How the iPad Became My Go To Drawing Tablet

I'm often asked: What do you REALLY draw on when you're not reviewing drawing hardware. And the short answer to that is the iPad pro. The long answer is this video. Also, I was feeling a bit nostalgic, this is the 5 year anniversary of my Surface Pro 3 review, the review that launched this channel.
My original Surface Pro 3 review • Review of the Surface ...
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[@Barada73]

Control-Z has been so ingrained into my muscle memory that I find myself instinctively trying to Control-Z my mistakes even when drawing traditionally with pencil on paper.

[@baulzach]

me too :(

[@marctang3802]

2015: “Drawing on iPad is mehh 2019: “How the iPad became my go to Drawing” Tablet”

[@StarWarsAddict527]

It's improved a lot over the last 4 years

[@untamedphoenix]

The first iPad Pro was released in 2017. In 2015, iPad Drawing was terrible. In 2019, it’s awesome.

[@StarWarsAddict527]

@@untamedphoenix No the iPad Pro came out in 2015.

[@epampoefmkfkefpeao4291]

@@StarWarsAddict527 it doesnt matter, his point is that ipad drawing back then was inconvenient

[@pathetic2399]

And clip studio. And every other drawing app.

[@alzamonart]

I’ve got myself an iPad Pro with Pencil recently after drawing for years on a 13” Wacom Cintiq. The trouble with this Cintiq as you state correctly is that it never became a truly portable device because of all those cables and form factor. With this iPad I’ve put Procreate and Affinity Designer through its paces; found out that for illustration process I can do 95% of what I do in Photoshop using Procreate. Some things are still desired like a smarter eyedropper that reads through blending modes but all in all the performance is impressive. My only caveat is that I’m not so fond of using the iPad when I need to search for ideas - it’s a box with too many built in distractions. For this i still cling to my traditional sketchbooks and pencils. I’m probably showing my age (mid 40s) too, but who cares :)

[@ttalah2964]

Great information , which iPad size do you use ? Is it 11 inch or 12,9 inch ? Many thanks

[@alzamonart]

@@ttalah2964 11 inch, wanted to switch to 12.9 but invested on a 22" Huion Kamvas for my computer instead, so I don't feel the urge as much :)

[@silkemans2200]

Hey, I’m doubting between getting an IPad or Huion Kamvas… Yes I’m a starter but my goal is to become professional. I really want to know what the limit is on Procreate exporting. (Is it fine for just t-shirts, posters and even big printing like billboards or a bus or will procreate never allow that) I don’t know what the limit is and I’m afraid I that I would waste my money. Also, if I learn iPad procreate, will Adobe Photoshop etc be a big adjustment to learn if I would get a Huion in the future? And does procreate cover indesign /illustrator as well? (Make patterns for example) Sorry lots of questions, but I can’t seem to make up my mind because of these uncertainties 😅

[@alzamonart]

@@silkemans2200 an iPad Pro can go a very long way. For vector work, the Affinity suite does great (I use it instead of Adobe's programs). Procreate does manage a limit of layers depending on canvas resolution and the iPad's own RAM, but unless you are making huge billboards it shouldn't be an issue of concern. Procreate is raster software like Photoshop, not vector. I'm aware there are already iOS versions of Photoshop and Illustrator but I don't use them since Affinity Photo/Design turned to be cheaper (no subscription).

[@donnamay660]

I use my Microsoft surface pro 6 and that was because of your review. I was so enticed by iPad and wanted it so bad but you explained the pros and cons. I chose the Microsoft surface and I've loved it since. Thank you so much!

[@Glamrgrl104]

Do you use yours for drawing? Is it worth buying used?

[@ChrisPollard]

"There is no best thing." Best statement ever. Thank you! That's it exactly.

[@GottyJ]

About the burrito - a lot of retailers, when they do launch events , cater in food for their customers to build excitement etc

[@Hhorusable]

Thanks Brad. I looooove my iPad. I’m an old fella and I never would have believed this in my life time. It’s like going to the moon. It’s incredible.

[@vlweb3d]

*JUST BE HONEST BRAD ...* Just say you want to draw while sitting on the toilet ... *LOL*

[@JigokuHebi]

SUPREME EMPEROR MITTENS rofl! XD

[@TypicalSwedee]

YOU JUST CALLED ME OUT AND I DONT LIKE IT

[@gusgun5777]

Clip studio on a surface pro does all that and it works amazing. Tested every drawing program for my surface and clip studio was by far the best, it ran great, had easy pinch zoom, double tap to undo and so on. Love it!

[@jarkokoo]

Yeah, Clip Studio Pro (EX) is THE software for me as well in the land of Windows PC, both on Surface and on desktop + Cintiq. A big reason for why I love it, is the brush engine they have and also the 2d-animation tools, which are super good. But that said: CSP is for iPad as well nowadays. Super tempted to get an iPad as well, I must admit. :)

[@geneoakley]

As a proud Apple hater, it disgusts me to say that iPad Pro + Pencil is actually the device with not only the best price/performance for 2D artists but also price/value. +natural drawing feel, with matte screen protector +enough compute power for professional use(many Japanese manga artists use it to produce finished pages +enough SOFTWARE SUPPORT for professional use(see Comic Studio EX) +only the Ipad Pro, Pencil, matte SP and a few more bucks for art sotware subscription, and you're ready to produce AND publish your comics online. No additional hardware needed beyond that The only mistake Apple's marketing team is doing, is not promoting iPads as substitute art tool. Plenty of people in the world who normally refuse to buy Apple products for personal use would have bought it if they know they can draw on it like a 2000++ bucks Cintiq can

[@rynabuns]

TheLastDoraemon: Kind of bizarre to feel pride in hating Apple, as if you’re the only one out there but you do you

[@haydenrouse4907]

Never been overly fond of apple, but I'm really tempted to get an iPad for drawing, sheet music, and notes for college

[@ameliabuns4058]

@Kevin Costner i don't take pride in it but i also hate apple. tbh I hate most companies. all of them are awful evil and they just.... hurt so many things

[@maiwei]

Yeah, I also have beef with apple, but this I feel to be genuinely worth it. Considering getting one, but will wait to see if apple announces the next ipad in March. If not, I'm buying asap

[@3polygons]

