I currently use an iPad A16.
I draw using Procreate, a one-time purchase with lifetime access. It's affordable and one of the best drawing apps available. That said, I started with free drawing apps when I was a beginner.
🗓️In 2020, I began my digital art journey on a 6th-generation iPad (released in 2018), drawing with Just my finger. In March 2026, I upgraded to an iPad A16 (released in 2025) with a third-party stylus. It's been great overall, especially if you don't rely on pressure sensitivity.
Update: Okay, I recently upgraded to a 27-inch 4K monitor, and I think that was one of the best tech decisions I’ve made.
Looking back, I think my budget-conscious mindset about not buying a much more expensive iPad was the right choice. Apple sells its products at ridiculously high prices, and I honestly wouldn’t recommend an iPad if Procreate weren’t exclusive to iOS.
Instead, if you spread your money between a budget-friendly iPad for drawing and a good 4K monitor for an immersive, high-quality everyday experience, I think you can find the perfect middle ground.
Interestingly, I’ve moved away from iOS and gone fully Android on mobile after using two generations of iPhones for around eight years. Android gives me much more freedom and feels more fun to use.
I like useful technology, but when you spend your money on something, you should still feel a certain spark and excitement from it. With iOS, I lost that feeling a long time ago. The iPad is still the exception because of Procreate, but if Android ever gets a proper Procreate alternative—or Procreate itself—I’d probably make the switch there too.
You can also buy multiple genuinely useful pieces of technology for the price of a single iPhone, and for me, that makes the overall experience feel much more worthwhile.
In the beginning, I experimented with a few free drawing apps and learned the fundamentals. Today, there are countless drawing apps and tablets with stylus support. But when I began, there were far fewer options. Only a limited number of tablets offered good stylus support, and there weren’t as many capable drawing apps either. Since I was already comfortable with the iPad and Procreate, I stuck with the iPad for a long time.
Even though iOS still offers a smoother and more polished user experience, Android isn’t as organized or consistent as iOS. But that gap is getting smaller and smaller, and Android has come a long way in recent years.
Today, you can even buy an Android tablet and use a free drawing app. If you know what you’re doing, you can achieve 80–90% of the drawing experience without spending a fortune. The tools have become much more accessible; ultimately, it’s what you do with them that matters.
I also don't rely on any particular brush set. In the beginning, I experimented with free custom brush sets. Over time, I stopped depending on specific brushes and simply use whichever brush has the texture I need.
In the end, it's your understanding, practice, and creativity that make the biggest difference—not the brush itself.
That's why I don't sell brush packs. I believe you can create great art with almost any brush, and I encourage you to focus on mastering your skills rather than chasing the perfect brush.
I didn't learn art through paid courses either. I relied on free resources, practiced consistently, and slowly taught myself over the years. Along the way, I developed my own taste, style, and way of thinking about art.
I also don't have plans to make tutorial videos. If I ever decide to teach, I'd rather write an eBook. I believe images and well-written explanations can teach just as effectively as videos. More importantly, I'd want to share the wisdom, perspectives, and creative mindset that shaped my journey—not just techniques or brush strokes.
God has also played a central role in my creative journey. Without Him ✝️, I can't honestly say I would have made it this far without giving up. I simply create what I love, and I am always grateful for the gift of creativity.
For years, I learned by drawing from the work of other artists, slowly building my skills and confidence. In recent years, however, I began creating original artwork in my own style. It was a dramatic shift in my creative journey—deeply fulfilling, and one of the most rewarding experiences I've had as an artist.
Using references from nature or from a variety of sources to explore new ideas is completely fine, but don't rely solely on other artists' work. Take your time, think about what you want to create, and add the details that matter to you. That's how your own artistic voice begins to emerge.
If my artwork inspires you, you're welcome to learn from it, just as I once learned from others. Start by making small changes, adding your own details, experimenting with colours, and gradually developing your own artistic voice. Over time, those small changes will grow into a style that is uniquely yours.
Most importantly, don't make art more complicated than it needs to be. There are many techniques and rules you can learn, but never let them take away the joy of creating. Keep the journey fun, stay curious, experiment often, and enjoy every step of it.
Conclusion :
Start with what you have, or experiment with budget-friendly options before buying anything too expensive. That way, you won't feel financial pressure to create "perfect" art just because you've made an expensive investment.
Focus on building your skills and enjoy the creative process first. Then, upgrade your tools gradually as you grow.
Art is one of the most fun and fulfilling hobbies you can have.
—Godwin Issac (GWI)