Artists, both professional and hobbyists, have eagerly welcomed the digital age with open arms.
With the rise of smartphones and computers, artists can now make, edit, and share their artwork in new ways.
Yes, the multitude of art apps has opened up new creative possibilities, but which ones are the best?
In this article, we will explore the 15 best apps for artists, helping you make an informed choice for your artistic journey.
15 Best Apps for Artists in 2024
Here are our carefully selected apps that will make the lives of artists easier.
1. Sketchbook
Autodesk’s Sketchbook is a versatile digital drawing app that effortlessly caters to novices and seasoned artists.
What sets it apart is its extensive brush library and unique symmetry features, allowing you to create intricate, symmetrical designs effortlessly.
Its blending tools are exact, enabling artists to achieve seamless transitions between colors, making it a top choice for digital painters.
The user-friendly interface ensures a smooth learning curve, while intuitive gesture controls make it a breeze to navigate your canvas.
In short, Sketchbook is the go-to app for artists looking to explore their creative potential with ease.
2. Krita
Krita is a beloved open-source painting software cherished by illustrators for its exceptional brush customization and support for layers and masks.
This free app empowers digital artists to create stunning and detailed artwork effortlessly.
The extensive array of brushes, including the ability to create custom ones, ensures that artists can unleash their creativity without limitations.
Krita’s robust layer system and masking capabilities provide an unmatched level of control, making it a fantastic choice for professionals and hobbyists.
3. ArtRage
ArtRage is a digital artist’s dream come true, offering a unique blend of realistic painting tools that mimic traditional mediums.
With ArtRage, you can blend colors just like you would with oils or watercolors, create natural textures, and even work with digital oils, watercolors, and more.
This app’s ability to replicate the tactile feel of traditional art materials makes it a standout choice for artists who want to bridge the gap between digital and physical art.
4. Infinite Painter
Infinite Painter is an Android-exclusive app with innovative features that set it apart.
Its brush system is highly versatile, allowing you to create various effects and textures.
The 3D transformation tools make it easy to experiment and explore new dimensions in your artwork.
With an extensive set of effects, you’ll find endless opportunities to create unique and eye-catching pieces, making it a must-try for digital artists on Android devices.
5. Adobe Fresco
Adobe Fresco, a part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, offers artists a vast library of brushes and vector brushes for creating stunning digital artwork.
What makes Adobe Fresco truly shine is its seamless integration with other Adobe applications.
This makes it an ideal choice for professionals who rely on the Adobe ecosystem.
Whether you’re working on a vector graphic or a realistic painting, Adobe Fresco provides a comprehensive toolset that adapts to your needs.
6. Procreate Pocket
Procreate Pocket is the compact version of the renowned Procreate app, tailored for iOS devices.
It may be scaled down, but it doesn’t compromise on features.
Artists can explore an array of brushes, customizable to their preferences.
The versatile layer system empowers artists to experiment and create complex compositions.
The thing that sets it apart is its seamless user experience, ensuring that you can create art on the go without missing out on essential features.
7. MediBang Paint Pro
Our next entry is a free digital painting and comic creation app, perfect for aspiring artists and those seeking collaboration features.
With an extensive library of brushes, you can explore various styles and techniques.
What’s unique about MediBang Paint Pro is its robust collaborative environment, allowing multiple artists to work together on the same project.
This feature is a game-changer for artists seeking a platform to create together and share their artistic visions.
8. Clip Studio Paint Pro
Here, we have a feature-packed digital art and illustration software that has gained immense popularity among artists.
This versatile app offers an impressive range of tools, making it a must-have for beginners and professionals.
One of its standout features is a vast library of brushes and materials, including watercolors, oil paints, and manga-inspired brushes.
What truly distinguishes Artflowis its focus on comic and manga creation.
It provides specialized tools for creating comic panels, speech bubbles, and comic layout templates, making it a preferred choice for illustrators and comic artists.
Additionally, it allows for 3D modeling and poseable figures, streamlining character and object design.
9. Artflow
Artflow, an Android-based app, is tailor-made for artists seeking a distraction-free workspace.
Its brushes are incredibly responsive, providing a fluid and natural drawing experience.
Artists will appreciate the streamlined interface that allows them to focus entirely on their creative process.
What truly sets Artflow apart is its attention to detail, making it an ideal choice for artists who want to achieve precision in their artwork.
Whether sketching, painting, or illustrating, Artflow ensures your creativity flows effortlessly.
10. Google Arts & Culture
This may not be a drawing app, but it’s an invaluable source of inspiration for artists.