Sorry, but I beg to differ. By no means an iPad Pro is better for painting and illustration than a 32 inches Cintiq Pro or a Wacom Intuos Pro L + a professional monitor (Eizo Colordge, or just a pro NEC if requirements are not that high). What it's earned in the pen technology is lost by painting on a very small surface and using a tiny screen for complex illustrations, as is (so much) better to work not zooming in so often, among many other advantages. The gain in accuracy when working on a larger surface is really remarkable. I'm a professional illustrator/painter, and I'd choose the resulting accuracy of the 32" surface and screen + Wacon Pro Pen 2 over a 12'9" tablet + the Pencil tech, any day. Also, the pen tech in the latest Wacom generation is really something. If Apple has made something wrong with marketing (particularly in paid illustrators "reviews" ;) ;) (and I don't mean in youtube channels) ) was indeed selling it initially as a desktop replacement for an illustrator. At least for a professional one who paints more than 1 hour a day and does quite complex illustrations. Had it been marketed indeed as a sketch tool, a companion to more serious solutions, I'd have no issue with such marketing.

[@CatalinCiubotaru]

Congrats on the 5 years! Your videos are always not only very informative but also super entertaining! Great job!

[@frankporteriii6211]

Congrats on V years!!! What a turn of events, I have picked my Surface Pro 3 back up ( I don't know why) and been drawing it again. Can not wait to see where you are at X years!!!

[@angell1432]

I love using my ipad, i take it everywhere! It’s my go to for drawing ❤️

[@MrStephenfull]

Wow, 5 years and 170K subs! Congrats, Brad. You deserve it all and more!

[@thebradcolbow]

Thanks Stephen!

[@beachballanimations958]

@@thebradcolbow wow 170k, you have grown 👏

[@williamrose2413]

Well, happy Anniversary, Brad! Thanks for all the vids.

[@chrisp2588]

Love my iPad Pro and Procreate but I've had to stop drawing on it due to back problems. I find that you close your shoulders in quite a bit while using it due to the relatively smallish surface and having a second hand on it constantly for gestures, so I recommend using something like the Elevation Lab Draft Table to prop it up and open your shoulders up while using it. I can't draw for more than about half an hour now without using the Draft Table, so look after your backs!

[@sapphirewyren02]

Happy 5th Anniversary Brad!! Keep up the amazing work :)

[@leahevergreenart]

I used to use my ipad as an aid in drawing but now with all the apps being so much better, it really is a great tool. We all have different needs and its great that you gear your reviews to insuring watchers are learning and able to decide for themselves.

[@Artofizanagi]

Tbh your reviews are the reason I bought an iPad pro and procreate. Haven't looked back since. Completely changed my art and workflow in a positive way. Now with the current update it's gonna be a beast of a device.

[@phillblake6829]

Been with you on the ride since day one thanks so much for all the help and information and testing all the crap styluses and saving us all a ton of money. I still remember the excitement when they announced the iPad Pro and Apple ✏️🙏

[@FuzzyDereck]

Happy 5 Years, Brad!! 👏👏👏👏👏😊

[@dockaych]

Fantastic video! I've been watching your videos since the SP3 videos, and I bought a SP4 based on your review. I now have an SP6 as a daily driver, but I agree with everything that you say regarding the UX on the ipad pro. I spent a year drawing in Procreate with a dumb stylus, but it was such a clumsy experience that I stopped using it. I've been coveting my friends' ipad pros for a while so I know I'll get one for myself within the next twelve months :) Thanks for all the videos Brad. Really appreciate how cosiderate you are to everyone's needs. All of our own needs change every 5 years or so!

[@hayjreynolds641]

I'm getting my new ipad today!! I've been using the wacom universal pen, but it just isn't great... I'm sooo excited to get it and sooo thankful for your youtube channel!! Your videos are so helpful for everything I do for art!! Happy 5th aniversary!! God bless you!!

[@3polygons]

It depends on the type of work... large high detailed scenes.... hyper realism or just figurative digital painting oil/acrylics like, looking to have all that detail and a global view at a time... and getting a healthy position over many hours a day... it's a desktop and an intuos pro L with a pro calibrated monitor, or a 22 -24 cintiq / similar alternative. Yup, it feels like work... as ... IS work. A work that I love deeply, tho. I'm guessing I'd only agree on the advantages for fast sketching, in that the iPad has no match (I find it very uncomfortable tho for longer than two hours sessions, even for that, though), which are highlighted in the video as key ones. As when you are into an intense project, the last worry is if PS or whatever did fire up fast in the first moments of an 8 hours session. Plus, much more flexibility and power in the software, etc. Oh, and the undo is in my Wacom pen, the side button, and in the other color picker or the undo (I rarely use the re-do) , other functions in the tablet buttons and great Wacom disc. For a trained pro is muscle memory. U don't even notice at all anymore. Zoom with the mouse wheel, for example (and pan) I do that without even thinking. zero obstacle. Any workflow becomes like that if u do that everyday. And my back and neck muscles are WAY more relaxed (back straight, good chair, vertical monitor, intuos in the table) than when I worked for quite some time with a 12 inches cintiq (one of the major probs of the iPad Pro, the screen/tablet size. No matter what is told, for steady inking lines, or even just painting, is WAY better a larger tablet, besides the inconvenience of a small screen for the illustrated scene of some complexity.) Also, a toon style, relatively simple, or just flash animation... that's a ton more a case for a tablet like this than would be detailed realistic artwork, digital painting, etc. (yeah you can digital paint in the ipad, but say hello to your zoom friend, if ur into detailed artwork. And for good composition and the entire piece, even at detailing stage, you'd better be seeing all the scene.). Also, IMO, in professional software, and in how the OS is for professional needs, there's still a huge , huge gap in comparison with the desktop, be it Mac or Windows. I respect everybody's particular preference, including the video author, but I have a hard time to _"universally"_ admit what (not in the video) some say about considering it a replacement for pro work for illustrators. (I know in the video is said everyone has own needs and style. And is not pretending to say in anyway that's the way to go. But I've heard in some places, read in some blogs the term "replacement" for illustration, and that I think is... wrong...)

[@twelve535]

This comment doesn't have enough likes. I think all artists that review Ipads should mention all this, so far I haven't heard any of them talk about the downsides, exept one.

