iPad favorite art app: procreate vs sketchbook vs art studio pro vs clip studio paint....

[rowspaxe]

In 2019, art apps on the ipad continue to evolve with new features and improved work flows. Now in 2020,
what is your favorite art app, what features do you most value, what improvements do you most want. To
give context, please state what kind of art or design work you do, and what about your favorite app best
supports this!

 

[rowspaxe]

In 2019, art apps on the ipad continue to evolve with new features and improved work flows. Now in 2020,
what is your favorite art app, what features do you most value, what improvements do you most want. To
give context, please state what kind of art or design work you do, and what about your favorite app best
supports this!

I was slow to embrace Procreate because I hated working with gestures. How annoying is doing a three
finger swipe to paste from clipboard? ( simple to copy from layer menu, though!) Once I relocated most
gesture functionality on the ui I really started to like this program. In 2019 I started to use keyboard shortcuts with ipad apps via a bluetooth keyboard and the ipad became my go to device.

My favorite new app in 2019 was Clip Studio Paint. I love the fact that--like sketchbook--it had
a desktop version, and that I could work seamlessly between both via easy icloud. It
is my favorite for inking as the vector inking is great for those without super hand skills, and is totally editalbe.

 

[spooklog]

Pixelmator is my go-to app for drawing. The range of brushes and drawing tools is excellent. Frankly, the prospect of surviving the learning curve for other professional-level drawing programs is intimidating.

 

[FlyingDutch]

I’m not an artist, but I need an app to do some sketches, so I chose Procreate.
A little bit overkill, maybe, but it does the job.
The learning curve is a little bit too steep, and I miss some basic tools like curves and boxes.

 

[AutomaticApple]

In 2019, art apps on the ipad continue to evolve with new features and improved work flows. Now in 2020,
what is your favorite art app, what features do you most value, what improvements do you most want. To
give context, please state what kind of art or design work you do, and what about your favorite app best
supports this!

Procreate is my favorite art app. I love the user interface and I hope that they'll improve performance when quickly navigating through menus.

 

[aevan]

It comes down to needs and personal preference, but I'd say Procreate and Clip Studio Paint are the two best apps for illustration on the iPad, at the moment. In fact, they just might be one of the two best apps for illustration on any platform.

There are other nice apps, I also recommend checking out Art Studio Pro and Infinite Painter - both really nice. And then there is Sketchbook Pro, Adobe Fresco, Linea, etc.

But, my top recommendations are Procreate and CSP, as I said. I use both. Procreate is more gesture based and generally nicer when you're away from your desk. CSP really becomes powerful when paired with a keyboard. You can use it nicely without one, ofc, but the fact that you can make custom keyboard shortcuts for almost anything is just great and very Mac like. CSP is also more complex (in a good way, it's very intuitive for all the options it has) with a more advanced brush engine (though Procreate has a really great one, too) and with the ability to import 3D models on the canvas, which is crazy and super-useful for certain workflows. It's really hard to say which one is better, but with Procreate being just $10 and CSP having a 6-month free trial for new users, my suggestion is: just try them both.

 

[rowspaxe]

It comes down to needs and personal preference, but I'd say Procreate and Clip Studio Paint are the two best apps for illustration on the iPad, at the moment. In fact, they just might be one of the two best apps for illustration on any platform.

My 'app bandwidth' getting rapidly filled up. Fortunately, I have already discovered and more or less mastered CPS and Procreate. Art Studio and Infinite Painter have interesting brush features, but for right now I feel it's best to stay with a limited number of apps. I really love the idea of Affinity Designer, but I really doesn't meet any specific need (for me). Fresco is the least appealing new app.

 

[JayMysterio]

I can't say I have ONE favorite, as I can find some apps I prefer for ease of use, over others for what I need.

Procreate is a wonderful app for illustration/painting, and come worked for use to make comics. Clip Studio is great for both illustration & comic bookmaking, gets improved continually, but has a subscription model that irritates me. Medibang is free with ads, but is designed for comics/manga and can be used for painting illustration. Comic Draw has a very fun utility that allows you to integrate your script as lettering on comic book pages, so it has it's appeal for me as well.

