Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Best Small Drawing Tablet
In the world of digital art, the traditional concept of canvas size is no longer a concern, with design programs allowing artists to zoom in and out with ease. Smaller drawing tablets, instead, has become a new trend. Thanks to their portable size, low cost, and easy-to-use capabilities, these gadgets have grown in popularity.
In this article, we’ll go over the benefits of these tablets, sharing some key tips for buyers. You will also learn more about our top pick for beginners, which is the renowned XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2).
Why Choose a Small Drawing Tablet?
For people who are just beginning their artistic endeavors or who are searching for a portable, reasonably priced tool, a small drawing tablet is the right device. Some of the main justifications for selecting a device like that include:
· Portability. Since they are small and light, small drawing tablets are convenient to carry around. Their mobility enables you to create whenever inspiration strikes, whether you decide to sketch at a café or bring it to class.
· Affordability. Small drawing tablets are less expensive than large-screen devices. They are a sensible option for those who do not wish to make a significant upfront expenditure. Nevertheless, they still offer access to necessary capabilities.
· Availability. Beginners can easily understand small tablets since they usually have a simpler interface and features. Before you advance to more complex models, you can use this opportunity to hone your skills and understand the fundamentals.
With these perks in mind, opting for a small drawing tablet is a must. However, there is still some more know-how you need to wrap your mind around first before choosing one.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Small Drawing Tablet
Once you decide that you are going to buy a small drawing tablet, you ought to consider a few crucial factors. The following features are the most important ones to make the optimal choice:
· Screen vs. Non-Screen Tablets. With a built-in display, screen tablets let you draw right on the screen. Although often more expensive, they provide a more natural feel than non-screen devices.
· Pressure Levels. How well a tablet can capture the force you exert on the stylus nib depends on its pressure sensitivity. High pressure levels (e.g., 8192 levels) provide you more control over shading and line thickness.
· Connectivity. Take into account if the tablet connects via Bluetooth, USB, or cables. Don’t forget to check the device types the tablet is compatible with.
· Stylus Features. Seek a stylus that has characteristics like battery-free operation, ergonomic design, and tilt recognition. These elements can improve your sketching experience and lessen tiredness over extended periods.
· Customizable Shortcut Buttons. A lot of tablets have special shortcut buttons that may be customized both on the tablet and the stylus. You may increase productivity and optimize your workflow by using these shortcuts.
Scouring through endless product options to find the perfect one can be exhausting. Worry not. We’ve got you covered. Check out the best small drawing tablet we pick for you.
XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2) – A Go-to-choice for Novice Users
Beginner digital artists looking for a compact drawing tablet should turn their attention to the XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2). This Good Design winner in 2023 is notable for its features, functionality, and affordability.
The drawing tablet is a small, portable, and feature-rich drawing option for all novice users. It offers a professional drawing experience at a reasonable cost, which is its fantastic advantage over the pricey competitors.
This cutting-edge device stands out from other small drawing tablets thanks to a wide range of unique features:
· Screen Size: 14-inch screen with 1920×1200 resolution for sharp images.
· Pressure Sensitivity: 16,384 levels that support the most precise control.
· Stylus Quality: X3 Pro Smart Chip Stylus is 20% more accurate than its predecessors, featuring a smooth and accurate stroke.
· Connectivity: 3-in-1 cable connection with full-feature USB-C port.
· Color Gamut Area Ratio: 123% sRGB, 91% Adobe RGB for color precision.
In a nutshell, the XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2) is a great option for those looking for a high-quality small drawing tablet without going over budget. This device perfectly balances mobility and functionality.
How to Use the XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2)?
If you haven’t drawn on a drawing tablet before, make sure you go over the following guide to nail the settings with a minimum hassle. Here we take the aforementioned XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2) as an example.
1. Workspace Setup. Once you get your hands on your brand-new tablet, prepare your work desk. Unbox the device, and place it on an even and stable surface for more convenience at drawing. Connect your XPPen tablet to your computer with the provided cables once your workspace is clutter-free.
2. Driver Installation. Download the latest drivers and software for your tablet from the official XPPen website. This way you will ensure driver compatibility with your operating system.
3. Workflow Customization. The XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2) guarantees a seamless drawing experience thanks to its personal options. You can optimize your workflow with customized shortcut options in the driver setting.
4. Kick off your creation. Try out the drawing tablet and its main advantages using any design software of your choice. Drawing tablets like the Artist Pro 14(Gen2) is fully compatible with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, GIMP, Blender 3D and many more applications.
You can unlock the full potential of your XPPen Artist Pro 14 (Gen 2) in a matter of seconds. Unlock your entire potential by beginning your creative adventure today!