[@3polygons]

@@twelve535 Thank you very much ! I'm glad if at least a minority finds it useful. I am unable to convince the masses in any matter, I know that's a fact. ;) . If I avoid issues to some working on these matters really seriously, pro work, then I'm satisfied, despite the huge effort and time these comments take to write. I also think there's a huge misconception / euphoria (understandable, everybody likes shiny, new, cute and portable. The envelope...) about the portable tech that, often unintentionally (or not), hides these facts which are rock solid for anyone with long enough professional experience. But also consider that it makes more bucks to speak about the portable toys. And I don't mean here that it is Brad's case .As it is not. Seems he truly likes these things, I doubt his usage is 8-12 hours a day drawing, as has another job(/s), and has a very particular focus. Fully justified for his use case, I'd be a constant moving UI/UX contractor, and drawing mostly comics in his particular style, I'd probably could feel similarly about portable tech. And even while I did not go into depths like : There's not a real file system, and that's fine for a hobby, but as soon as you get into real serious gigs of certain depth, it can become a huge problem. Let alone no _real_ compatibility with current established market software (it's all about limited tricks, like with the file system), or lack of flexibility to calibrate in a custom way the screen colors, far from the professional flexibility you count on in Windows and Mac OS. Or the inability to work in serious print projects for larger sizes (am not speaking about some 6 meters poster, which you do in vectors, anyway, but even a regular decent sized real life oil canvas). Metal and the just 8 gb of RAM means 16k pixels wide in a typical canvas proportions, with some flexibility in combinations, but you can't even paint (fluidly, as, unlike procreate or others, Affinity Photo (+1 to them) allows you to load a slightly larger canvas, but can't paint fluid at that size in that device). Forget about a 25k x 25k pixels canvas. I am currently working on an almost 2 meters wide canvas (digitally), required to be at 300 dpi by the client. You tell me how to do that effectively in an iPad, lol.... And that's only the tip of the iceberg ! You can't increase your ram (not even at the exorbitant prices it costs that in an iMac o Mac Pro... simply you even can't! ) if you find you need it for a critically important project ! Or _easily_ increase storage without resorting to cumbersome and slower external or cloud based solutions. If a project requires more fine control over color, you can't "swap" the monitor. You're stuck with a nice wide range color P3 device, that will do for most cases, but pro work is that... requirements change per project. Or work in professional video editing or 3D... you can play around with some "toys", but that's it. Very "pro".... Even if the major limit for it to be pro is the tiny 12,9 inches tablet for drawing, and as a screen. Related to ergonomics, the pose " _can_ " lead with long sessions enough to carpan tunnel issues, back and neck pain and issues. Of course, this all ONLY if some people insist in two terms : "Pro", as it says in the actual model name, but really meaning what it originally means (for real professional activity), and "desktop replacement". And super funnily, despite all this, one finds instances of it too often. Because... YES, I can take it as a professional tool ADD-ON, companion. I also could use in the nighties some weird tool for generating some effect in my oil canvas, instead of a brush, but wouldn't pretend it to be my main tool as a brush 'replacement'. One has cameras, scanners, these are all tools, and if serve for a function in the professional workflow, then they are professional. But if they can only work as an add-on, a companion, using it to replace things it can't replace, would be the opposite to a professional behavior, and more of a "desire it were" something which is not, rather than what happens in reality. And is not that I am making up anything... is not a hate towards iOS (I had an iPad for a long time), a cheap A6 tablet can make almost the same harm to your body, hand/wrist etc as these tiny tablets do (yep, 12,9 is TINY for pro drawing). Meaning, I put as much emphasis in not using 12.9 as your screen in pro illustration / painting, as in not using a small wacom, or small - insert the brand here- , unless one is doing solely photo retouch, pixel art, or non complex vector art, but start at least in medium size of a XP-Pen Deco 03, Deco 01 V2, or any of the medium size (10 x 6 inches, more or less) from Huion or etc. As for the small screen, or small tablet ('cause both issues are producing the need of zooming in , constantly, for different reasons) it's a HUGE problem unless you are being lucky to be doing certain type of projects ONLY (again, because unless you are lucky to have only very limited specs required and can work only certain type of projects, chances are you will need to work for very varying needs and specs) , because the small screen forces you to work in zoomed-in, to actually SEE well the detail and work on it. The lack of accuracy (wobbling, jitter, general control over it) in the line that always produces a small surface, this related to the pen-surface accuracy, not with if you are seeing or not detail enough in global view, so it's doubly forcing you to zoom-in, as is what compensates the terrible accuracy of small tablets. And often bumping up the stabilizer levels will be a terrible solution, for lack of control and freshness in the line, that you'll totally need sooner or later as you go pro. And goes beyond that ! Working too often zoomed-in has not just the issue of you not having the global view of the composition all the time (which helps your brain to catch WAY more issues, and more often, just like mirroring often as you draw, etc) , you loose the main idea a lot more, you might not apply the same level of detail on each area, as you are working in isolated zoomed-in chunks not seeing the rest, you _might_ have issues in making all color really well harmonized, or you are just unnecessarily making that way harder than it should be.... etc, etc. In the software side, is often not only not having true compatibility with the big guys in the market, while being provided with these files by every freakin' client, it is that, as much as you can love Procreate and Art Studio, and etc, there's a ton of software lacking on the platform (hello, 3D! ...video... and yeah, a pro in graphics ends up needing to do these, too, in one project or another, or even for a reliable conversion...) On the ergonomics, is not just me (I tried it, actually produced tons of works with such a screen-tablet, in pro activity for a very long time, a wacom "professional" 12 inches screen display-tablet, that is)... I've known about people who the doctor have told them to stop using such devices, and go back to a Wacom Large (L) or similar size. Even more, some cases where they totally had to stop even using a display-tablet, as it was not allowing them to keep the back fully straight and fully relaxed, and 8-10 hours of serious work have only a few combinations to not generate issues, after some months or years. So, telling me is pro to replace a Wacom L (or XL, or even a medium size) with a 12,9 tiny screen-tablet.. is... I mean, no fcking way. My advice is more and more just the 500 bucks Wacom L, and train the hand-screen-eye coordination. If later on you switch to a display-tablet, there's no real retraining needed, as what needs some training is the classics tablets, so, with being able to use those, you can use whatever, later (I know this first hand, obviously). I do see just fine to use a BIG display-tablet (cintiq or alternative) for long sessions (aka pro work). And I don't mean huge. A 20 -22 inches is almost perfect for most people. I still think the distance provided by a Wacom L and a really PROFESSIONAL (or semi professional of 350 bucks with a hardware color calibrator, even a cheap one will do) monitor, is healthier for several reasons, and more likely that you can get the best habit for back/neck/wrist posture. This job (trust me!!) has a ton of erosion, be it tired eyesight (mostly!) , and back, neck, carpan tunel/whatever other wrist/nerve issues. So, no caution is enough, trust me on this. If you are using the iPad 2 hours a day, for a dedicated hobby (I've no probs in declaring there the iPad pro a proper device for that. Even in that case I'd prefer a classic table + laptop or desktop+monitor of my choice, tho), this whole thread of comments isn't for you, anyway. The freedom you are winning in mobility, you are loosing it (and surely health) in so many other ways (at least for pro activity). Last note: If one already has a desktop, the investment required for just a classic tablet, and it being much more professional, is outstandingly cheaper (and yet better for pro work! crazy as it sounds, but true). Despite the fact that I'd go for a Wacom L as a strong preference (quite "better", for the reasons exposed, than a 16 inches display tablet, or even a 22 display-tablet), a XP-Pen Deco 03, or a 10x6 inches from Huion, will do great! . And then is not the 500+ of the wacom L, it is that you can get from 50 (one XP-Pen recent offer, Deco 01 V2, I believe, but I wouldn't risk it, go for the deco 03) to 100 bucks, a medium sized classic tablet, and that + a just an ok, even if old, desktop computer (an i5 from 5 or 4 years ago would do just fine! ), is all you need for a lot of professional work, with no real limits. (unless you're a Zbrush expert, of course, that's another set of requirements).

