Artstudio Pro is the iPad app Photoshop artists should be using

*Due to a copyright issue, for the moment I have muted the intro song*
I tested artstudio pro mostly with the iPad mini 5 and first gen apple pencil.
Artstudio Pro is packed with pro level features for digital artists and it is one of the rare mobile apps that lets you customize keyboard shortcuts and even elements of the UI! In this video I give my honest thoughts and opinions on the app.
One thing to note, Artstudio Pro is updated frequently and I have found there to be significant improvements along the way so parts of the video may not be relevant on a later date. I look forward to seeing what Artstudio Pro looks like in the coming years!
0:00 Intro to Artstudio Pro
0:13 Tsukepen Opening Theme
0:42 Artstudio Pro Tools and Functions Overview
1:51 Importing Photoshop brushes into Artstudio Pro on iPad
2:04 Great Features in Artstudio Pro
2:27 Downsides to Artstudio Pro
2:30 Dont use the "Full HD" setting on Artstudio Pros timelapse recording
3:35 Drawing Comics on Artstudio Pro
4:22 Conclusion
5:10 How to Improve your Workflow Easily in Artstudio Pro on iPads
If you have any questions or thoughts on this video or videos you would like to see please let me know in the comments!
Controller featured at the end of the video:
• This $6 accessory make...
Opening theme by my friend Miyairi shungo
ShungoMiyairi?s=09

[@scribadibdib]

Art studio is my favorite! I wish more people knew about it

[@tsukepen]

Thank you very much for the comment! I'm glad you like the software it is one of the more fully featured on iPadOS and it does deserve a lot more attention!

[@epicipodmodz]

When I use it I feel like I’m painting with oil and it seems kinda difficult for me coming from procreate, any tips?

[@tsukepen]

@@epicipodmodz Hello and thank you for the comment! I feel that artstudio pro has more brushes that blend colors by default compared to procreate. You might want to try brushes that dont have the blending effects to see if that would help. Other than that maybe using a keyboard could help improve the experience, as artstudio pro offers an excelent and customizable set of keyboard shortcuts. I hope that helps!

[@epicipodmodz]

@@tsukepen thank you for taking the time to reply to everyone! I went and bought a keyboard yesterday for 15 dollars and I am soooo happy rn haha. I haven’t had the feeling of drawing in photoshop in such a long time but having the keyboard there is just *chefs kiss”

[@tsukepen]

@@epicipodmodz Thank you so much for the wonderful comment! I'm so glad to hear that!! It really is the best way to use artstudio pro in my opinion. I've replicated my old paint tool sai setup and you can even get this inexpensive controller kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX7Yn6yOeJuSe9E that I've done a video about. When I made the video I hadn't tested artstudio pro but the concept is still the same and I did use this while testing artstudio pro! Keeps the iPad nice and mobile when you want that!

[@DennisCNolasco]

Hmm, this is very interesting. Thanks for posting this, I never knew about this app.

[@tsukepen]

Of course! There are a surprising amount of great drawing apps on ios that aren't talked about much. I've been trying to test them and get my thoughts out as videos when I can!

[@kairulabas809]

love to see you still using the iPad mini 5....nice video mate

[@tsukepen]

Thank you very much! I will probably be posting a video comparing the mini 5 and 6 today! The mini 5 was one of my most used devices since its release and I'm sure now the mini 6 will follow in a similar path!

[@ToniKaFan]

Amazing video... really helpful. Good effort done

[@tsukepen]

Thank you very much for the wonderful comment! I always try to put a lot of effort into these videos so I really appreciate it and I'm glad I could help!

[@oddrey9585]

Thank you so much for this review I'm searching for something more than procreate I'm kind of bored drawing on there

[@tsukepen]

I'm so glad you found the review helpful! Procreate is a great app but I often find there are limitations for my kind of workflow. Artstudio pro is a great alternative, painter and medibang as well and of course clip studio is my preferred app for drawing on any platform! If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. Thank you!

[@MotionMaiden]

I love this app!

[@MichaelsPaintingChannel]

Great video. I've heart 10 minutes ago that it also imports the mixer brushes (tpl). Have you tested this? It would be very great for my customers. Thanks a lot!

