Visual art has changed a lot in recent years. New tools and tech have made it easier for artists to create amazing work. We've seen big changes in both digital and traditional art.
The best tools for visual artists in 2024 can help you take your art to the next level. From drawing tablets to software, there are many options to choose from. We'll look at 15 must-have tools that can help artists create better work faster and easier.
1) Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Creative Cloud is a must-have toolkit for visual artists in 2024. It offers a wide range of powerful software applications that cater to various creative needs.
The suite includes industry-standard programs like Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector graphics, and InDesign for layout design. These tools are essential for many professional artists and designers.
Adobe's software is constantly evolving, with regular updates bringing new features and improvements. This keeps artists at the cutting edge of digital creation.
One of the biggest advantages of Creative Cloud is its integration. Files can be easily shared between different applications, streamlining the creative workflow.
The cloud-based nature of the suite allows for easy access to files and assets from any device. This flexibility is invaluable for artists who work across multiple platforms or locations.
Adobe also offers extensive learning resources and a large community of users. This support system can be incredibly helpful for both beginners and experienced artists looking to expand their skills.
The subscription model may not be ideal for everyone, but it does ensure access to the latest versions of all included software. For many visual artists, the comprehensive toolkit provided by Adobe Creative Cloud is well worth the investment.
2) Wacom Cintiq Pro
The Wacom Cintiq Pro is a top choice for professional artists and designers in 2024. We've seen significant improvements in this line of digital drawing displays over the past few years.
The Cintiq Pro comes in various sizes to suit different needs and workspaces. The 21.5-inch and 17.3-inch models offer 4K resolution, providing sharp and clear visuals for detailed work.
Color accuracy is crucial for visual artists, and the Cintiq Pro doesn't disappoint. These displays are Pantone validated and can show up to 1.07 billion colors, ensuring your work looks true to life.
For those needing even more screen real estate, the Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 is available. This larger model is ideal for complex projects that require a broader view.
The Cintiq Pro line offers excellent pressure sensitivity, allowing for precise control over your digital brushes and tools. This feature is essential for creating natural-looking artwork.
Recent models have introduced a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother drawing experience. This is particularly beneficial for animators and artists working on motion graphics.
While the Cintiq Pro is a premium tool with a higher price point, we believe it's a worthwhile investment for serious visual artists looking to elevate their digital workflow in 2024.
3) Procreate
Procreate has become a go-to app for digital artists in 2024. This powerful tool runs on iPads and offers a wide range of features for creating stunning digital artwork.
We love Procreate's intuitive interface, which makes it easy for both beginners and pros to dive right in. The app comes with hundreds of customizable brushes that mimic traditional art tools and textures.
Procreate's layers system allows for complex compositions. We can easily adjust opacity, blend modes, and masks to achieve the desired effects. The app also supports alpha channels for even more control over our artwork.
One of Procreate's standout features is its selection and transform tools. These allow us to isolate and edit specific parts of our artwork with precision.
We appreciate Procreate's time-lapse recording feature. It automatically captures our creative process, which we can share with others or use for self-reflection.
Procreate regularly updates with new features and improvements. This keeps the app fresh and relevant in the ever-evolving digital art landscape.
For artists looking to expand their skills, Procreate offers a platform to experiment with various art styles. From watercolors to sketching, the possibilities are vast.
4) Huion Kamvas
The Huion Kamvas line of pen displays has become a top choice for visual artists in 2024. These devices offer a direct drawing experience on a high-quality screen, bridging the gap between traditional and digital art.
The Huion Kamvas Pro 19 is a standout model in the series. It boasts an 18.4-inch digital canvas with a crisp 4K resolution, providing exceptional detail for intricate artwork.
We appreciate the full lamination and anti-glare etched glass on the Kamvas Pro 19. These features reduce parallax and glare, making for a more natural drawing experience.
Huion has also introduced the Kamvas Pro 27, which offers an even larger canvas for artists who prefer more screen real estate. Both models hit the market in early 2024, bringing cutting-edge technology to artists' studios.
For those on a tighter budget, the Huion Kamvas Pro 13 (2.5K) is an excellent mid-range option. It delivers great build quality and a sharp display at a competitive price point.
We find that Huion Kamvas pen displays strike a good balance between affordability and professional-grade features. They're a solid choice for artists looking to upgrade their digital toolset in 2024.
