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Did you know that the average comic book artist makes about $12 an hour or just under $26,000 annually? However, the objective word in the previous sentence is “average.” An artist is a freelance worker and can only get as much work as they network or hustle to find. As AI becomes the go-to for many employers, professional comic book artists need every advantage possible. If you have yet to transition to digital drawing tablets, what are you waiting for?
Digital Drawing Tablets
Physical comic books are not disappearing, but the future is becoming more digital by the moment. Investing in a digital drawing tablet will help you sharpen your skills, work faster, and potentially get more work. The cost of drawing supplies can add up, especially if you make a mistake and must start from scratch.
On this list, you will find seven drawing tablets ranging in price from $300 to $2400. The first two tablets on the list are for beginners and do not require a connection to a computer. The rest of the tablets on this list require connectivity to a computer for optimal function. All of the tablets on this list have screens.
Here are seven drawing tablets that a professional comic book artist should own.
1. PicassoTab X14 Drawing Tablet 14”
Digital drawing tablets like the PicassoTab X14 are made for beginner artists. This drawing tablet operates independently from a computer and also features tutorial software. This is a great beginner drawing tablet for artists getting used to digital drawing.
It has a laminated, anti-glare 14-inch HD screen. This Wi-Fi-enabling tablet has 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity. The tablet also features several apps that come pre-installed, including Infinite Painter, Flipaclip, Artixo, and Concepts. These apps offer step-by-step tutorials that will help you make the most of the tablet.
It comes with 6 GB and a 128 GB disk and operates on Android 13. You also get an anti-touch glove, stylus, and charger. Buy it now at Amazon for $279.
2. XPPen Magic Drawing Pad 12.2 Inch Standalone Drawing Tablet
This is the second of the digital drawing tablets on this list that do not require a computer for you to use it. It has a 12.2-inch screen with 16384 pressure levels and anti-glare glass. The 2160×1440 screen resolution enables the visuals of over 16.77 million colors. It also has connectivity technology compatible with WiFi and Bluetooth.
It has 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB disk. The operating system is Android 14. You get a 3-month trial membership for tutorial drawing apps like iBis Paint X and Clip Studio Paint with each purchase. The manufacturer states that the battery can last as long as 13 hours. You get an anti-touch glove, stylus, replacement nib, and adapter.
Buy it now at Amazon for $499.
3. XPPen 4K UHD Pro 19 Gen2 Drawing Tablet with Screen
The XPPEN Pro 19 features an 18.4-inch anti-glare screen with 16384 pressure levels. Digital drawing tablets like this feature “One Paper Design Language.” This means that the full lamination display is so sensitive and stylus-precise that it mimics the aesthetics of paper as you draw.
The software can enable the visuals of over 1.07 billion colors. This tablet is compatible with operating systems like Linux, Android, Chrome, Windows 7 or later, and macOS. The tablet comes with a mini keydial for shortcuts and work enhancements. It comes with an anti-touch glove and a two-stylus kit.
Get it now from Amazon for $799.
4. XPPen Artist 22R Pro
Digital drawing tablets like the XPPen 22R are perfect for graphic designers, architects, and comic book artists. It has a 21.5-inch screen with 8192 pressure levels. The tablet features 20 customizable shortcut keys, two user-friendly red dial wheels, and a stylus holster slot.
The tablet also features a stand with over 60° of tilt for ergonomic efficiency. This tablet has a 1920 x 1080 resolution enabling the visualization of over 16.7 million colors. It runs on Windows 11, Linux, or Mac OS 10.10 or higher. You get a complimentary anti-touch glove and a stylus.
Buy it now on Amazon for $479.
5. GAOMON PD2200 Drawing Tablet with Screen, 21.5”
Digital drawing tablets like the GAOMON PD 2200 are the go-to tablets for artists because of their adjustable monitor and stand. The monitor and stand have adjustable tilt levels ranging from 15° to 85°. It has a full lamination, anti-glare 21.5-inch screen with 8192 pressure levels. This tablet supports operating systems like macOS 10.12 or later and Windows 7 or later.
The vibrant display enables the visualization of over 16.7 million colors. The tablet also has eight keys that optimize operations. This is a great, affordable drawing tablet for beginner artists getting started in their professional careers. You get an anti-touch glove and stylus with purchase.
Buy it now on Amazon for $319.
6. HUION KAMVAS Pro 16
The Huion Kamvas Pro 16 has a 15.6-inch screen. While it has the smallest screen of the computer-compatible digital drawing tablets on this list, it is still an affordably powerful tablet. The tablet has six shortcut keys and an ergonomically adjustable monitor stand.
This monitor’s adjustable stand can tilt anywhere between 20 and 60 degrees. The anti-glare screen resolution is 1920×1080. It is fully laminated and can visualize over 16.7 million colors. The tablet is compatible with operating systems such as macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Buy it now at Amazon for $299.
7. Wacom Cintiq Pro 17
Wacom has over 40 years of business experience in technology and is the business standard tablet for most professional comic book artists. This tablet has a 17.3-inch screen and has 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity. The 4K touchscreen has a 3840 x 2160 screen resolution.
It has an adjustable center of balance and weight to optimize your ergonomic needs. The tablet has eight customizable ExpressKeys that help you create function shortcuts. You get a 90-day trial of tutorial apps like Toon Boom Harmony, Clip Studio Paint EX, and Storyboard Pro.
It is compatible with operating systems like macOS, Linux, and Windows.
Buy it now at Amazon for $2,399. This tablet is pricey, but this is the brand that many professional comic book artists use.
Invest in Your Future
Whether you have $300 or $2,400, you have no reason not to invest in a good drawing tablet. Start with an affordable model, one that works independently of a computer, to get used to working on one before upgrading.
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The post 7 Digital Drawing Tablets for Professional Comic Book Artists appeared first on Personal Finance Advice.
