Drawing on an iPad is Dangerous!

I've always been drawn to dangerous activities, but who knew that the most dangerous thing I'd ever do would be...drawing?
It's true. Just sitting on my couch drawing little pictures has led to some major pain over the years. From tennis elbow (even though I've never played tennis) to golfer's elbow (I can't even hit a ball), I've had it all. And let's not forget about the chronic pain in my shoulder, all thanks to my trusty pen and paper... I mean, iPad and Apple Pencil.
But in all seriousness, I've realized that varying my drawing position throughout the day is key. That's why I'm testing out two new iPad stands to use with my iPad Pro 12.9 - one from Benks and the other from Kuxiu. Links Below:
KUXIU X36 iPad foldable magnetic stand: kuxiu.co/produ...
Get 10% Off with PROMO CODE: CHRISPIASCIK
Benks Infinity Stand for iPad: shrsl.com/41flo
Draw Stronger: Self-Care For Cartoonists and Other Visual Artists: amzn.to/3nQGEBZ
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @chris-piascik
💌 Sign up to my mailing list and get a free download!: www.chrispiasc...
🛒 Stuff I use and Recommend: tinyurl.com/CP...
🖌 Photoshop/Procreate/Fresco Brushes: tinyurl.com/re...
🔍 You can also find me on:
🤳🏻 Instagram: / chrispiascik
🕺🏻 TikTok: / chris_piascik
👨🏻‍🎨 My website: chrispiascik.com
🤷🏻‍♂️ Linktree: linktr.ee/chri...
👨‍🎓 FREE Month of Skillshare: tinyurl.com/MY...
DISCLOSURE: I sometimes review and/or link to products & services I have used (or tried). When available, I use referral links, which means if you click one of the links in this video or description and make a purchase I may receive a small commission or other compensation.
Often times, the links to products/gear are links to those products on Amazon. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites.
#ipadprostand #benksipadstand
chris piascik benks ipad stand ipad magnetic stand best ipad stand best magnetic ipad stand using ipad as display ipad mount benks ipad stand review benks infinity magnetic ipad stand ipad arm stand ipad magnetic stand review benks infinity ipad stand

[@tadpoleontheweb]

You have my vote for an office setup video for illustrator-designers, especially using an external display with a MacBook Air or Pro. Thanks!

[@chris-piascik]

It’s in the works!

[@amberking7441]

I'm so glad you posted this! I've been dealing with chronic wrist pain for the last 4 months and I haven't been able to draw 😫 I'm definitely going to look into getting a stand or something similar to help get my arm positioned correctly.

[@chris-piascik]

Glad it was helpful for you!

[@DigitalBrooke]

Ditto!!! I’ve even gotten new chairs, new mice so trade out of, wrist braces, chiropractor. Icing helps, but OUCH.

[@jeremyandrus7520]

Ask your doctor if parkour drawing is right for you.

[@chris-piascik]

Lol!

[@mobjaw4455]

The only advice I have is to take breaks. No matter what you do if it's repetitive there will be pain. I've played guitar for over 30 years. Pain. I had a job where they told you you would get tendonitis sooner or later. Pain. Now when I draw, I have a timer set for 50 minutes. I walk around and stretch for ten minutes or I'll sit there for hours and end up with swolen feet, hurt elbow or wrist and pain in my back or neck.

[@chris-piascik]

That’s solid advice, my problem is that my ADHD causes me to hyperfocus and lose track of time. I can use a timer, I just need to actually make sure I follow it. Ha

[@mobjaw4455]

@@chris-piascik I know that. Same. It's work, but I enjoy competing the task now reminding myself of future benefit. I'm a horrible procrastinator also because of my hyper focus. I only want to do things I enjoy, but in even in every day tasks I have to remind myself "If you think of it; do it." Don't just set an empty glass beside the sink... Wash it. Same with stretching/walking and now I look forward to it. I made it a positive habit. Plus thrombosis is scary.

[@nikolailockertsen]

I have been drawing on the iPad since it came out. But I keep it on a higher than the desk, on a box or something. And angled towards you. So the lower part of the iPad is about my solarplexus hight. Atlest that works for me. No support for the elbow. Good luck!