5) Corel Painter
Corel Painter is a top choice for digital artists in 2024. This software excels at simulating real-world painting tools, giving users a natural and versatile creative experience.
We love Corel Painter's impressive brush engine. It offers over 100 brush selections and 9 brush engines, allowing artists to replicate various traditional media digitally.
The program supports industry-standard file formats, making it easy to integrate into existing workflows. Its user interface is intuitive, helping both beginners and experienced artists navigate the software with ease.
Corel Painter shines in digital painting and natural media emulation. Artists can create stunning digital artwork that closely mimics traditional techniques like oil painting, watercolors, and more.
The software also includes advanced layer management and animation tools. These features give artists more control over their work and expand creative possibilities.
While it's a powerful tool, Corel Painter does have a learning curve. We recommend it for artists who want to focus on digital painting and are willing to invest time in mastering its features.
6) Autodesk SketchBook
Autodesk SketchBook is a powerful digital drawing and painting app that artists love. It offers a clean interface and intuitive tools for creating stunning artwork.
We find SketchBook's brush selection impressive. It includes over 100 customizable brushes, giving artists plenty of options to express their creativity.
The app supports layers, which allows for complex compositions. Artists can easily organize their work and make adjustments as needed.
SketchBook works well with styluses and tablets. This makes it feel natural and responsive, much like drawing on paper.
One of the best things about SketchBook is that it's free for personal use. This makes it a great choice for artists on a budget or beginners just starting out.
The app is available on multiple platforms. Artists can use it on desktops, tablets, and smartphones, making it easy to create art anywhere.
SketchBook is known for its ease of use, especially for beginners. Its simple interface helps new artists get started quickly without feeling overwhelmed.
For more advanced users, SketchBook offers features like perspective guides and symmetry tools. These help create accurate and balanced artwork.
7) Clip Studio Paint
Clip Studio Paint is a powerful digital art software that's gained popularity among visual artists. It offers a wide range of tools for drawing, painting, and creating comics or animations.
One of the standout features is the Sub View tool, which helps artists work with reference images and character design sheets efficiently. This makes it easier to keep track of important details while working.
The software also includes useful drawing tools like the Extract Line tool, which can convert images into clean line art. We find this particularly helpful for artists who want to streamline their workflow.
Clip Studio Paint shines in its specialized features for comics and animation. It provides 3D models and hand scanners that some other art programs lack, giving artists more flexibility in their creative process.
Another great aspect is the asset store, where users can download brushes, backgrounds, and materials. Many of these assets are free, allowing artists to expand their toolset without breaking the bank.
We believe Clip Studio Paint is a solid choice for digital artists in 2024, offering a comprehensive set of features that cater to various artistic needs.
8) Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is a powerful vector graphics software that's gaining popularity among visual artists. It offers a robust set of tools for creating illustrations, logos, and other digital designs.
We find Affinity Designer's user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to get started. At the same time, it has advanced features that professional designers appreciate.
One of the standout features is its ability to switch between vector and raster workspaces seamlessly. This flexibility allows artists to combine different techniques in a single project.
Affinity Designer works well for both print and digital design. It supports a wide range of file formats, making it easy to collaborate with clients and other designers.
The software is available for Windows, Mac, and iPad. Its one-time purchase model is attractive for artists looking to avoid subscription fees.
Affinity Designer includes a variety of brush options, precise vector tools, and advanced typography features. These tools give artists the ability to create complex designs with ease.
We appreciate Affinity Designer's regular updates, which often add new features and improve performance. This commitment to development keeps the software competitive in the rapidly evolving design industry.
9) ArtRage
ArtRage is a powerful digital art software for both beginners and professionals. It stands out for its ability to mimic traditional art materials with remarkable accuracy.
The program offers a wide range of realistic painting tools that simulate oils, watercolors, and other media. This feature allows artists to create digital works that look and feel like traditional paintings.
ArtRage's interface is user-friendly, making it easy for newcomers to dive in. At the same time, it provides advanced features that experienced artists will appreciate.
We find ArtRage particularly useful for its layer system and blending options. These tools give artists the flexibility to experiment with different techniques and styles.
The software also includes a variety of textures and canvas types. This lets artists customize their workspace to suit their specific needs and preferences.