That's the beauty of IOS now, is that there are so many options, and I still haven't checked out Infinite painter which keeps getting more & more rave reviews of late.

 

[aevan]

I can't say I have ONE favorite, as I can find some apps I prefer for ease of use, over others for what I need.

Procreate is a wonderful app for illustration/painting, and come worked for use to make comics. Clip Studio is great for both illustration & comic bookmaking, gets improved continually, but has a subscription model that irritates me.

True, but its subscription cost is less than certain weather apps. Seriously, I’ve seen calendar apps that cost more. And you can make a living with CSP, it is a full, professional app. I think it’s worth the price, especially since the app is maintained on a regular basis. Yeah, so is Procreate without subscription - but Procreate is literally the best-selling paid app on the iPad App Store with an insane amount of users, so they can still give out updates for free.

I really like both apps and I use them both.

 

[JayMysterio]

True, but its subscription cost is less than certain weather apps. Seriously, I’ve seen calendar apps that cost more. And you can make a living with CSP, it is a full, professional app. I think it’s worth the price, especially since the app is maintained on a regular basis. Yeah, so is Procreate without subscription - but Procreate is literally the best-selling paid app on the iPad App Store with an insane amount of users, so they can still give out updates for free.

I really like both apps and I use them both.

As I did say, I am irritated by the subscription model. I pay it, but as you make the case Procreate manages to sustain itself now at an even cheaper price, which shows that offering a quality product at a one time price does still work. I have Clip Studio on my Macs which I paid a one time price for & enjoy. Moving to a new OS to get the same program but at a sub model is just irritating.

 

[FlyingDutch]

True, but its subscription cost is less than certain weather apps. Seriously, I’ve seen calendar apps that cost more. And you can make a living with CSP, it is a full, professional app. I think it’s worth the price, especially since the app is maintained on a regular basis. Yeah, so is Procreate without subscription - but Procreate is literally the best-selling paid app on the iPad App Store with an insane amount of users, so they can still give out updates for free.

I really like both apps and I use them both.

In my opinion any subscription based app should fail. I really hate this business model.

 

[rowspaxe]

In my opinion any subscription based app should fail. I really hate this business model.

we are talking $25 a year. does not bother me

 

[aevan]

In my opinion any subscription based app should fail. I really hate this business model.

That's.... ok, but you have to realise, you might not like the alternative. It's one thing when a huge company like Adobe does it (although, I can certainly understand their need to appease investors) - but for a lot of these companies, subscription model is the only way to make a sustainable business. These people don't drive Ferraris and do it out of greed. Blame it on the fact that the whole App Store economy is borked for serious apps. People are not willing to pay more than a couple of dollars (if anything), and $10 apps are considered "premium". At the same time, we expect fully featured, powerful apps.

I don't like paying more than I have to. But without subscription pricing, a lot of these apps would be unprofitable. You dislike the business model? Well, you should be willing to pay much more for quality apps. Most people aren't - but are willing to pay a dollar or two monthly. CSP, a serious, professional app, costs around $2 a month. That's not a lot for such an app. It is more expensive than the Mac/PC version, true, but the install base is a lot bigger on desktops/laptops than on iPad. So they could either charge it, I'm guessing $150-$200 price to make it sustainable for the install base and achieve Mac/PC profits, or do a subscription model which is much more popular and acceptible. Or, you know, just don't do the iPad version at all. As it is, I'm glad we have CSP on the iPad. It's a fair price, I think.
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we are talking $25 a year. does not bother me

Yup, it's a great deal. Especially since they do update the app regularly, and even offer cloud storage for files and tools as part of the deal.