[@chris-piascik]

Cool, maybe I’ll give that a try to switch things up.

[@marks2708]

love this topic of artist ergonomics. You should talk about the exercises in the next video.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! Glad you liked it. I feel like I’d be the wrong person to talk about the exercises since I’m so bad at making a point to do them.

[@sketchysermons]

You already got me to buy an iPad mini; now I need to buy this arm! 😅

[@chris-piascik]

Lol, I’m sorry!

[@hihellothereart]

Have you tried the Sketchboard Pro? I've been using that with my iPad for the last couple of years and I cant imagine life without it. Also... I too used to rollerblade at the skateparks (back in the day)! So glad to see another artist in rollerblades. 🙌

[@chris-piascik]

I have not, but I did back the new similar product that Astropad is making, and I’m excited for that to arrive. I’m 40 and still trying to rollerblade when I can, although I’m currently on the injured list. I actually tore a tendon in my non-drawing arm, 🙄

[@hihellothereart]

@@chris-piascik i saw the Astropad drawing pad. Looks nice, but the Sketchboard has kickstand feet so it's basically a small drafting table. I also am 40... and havent put on the blades in a REEEAALLLY long time. I did hit up the skatepark with my skateboard last August, slipped and hurt a muscle by overextending. I'm so fragile! I should probably just try to be that old dude who cruises on a long board and that's it.

[@chris-piascik]

Maybe I’ll have to give that sketchboard a try!

[@eriklauritz]

Was considering the sketchboard pro as well. I like how it has room to rest your arm(s) AROUND the iPad. Seems like that would relieve some stress to be able to lean on it a little. 🤔 Funny, I’m also a 40-something skater with arm issues from too much drawing. Seems to be a weird pattern here 😂

[@eriklauritz]

Just saw the Astropad Darkboard, which looks really nice too. Hmmm

[@dianalisarobinson3714]

I do experience some hand and wrist to elbow pain. I will look at the arm stand. I have the other one you showed. It helps a bit :) thanks for the video info. 😊

[@chris-piascik]

They’re both solid. It’s crazy how much pain can come from just drawing pictures a lot.

[@kyletwebster]

Such a great KZbin thumbnail for this one, man.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much Kyle! I was worried it was getting too weird

[@SuzetteMorrow]

Good stuff! Making the videos is another creative form of art that really fits you. I am still getting to know Fresco and like all the tips on it.

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you! I have a lot of fun doing it, I just n er to get a bit faster so I can keep up with everything else I have/want to do!

[@SuzetteMorrow]

@@chris-piascik me too! I struggle through editing with Premiere Pro, but the more I do the better I can find the stuff. Shorts from the phone are must easier and more enjoyable.

[@ryanliebe1079]

Yo! Have you ever heard of the Sketchboard Pro? I've struggled with shoulder pain from iPad drawing too, and the Sketchboard helped a lot.

[@chris-piascik]

I have, but I’ve never tried one. I preordered the astropad drawing thing which is similar but I don’t know when it’s arriving. Maybe I’ll have to grab a sketchboard. Thanks for the tip!

[@JH-pe3ro]

I got an injury - not from drawing, but from gaming and using the mouse. So when I got more serious about drawing I paid a lot of attention to what to do and what to avoid and it seems to be working. I suggest also trying a folding floor desk. The trick to those is that it creates a stable angled setup anywhere you want. I do use them on the floor since that lets me switch posture and stretch my legs without getting up, but many people use them on the couch or to make a standing desk. Instead of setting the tablet in one place on the desk, I will often prop it off the edge of the desk so that I can continuously change the angle of the tablet with my other hand as I draw. This is something I also do when working in traditional, just using a clipboard instead to secure the paper. I also switched over to a graphics tablet instead of screen drawing. That's a big deal, because I didn't know how to get good lines without seeing my hand for a while, until I started doing lots of blind contour sketches. Then it became easy within a few weeks because I was just reusing the same muscle memory I learned from the blind contours - those train up drawing by feel since that's the only sensory input you're getting about where the pen is. Muscle memory plays a big role in repetitive strain, and something I've noticed going between traditional and digital is that I have to always use the stylus from a higher angle in digital. If I'm using a real wood pencil, for one thing it's lighter weight, but also I can grip it sideways to eliminate wrist movement. The stylus can really lock you into always taking the same grip, especially if you're using one with side buttons and always pushing the button(not an issue with Apple Pencil, but definitely true of Wacom and others). So now I just don't - I use the keyboard if I need to, but doing the propped-off-edge thing, I try to make both hands collaborate to get the line correct the first time instead, and I think this way of working has been more efficient overall, more like "nailing it on the first take".

