Why I Sold My Wacom Cintiq. (iPad Pro Review)

[@BlackScream77]

This has been my experience aswell but i didnt realize it for the longest time, i just kinda abandoned drawing slowly until i got a portable tablet, then suddenly I drew every day because it was far more fun.

[@chris-piascik]

Ah yeah the flexibility is huge. You don’t feel like you have to go sit at a desk and work when you want to draw.

[@reganbothma5435]

Yup the struggle is real. I have had Cintiq 24, xpen 22 and big screens are cool, then after time the iPad 12.9 wins with regards to convenience 😂👍🏽 I also find as a Game Artist in the industry for 24 years and working on game art all day the arm movement required on big screens is so much work. The iPad and all its menus and tools are so close together ( even with shortcuts) it’s a lots of arm movements on big screens. So now I wanna get a 16 inch screen as its more portable screen. And a good middle ground 👍🏽. And the journey of screens continues 😂👍🏽. Awesome video. Thanks 🙏

[@chris-piascik]

Ah yeah, agreed on all points. Did you see the review I posted last week of the Huion Kamvas 16 Pro? I was pretty impressed with it.

[@reganbothma5435]

@@chris-piascik hey Chris I haven’t seen that video. I will go check it out. This week I purchase a 16 “ inch screen. Was gonna go for the XP PEN 16 INCH TP 4 K. Will check out Huion Kamvas 16. Would you say it’s a better option ? Thanks 🙏

[@ShakDrawzOfficial]

I’m so glad I’m not the only one experiencing this! Lately I’ve found that drawing on my iPad has been more productive and I’ve convinced myself that I no longer really “need” my Cintiq

[@chris-piascik]

Yeah, I went through the process twice… I think I may have mentioned that. It’s hard to go back to something that’s not an iPad once you’ve used it for a while.

[@GoldenWisteria]

I've said "way-com" my whole life too. I only recently started to correct myself. Also, the "wild" document movement with your slight hand movement = 😂

[@chris-piascik]

Haha glad I’m not alone.

[@sarahjanser]

I can relate to that so much as a fellow illustrator (with adhd) I actually got rid of my Wacom Cintiq and work on an iPad Pro now and I don't regret it at all.

[@chris-piascik]

🤝

[@temartins]

Very funny. I'm in the opposite situation. I have an iPad Pro 12.9", and the idea I have in my head is to buy the Cintiq Pro 16 (because it's a touch display, and a good size). My question to myself is: do I really need it? I'm new in graphic design and still need to go deeper on the tools I use to make sure the Cintiq is a must have for me. But the idea is here, it doesn't go away! And it means 1600€ less in my pocket. Let's wait and see.

[@chris-piascik]

I don’t think the 16” would be enough of a bump to make it worthwhile. On top of that the touch experience is better on the iPad. If it were me I’d hold out until next fall when the 16” iPad Pro is supposed to come out 🤩. That said, I’m fully aware of how far away that seems.

[@marcelagomes]

You can use astropad!

[@chris-piascik]

I do use astropad when I have to work in photoshop, I just think it’s a better experience drawing directly in Fresco. I don’t have to deal with the aspect ratio issues or only viewing a portion of my screen.

[@christopherprado5715]

what'd you end up doing ?

[@temartins]

​@@christopherprado5715 if the question is for me, I didn't bought Wacom (although I love the brand). Either I use the iPad Pro 11.9" as a second screen, or I work directly in the desk. But if I was doing this as a full time job, for sure working in a Wacom with touch display is way better, as you spend some time doing configurations (screen mirroirng stops with no reason, or the pen is not touching the screen in the right place and you need to unplug everything and close the apps, etc. Not efficient for a professional. I work with Affinity, so I can access the Apps in both. If I was doing this full time, the Wacom would be my option. If you are starting, the iPad gives you more freedom to work, but this is a personal evaluation. I work 8-10 in front of the computer (in Marketing and design for social), so moving to my iPad to draw is better for my mental health.

[@autumnfesperman7971]

At the point in my illustration that I need to upgrade my iPad or upgrade my small 2nd hand purchased cintiq.......this totally helped as I am so much more comfortable on my iPad, and seem to agree with all the stuff you were saying. I appreciate the genuine voice here.

[@chris-piascik]

Great to hear!