 

[FlyingDutch]

That's.... ok, but you have to realise, you might not like the alternative. It's one thing when a huge company like Adobe does it (although, I can certainly understand their need to appease investors) - but for a lot of these companies, subscription model is the only way to make a sustainable business. These people don't drive Ferraris and do it out of greed. Blame it on the fact that the whole App Store economy is borked for serious apps. People are not willing to pay more than a couple of dollars (if anything), and $10 apps are considered "premium". At the same time, we expect fully featured, powerful apps.

I don't like paying more than I have to. But without subscription pricing, a lot of these apps would be unprofitable. You dislike the business model? Well, you should be willing to pay much more for quality apps. Most people aren't - but are willing to pay a dollar or two monthly. CSP, a serious, professional app, costs around $2 a month. That's not a lot for such an app. It is more expensive than the Mac/PC version, true, but the install base is a lot bigger on desktops/laptops than on iPad. So they could either charge it, I'm guessing $150-$200 price to make it sustainable for the install base and achieve Mac/PC profits, or do a subscription model which is much more popular and acceptible. Or, you know, just don't do the iPad version at all. As it is, I'm glad we have CSP on the iPad. It's a fair price, I think.

I would gladly pay $20/30 for an useful app.
But not a subscription.

CSP is a professional tool (debatable... but for many still is), and they could charge a more appropriate $100 (or even more) for it. Without a subscription.

I will fight this business model as long as I can.

 

[aevan]

I would gladly pay $20/30 for an useful app.
But not a subscription.
$20-30 is not much. Useful apps often cost more. This is something people simply don’t want to pay on iOS, so it doesn’t matter if you wo

On desktops, a good app is often more than $20-30 with a new major release each year that is not free. The cost is very similar to subscription costs. But, even that is might not enough on iOS. As I said, these devs are not greedy, they want to make a sustainable business. In turn, they offer support and continued development - which is good.

CSP is a professional tool (debatable... but for many still is),

“Debatable” 🙂 Why debatable? It is used by many professional comic, manga and concept artists around the world to earn money. If there is a good example of a professional app - this is it. And the iPad version is fully featured.

and they could charge a more appropriate $100 (or even more) for it. Without a subscription.

They could, but most people probably wouldn’t pay for it. Or would expect lifetime updates and freak out when asked for more money for the next version. I remember the drama when Things, a $10 todo app, didn’t give a new major release for free after two years. It was really sad. People just don’t want to pay up front for quality apps on iOS. I don’t know why that is, but subscription models seem to be the solution. Otherwise, you’d have low quality apps. In case of illustration apps, just compare iPad apps and Android tablet apps - to get a clear picture what the situation would be like.

I will fight this business model as long as I can.

Fight how? You do understand this model works and is not going anywhere soon? In fact, it will only become more and more present, as everything is slowly becoming a service - which is sometimes good, sometimes bad. Bud good or bad, it’s how things are.

You can accept it, or not use great apps.

And seriously, $25 a year for an app like Clip Studio Paint is a bargain, no matter your personal feelings about the monetization model.

 

[JayMysterio]

Fight how? You do understand this model works and is not going anywhere soon? In fact, it will only become more and more present, as everything is slowly becoming a service - which is sometimes good, sometimes bad. Bud good or bad, it’s how things are.

You can accept it, or not use great apps.

And seriously, $25 a year for an app like Clip Studio Paint is a bargain, no matter your personal feelings about the monetization model.

I imagine when they say "fight", they are referring to something more like supporting products that do NOT use the subscription model. I've always believed that's been heavily why Procreate has been so successful. It's always been advertised as this one time purchase alternative, that is recommended to even non artists to purchase because it's so good. It's then developed such a loyal word of mouth base, it's the thing the likes of Adobe has to contend with now. When Adobe adopted the sub model & how they did it/priced it, it generated a lot animosity, which opened wide the market for alternatives.

One of the issues with Clip Studio, is that since I have an old Macbook Pro with the help of Duet I can use my one time purchase of Clip Studio Paint EX ( which was my original use like others ) on the iPad. Myself and others did a double take when the IOS version of Clip Studios pricing structure ( they didn't rush to announce that, because the sub model isn't a favorite, which they did nicely offer the original break ) was revealed.