[@Wreckity]

The reviewer does point to a larger drawing tablet in the video. He's clearly not ONLY using the iPad for drawing.

[@icecatti]

@@3polygons Dunno if you're still around months later but I appreciate these comments more than you know. This really helped me straighten out my priorities and make better use of my current tech rather than spend 1000+ dollars on tech I don't like that would surely injure me over time. I've had a Cintiq HD13 in the past and in a particularly grueling final semester of art school I remember seriously injuring myself on my thesis comic. It's been so long since I've drawn but I must have forgotten all about that. Your posts inspired me to go down a rabbit hole considering whether or not the display tablet is even worth it at all. Come to think of it I have always admired the intous' line true portability, lack of cables, and ease of function. I've been too off put the hand-eye disconnect to make it my primary drawing device but there's no excuse for that on my part. I'm gonna dig it out of my closet and get to work. But for the record, I do suspect that buying a used iPad pro for 400 or less and applying some kind of paper film texture would make for a handy on the go sketchbook. Not a dedicated device by any means, but a neat toy and, as you said, valuable for someone in a UX/UI role. I take more of an issue with 13-16 inch Cintiq devices. I'm realizing what an absolute rip off they are and somewhat predatory in nature to market them to students or very young hobbyists. They are too clunky to be truly mobile, they're not ergonomic at all, they host a ton of tech and driver issues, and they're wildly expensive. The only Cintiq worth owning is a huge Pro screen with an adjustable arm and all the peripherals - a setup with an absurd cost that for all intents and purposes is probably meant to be provided by a company for their employees. The smaller Cintiq lines and Chinese clones of cheap big displays are just trying and failing to bridge this gap.

[@3polygons]

​@@icecatti I'm around....but...ouch... just deleted by error (closed the tab, lol...sigh...) a several paragraphs reply here... argh.... Just the essential (edit: no, wrote more at the end, lol) : Things have changed in 3 months. Essentially, the Intuos PRO Wacom L saw a huge price drop, am sure to compete with the 16" display-tablets alternatives (and the new Cintiq non pro line) and even 22 cheap alternatives from XP-Pen. It's gone from 500$ or so, till the current 380 $ (freaking deal for that wonder - the best, imo- of a classic tablet) in the US Wacom store. The XP-Pen 22E, now that the 22R is out (significantly better, although u'll surely need to hardware COLOR calibrate any of the two, but with the calibrator, ur good to go with any of the two. It's stupid to buy the equally price 22 pro now (non E)), has gone now to 16" inches kind of pricing: 400 US $ . So, two of the most pro solutions (keeping it in the sane, affordable range) are now around 400 $ !!!!. This is totally crazy. These are PRO level, pro tools. Not a tiny 12.9 thing. And sth you can plug easily to any computer MAC or WINDOWS. So , ur not limited in your projects to 8 GB of ram, to the limits of the ipad screen, to a particular set of software apps and not the industry standards, having a proper file system (not really addressed in iPadOS either, sorry), being able to connect to a family member machine if u need to pass days there and u'll still be able to work, or even to your phone, cheapo tablet... (well, the android thing, in the Deco Pro, only, etc.) The *Paper* Wacom L model is a temptation for comic artists, but seriously, need to get trained with a regular classic, even if need to use the line stabilizer in Clip Studio in the beginning, and go decreasing the level of that as your lines get more confident (they do, with time and lines drawn) in the digital media. The issue with the Paper model is the price of the ink refills (like with inkjet printer, the business is in the inks refills) which gotta be Wacom's only, and unless am wrong, can only buy at Wacom. I wouldn't go there, but that's me.... Also, the price hike is non admissible. From 380$ without Paper to 600$ with it. No freaking way.... It's a 220 $ price jump. Two Deco 03 tablets just in the price difference, LOL !!. Actually, u can mount a decent work PC (without the monitor) for comic or digital painting with an AMD Ryzen with just 270 bucks, so that we put that price difference in perspective. A *WINNER* setup right now (if having the budget) , the way I see it, is getting all of the following : 1 - Get a Deco 03 or Deco Pro tablet for 100 or 130 respectively. This way you train with medium size CLASSIC tablet, so you train the skill as in many companies they wont put a cintiq in front of you. Also, as if it breaks, u can't wait and don't do projects that month, if are paying the bills. Is WAY easier to pay 100$ than 400$ in sudden moment. Also, you don't improvise the eye-screen coordination in 1 week. 2 - And get a XP-Pen (or GT 220 V2 from Huion, or whatever. I'm just not too fan of the brand, but it is good) 22E (400$ at Amazon). Or, as your budget is not in the 2k -3k range for a cintiq pro, but maybe can go a bit farther than 400$ for a display-tablet, a Cintiq (non pro) *22* ( 1200 $ right now ) , not the 16 inches one. This new cintiq cheapo line is fine even if too short in color range (not wide enough, but is...workable). Also , people complain on this being 1080p and not 1440p as certain Huion is, and they "see the pixel". IMO, that's over obsessing, and if they are noticing the pixels, then they are NOT in the right DISTANCE eyes -screen to preserve better their eyesight along the years or even months of work. Need to say : With a hardware color calibrator and using it with your display-tablet, IMO, you are better served by the top 22 models from XP-PEN and Huion than with the Wacom non pro. But in my book, any of these 3 paths are... quite good. 3 - A 130ish $ color calibrator (no need to go more expensive) of one of the two or three main brands for this. It's a must, if u hadn't it already for your standard or pro monitor, if doing ANYTHING with graphics. IMO.... I say winner because, even if pricier, this gives you... all possible usages and advantages. IE, for drawing mostly with the classic and switching to display-tablet for inking, maybe digital painting, too. So, doing sessions with the classic, sessions with the display-tablet, ie, for inking faster. (this also serves to improve your hand and brain in the overall drawing and painting skill. In this field, changes of context even in the same day, are good, not bad). The royal beauty of this plan is that you can start with just a 100 $ classic tablet, and do entire comic books and game concept art, illustration, animation or whatever, with it during months or years. As savings allow, then you would purchase the hardware color calibrator (if u don't have one) or the display tablet, whatever would better suit your needs at that moment. And later on, getting whatever of the 2 you left behind. Instead of putting 1400 for an ipad pro without really knowing if it'll serve your purpose, you'll be comfy with it, will do for ANY type of project... etc. (the 400$ non pro model is not usable for printing projects, due to RAM and etc) That said, in my very particular case (I ink comfortably with an arcane Wacom XL, with and without line stabilizers in any app) I know I'd personally go just for the Wacom L, non Paper. But due to my circumstances and way of work. I agree with the iPad being nice for sketches. But a Moleskin or a dirty notepad or a piece of wood and some clip and papers are just as fine and don't cost 400$ :D . And for digital painting in exteriors, has been proven to not be bright enough for you to see colors accurately (well, non possible anyway in an exterior, consistently) or clearly. Now... if u need sth to browse on, to take notes, email , communicate, etc, while you are on the go, on an starbucks (if live in a region where doing that is remotely safe) , meaning, if is the case of not have any laptop or cheap a$$ 100 bucks android tablet, then u'd be getting a tablet for that mainstream regular use, but also getting a very capable digital sketching pad. Solely to make sketches... maybe the 10 bucks for a traditional cheapo thing to sketch is ALMOST more affordable ;). If having a cheap - or not- Android tablet already, or an Andorid based phone, then a Deco Pro and connect to it, will be your "computer" and screen, for that sketch, as the 130$ deco pro supports Android, and is reported to work well, can even connect with a phone, tho imo only practical with a 5 - 6 inches phone ...tiny...fine for some fast idea-sketches, maybe.