[@zirta]

Oh boy. I am going the opposite way! I love the iPad, but I just bought the Cintiq Pro 24 because I want more space. I have used Cintiqs before so I am aware of its limitations compared to iPad but I still wanna try one more time. But I can see myself selling the Cintiq if I end up not using it as much. The iPad experience is what I hoped the Cintiqs would be.

[@chris-piascik]

Hah I get it. I did the same thing a while back after I sold my first Cintiq. The one in this video was my second.

[@drewnes64]

Reading the comments here and it looks like a lot of us are in the same boat xD. I have one as well and while the iPad Pro is smaller, just feels better. The only advantage my Cintiq has is that it connects to my computer, but EasyCanvas/Astropad on the iPad cover that as well!

[@ChristopherTrimble]

Great video Chris! I am having a conflict with myself as well...kinda...sorta. I bought the Huion Inspiroy H950P tablet (no screen) about a year ago and I really like it however, recently I have been looking at Wacom, Cintiq and Huion drawing tablets with screens. Ever since finding your channel on Adobe Fresco, I am thinking an iPad maybe the way to go. I only use 2 art programs, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Fresco. I am really leaning towards the iPad because of it's portability. Sometimes I just want to sit outside, draw, drink coffee and listen to nature. You should totally do a new setup video. Have a rad day Chris!

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks Christopher! It’s always a struggle to find the right setup. That said, I’ve been mainly drawing on an iPad for a loooong time now. I’d say 5+ years. I think it’s the way to go!

[@leslieschrader-fagnan7639]

I haven't gotten far into the video yet but fellow adhder here. I have purchased and sold my craft/art room contents three times in the past 8 years...I don't want the stuff anymore. I never use it. But then...yes. yes I do want it. Until I get it again. Then I don't want it anymore... you know the rest of the story.

[@chris-piascik]

Such a struggle!

[@davorp8248]

you can calibrate the colours on Cintiq in Wacom centar - Display choosing the cooler filter or range. After i did that colors are the same as on my iMac display.

[@eriklauritz]

Hear anything about iPad Ultra? Just rumors so far, but I think I’m going to wait to get a Cintiq and hope that 16” iPad comes in 2023 🤞

[@chris-piascik]

The rumors of a 16” iPad next fall seem pretty solid. I’ll be grabbing one if so!

[@jerookaskeroo28]

Wa (harmony in Japanese) Com (computer)

[@chris-piascik]

Ahh that’s cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@artmate7263]

The blur in your explanation about your tendonitis 😂

[@chris-piascik]

Haha glad someone appreciated that! I had to figure out how to do that effect just for that little joke.

[@artmate7263]

@@chris-piascik was worthy! 🤣🤣

[@chrisfoley.design]

great videos! , fellow ADHDer and designer . thanks for all the awesome videos Chris. Thank you keep it up!

[@chris-piascik]

Glad you like them!

[@damonasberry288]

This video is so relatable. I have a similar issue. I currently have Huron Kamvas 16 screen tablet that I use with my MacBook Pro. I tend to work on my laptop more than any tablet. I used to have a 12.9 iPad Pro, but I got rid of it because i wasn’t using it much. If I’m not drawing or painting on the bigger iPads I’d rather not use them. I have an iPad Mini that I love for media consumption and other tablet tasks. With that said, I really want to get back into drawing and painting, but I am hesitant to move back to the larger iPad. Sorry for the long comment but what would you advise?

[@chris-piascik]

No worries about the long comment! I love all comments long and short. I get the issue with the 12.9” iPad being a bit cumbersome for media/tablet tasks. I don’t have another tablet but I do have the biggest iPhone (which I sometimes hate) but it almost feels like a tablet. It’s hard for me to suggest anything but the iPad though. I think they’re just great. The screen quality and Apple Pencil are well beyond anything else I’ve used. My wife has the smaller iPad Pro and I actually don’t mind drawing on it. I find that even with a bigger screen I draw in a relatively smaller area. Because it’s so easy and intuitive to zoom in and out, moving the canvas it doesn’t feel small. Maybe that’s something to consider?

[@tested211]

What is that a Pro 24? They are great to draw on but not that great as a display, especially if you are in the Apple ecosystem, which has some lovely monitors. Cintiqs are a lot of space and expense unless you're drawing on them for a good chunk of your working day IMO

[@chris-piascik]

Yes, that was the Pro 24. I agree on all points. I also just preferred drawing on my iPad Pro more than the Cintiq.