ArtRage has built a loyal following among artists and illustrators over the years. Its continuous updates ensure that it remains relevant in the ever-evolving digital art landscape.
10) Krita
Krita is a powerful open-source digital painting tool that has gained popularity among artists in recent years. It offers a wide range of features and tools for creating stunning digital artwork.
We find Krita's brush engine particularly impressive. It comes with over 100 brush selections and 9 brush engines, giving artists plenty of options to experiment with different styles and textures.
Krita supports various file formats used in the industry, making it easy to collaborate with other artists or import work from different software. This versatility is a big plus for professionals working on diverse projects.
The software is designed with digital painters, illustrators, and concept artists in mind. Its user interface is customizable, allowing artists to set up their workspace exactly how they prefer.
We appreciate that Krita offers lifetime free access to its features. This makes it an excellent choice for artists on a budget or those just starting their digital art journey.
Krita is compatible with graphics tablets, which is essential for many digital artists. This compatibility enhances the drawing experience and allows for more precise control over brush strokes.
From our research, we've found that Krita is particularly popular among comic book artists, concept designers, and texture painters. Its tools cater well to these specific art forms.
11) SketchUp
SketchUp is a powerful 3D modeling tool that has become essential for visual artists in 2024. We find it particularly useful for creating architectural designs, interior layouts, and product prototypes.
The software offers an intuitive interface that makes it easy for beginners to start creating 3D models quickly. At the same time, it provides advanced features for experienced users to produce detailed and complex designs.
SketchUp's latest version includes enhanced visualizations that add a new layer of realism to projects. This upgrade allows artists to create more lifelike and immersive 3D environments.
We appreciate SketchUp's extensive library of pre-made 3D models and textures. These resources save time and help artists bring their ideas to life more efficiently.
The software also supports a wide range of extensions and plugins, expanding its capabilities to meet specific project needs. From rendering tools to animation add-ons, these extensions make SketchUp highly versatile.
SketchUp's collaboration features enable team members to work together seamlessly on projects. This makes it an excellent choice for visual artists working in studios or on large-scale projects.
12) Painter's Essentials
Painters need a core set of tools to bring their visions to life. These essentials form the backbone of any artist's toolkit.
At the heart of a painter's arsenal are high-quality brushes. We recommend investing in a variety of sizes and shapes to achieve different effects.
Paints are another crucial element. Whether you prefer oils, acrylics, or watercolors, choose professional-grade options for the best results.
A sturdy easel provides a stable workspace for your canvas or board. Look for one that's adjustable to suit your preferred working position.
Palettes are essential for mixing colors. Glass or wooden palettes work well for oils, while plastic is ideal for acrylics.
Don't forget about cleaning supplies. Soap, solvent, and rags help keep your brushes and workspace clean.
A color wheel is a valuable tool for understanding color relationships and creating harmonious compositions.
Lastly, consider investing in a good quality canvas or painting surface. The right support can make a big difference in the final outcome of your work.
13) Tablet Stylus Pen
A tablet stylus pen is a must-have tool for digital artists in 2024. We've seen significant advancements in stylus technology, making digital drawing and painting more precise and natural than ever before.
Modern styluses offer impressive pressure sensitivity levels. Some top models boast 8,192 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing for incredibly nuanced strokes and shading.
Many styluses now feature tilt recognition. This lets artists create varied line widths and shading effects by changing the angle of the pen, just like with traditional art tools.
Palm rejection technology has also improved. Artists can rest their hands on the tablet screen while drawing without causing unwanted marks or interference.
Some styluses come with programmable buttons. These let artists quickly access shortcuts or switch between tools without interrupting their workflow.
Battery life is another area where we've seen progress. Many styluses now offer longer use times between charges, with some models lasting weeks on a single charge.
Compatibility is key when choosing a stylus. We recommend checking which tablets are compatible with different stylus models before making a purchase.
14) Epson Expression Photo Printer
Visual artists need high-quality prints of their work. The Epson Expression Photo printer series is a top choice for creatives in 2024.
These printers produce vivid, true-to-life colors. They use special ink that makes prints last longer without fading.
The Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 is a great all-in-one option. It can print, scan, and copy, which is handy for artists who need to do more than just print.
We like that these printers can handle different paper types. This includes glossy photo paper, matte paper, and even some thicker art papers.
Many Expression Photo models can print up to A3 size. This gives artists more options for larger prints without needing a big, expensive printer.
