A graphic tablet is an input device that replaces a mouse and consists of the tablet itself as well as a pen. They are also referred to as drawing tablets or pen tablets.
if you’re doing all your retouching and painting with a mouse or trackpad, you are not creating to your maximum potential. The graphic tablet is an integral part of being a successful digital artist.
Graphic Drawing Tablet can be used for most creative and content production needs such as illustration, photography, 3D modeling, animation, graphic design, etc. Most professional programs on those fields offer advanced pen support .
Whether you’re looking for a graphics tablet or a drawing tablet, there are lots of options on the market, and they are probably all pretty compelling. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the abundance of options.
Two particular heavyweights are Wacom and XP-Pen. Both manufacture graphics tablets and drawing tablets and have different strong and weak points. While XP-Pen tablets are generally cheaper than Wacom tablets and have more features, Wacom tablets tend to have more of a premium and durable build, and a lot more brand recognition.
XP-Pen ( https://www.xp-pen.com ) is one of the top brands when it comes to design tools such as graphics tablets, pen display monitors, stylus pens and other digital graphical products. XP-PEN is the brand that I use . If budget is a concern, you can go with the XP-PEN tablets.
5 Ways Using XP-PEN Tablets is Beneficial for Digital Artists & Graphic designers
1. Pen Pressure Sensitivity
Lets kick things off with the most unique feature that comes with XP-PEN. Pen Pressure Sensitivity. XP-PEN Pens are far superior to a regular computer mouse when drawing or grading digital images. These pens recognize the level of pressure you’re applying meaning you can effortlessly control your brush size when using the software of your choice.
These styluses are battery free and the XP-PEN PA2 even comes with 8192 levels of pressure sensitivity and a tilt-response which is more than enough to create beautiful images. For Digital Artists & Graphic designers, this pen pressure sensitivity feature rules out the click, drag, release process of using a mouse to change your brush strokes and will not only enhance your performance but can save you a ton of time by mirroring your exact movements.
2. Precision
Another great benefit of using a pen over a mouse is precision. Have you ever tried to sign your name on an online document using a computer mouse? It’s no easy task. As humans we’re trained to write using our fingers not our palms.
For Digital Artists & Graphic designers, a task that involves very precise pen movements such as calligraphy, illustration or detailed photo touch ups can be grueling using a mouse. Having a digital pen that’s sensitive and smart like a digital pen from xp-pen is a game changer and unlocks a range of capabilities.
3. Intuitive Feeling
For some traditional artists, switching from drawing on paper to a tablet can be a demanding process. You’ve been accustomed to drawing on paper your entire career and it’s normal to be fearful of how switching to a digital tablet could be potentially frustrating to adapt to. The disconnect of what your arm is doing off to the side, and what’s happening on the screen can be off-putting to some people.
A Standard Tablet can totally get the job done – but if you are a hardcore illustrator/modeler, you love sketching in notebooks, painting etc, and you’ve got the money I’d recommend a XP-PEN Artist . Where you put the pen is where you draw – there’s no learning curve, there’s no disconnect, the screen real estate is huge, plenty of buttons and roller wheels to customize shortcuts, etc. it’s amazing.
The XP-PEN Artist series tablet gives you a high viewing angle with 170 degrees in both vertical and horizontal that allows you to see the screen in several ways for maximum comfort. If you have the money, get a XP-PEN Artist 24 Pro . it’s much more intuitive than using a tablet without a screen. You also get a huge 24-inch active area that allows you to create your projects and designs quickly and easily.
3. Speed
Creative ideas come and go as fast as lightning. There one minute, gone the next.
The Deco Pro range from XP-PEN are ideal for artistic minds who want to get ideas from their brain to the screen instantaneously.
The Deco Pro tablets have 8 buttons and a double wheel design to which you can assign various shortcuts that will speed up your workflow at a rapid pace.
Once you get into the swing of things video & photo editing with a XP-PEN tablet will feel so natural and will make you work so much faster.
4. Flexibility
The modern-day Digital Artist & Graphic designer seems to be constantly on the go. Whether travelling for work or for travelling for inspiration XP-PEN tablets come in a variety of sizes with multiple functions to suit those who are never in the same place twice. To name one, the XP-PEN Deco mini4 is ideal as it’s lightweight, can easily fit in a backpack and takes up very little desk space.
Aside from size, XP-PEN has come up with some great accessories to increase flexibility for those that work remotely. The main one being the adjustable stand . The definition of Ergonomics relates to the study of how people work in their environment. When hunched over a desk all day it’s easy to lose concentration due to discomfort. In the long run these conditions can have lasting effects on your back. XP-PEN understands the importance of being user friendly and how unlikely it is for people to work efficiently in the same spot all day, every day.
The main purpose of the adjustable stand is to give Digital Artists & Graphic designers the option to work in whatever posture they desire. These stands also improve visibility by adjusting the tablet into all kinds of angles and positions which is a huge benefit when working on detailed designs.
Conclusion
With the right tools Digital Artists & Graphic designers can reach unimaginable expectations and achieve stunning results. The benefits of these tablets are endless. They’re not only reliable but flexible, fast, precise and offer artists multiple capabilities so you can draw, paint or edit like a natural.
The XP-PEN is an entry level digital art tablet brand , but seems like really good value for money. It is really easy to set up and get started with, and (though I’m no expert) I’d recommend it for anyone else looking to get started with this kind of tech.