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks, lots of great suggestions!

[@ToddDolce]

JH,...as mentioned in my other reply,..you hit the nail on the head when you said, ".....I also switched over to a graphics tablet instead of screen drawing." That's hard for most younger artists and some old vets like myself too to get adjusted to because so many of us have all gulped down the Kool Aid being served by these mobile tablet device manufacturers (yes,..including the almighty Apple here too) that drawing/seeing directly on the screen is the only way. I think to be fair,...for "casual" artists it probably is just fine,..but for professionals or serious hobbyists that can usually spend countless hours staring down on these things,..it's a one way ticket to health/joint problems; some serious if left untreated. The good news in all of this for some is that most of these graphic tablets are really affordable and can be purchased at a fraction of these other tech devices! Yes,..they are reliant on having another computer, laptop or said tech mobile tablet devices,..but again,...on the flipside,...most of these graphic tablets (even the cheap ones) can usually grow/go with you as you find yourself having to upgrade to a newer computer through the years.

[@BrianProsser]

A complete office setup YT vid would be fantastic! Also, If you are hunting for YT topics ... Doing the idea-to-sketch-to-inking-to-coloring of hand-drawn lettering - like you did with the "Easter bunny A" - would be peachy-king too. MuchoGraciasAmigo. 😎👍

[@connerisbauld]

Chris ^^

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! Office setup is in the works! Also planning on doing more start to finish drawings!

[@connerisbauld]

@@chris-piascik I swear I said somthing about setup tour other day right ?

[@chris-piascik]

Hah I dunno maybe?? I’ve been talking about doing one ever since I got my new space setup.

[@danielheywood1002]

While prevention is best, The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook can be your best friend when inevitable pains come your way.

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks for the tip.

[@FilomenaJackStudio]

Thanks for sharing this! I’m gonna look into these. My body is complaining around my hip area for sitting too long while drawing and painting. Booooo….let’s all take some time to stretch! :) Long live flexible artists 😂

[@chris-piascik]

I definitely need to start stretching more! Glad this was useful for you!

[@cinlo6592]

I would like to know how you connect your iPad to a second monitor? I am so glad I found your channel. Your work is so inspiring to me. Thanks for the work you do.

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you! If you have another Mac you can easily connect it to your iPad in the display settings.

[@kairoldancreations]

oh my gosh yes this is a huge problem for me too! I have been struggling with my neck and shoulder muscles from drawing too much. I've been trying to vary my drawing positions and take lots of breaks while drawing to help it :(

[@chris-piascik]

It’s crazy how much damage we can cause ourselves by just sitting still drawing!

[@mirisoji8406]

Would love an office setup video! What do you think of screenless drawing pads? I'm thinking of getting one for better posture. I had gotten a Cintiq but but had the same posture issues

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks! I did end up making that video: My New Studio Setup : Amazing Basement Transformation! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGTHmWdpopJrgas for me the screen less drawing tablets are too disconnected. I could never get used to it. I know some people have no problem with it though!

[@negablackdragon]

Thanks man, good bye to my elbow pain, however, it's a shame I can't keep parkour drawing.....

[@chris-piascik]

lol!

[@nobodyhome3753]

I love my sketchboard pro

[@chris-piascik]

I just ordered one!

[@creativecomadre]

I’d like to see your studio set up! Also love your blue custom mat on your desk! Where did you get it made?

[@chris-piascik]

Thank you! Definitely planning on doing that soon! My mat is from Society6.

[@sloppynyuszi]

I used to use a big Cintiq pro and a 12.9” iPad Pro and had the worst shoulder pain. I have now switched to a 11” iPad Pro, an iPad mini to have something always on me and my surface pro 8 is the biggest drawing screen I have for my TVpaint projects. Shoulder pain pretty much gone now.