[@thatsadbish4912]

U been doing this for 5 years And only 150k?! Your channel is so helpful and amazing you deserve.....150mil!❤️👌

[@thebradcolbow]

the first 2 years I only posted a handful of videos. But thanks!

[@thatsadbish4912]

Brad Colbow No problem🙂

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks for the great videos. Keep up the great channel mate. I also use the iPad Pro as my go to digital sketch pad. For animation and animatic though, Cintiq and Toonboom Harmony/ Storyboard Pro. It just offers such a powerful streamlined workflow. I wish there was more serious animation and Storyboard/ animatic software on the iPad.

[@Naimad319]

Brad Colbow is awesome. Thanks for all the reviews.

[@NicParsonsArt]

Well done, Brad! This is one of the best videos you’ve made. And not just because I’m an iPad fanboy. Keep it up!

[@ariwilsun]

A honest and cogent testimonial without disparaging one product over the other. This is damn near novel. Thanks Brad!

[@StevenRice]

I do photo-realistic detail artwork for movie posters, and other than layer limitations I can do an entire poster from concept to final on my iPad 2018 now in Procreate. Kyle Lambert and I are the only two who really do this right now - but honestly, it's absolutely amazing to use for that type of art as well - not just for cartoony stuff at all.

[@jonnypiehair]

Do you find file size and resolution limitations a challenge for poster size print files? I'm assuming you are outputting A1 or A0 at 300dpi

[@bendesignsmedia]

Great video Brad, happy anniversary! Also, great shirt.

[@LinkChenTW]

You remind me that I saw the first iPhone on Steve Job's hand. When he did pinch to zoom in and out, that was incredible and nature.

[@AlvaroFlores]

Great and funny video, you shared a lot of valuable info with a really nice sense of humor, you got me attached and it's not a short video, well done!

[@quimblyjones9767]

Your review method is both entertaining and impressively in-depth, your knowledge and experience have helped me learn so much so thank you. Looking forward to so much more P.S I would love to see you drawing, maybe as a separate channel or even livestreaming over on twitch.

[@bryanmerton5153]

Great video. Procreate is my major drawing tool as well. It just keeps getting better

[@beepear]

I love the iPad for it’s portability and how quickly the software opens. I also don’t like being tied to my desk. A lot of my sketching happens while I’m watching tv or on break at work.

[@FirelillyHeals]

Just ordered my iPad last night, this is exactly why(: I feel like the iPad is finally exactly what we want!

[@cheesebags4341]

Same here!

[@pinkpassiverogue]

I felt that...on such a spiritual level I remember getting the first ipad.. I remember those nasty puffy nibs...and I was just excited to draw digitally at all..even with all the inaccuracy I'm about to finally upgrade to the new ipad pro its exactly what I have always dreamt of having!

[@MarsorryIckuatuna]

Lol, I was also the only guy in the Microsoft Store during my trip to the US. Every store employee was so excited to watch me walking around, it was super weird. Right across the road - the Apple Store was packed and the sales people couldn’t keep up with the traffic. Shame, I felt sad for MS...

[@CallMeChato]

Very nice. I used to be an editorial cartoonist back in the 70's. I'm waaayyy out of practice. I'm so wanting to get an iPad pro but not wanting to realize just how bad I am now.