[@tsukepen]

Thank you for the comment! I know that artstudio pro can import different brush files but have only tried photoshop brushes. If you were able to import your brushes please let me know, it may help someone down the line looking for similar information!

[@oo--7714]

Thanks

[@chariots8x230]

I’m curious about whether or not ArtStudio Pro will evolve to be more useful for comic creation. I’m looking for an alternative to Clip Studio on the iPad.

[@tsukepen]

Hello and thank you for the comment! I have not revisited Artstudio Pro, and while more comic related tools would be fantastic I don't know if well ever see a more powerful comic software for iPads than CSP. It is a relatively niche space among artists but more options would definitely be nice!

[@sarahbrowne09]

Have you ever done a direct comparison of ArtStudio Pro with Procreate?? I’ve been using ArtStudio Pro but I’ve seen more about Procreate so curious what the pros and cons are for each 🤓

[@tsukepen]

Thank you for the question! I have not done a direct comparison between iOS drawing apps, but that is a great idea that could help those new to the platform! I'll see if I have some time to make a video like that!

[@NikoStr8]

Seems like a good alternative to procreate for my use , does ArtStudio Pro has Symmetry tools? This function is kinda weak in procreate so i wondered if this app does has it too.

[@tsukepen]

It can be a good alternative! Artstudio pro offers a lot for flexibility and customization but I feel procreate is still the most pick up and go kind of drawing app, even if it looses steam for me as something gets complex. I do believe there are options for symmetry but I don't use that function much myself... I will let you know if I do get a chance to try it!

[@inisipisTV]

Yes there is Symmetry tools, it's in the grid settings.

[@Davidgopaint]

4:00 what is thatin your left hand? im looking for something similar to help with keybindings, since i hate using a keyboard with the ipad

[@tsukepen]

Thanks for the comment! There are many of these Bluetooth controllers out there and most are inexpensive. This is the video I made on it a while back kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX7Yn6yOeJuSe9Esi=2lCmpeUpOoRtotpF

[@accentontheoff]

Hi thanks for the video. Would you recommend this as a good solution for someone staring to learn how to “photoshop”. And do you think it would run on an iPad Air 2

[@tsukepen]

Hello and thank you for the question. It would depend on what you would like to get out of photoshop. If you want to draw using photoshop then yes I think it has some similar feelings when it comes to drawing. For mostly photo editing tasks it is not on par and you could benefit more from adobes own apps or other powerful photo editing tools on iOS. I think artstudio pro is a great app and it's constantly improving! I found little to no trouble with artstudio pro even on my older 9.7 inch pro so it's probably fine. 2D creative apps aren't a huge strain on the iPads from what I've experienced! I hope that helps if you have any other questions feel free to ask me.

[@accentontheoff]

@@tsukepen Thanks so much for the detailed reply! Actually I am looking for something that has similar photo editing / manipulation capabilities to Photoshop, I am not looking mainly for drawing. Photoshop itself is too overpriced for a beginner. Tried Affinity but it seems to struggle on my old device (might try it again). Got an app called Pixelmator, it is nice, but it seems basic. So, yes, I am looking for any other ideas. There doesn’t seem to be anything that fits my needs, actually.

[@tsukepen]

Hmm i see... Affinity designer or that companies other apps are quite good, very profesional for iOS so it might be a good place to start. Artstudio pro is more for drawing in my eyes, it has photo editing capabilities but they are more rudimentary. Honestly, I use lightroom for all my photo editing, with photoshop if i need to add design elements etc. Adobe does have their lower end programs (they should still be called "elements") it could be a good place to start. If you want to peruse photography as a serious passion or carier in the future knowing how to use adobe products is a very important skill, for good or for bad haha I'm sorry if i couldnt be of much help, i do a lot of photo work but unfortunatley im stuck in my ways with lightroom so i dont have a good grasp on what else is available...

[@accentontheoff]

@@tsukepen Ha yeah. Most people I know use Adobe. It’s very good and it is also the industry standard. So I understand. I for one am a writer doing this at a beginner level, so it makes no sense to spend that kind of money. No worries :) will work it out. Thanks for your time!

[@tsukepen]

No problem! I hope I was of some help and I wish you the best of luck finding a good workflow! I'm sure there is something out there and I'm sure there are more photo centric resources out there!