[@chris-piascik]

I remember when I used to work on a big cintiq I’d hunch over a lot and hurt my back. I guess if I didn’t hunch over I’d probably eventually make my shoulder hurt, hah.

[@broadwayzjm5257]

is the 11 inch still good for drawing? I feel like the spacw is a little cramped...

[@noname-bu3dv]

⁠@@broadwayzjm5257I use it and tbh you get used to it. I recommend def trying tho if u have concerns like write out the space on a piece of paper or visit some store u can test an iPad Pro 11 and use an Apple Pencil

[@SketchedBySeth]

Drawing pains suck! I'm not sure what i had, but for well over a year I suffered from an intense pain in my index base knuckle. At the worst of it all, I could barely hold a pen to write it hurt so bad- my hand would shake to just write a note. I tried to draw left handed but that wasn't fun for very long. I couldn't have any type of pressure anywhere near the area and I had to force myself to take a break from drawing. I thought I had arthritis and it was sooooo swollen too. Eventually the time away from the ipad paid off and the pain is gone for the most part. I'm certain it's all because I use too much pressure when I draw on the ipad and in combination with where the pencil sits against the knuckle. Now when I draw I'm super conscious of how i hold my pen and the pressure I'm using. I've never experienced what you've mentioned your issue areas are though. But now I know I best be supporting my elbow just to be safe! :)

[@chris-piascik]

Oof! Glad your issue has improved.

[@doktorkoka]

Damn, it's so soothing to know that you skate too! This is THE sport for honorable men in their 30-40's, haha. As a person familiar with injuries, who had to study human body and tissue layers in order to cure some things and now cures others - I can't recommend enough overcoming yourself and doing exercises at least weekly. As well as MFR routine for your hands, you need to move that fascia, it's crucial. Sorry, I don't want to sound uppity or something, I just really wish you health and well-being sincerely. Btw, did you quit using your zugu case? I found it very strudy and comfortable, thanks again for pointing them out!

[@chris-piascik]

Hah thanks! I’ll look into the MFr stuff. I have been better about stretching/exercising. I do use the ZUGU case, but in my office I’ve been attaching my iPad to the arm ib this video, so the case comes off when it’s like that.

[@davidabramov9414]

Hi Chris, Love watching your inspiring skills. How about a video where we send you an illustration done on Fresco, and you choose a handful and give us some of your feedback and tips. Cheers Dave

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much! Your idea sounds fun! I’m planning on setting up a discord soon, so that might be a good way to make your idea happen.

[@aliskangajann]

Been drawing my entire life and become professional comic book artist for 14 years now. Started from traditional pen and ink on paper to digital (wacom, huion, ipad) and I never had any problem with my wrist, elbow or arm. I only injure them (repeatedly) when I play hard basketball. As an artist, we should take good care of our physical health. 15 minutes of stretching every morning and in between works won’t hurt us. Better than having those body pains and spending your hard earned money for a doctor and prescriptions.

[@chris-piascik]

I definitely have been trying to get in the habit of stretching more.

[@aliskangajann]

@@chris-piascik great vid by the way and I so looove your works, sir!

[@chris-piascik]

Thanks so much!

[@nonamesdesigns]

I've got left arm issues from sitting at my desk at an angle, my elbow is always floating, its driving me crazy i have restrictions in my movement of that arm now lol

[@chris-piascik]

Ugh it’s the worst!

[@TheAlkhemiaStudio]

I bought a screen tablet for my xbf and i always hated that he had to be shrimped out while using it, so we checkd some yt videos for ideas and we arrived to a comfy setup with a monitor amr + screen adapter combo. it works pretty well and you can accomodate it as you need during and after work sessions.

[@chris-piascik]

Nice. The iPad desk mount arm in this video is similar to that, right?

[@jackmcgivern6228]

Would you recommend the zuyu case(not sure if thats how you spell) if I generally draw on the sofa or the first arm mount here? I normally draw on the couch and then will also draw on my computer with sidecar. I already have a case similar to the magic folio, so wondering what would be better. If the arm one is stable then that could be sweet, just wondering how good the zuyu stand works while drawing on your lap.