[@jngarrettart]

I’m with you on this one. The iPad with Pencil is a dream device for me. I’ve shifted my entire illustration workflow to an iPad Pro, and the 2018 budget iPad has become my portable sketchbook and demo device for teaching art classes at school. Still love my iMac, but I don’t need to use it often for drawing these days (typically only when I tutor over Skype and need to simultaneously draw and share my screen with a student), and when I do, there’s Astropad. I sold my medium Wacom Intuos Pro this year because, despite being an excellent tablet, I found I just wasn’t using it after I bought the iPad Pro.

[@BenFrankarts]

In the design game, Apple is kicking Wacom in the teeth. When they go after a market, they start slow then build up layer after layer of breakthroughs. Often skipping over some features in favor of others. But in the end you get this awesome piece of tech that democratizes the digital illustration field.

[@millgiass]

I really like that wheel thingie on the XP-Pen tablets. It's so cool.

[@Buzzed4LightYears]

Thank you Brad for being Brad 👍🏼

[@aarongilmore1254]

This is A GREAT VID BRAD... THANK YOU

[@KristinaAlbrecht]

Thank you so much for your honest opinion, as I've been on the fence about upgrading to a tablet monitor, or going iPad + AstroPad Studio combined with my iMac. While 85% of my workload is vector-based (hence the need for AstroPad Studio), I would like to spend more time creating digital illustrations for personal projects, and the stuff I'm seeing come out of Procreate and Clip Studio on the iMac is just mind-blowing. Turning the canvas around like that while inking... oh man!! I have a feeling that once Affinity can give me a few more options that I need in Illustrator (text warp, and a solid solution for exporting color separations) that I will rarely need to plug into my iMac to 'finish' things up.

[@yashazare]

Came here for suggestions on tablets Learned life listens from you You rock man 🤟

[@haylz27]

Before I got my iPad pro in 2017 I drew on a Wacom Bamboo. I tried to draw on it after getting used to the iPad and I didn't use it again because it was hard to go back to drawing not directly on a screen lol

[@GeahkBurchill]

Hayley 헤일리 same exact thing for me. Bamboo II to iPad Pro and there’s no going back.

[@haylz27]

@@GeahkBurchill I feel like I've improved a lot compared to when I was drawing on the computer too, it's great. 😁

[@ciannacoleman5125]

I just upgraded around Christmas to 6th gen iPad for writing and sketching and am loving it. I hope in 3-5 years when I am ready to upgrade again there will be more sculpting programs. Also Adobe needs to get their act together and give us iPad Photoshop, I know that a lot of people think it is unnecessary with Afinity available but it is what I use.

[@Carolyne_games]

I totally agree with your points. The iPad is all about making the tools between the user and the creativity disappear, and it does a really good job at that. Before getting my first  pencil experience on the 9.7 inch Pro I used a stylus from Adonit (one with those transparent disks) with my iPad Air 2. The Adonit ones were actually surprisingly good for and a HUGE step up from the round tips. Btw I noticed the audio Technica headband behind you. As a AT fan myself I got more excited than I probably should be lol

[@Roxxiane]

i used my 6th gen 9.7” 2018 ipad for almost 7 months...its been such great drawing tools...procreate works great. the screen gap isnt bothering for me as i still be able to draw greatly...last week upgrade myself to 11” 2018 pro mainly for extra storage (didnt like online storage app) & really cant wait for the ipadOS...the ipad had been my go to drawing tools anywhere & now with the pro, its even better with the perfomance. both ipad are extremely good. even the non pro 6th gen...but if you guys want to upgrade to pro, definitely get the 2018 pro one as the 2017 pro had the white spot issues that few people had talk about it since. cant wait for photoshop release & more things from ipadOS...this is gonna be huge update for ipad users...

[@misterfung]

Congrats on 5 years! The CINTIQ 13 HD’s HDMI cable was so fat and stiff it damaged my MacBook’s HDMI port when I was attempting to be mobile and work from a cafe and my couch. I was pretty disappointed with how tethered I still was with they’re small unit. iPad Pro all the way dude!

[@izzyr9590]

It’s interesting knowing your story with surface pro. I always used iPad to draw since the 1st generation of iPad (yes when there was no camera!!) first with my finger than with the stylus after it comes out. But it was more like for sketching only and not serious ones. But know that procreate have text and more features, it can do so much more!!

[@robinrai4973]

You can get that easy canvas rotation and zoom with some keybinds, in Krita for example, I have keys 1,2,3,4 to adjust brush size, zoom, rotate, toggle eraser, and the space-bar is pan. Full smooth canvas manipulation by holding one of them down and dragging with the pen. I use it over the touchscreen now! I lay my laptop out flat and in my lap, rest my left hand over those keys, and draw with the right, works really well. I think my perfect device is my current ThinkPad Yoga, but up to date. The iPad is legit the only apple product I truly approve of though

[@CreativaArtly]

Just got an iPad Pro, grant it no pro create yet, but with the drawing apps I do have, I’m having a blast using them already!!!

[@IroAppe]

„There is no best thing. There’s something that will fit with what you are trying to do best, and there‘s something that will fit with what I want to do best.“ (13:08) Very impressive. And with that you are ahead of 90% of other people and KZbinrs. That is a wisdom in life.

[@sloppynyuszi]

I have a bunch of tablets, but I always fall back on my iPad. My Tab s3 is more portable, my Cintiq is more comfortable once I finally opened my file, but the iPad 12.9 pro is pretty much that kind of best middle ground. I have the options, but always end up grabbing the iPad if I’m in a rush.