To be clear, I'm not arguing about CSP's pricing for the first tier. For some of use the sub model just isn't appreciated. I've heard all the reasons for it, just not a big fan of it, and will continue to support useful products ( Medibang has improved, and I like particular aspects of Comic Draw ) that can avoid that model as long as possible.

 

[aevan]

I imagine when they say "fight", they are referring to something more like supporting products that do NOT use the subscription model. I've always believed that's been heavily why Procreate has been so successful. It's always been advertised as this one time purchase alternative, that is recommended to even non artists to purchase because it's so good. It's then developed such a loyal word of mouth base, it's the thing the likes of Adobe has to contend with now. When Adobe adopted the sub model & how they did it/priced it, it generated a lot animosity, which opened wide the market for alternatives.

One of the issues with Clip Studio, is that since I have an old Macbook Pro with the help of Duet I can use my one time purchase of Clip Studio Paint EX ( which was my original use like others ) on the iPad. Myself and others did a double take when the IOS version of Clip Studios pricing structure ( they didn't rush to announce that, because the sub model isn't a favorite, which they did nicely offer the original break ) was revealed.

To be clear, I'm not arguing about CSP's pricing for the first tier. For some of use the sub model just isn't appreciated. I've heard all the reasons for it, just not a big fan of it, and will continue to support useful products ( Medibang has improved, and I like particular aspects of Comic Draw ) that can avoid that model as long as possible.

Hey, you use whatever you want, support the apps you want. I have no interest in convincing you to use any app.

But since it is the topic of the thread, I will say that, in my opinion, CSP is worth its price. The quality of the brush engine, combined with the feature set is really unique. Just look at some of these things: opening multiple documents at the same time, side by side, fully customizable keyboard shortcuts, incredible interface customization, 3D import including fully posable male and female models.... it’s closest to a full, desktop app I’ve ever seen. Even Procreate can’t match it (but makes up for it in some other ways). I want CSP to be profitable, even if it costs more, so that other developers who aren’t considering iPad start thinking about it. To see people getting angry over $2 a month for an app of this quality, it just makes me kinda sad. But again, you use whatever works for you.

However, I have to say it - Medibang, which is getting better, true - can’t really compare with CSP. And also, the experience of CSP using Duet or Astropad is not quite like a native app.

 

[JayMysterio]

As I've said before, I don't knock CSP itself, I use it & have it.

I don't believe I've said I can or can't be convinced, and have said positive things & recommended it myself. My only caveat is the sub model, when there is a wonderful program in Procreate that many have adapted for comic book work, animation, lettering, besides painting. Which is why myself & others often default in recommending Procreate, especially for anyone on the fence about drawing apps since the cost is so inexpensive & one time.

It isn't an anger per se. It's just that some of us aren't comfortable with the sub model approach ( call me a "luddite" if you will ), and prefer products that don't go that route. But it isn't anger, it isn't truly "fighting", it's just a deciding factor that affects our purchase choice.

My interest in Medibang was renewed by this video about Mangaka who uses for his work.

 

[rowspaxe]

But since it is the topic of the thread, I will say that, in my opinion, CSP is worth its price. The quality of the brush engine, combined with the feature set is really unique. Just look at some of these things: opening multiple documents at the same time, side by side, fully customizable keyboard shortcuts, incredible interface customization, 3D import including fully posable male and female models.... it’s closest to a full, desktop app

I got into CSP desktop because of the 3d posable models. I thought the program itself was a joke-- with all the crazy fill patterns, etc. Soooooo wrong! Definately the most comprehensive and creative inking tool available. The vector curve draw and edit functions are amazing. There is a learning curve, but many You Tubers filling the need for tutorials. Plus I really like trading file back forth from the ipad to the desktop
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I really wish Procreate would develop a parallel animation tool or extension. The current animation
stuff is garbage. The definative ipad animation tool is yet to happen. I do love Rough Animator ui approach, but the brushes are only good (rudimentary) and audio implemention is pretty basic

 

[PBG4 Dude]

I’m not an artist, but I need an app to do some sketches, so I chose Procreate.
A little bit overkill, maybe, but it does the job.
The learning curve is a little bit too steep, and I miss some basic tools like curves and boxes.