[@chris-piascik]

When I'm drawing on the couch I don't use the stand part of the case. I just hope it with my left arm-probably why I'm having issues, ha. I do think the Zugu case would work better than the Magic Folio because it's more sturdy.

[@nonamesdesigns]

We share a trait, if it's not set up we dont use it lol, its such a battle telling myself to set it back up

[@chris-piascik]

Yeah, out of sight out of mind!

[@AshleyMenard122]

My problem is within 5 mins of drawing my hand starts to go numb even if I’m elevating it down, I shake it out and continue..and repeat. Any suggestions?

[@chris-piascik]

Hmm, I only have that issue if my hand is up. Do you grip really tightly? That could be the culprit.

[@AshleyMenard122]

@@chris-piascik you know what I probably do grip too hard. Time to get loose! 😂

[@DebutPages]

What are those books to your right side?

[@chris-piascik]

There’s a bunch. I’m working on a full studio tour video soon, I’ll call them out.

[@gottafindacoolname]

They have a pro version? What’s the difference?

[@chris-piascik]

The iPad? The Pro is just more powerful I believe. But even the regular ones are plenty powerful for nearly everything.

[@lesserkey]

What video editing software do you use?

[@chris-piascik]

Final Cut Pro

[@chrissalas3196]

would the desk mount stand work for the mini 6?

[@chris-piascik]

Hey Chris, this one doesn't work with the iPad Mini. It doesn't look like they have a desk mount option for the Mini, just a folding one: kuxiu.co/products/x26-mini-ipad-stand?_pos=2&_sid=86d9feb3d&_ss=r&ref=nbm220z3

[@zaqueenateatro]

Damn bro looks at those triceps 7:12

[@chris-piascik]

🤓

[@davidgordon7457]

Couple things...perhaps scan in all 40 million drawings you have done over the years, then have someone feed it into an A.I.. then you can just type in prompts like: Russian propaganda style, Vladimir Putin, Piascik style, fart cloud, text: Rootin' Tootin' Pootin... then you can automatically generate illustrations in your style... no stress. However, if you choose to keep on keepin on with the old fashion apple pencil on ipad, these ipad stands seem like a great idea.... I think you missed out though, these stands would also allow you to use your ipad as a tray for your coffee cup when you are not drawing.

[@chris-piascik]

Haha that’s an amazing idea. I need my own ai. The only downside is that I enjoy drawing too much.

[@eatsimplefood]

health first. there is no way around that. I decided to walk 10k steps at least per day and it feels very good to move. nothing exciting but I think we overcomplicate things and overlook the simple solutions. you could walk 5k do a drawing on your iPad mini and walk 5k back home... tada ;)

[@chris-piascik]

Haha that’s a great idea. I agree health first. I just need to convince my brain. We don’t always agree on things.

[@eatsimplefood]

@@chris-piascik that’s easy in this case as you can draw more as long as you are healthy…also brain and creativity love movement and nature things like the woods, who knows you just might create the ultimate tree monster army 😃

[@NiklasAndersson7]

You have two arms. Use the other one. See it as a challenge.

[@chris-piascik]

Hah it may come to that.

[@TheRickurb]

Love you man, but as soon as you said, I have exercises I should do, but I don’t. You lost me.

[@chris-piascik]

Hah, I get it. I’m just really struggling with time, balancing being a new dad, client work, teaching, and making videos here I know that’s not a great excuse, but it is all I’ve got.

[@larrybtv]

draw in VR and injure the entire body🤘

[@chris-piascik]

Lol

[@doaflamingo3713]

i mean, a simple wacom tablet would solve it

[@chris-piascik]

I’ve had a few over the years, most recently I had the 27” Cintiq, which was great. I just prefer the drawing experience on the iPad. Since this video I’ve started using the Darkboard stand for my iPad and it’s made a huge difference.

[@Brianmatthewlewis]

Maybe learn to draw switch

[@chris-piascik]

Lol

[@dmend2978]

Office set up plz, I’m starting to go on as an artist and would love to get the right stuff

[@chris-piascik]

That’s definitely in the works!