[@brianeun5040]

The real reason Microsoft switched to NTrig from Wacom: When MS was in planning stages of Surface Pro 3, they one main goal for improvement over Surface Pro 2 were weight and thickness. If you remember, SP2 was a chunky munky at 2 lbs and pretty darn thick. They wanted it thinner, lighter and sexier like iPads. SP2 used Wacom's EMR technology (Electro Magnetic Resonance), which much like their Cintiq pen displays, was an older established pen digitizer tech that was not condusive to thin and lightness due to the fact that the digitizer board have to sit under the LCD and its lighting assembly. Thus MS back in Surface Pro development had requested Wacom to develop their own version of the NTrig's projected capacitive dual role digitizer that did double duties for multi touch and pen. This type of digitizer did not add to weight or thickness because it was part of the touch glass cover for the device where as EMR pen digitizer was an additional hardware layer added just for the pen function. Unfortunately for Wacom (and for us), they could not develop their new projected capactive dual role digitizer in time for Surface Pro 3 deadline and asked for more time. MS really wanted to hit their schedule so they went with their plan B: to buy NTrig and replace Wacom's projected capacitive dual role digitizer with it, renaming the tech as Microsoft Pen Protocol, or MPP (as a side note, this is after they bought another capacitive dual role digitizer tech from Perceptive Pixel, which became basis for their giant Surface Hub line of computing displays). After losing the Surface Pro deal, Wacom finished developing their projected capacitive dual role digitizer into the Wacom Active Electro Static digitizer (or Wacom AES), and started offering it to competing ODMs like Lenovo, Dell and HP, who started incorporating AES into their product line and Wacom's component business started to overtake their consumer product business few years later. Now, in the PC 2 in 1 market, only MPP and Wacom remain for pen digitizer tech. Other also rans such as Synaptics and other pen techs got crushed by the combined weight of MPP and Wacom. Most ODM use Wacom AES in their high end lines and MPP in their more budget oriented lines (e.g. Dell uses AES in XPS while MPP in Inspiron 2 in 1s). This is due to higher parts cost for AES over MPP digitizers. But the advantage of AES over MPP is in better driver support (AES can use Wacom Feel drivers with their matched Wintab drivers and support utility that let's you map the pen barrel buttons and such). Ultimately for artists, AES is a better product than MPP, due to Wacom's superior pen pressure assembly and matching wintab driver support that matches the pressure curve to their pen in most of the existing software better than Ntrig/MPP pens do.

[@pecolachase6750]

Wow!!!! THANK YOU for such great detailed information!!! Sincerely appreciate it :)

[@joeschmoe206]

i feel like like that is just a copy and past from wiki.

[@brianeun5040]

@@joeschmoe206 at least find me a wiki posting like it before accusing me of plagiarizing.

[@davidl9191]

I bought an iPad Pro because I thought I needed a new tablet, but it taught me two important lessons: 1) Whatever you love drawing on is the best tablet for you, and 2) I didn’t need, nor do I want a new tablet, until I actually do. I couldn’t get on with iOS (I adore my iPhone but don’t like the iPad it seems) and the usability, whilst easy, didn’t do anything for my production rate. I use Clip Studio on my Surface Pro 2 and absolutely adore it, so to find out I’d have to pay a subscription to use it on the iPad was a real kick. I didn’t really like Procreate but can completely appreciate why people do. I’m so used to CSP that making that switch felt like a big step across to a very different style of working. Even with paperlike the screen felt too slick, and whilst the Apple Pencil is nice, I prefer a chunkier stylus like Wacom produce. I ultimately sent mine back, feeling the money couldn’t justify a machine that felt amazing, but ultimately wasn’t going to progress my work flow. I completely get why people are in love with these things (the stylus response is incredible!) but I’m so happy with my Surface that I think Microsoft ultimately have my attention for my future tablet needs, at least right now. Love your channel, Brad, thanks for doing what you do!

[@thebradcolbow]

"Whatever you love drawing on is the best tablet for you" Agree 110%

[@Tonabillity]

I agree that we should use whatever tools work best. My career is greatly enhanced by the use of two very powerful iOS interactive apps: Disney’s unprecedented “Animated” tinyurl.com/jvjv8py and the incomparable “Animator’s Survival Kit”, tinyurl.com/n5293qm I could find nothing even close to this existing on the web. These dynamically enhanced educational tools embody vast functionality that simply eludes other platforms. If not for iPad, I would not be experiencing the transformation in advanced learning that I’m currently enjoying. if anyone happens to know ‘anywhere else’ outside of iOS where I can find exceptional, interactive animation-applications like these, please post some links. I’d love to see them.

[@4second405]

Brad - (or anyone who wants to chime in) I think after Watching your review videos, I think I have decided to go with an iPad air because of the better chip than the standard iPad, Also better screen so there isn’t so much tapping sounds Would you agree that’s the way to go if you want to go for something that’s not a pro but a little bit better than the standard? Because it will run procreate fresco and pretty much anything else I will want to use to draw thanks for anyone’s feedback

[@markusfreise]

Love your channel. Great content!

[@teekay4142]

Very smart and informative opinions.

[@imraniqbal121tutor]

High Brad love 💗 your videos. I too use the iPad Pro 2nd gen . I use it for teaching maths . Annotating notes and doing exam papers on notability. It has its limitations though. I can’t mirror the screen an record simultaneously ! Can u help with a suggestion or a fix. Would it be better to move to a huion jam as Pro 22” ?

[@tbray]

i have bought four pen tablets - two XP-Pen and two Huion and have returned three of them. I had an iPad Air and the Apple Pencil and i loved it, but one day decided i didn't need it and sold it - at a loss. That was six weeks ago and I *still* regret it, so I'm buying another iPad at the end of the month - and, of course, Paper Like screen protectors.

[@miri9729]

omg love you, that is exactly what I needed

[@AmandasRoseBud]

I forgot how to draw digitally on a computer since buying an iPad 2018 (6th Gen.) I literally do all my art work on my iPad.

[@075ALT]

hahah the burrito story was the best. lol. Good video. I get my new ipad in a couple days. Very excited.

[@AdamDuffArt]

I have been SO on the fence to get the 3rd Gen iPad. I sold my 2nd Gen because I was essentially home all the time and on my Cintiq I decided that I’ll wait for Adobe to hopefully eventually release the Photoshop it announced before pulling the trigger Any idea what’s going on with PS for the iPad Pro?

[@thebradcolbow]

My gut tells me they will roll out PS at their big conference in the fall. I also would be surprised if the initial release is missing a lot of features.

[@Namankumar903]

Your art style is dope. It is very eye appealing!

[@agookchild]

im sold! Is there a specific year model ipad that allows drawing for a beginner? Do the older ones allow drawing/sketching?

[@nauscakes1868]

Omg I needed this video, lol. My daily driver for the past several years has been the original Version 1 Surface Pro. I remember having tried iPad at one time, and hated the puffy pencil. I had gotten quite used to the Surface's glossy glass finish and the plastic pencil nib. I mean, I still draw on it. But I've been drawing with my Samsung Note 10+ recently just because I have it on me. The battery is charged, and it's good to go! The Surface is bigger, but I don't always keep it plugged in, and the version 1 Surface's battery lasts like 2 hours before it needs to be plugged in. It's heavy, and it's bulky and meh. Anyways, despite the crazy virus thing, I'm actually doing pretty well career wise, and thought maybe I'd upgrade to something new from the version 1 Surface Pro. And to see this video going on about how amazing the iPad is getting me all hyped up, lol! I might have to pick one up now!