[@KuttyJoe]

I wish I could do that. My productivity would plummet if I tried to do anything on an iPad beyond what I could do with pencil and paper. Rather than using the keyboard maybe use the Wacom EK Remote.

[@Erginartesia]

I know you did this a year ago but side question. Do you have and use a lapdesk when you are working on the couch? Especially one with a good cushion. You have to minimize bending your head and neck. Also, do you have space under your couch (a few inches)? You should seriously look into an ergonomic adjustable reading table (they are on wheels). Levenger has one. I use one so I don’t have to hold my ipad. Also, the ability for it to tilt is great for drawing.

[@chris-piascik]

I started using a Sketchboard Pro and an Astropad DarkBoard and it’s helped a lot. Thanks for the suggestions!

[@aznstylepn0y]

I have the 32 inch I barely use it. The only time I use it is if I’m printing stickers to make it detailed and not drawing . Lol I use my iPad for drawing mostly

[@daisyforpresident8181]

I have been going back and forth thinking I need a cintiq, but I do not like the idea of lower resolution like you notice on the cintiq and procreate is so good, theres no need IMHO to go to photoshop. Ideally, apple will come out with a bigger ipad pro and that would be the PERFECT solution. I keep hearing rumors that could happen in 2025.

[@chris-piascik]

You can use your iPad with your Mac like a cintiq when necessary

[@MarkWalsh-gc]

This is great stuff. I'm torn between getting a huion 16" 4k ior the iPad Pro. The iPad seems so convenient, but I wonder how much I would truly work away from the computer anyway lol

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks Mark! Although I don’t have experience with the Huion 16” 4K, I did try an early version before I got my Cintiq. I’m sure they’ve come a long way, but the one I used was pretty crappy. There was a lot of discrepancies on color based on viewing angles and the resolution was poor… obviously the new one is 4K so resolution wouldn’t be an issue. The argument for the iPad would be that you can use it with your computer easily and the quality/color is probably going to be substantially better. And on top of that, you have the option to use it on its own wherever you want.

[@MarkWalsh-gc]

@@chris-piascik yes one of the main things i see with Huion are a lot of driver issues and the like. I do think they have come a long way in recent times, but it still seems like luck of the draw a little bit whether you are going to get a good one or not. The quality of the Ipad Pro screen looks amazing!

[@chris-piascik]

The iPad Pro Screen is definitely on another level compared to any other screen I’ve seen.

[@elfua7347]

@@MarkWalsh-gc I’m so unsure in replacing my ipad pro 12.9 5 gen, for a wacom intuos pro large, Should I do it if I want to work professionally concept art? I been drawing on adobe fresco which is like photoshop but without the editing software on photos, I always draw on my home in front my desk since I have to use my pc gaming by force since I can’t have her unused for long times. Can I do the dame drawing on adobe fresco, that professionals do on photoshop? Please answer me

[@ic_0129]

Sidecar with a 15" iPad would be amazing! I would definitely stop using my cintiq

[@chris-piascik]

Ah yeah definitely.

[@yamapishy9792]

My only issue with iPad is the battery life. at most I get 6-8 hours drawing time with breaks in between. I use CSP and it's a battery hoarder. Still I prefer it over my huion kamvas 22 plus which now sits on the top of my shelf.

[@chris-piascik]

Hmm is that an older iPad? I think they’ve gotten much better with the more recent models, especially with the Apple M1 chips. My 2021 iPad Pro battery seems to last a very long time

[@yamapishy9792]

@@chris-piascik no it's the new M2 12.9. it drains fast but I notice that when it gets to around 30% the drain slows down. Still it needs to be charged at the end of the day. It's also summer here (hot is an understatement) so outside temperature could be a contributing factor, coz I notice the battery doesn't drain that fast when I work around nighttime.

[@chris-piascik]

Oh weird, maybe it is the heat.

[@albertmercato]

I always thought it was pronounced wah-com. Anyway, great video! Let’s see the display set up.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks Albert! You were right!

[@kan9745]

If you choose iPad as main monitor, the screen will scale perfectly fit for ipad, but then the black bar will appear on your Mac! XD. When I use ipad i usually turn of brightness on Mac and just using the keyboard

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks for sharing!