The wireless feature is very useful. We can print directly from our phones or tablets, which is great for quick proofs or prints on the go.
While these printers are not the cheapest, we think they offer good value. The print quality and features make them worth considering for serious artists who print often.
15) Pantone Color Guide
The Pantone Color Guide is a must-have tool for visual artists in 2024. It helps us choose and match colors with precision. This guide is widely used in graphic design, fashion, and product design.
Pantone has released a special edition guide for 2024. It features the Color of the Year, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz. This soft, warm hue sets the tone for design trends in the coming year.
The Pantone Color Guide gives us a standardized system for color identification. Each color has a unique code, making it easy to communicate specific shades. This is crucial when working with printers, manufacturers, or other designers.
We can find Pantone colors in various formats. There are physical color books, digital tools, and mobile apps. These options make it convenient to access and use Pantone colors in different work environments.
Using a Pantone guide ensures color accuracy across different mediums. It helps maintain consistency in our designs, whether they're for print or digital use. This tool is invaluable for creating cohesive visual experiences.
For artists looking to expand their color knowledge, the Munsell Student Color Set is another helpful resource. It complements the Pantone system and deepens our understanding of color theory.
Latest Trends in Art Tools
The art world is changing fast. New tools are making art easier and more eco-friendly. Let's look at two big trends: AI and green art tools.
Integration With AI
AI is now a big part of art tools. Artists use machine learning to spark new ideas. It helps with tasks like color picking and image editing.
We're seeing AI in many art apps now. These tools can suggest color palettes or even finish sketches. Some AI tools can turn words into images.
But AI isn't replacing artists. It's just a new tool in their kit. Many artists mix AI with their own skills to make new kinds of art.
Sustainability Considerations
Green thinking is big in art tools now. Artists want supplies that are good for the planet.
We're seeing more eco-friendly paints and brushes. These use fewer harmful chemicals and some are made from plants or recycled items.
Digital tools are also getting greener. New tablets use less power and last longer. This cuts down on e-waste.
Even packaging is changing. Many art supply brands now use less plastic. They're switching to paper or other materials that break down easily.
Enhancing Artistic Workflow
Cloud-based tools have changed how visual artists work. These solutions make it easier to create, store, and share art from anywhere.
Cloud-Based Solutions
Digital platforms are now key for artists. We can access our work from any device with cloud storage. This means we're not tied to one computer.
Apps like Dropbox and Google Drive let us back up files safely. We can also share big files with clients or team members easily.
Cloud-based software gives us freedom to work on the go. Programs like Adobe Creative Cloud let us use professional tools on different devices.
Collaboration is simpler with cloud solutions. We can work on projects together in real-time, even if we're far apart.
These tools also help us stay organized. We can keep all our files, ideas, and projects in one place online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visual artists have many options for digital tools in 2024. New software updates and AI features are changing how artists create. Free programs now offer pro-level tools too.
What are the top recommended digital art software options in 2024?
We recommend Adobe Creative Cloud as a top choice for professional artists. It includes Photoshop and Illustrator, which are industry standards. Clip Studio Paint is another great option, especially for comics and manga artists.
Which free art creation tools are essential for visual artists this year?
Krita is a must-have free tool for digital painters. It has a wide range of brushes and supports custom brush creation. GIMP is another free option that works well as a Photoshop alternative for image editing.
How has Corel Painter been updated for 2024 and how does it benefit artists?
Corel Painter now includes AI-powered features to enhance workflow. Its new brush engine allows for more realistic paint textures. The program also has improved performance, letting artists work on larger canvases without lag.
What advanced features does Krita offer for painters and illustrators?
Krita offers a wide range of brush engines and customization options. It supports both raster and vector layers. The program also includes a wrap-around mode for seamless pattern creation and a multi-brush tool for symmetrical designs.
Can you recommend a powerful AI-based art tool for professional painters?
We suggest looking into DALL-E 2 or Midjourney for AI-assisted art creation. These tools can generate images from text descriptions. Artists can use these images as starting points or inspiration for their work.
What are the most popular features of Clip Studio Paint for visual artists?
Clip Studio Paint is known for its comic and manga tools. It offers panel layout features, perspective rulers, and a large library of brushes. The program also includes 3D model posing tools to help with figure drawing.
