already, a standalone device like the iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab may be the option for you. A computer and drawing tablet are rolled into one making them very convenient for more nomadic artists who take their work on the go with them.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE
The great thing about Galaxy Tab S range, apart from the usual versatility, is that the S Pen is included. No extra expense there. The Tab S6 Lite has been recognized as one the best value-for-money devices over recent years. And it still holds up today as a great beginner tablet that’s easy on the wallet. The new Galaxy Tab S9 FE is looking to hold a similar status, and only going for $400 for Black Friday.
A standalone tablet like that will mean you can work and draw on the go. No need to be tied to your desk or to carry around heavy combinations of tools. And with Wacom’s own pen technology being used in the S Pen, you can expect a great drawing experience.
(At the time of writing this, I’m waiting for my own Tab S9 FE to arrive. Expect a review soon)
iPad Air 5th Gen – $500 excl Apple Pencil
The many digital artists looking to have a more mobile setup, the iPad is one of the first things that comes to mind. Again, a device like this is versatile, and if you’re interested in using Procreate, then this is the way to go. Keep in mind though that the Apple Pencil is a separate purchase. Be sure to buy the pressure-sensitive Apple Pencil 2 which is also on special for Black Friday.
I’ve found the iPad to be a great addition to my setup, letting me draw on the go, but also to use as a second display with my laptop at my desk.
Together, the iPad Air 5th Gen and the Apple Pencil 2 on Amazon comes in at around $600 on Black Friday.
If you don’t want to spend that much, consider the 9th Gen iPad with 1st Gen Apple Pencil for around $400.
Accessories
Hoverbar Duo – $30 – $60
If you are drawing on a standalone tablet like an iPad or Galaxy Tab, a decent stand is essential. So, for digital artists using one of these devices, check out the Hoverbar Duo. You’ll have the option of a desk clamp or a platform stand with an adjustable arm to get the tablet at the perfect height for you. It’s on special during Black Friday for 50% off!
Get the 1st gen for just $30.
Astropad Darkboard – $99
Another one specifically for iPad users, the Darkboard by Astropad fits your tablet into a broader drawing board giving you more comfort and stability while you draw at your desk or even on the couch.
Tourbox – $215
While your regular keyboard often does the trick for shortcuts, you can level that up with a specially designed controller off to the side of your tablet. The Tourbox offers immense customizability, and with the haptics of the Elite version, you can set a far more intuitive flow for yourself. This is definitely more of a professional tool, so I think beginners can skip this until a little later once you know how you like to work and want to speed that up.
You can pick up the Tourbox Elite on their website, or on AmazonUS.
Software
Astropad Studio – $60/y
A great solution for iPad users who want to turn their device into a drawing tablet for their computer. This brought a whole other level of versatility to my iPad, and is more customizable than other similar apps. They’ve even been working on their Blender compatibility. You can find my review of the Astropad Studio app here.
For Black Friday, Astropad Studio is going for $60 for a one-year subscription.
Clip Studio Paint – $20
CSP is a hugely popular and versatile digital painting software for illustration and animation. Some of the more interesting updates recently include more realistic pigment mixing and a simple mode to make it better for use on smaller tablets.
One thing I’ve found particularly interesting, is their companion mode for Clip Studio Paint on phones which essentially turns it into a controller for the app.
Clip Studio Paint is currently 60% off over Black Friday weekend and going for just $20. It also includes a free upgrade to V3.0 when it’s released.
Rebelle 7 Pre-release – $20 – $30
If you want to create digital paintings that look like they’ve been done with traditional materials, then you’ll want to take a look at Rebelle. They are about to release version 7 with some shiny new features, so you can pick up the pre-order of that for only $30 (Pro). This is a great piece of art software to treat yourself to on Black Friday.
Learning
My general recommendation to beginners is to spend a little less on your first device and more on your learning resources. Two favourites that offer discounts on their art courses around Black Friday are Schoolism and Proko.
Schoolism – $200
There are over 50 courses here that you’ll have access to which cover a range of mediums, disciplines, and skill levels. All are taught by experienced professionals from the entertainment art industry. Currently Schoolism has their seasonal sale where you can get a one-year subscription for only $200 (normally $300).
Proko
No doubt you are already familiar with the Proko Youtube channel and the great tutorials there. Go a step further by purchasing courses from the website and get 20% off. There’s something for digital and traditional artists and it’s a great placeto start learning the fundamentals of drawing.
Recommended beginner combo
When it comes to beginners getting their first device, I always recommend going with drawing tablet that is a bit lower in price so that you can instead spend a little more on courses and turorials. Sure, more costly devices can deliver a better drawing experience. Leveling up your skills though, will mean you can pull off more impressive things no matter what device you have.
So here’s a combination that could yet a new artist well on their way:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (my review here) OR the Galaxy Tab S9 FE (if you have a little more to spend);
- a stand like the TwelveSouth Compact Easel Stand for a slightly better drawing angle;
- Schoolism Annual subscription to level up those art skills.
I hope this helps you a bit with your decision on a new device or piece of software for the road ahead.
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