[@southapedia3471]

Why can’t they make bigger iPads though? I have only had iPad for 6 months so still getting used it

[@chris-piascik]

I’ve seen lots of reputable sources claiming a 16” is coming next year. I’ll definitely be buying that if it happens.

[@KuttyJoe]

I always wondered if Apple might make one of their iMacs touch screen and stylus enabled. But so far, they don't seem to want to do that.

[@chris-piascik]

Yeah, I don’t think Apple would do that. I also don’t really like touch screen displays for my main display because of fingerprints. And to avoid that the screen would need some sort of coating that would decrease the quality/color accuracy. At least that’s what I think.

[@KuttyJoe]

@@chris-piascik I'm also not a fan of touch screens. All of my Cintiqs have been non-touch because I work far faster when I can control everything from physical controls that I don't have to look at. But I also like having my Cintiq as my main monitor because it allows me to go from working with the mouse and keyboard to instantly working with stylus and EK Remote. I don't have to do anything except pull the Cintiq in close to me and grab the stylus. Alas, the latest Cintiq will be touch and I don't see that they intend to make a non-touch model. I can still disable the touch, but I'm paying for something which I will never use. And its more expensive than ever.

[@chris-piascik]

Yeah that workflow makes sense and is something I should have considered in my decision. That is frustrating they’ll only be doing touch. When they first offered touch it wasn’t very good. Hopefully they’ve improved on it.

[@BlazeingGoldReviews]

yooo. im autistic and adhd. soo relatable tho! impulsivity is real!!

[@chris-piascik]

Hah glad this was relatable!

[@BlazeingGoldReviews]

@@chris-piascik we neurodivergent gotta stick together yo! 👌

[@mikrobyo1790]

the only advantage with the ipad is portablity. Then again if you have cash go with cintiq companion. Wacom is way ahead of everyone. though I hate to admit it cuz they are so expensive.

[@chris-piascik]

Well, obviously I disagree. I don’t deny wacoms stuff is great, especially the larger Cintiqs, of which I’ve had a couple. But after spending years drawing on Cintiqs and iPads, I’d say the only advantage the Cintiq has is the size. The drawing experience isn’t better than the iPad, and the screen isn’t as good.

[@mikrobyo1790]

you had a couple bullshit. Its not the same quality when you paint or draw.

[@mikrobyo1790]

@@chris-piascik anyone who say that the accuracy, the configuration of the pressure, the features is better if feeeking lying.

[@DocReasonable]

I've had some shocking injuries from iPad use... especially my left thumb which I use to hold it with while drawing. Can't find any tips on ergonomic iPad use, that might be a good one to tackle if you have some tips on it.

[@chris-piascik]

I’ll keep that in mind!

[@skyrocket2041]

Have you tried a sketchboard pro with iPad?

[@robbyplaysfantasy3510]

Yeah thats why people like us have an actual mental condition that sometimes has you feel if you could jusy turn it off then everything will be ok and then meditating enters the picture. that only makes it worse lol at least for my brother it did I won't touch the stuff. Anyway I convinced myself while further being convinced by my instructor and other class mates to buy a cintiq 22hd(1080 is fine with me my main display thats bugger has that and I would have to put my glasses on to see tge difference). I wanna say 2k for a newer 24inch tablet was never in the realm of possibility for me but I'm saying this after spending 2600 on a guitar of all things granted it's a custom fender based off my favorite videogame franchise (FF14 fender). Yeah also hearing the whole money burning a hole in your pocket and why can't use use and be happy with what you got is an understatement lol no more rambling on haha thx for the video bro keep it up!

[@chris-piascik]

Haha all very relatable! Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video.

[@hippopotamusbosch]

6:20 You’re a child. 🤣

[@chris-piascik]

😁

[@gonzomandela]

I ended up selling my 2 Cintiqs, the old 27 QHD and the 24 pro because I worked all the time on Procreate on my ipad pro, the experience is just so much more fluent. Now I'm using the S9 Ultra and Clip Studio Paint and my experience is very similar, tablets are much more fluent and personal than Drawing Displays is not even funny. I miss the big ass screens, thinking of getting a Huion 24 to use with android apps.

