I've done traditional art all my life. I've been curious about digital, but don't even know where to begin as far as tablet selection. I have some software recommendations in mind, but wouldn't mind hearing suggestions on those, either. I've looked at some of the Wacom tablets, but am unsure of what model to pick up to just give digital a try. I don't want to spend a lot of money on something if I end up not liking it or am unable to learn to use it. Any suggestions, guys? Thanks in advance!

My very first tablet was a 4x6 Wacom graphire that my parents bought me as my high school graduation gift in 2003. The graphire line is no longer in production, and hasn't been for years, but a baseline, smallest size wacom tablet should be fine for figuring out digital drawing if this is your first time doing any type of computer drawing.

I'm on a 6x9 intuos 5 at the moment, but I've also gone through a couple tablets in the intervening years since though and like Ravel said, tablet size doesn't usually matter, except for comfort. There is more pressure sensitivity levels the higher the tablet level, but overall if you're just starting out, you're probably not going to need an intuos or higher line usually, and a baseline 4x6 is more than enough for just starting out.

Thanks for the info thus far, guys! As far as programs go, do you have any favorites?

, depending on what system you're using, I've heard a lot of people recommend Paint Tool Sai, but that program only works for Windows( Microsoft PCs though).

I use Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint mainly for mine usually. Sidenote: I'm on a Mac.

And if by chance you use any form of Linux I can recommend you my program. MyPaint is designed for digital painting , if that is your jazz. And you can tweak stuff in Gimp if needed. Both of these programs are free software. Think you can find both on Windows as well, just never tried those versions. They are not as good as pay programs but they can pull off pretty good. Some examples of dem MyPaint digitals for reference on program capabilities, tho other people do more amazing stuff in them. https://sta.sh/0xkqcu9i8x8 https://www.deviantart.com/seny-chan/art/Cuddles-737130782 https://www.deviantart.com/seny-chan/art/Cabbage-722041289

I use photoshop on a surface pro (2017) and I love it! I got that after using a wacom bamboo for over 10 years and would recommend them as well especially if you're just starting out with digital. They're easy to use and give great results.

Oooh! I am on Windows on this ramshackle laptop. Keyboard is half dead so I balance a USB keyboard on my lap for this one and it is over a decade old. I plan to invest in a desktop setup next spring when I get my tax return, but I'll probably stick with Windows unless I don't like the direction the new OS has gone. I didn't realize Paint Tool SAI was Mac only. :( I dabbled in an old version of Photoshop (maybe PS7?) from like 2010. It wasn't very user friendly back then and I have heard Adobe has gotten weird with the newer editions of Photoshop, but I haven't experience it myself firsthand, so I am still willing to try it and decide for myself. I have had Gimp for a few years, but haven't used it for much aside from creating transparency for pixel artwork. I recently heard about a program called Alpacafire? Has anyone tried that?

I've heard of some people who paralleled it to a vmware windows on their mac, but the usability that way from what I've heard has been kind of spotty and as far as I know, the pressure sensitivity doesn't work at all unless you're on a windows PC system.

I've heard of AlpacaFire, but I've personally never used it so can't really give a review of it personally. Autodesk sketchbook pro, which I've used in the past but am not using currently is free right now for the non-pro version ,and the program works for both mac and windows based systems. autodesk sketchbook pro

I use FireAlpaca and I'd say it's pretty decent, atleast for beginners. It's fairly lightweight and easy to use. As for cons, at least on my computer, the lines usually come a bit jagged/pixely when resizing.

I've also heard good things about Krita though I couldn't get the preasure sensitivity to work (that was my computer's fault, I had the same issue with just about every program I tried, including GIMP which worked fine with my old computer/tablet).

As for tablets, I'd really recommed Wacom. My first one was a Graphire 3 and I loved it. It served me well for like a decade, and I bet it'd still work. I'm currently using a five year old Surface Pro, the drivers are a bit of a mess but the pen is good aside for it needing batteries (I think most Wacoms are still battery-free).

i just recently got a new XP-Pen tablet, they are reasonably priced and have always been my go-to!

I think Krita is the closest thing to photoshop. I use it on any pc that doesnt have photoshop/paint sai tool and I find it amazing how similar the are in function. In the end, its not the tool that makes the art, its the user. Before the tablet I used to make pixel art on paint and some times I miss it! It was different, using the mouse to go pixel by pixel trying to achieve a sinilar result, but I believe what has made my art better had nothing to do with the tool I use. Anatomy and shading are something that apply just as much in traditional as in pixel art and photoshop.

I still use the first tablet I ever had. Its outdated and small but capable. If you look up on how to take care of your tablet (scratch it less, replace pen nibs with cheaper alternatives) you can have it last a long time. When I look at tablet nowadays, I actually cant find something of a similar price with the same specs. Theyve gotten expensive. I use wacom bamboo though i dont have experience with others.

I think it can be hard to get used to, but if you already do traditional art, youll be able to adapt faster to keeping a steady hand. I draw 24/7 basically and still struggle with making neat lines/circles. Its a skill set that doesnt come "naturally" to me. But perfect isnt often needed for art. Thats just s lie we tell ourselves.

Sorry I am a little late to reply! Thank you so much for all of the information, guys! This has been very helpful! <3