[@johncox5939]

Can I use the membership on my iPad mini as well as my 12.9 “ or do I have to buy another membership ?

[@tsukepen]

Hello and thank you for the comment. As far as the last time I used artstudio pro it was a one time payment and as long as you are using the same apple id on your devices you should be able to download the app. The desktop software would be a separate payment, I believe.

[@halfmoonrising6191]

What’s that handheld mouse clicker thingy ur using at the 3:59 mark?

[@tsukepen]

Thank you for the comment! You can see my video on that accessory here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX7Yn6yOeJuSe9E

[@cosmicgiggler1044]

Is ArtStudio a one time purchase? Also, are the updates on the software free after that?

[@tsukepen]

Hello and thank you for the comment. On iPads artstudio pro is a one time payment with free updates through the iPadOS app store. I'm not sure what the situation is on desktop.

[@cosmicgiggler1044]

@@tsukepen thank you!

[@roofoofighter]

They changed to a subscription now, or a one time lifetime license is $40

[@christianr.5868]

​@@roofoofighterdamn. Well at least they have a lifetime option

[@hansalexander9729]

how about Affinity Photo for iPad?

[@tsukepen]

Thank you for the comment! I just haven't had time to test affinity for the iPad but I have heard good things. If I can find some time to dedicate to trying it i would love to make a video so thank you for the interest.

[@katelisa9255]

art studio 3.1 ver color change work photo shop x key

[@tsukepen]

Thank you for the comment! It's great to see that artstudio pro is updated frequently and I feel in the future it will be a very competitive app for artists!

[@katelisa9255]

@@tsukepen me to hey os x verson artsudio pro using?

[@tsukepen]

I have not tried a desktop version of artstudio pro, I mainly use paint tool sai and clip studio on desktop!

[@martinwittig4739]

It seems like a light version of the photoshop program.

[@tsukepen]

For illustration it definitely feels close to photoshop, more so than adobes own iPadOS photoshop app. Artstudio pro has its own interesting merits as well as some key features missing but it fills a gap in the market for iPads!

[@beanpasteposts]

As someone who used to use both, I would argue it’s the opposite. Artstudio felt more natural to use and fully featured for art than the actual official photoshop app. It felt closer to Clip Studio, but with photo editing features added in for good measure.

[@ToniKaFan]

Hey tsukepen...i have been noticing all over the youtube that... in all the arts or tech channels.. specifically ipad or any ipad related videos gets more views and more recommendations... like in your channels ( *ipad thumbnail included vid ) or brad colbows or noah heraman... So i think you should mak more videos on ipad , and less on apps... Thats my opinion 4 u😊

[@tsukepen]

It is true that certain videos do better than others and hardware, specifically iPads are very popular! It is understandable as they sell lots of different iPads and people want to know what's best for them! haha beyond that software related videos, accessories and tutorials also seem to do really well for the most part. I am always considering how I should approach KZbin, so I appreciate the comment. For videos like these and my iPad videos it can often take a few weeks to months to test out the product, collect my thoughts ,make multiple artwork and try to film and edit something engaging interesting and informative! So in general it takes a long time and buying a new tablet every few weeks can get expensive haha but I hope there will be a day soon when I can do more consistent and interesting videos! Sometimes the illustration breakdowns feel like the easy way out for that weeks video. Something like a tutorial takes more planning in advance but should be more helpful and do better! I always appreciate the input and support! Sorry for the long comment haha its something I think about often

[@ToniKaFan]

@@tsukepen i agree all your concern... and when will the paint storm tutorial be expected?.. also tutorial on paint storm lite bcz it's free.

[@tsukepen]

I still haven't used paint storm too much but it is on the list! The next one should be ibis paint if things go as planned. The issue with apps like paint storm and medibang is (I believe) they do not have time lapse recording features which really adds a lot of work above drawing and planning and filming so it takes more time. Paint storm looks like a really cool app though and I plan to test it fully!

[@omidlotfi4451]

Brush engine in art studio pro is a shame !

[@tsukepen]

Hello and thank you for the comment but I do not fully understand. Do you mean the brush engine in Artstudio Pro is to your liking or not? Sorry for the misunderstanding!

[@inisipisTV]

It can import brushes from Photoshop though.

[@scribadibdib]

Its the closest to photoshop than any others?