App review: Which painting and drawing tool is best for you?
Digital art is a well-traveled road in modern times, as many artists turn to the unconventional to fulfill their creative desires. The two most prevalent digital art apps both have dedicated fanbases, so which is best for an aspiring artist?
Procreate was the first app I used, and despite the one time cost of $10, I would still argue it is the best out there for intermediate artists. There are no ads, it has unlimited storage and access to a variety of brushes, and its smooth interface allows beginners to experiment with the app. It even includes an animation program that can help bring your sketches to life.
However, Procreate’s layer limit can be rather, well, limiting. It caps out at 165, which is often more than enough for beginner and intermediate artists, but for more advanced artists it can be an irritant. However, despite its flaws, Procreate is a well-designed app for functionality and creativity, allowing many artists to thrive online.
When I tried ibis Paint for the first time, I was a little annoyed by a variety of features. For one, the ads. Ads pop up everywhere on this app, and to get rid of them, a monthly fee of $2.99 or a yearly one of $27.99 must be paid. Compare this to Procreate’s one-time $10 fee for no ads whatsoever, and I think you can tell what the better deal is. IbisPaint does come ahead in layers, as it allows unlimited layers for the artist to use, with the cost of a slower running app for every layer you add. However, for artists on a budget, IbisPaint is often far more accessible than Procreate.
The final answer to which is the superior art app is, well, whatever you prefer. Both apps have their flaws, but the question to ask is really, what do you like when drawing? If you don’t mind ads and a slightly clanky app, then IbisPaint has all the tools you need to create stunning pieces of art. If you want something that runs smoother with more storage, and are willing to shell out a few bucks, then Procreate is the fit for you. Personally, I like Procreate’s interface and options more than IbisPaint, but everyone is different, and every art app is what you make of it. So don’t be afraid to give either one a shot; just keep an open mind and think about what your art really needs.