Curves and boxes exist in Procreate. Draw a box, then wait a second or two, and Procreate will straighten the lines. Hold one finger on the screen and you can resize the box constrained as a square. Don’t hold a finger down and you can resize and reshape as a rectangle. Same thing for arcs, circles, and triangles. Haven’t tried trapezoids or weirder shapes yet though.

 

[FlyingDutch]

On desktops, a good app is often more than $20-30 with a new major release each year that is not free. The cost is very similar to subscription costs. But, even that is might not enough on iOS. As I said, these devs are not greedy, they want to make a sustainable business. In turn, they offer support and continued development - which is good.



“Debatable” 🙂 Why debatable? It is used by many professional comic, manga and concept artists around the world to earn money. If there is a good example of a professional app - this is it. And the iPad version is fully featured.




They could, but most people probably wouldn’t pay for it. Or would expect lifetime updates and freak out when asked for more money for the next version. I remember the drama when Things, a $10 todo app, didn’t give a new major release for free after two years. It was really sad. People just don’t want to pay up front for quality apps on iOS. I don’t know why that is, but subscription models seem to be the solution. Otherwise, you’d have low quality apps. In case of illustration apps, just compare iPad apps and Android tablet apps - to get a clear picture what the situation would be like.



Fight how? You do understand this model works and is not going anywhere soon? In fact, it will only become more and more present, as everything is slowly becoming a service - which is sometimes good, sometimes bad. Bud good or bad, it’s how things are.

You can accept it, or not use great apps.

And seriously, $25 a year for an app like Clip Studio Paint is a bargain, no matter your personal feelings about the monetization model.

I’m voting with my wallet, not buying any subscription.
And I’m sure many people are doing that.
It is just crazy to pay a subscription for any app you need.
Most of the 94 apps I have installed on my ipad and iPhone are paid apps. I am very happy about pay for the apps I’m using.
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Curves and boxes exist in Procreate. Draw a box, then wait a second or two, and Procreate will straighten the lines. Hold one finger on the screen and you can resize the box constrained as a square. Don’t hold a finger down and you can resize and reshape as a rectangle. Same thing for arcs, circles, and triangles. Haven’t tried trapezoids or weirder shapes yet though.

Yep, thank you. I discovered it yesterday with a tutorial. Not so easy to be consistent, but it works.

 

[rowspaxe]

Yep, thank you. I discovered it yesterday with a tutorial. Not to easy to be consistent, but it works.

Like most gesture tools, it is difficult to modify consistently. Procreate conceded the point
when they changed the transform tool to an editable 'box' rather than pinch and rotate
gestures--which suck--looking at you Sketchbook!

 

[kazmac]

Late to the discussion, but Procreate, Sketches Pro and ArtRage are my three favorites.

Procreate version 5 feels like a real step up to me (New brushes, more responsive etc.) I also love Sketches Pro for the simplicity and unique pattern brushes, but it still doesn’t work in split screen which is a bummer since I use reference images.

Trying ArtRage again and it has the smoothest drawing experience of the three apps (Probably due its integration with Metal).

I haven’t used Clip Studio Paint or the others. I still plan to move to a Wacom tablet when Corel Painter is compatible with Catalina, and/or latest Windows 10.

 

[kenshiro]

All very capable apps, but for me it’s Clip Studio Paint. It suits my workflow & style perfectly. I don’t even use the desktop version anymore since I use the ipad version (which basically the same). Their tools are great for making manga & storyboard.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

Fight how? You do understand this model works and is not going anywhere soon?...

This model is forced on the user. In this sense it works.
Yes, some of us "fight" it, fortunately there are alternatives and we choose them.
We had a similar debate in case of 1Password as you may remember. Many of us opted for a different password manager.