[@misssincere5762]

I am beginner Artist. I used Wacom Pen Tablet, Huion Pen Tablet, & XP-PEN display monitor. I do most of my digital art in my IPad now. I have the iPad Air and it’s works great!

[@luciferl8511]

You should make a video about what's the best protection or case for the iPad Pro :)

[@cresshead]

excellent video, thanks for the insight

[@phineus1985]

I have to say, I've seen literally hundreds of these artist techy talk videos and yours are easily the most relatable and genuine. You are definitely a person who understands communication and, fortunately for people like me, the creative process in the modern era. So a huge thank you to you sir. I will continue to watch and support the channel.

[@Belgarathe]

I totally agree. I tried to surface book2 after owning ipad pro 12.9. Palm rejection was better on ipad while the sb2 my palm would move the page :-( writing experience on ipad was lighter compared to sb2. It didn't take much effort to draw lines on ipad pro vs surface book 2 where I felt I was digging into the screen (even after pressure adjustment). For drawing, and in my case writing notes the ipad pro was a superior experience and battery life. And finally the line jitter is real even when using a ruler on the surface book2. It made me realize how much better the ipad pro was.

[@lourens4703]

Which one is better: Ipad Pro 3rd Generation or Kamvas Pro 22 (2019) i am about to buy one of these

[@noamvizeltal3428]

Hi, if I'm still drawing on a screenless tablet and I want to buy a drawing tablet with a screen, should I buy the iPad pro or a Wacom or huion tablet?

[@blindvalkyrie9352]

the Ipad air 2 and the Bamboo sketch has served me as my daily driver for 2 years now

[@charliemartian8720]

Another awesome video. What do you think about Clip Studio Paint on the iPad? I like Procreate a ton, I struggle with the stabilization. thoughts?? Thank you.

[@si.sivish]

Thank you. I searched your top drawing apps, sketchable and Leonardo, they are available for windows only.. How do you use these on your iPad? Thanks.

[@cheesebags4341]

I’m getting an iPad and Apple Pencil for Christmas!

[@froggotees8449]

best of luck for the next 5 years brad :)

[@XimoRosello]

Hello! Do you know why my ipad has no fx sounds? I've seen youtube videos that have ... Ty!

[@Cartoonuniverse176]

i love my ipad pro! But i think heavy-duty things would work amazingly on a wacom cintiq like i have. If you wanted to get into animation for big studious or little ones, i think a wacom or any other tablet would be best. Im not biased on wacom or anything. just saying what would work better. I still love my ipad and my cintiq

[@MattHalpain]

I have a 2018 iPad. I love my iPad. I am a hobby artist and I enjoy digitally drawing with the first gen Apple Pencil. I want to upgrade to a newer model of iPad and Mac mini so I can do "sidecar" so I can use my iPad as a second touch screen connected to my mac mini for use with Photoshop on my iPad.

[@johnas7449]

Can you create a tutorial on animation with animate cc & ipad ( using sidecar )

[@sallybillman3593]

For sketching, such as drawing with charcoal and pencil, and smudging, which software do you recommend on iPadPro? Also would that program be as good as a Wacom, if using ASTOPAD on an iMac via Photoshop?

[@ranmayasha]

I just got a 2nd gen ipad pro, best digital drawing feel I've experienced so far (btw I didn't even realize you did Udemy courses, I'm checking out the procreate one now.) I also bought the new xp pen 15.6 with your coupon code a few months back, pretty good too, but ipad pro's got it beat, especially with an elecom or paperlike textured screen protector. It's just nice.

[@ArtwithAmarBrisco]

The same happens for me for Sketchbook Pro on my Tab SE or IPAD using sketchbook pro or Procreate. But nothing is faster than a REAL Sketchpad. But digitally on the go Sketchbook was my go to before there was Procreate. I used both in tandem now. For animation for android and IOS, I use FlipAClip.

[@johnw3194]

I bought a ipad 6th gen 1 week ago just because I watched those videos where people drew cool stuff on it. I love it. Bought procreate and forger along with it and now I can do what I do on pc ,on a tablet t too. I must say though, procreate is such a well optimized software. One thing that annoys me is the lack of brush stabiliser and a proper gradient tool. Those two things are found in the free app, Sketchbook.

[@meijelly]

Question because this might put screw me over but my iPad, the ipad pro 2nd gen recently as early as the beginning of this year, i can't quite remember has been really laggy where when I use procreate or play any game it will freeze. I googled it and apparently a lot of other people have the same issue. Should I sell my ipad and buy the newest one? or save my money and just deal with it? cause I really do like the new one but there's nothing really wrong with my ipad except the occasional freezing, which idk if it can be helped. Like when I got it first, it never did it until about a year later. Help?

[@marcellofrisina6460]

Love your videos Brad! A quick question for you and any other iPad user: if you could replace a desktop cintiq with, say, a massive iPad-like touch screen, made by Apple, which works fluidly with the Apple Pencil, would you do it? And if not, why? Personally, I’ve enjoyed using my iPad Pro with my Mac through sidecar, and what I desperately wish for while doing so is for the display to be... bigger. Thoughts?

[@marcccreates]

This review/reflection deserves a sub 👍

[@SugarTouch]

You may recognise CG painter while drawing IRL by his left hand trying to press cmd+z.

[@TheKevphil]

Don't know how it is on an iPad (economically speaking), but Clip Studio's Vector Layers let you erase overlapping lines which can become part of a *_very_* fast sketching technique.

[@DrowningArrows]

For my channel, all I've used to make digital art is the iPad pro. It's my favorite and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

[@RalphCifra]

Subscribed! I am planning to buy an iPad now. I already have a Pro but I need a more compact drawing tablet so I can bring it everyday. I really love ProCreate. It is the best combo for portable digital art.

[@KritiRobertson]

Great Video! Thank you!

[@jansustar4565]

If surface got wacom tech would you use it?

[@ramanmonkey]

I love how intuitive the ipad feels I end up trying to use gestures when drawing with a pencil and paper and end up looking like a fool