Since purchasing my Apple iPad Pro 11 Wi-Fi + Cellular 128GB and Apple Pencil, I have discovered a universe of creative possibilities. I started using Procreate, one of the most powerful and simple apps for digital drawing, and I want to tell you how incredible the performance of iPad Pro and Apple Pencil are for working in a professional and intuitive way.
This was my purchase a year ago: Ipad Pro + Apple Pencil + iPad Case
To which after about a year I also added this protective film: BELLEMOND film
The prices, I know, are high, but I wanted to give myself a nice gift and aim for the top, so as not to be disappointed, and I must say that I did well. In any case I would have spent money, I told myself that it was worth making an extra effort and buying a product that would not make me immediately lose the desire to draw digitally.
In the meantime, here is my latest creation with Procreate:
Why I chose iPad Pro and Apple Pencil
I have always loved drawing and illustrating, but the transition from paper to digital made me anxious. I was looking for a device capable of offering precision, power, portability and compatibility with an advanced pen. After a year of use, I can confirm that the iPad Pro 11 has met all expectations, especially when combined with the Apple Pencil, designed to ensure very high pressure sensitivity and immediate interaction with the screen.
I watched a lot of tutorials and videos before buying it (given the high price) and everyone said that drawing with the iPad Pro and Procreate was satisfying: well I have to say that it is.
I tried to get used to the “natural” screen of the iPad for a year, but I have to say that I made the big leap by purchasing the matte film for the screen, the BELLEMOND. Here I tried todon’t buy the top of the range but an intermediate film: well I’m very satisfied.
Drawing with this film is even better, I’m not saying it’s similar to paper, it’s another sensation, much much better than sliding with the Apple Pencil on the screen. The film gives me additional firmness of the hand, it’s really pleasant.
The impact of Procreate on my creativity
Needing a professional but intuitive app, I chose Procreate. The clean interface allowed me to focus on creating, while the wide range of brushes, layers, and advanced features like time-lapse and filters expanded my possibilities. The speed with which I can jump from one idea to another, or correct a drawing, makes my creative process more agile than with traditional techniques.
This is a really well-made app: I lose the desire to draw every time I open Photoshop instead. They really thought about the layout of the features, everything is optimized for drawing.
How Apple Pencil transforms drawing
The Apple Pencil is a perfect companion for those who love to draw. The low latency makes the stroke seem as natural as on paper, and the pressure sensitivity allows you to modulate lines and shades with extreme precision. Added to this is an ergonomic design, which makes the digital pencil very comfortable to hold even during prolonged drawing sessions.
With the Apple Pencil it really seems like you are drawing with a “traditional” tool in your hand, you never get tired!
Differences with “traditional” drawing
Digital drawing and “traditional” drawing are two different things. I draw in both ways. In both cases there are many things to learn and you have to practice a lot.
In digital the advantages are mostly that you can easily erase, go back, use layers, brightness effects. On the other hand, I had to learn many new things: the brushes must be tried because even if they have names that would simulate the functioning of a traditional brush, you have to master them before you understand how to use them well.
What I recommend
Having iPad Pro, Apple Pencil and Procreate has revolutionized my approach to digital illustration, allowing me to explore new techniques, speed up my work process and share my creations in an instant. If you want to switch to digital drawing or improve your artistic skills, this setup can really take your creativity to the next level.
I don’t recommend saving in this case: you risk that without having the right tool, maybe you will have spent half, but you will lose the desire to draw. It’s worth making an investment. I don’t regret it at all, on the contrary. Plus I use the iPad Pro for everything: for work, for reading, for surfing, it’s still a Tablet with a thousand functions. Even though I use the Windows environment for work, (I had used Apple many years ago to do printed graphics) I have re-accustomed myself to Apple’s icons and features, even if sometimes I find it absurd as an operating system in many ways “armored”, maybe I’ll talk about it in another article.