[@KuttyJoe]

Yep, drawing on a tablet is more fun. But drawing on a big Cintiq is more productive. I think generally, when anything ks miniaturized there is a tradeoff. With computers, you get portability and the ability to take your work away from your office. But you lose the full sized keyboard, powerful desktop programs, and the large screen. Further down in size there's the wonderful Galaxy phones with stylus. Same rules apply. Much greater portability and much less of everything else.

[@olivercowan]

Here's a comment because you love them. Also you're great, keep 'em comin'.

[@chris-piascik]

Haha! Thanks so much!

[@Komet163B]

Which device gets HOTTER while drawing on it, your Cintiq or the iPad? I have never drawn on either one, I have only drawn using an old WACOM Intuos tablet. Before that, I had an Art Z II tablet. I’d like to get back to drawing digitally. I’ve been away from it for a long time..

[@chris-piascik]

It’s been a couple years since I’ve had a Cintiq. But I don’t find my iPad gets that hot even after hours of drawing

[@Komet163B]

Oh, so you no longer have the second Cintiq, that you show in this video. Do you use a Windows machine, at all, for anything. Or do you just use Apple hardware (laptop/desktop wise)? I’m interested in trying out Unreal MetaHuman, and Reallusion Cartoon Animator, and they both seem to be Windows PC based. I am an iOS Programmer, as my day job, and haven’t bought a Windows machine since 2004.

[@YoJimbo0321]

Hi Chris, just wondering, but did your artist glove come like that or did you snip the fingertips off yourself? It seems like it could be a pretty good idea, because those gloves never feel like they fit quite right.

[@chris-piascik]

I think they come both ways, to be honest I have so many random ones lying around because I lose them. Some I cut, some came that way.

[@YoJimbo0321]

@@chris-piascik Makes sense. Thanks for the response!

[@tyrfree1]

14:10 correct me if i am worng but i think retina display pixel not being perceptible is not subordinate of the pixels that compose the image, so u should see the monitor pixel spacing whitout the need for zooming the image on the cintiq ? is it preceptibile also from what distance ?

[@chris-piascik]

A Retina display has a higher density of pixels that make up the screen so the pixels are not visible at normal viewing distance.

[@takahashi-aina-ql9uf6jg6l]

You can use wacom between two platforms(Windows and Mac) And can be used 15+ years! iPad needs to be changed every 8 years! Because Bettery problem and software problem

[@chris-piascik]

15 years is a long time for things that evolve quickly. Cintiq’s today are significantly improved over the ones from 15 years ago. The iPad Pro hasn’t even been around for 15 years. Also, I’m not switching between Mac and Windows ever.

[@KuttyJoe]

My firsr iPad, first gen iPad Pro 12.9 lasted 2 years before it was unuseable for me. The longesr I've kept a big Cintique was 10 years before it died. I gave it to my son and he kept it for the last 4 years. My current Cintique is 7 years old. I'm hoping to get at least 10 years out of it.

[@aliesbroekhuizen]

How is the pressure sensitivity when you connect the ipad? Does the pressure still work in photoshop?

[@chris-piascik]

It works great, no difference!

[@whateverluk]

I had the same issue few years ago with the 27 QHD... In the end, when I'm working from home, I'm using sidecar ans it's really good. And eaven if I'm not drawing have a secondary display is awesome. Cheers

[@chris-piascik]

Yeah sidecar is such a great addition to the Apple OS.

[@bentank]

Whack 'em... 🤔

[@chris-piascik]

Haha it’s a funny name!

[@NickGioiaJoya]

It might be to late but I notice lately you are getting I to animating in fresco and if you get rid if your wacom cintiq pro you won't be able to draw in Adobe Aniamte. Which is why I still have my Wacom still. Fresco and adobe animate are a lot a like.

[@chris-piascik]

Maybe it’s changed, but I didn’t love the drawing experience in Animate. I’ve always preferred to do my more complicated animation projects in Photoshop for the control I have. When I’m working in photoshop I just use my iPad like a Cintiq.

[@TT-rl4su]

A 16" or 19" ipad would be perfect.

[@chris-piascik]

Hoping for a 16” in March!

[@LikoKZN]

Было интересно, спасибо!

[@Red-qz5nq]

You blurred your hand!😂

[@chris-piascik]

Lol