It provides access to a vast collection of artworks, historical artifacts, and virtual tours of renowned museums worldwide.
Exploring the works of famous artists and immersing yourself in art history can spark new ideas and perspectives, making it a treasure trove for creative minds.
You can use it to deepen your understanding of art, find inspiration, and gain insights into various artistic movements.
11. Canva
Canva is a versatile graphic design platform with a unique focus on simplicity and user-friendliness.
Artists can leverage Canva to create eye-catching social media posts, posters, and marketing materials effortlessly.
Canva is unique because of its large collection of design templates and drag-and-drop interface, which make it simple for artists to personalize their advertising materials.
It’s the go-to tool for artists who want to showcase and market their work effectively, ensuring their art reaches a broader audience with style.
12. Concepts App
Concepts App is a vector-based drawing app designed for precision and flexibility.
It’s an artist’s dream when it comes to creating intricate and highly detailed illustrations.
What truly sets Concepts App apart is its infinite canvas, enabling artists to work without constraints and zoom in on the finest details.
The app’s precision tools and customizable brushes provide a unique level of control and ensure that your artistic vision is realized with the utmost precision.
Whether sketching, diagramming, or designing, Concepts App offers the ideal platform for your detailed creations.
13. Art Authority
Art Authority isn’t just an app; it’s like having a virtual art museum in your pocket.
It features an extensive collection of artworks spanning various styles and periods, making it an invaluable resource for art history enthusiasts and artists.
With Art Authority, you can explore the works of iconic artists, study artistic movements, and gain inspiration from the vast array of masterpieces.
For artists, this app is a gateway to the rich tapestry of art history, offering insights and reference materials to elevate your work.
14. Inspire Pro
Inspire Pro is an iOS-exclusive app recognized for its realistic brushes and an extensive range of settings for customizing artistic tools.
It has an outstanding level of control and attention to detail.
Artists can tweak every aspect of their brushes to create the perfect stroke and texture, ensuring their artwork is as authentic and expressive as possible.
Whether into realistic digital painting or expressive sketching, Inspire Pro empowers you to create with unparalleled precision.
15. Assembly
Assembly is a unique vector design app that simplifies the creation of logos, icons, and illustrations.
Artists who need to design sleek, professional graphics will appreciate its user-friendly interface.
You will be equipped with intuitive tools to create complex vector artwork without the need for advanced design skills.
With a library of shapes, icons, and customizable elements, Assembly is a go-to solution for artists who want to craft visually appealing and polished designs quickly.
It’s an ideal choice for those seeking to enhance their visual branding or create stunning visuals for various projects.
Why Artists Need Digital Tools
The adoption of digital tools by artists has introduced a profound shift in the creative landscape.
This transition is motivated by several key factors that underline the importance of digital tools for artists.
1. Versatile Experimentation
Digital tools offer artists the freedom to experiment without the constraints of traditional mediums.
Unlike physical art, where errors are often irreversible, digital art allows artists to explore various styles, techniques, and effects, fostering creativity and growth.
2. Accessibility and Portability
Digital tools have become incredibly accessible with the proliferation of smartphones and tablets.
Artists can now carry their creative studios with them, allowing for art creation and editing from anywhere.
3. Limitless Digital Canvases
Physical canvases and supplies confine traditional art mediums.
In contrast, digital art provides infinite digital canvases.
You can resize, rotate, and adapt the canvas size as needed, enabling you to execute your artistic vision without spatial limitations.
4. Correcting Mistakes
The “undo” and “redo” features in digital art tools provide a safety net for artists.
Correcting mistakes or experimenting with new ideas becomes stress-free, boosting artists’ confidence and encouraging them to take creative risks.
5. Instant Sharing and Collaboration
The internet allows artists to share their work with a global audience instantly.
Artists can showcase their creations on social media, art communities, and portfolio websites, fostering feedback, collaboration, and artistic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Choose the Best Art App for My Specific Artistic Needs?
Selecting the right art app depends on your preferences and artistic goals.
Consider factors such as the type of art you create, your experience level, the required features, and budget.
Experimenting with a few different apps can help you find the one that suits you best.
Are There Any Free Art Apps that Are High-Quality?
Yes, there are free art apps with robust features, but they may be limited.
Paid apps often offer advanced tools and better support.
However, the best app for you ultimately depends on your requirements and budget.
Can I Use Art Apps on Both Smartphones and Tablets?
Yes, a lot of art apps work with tablets and smartphones running different operating systems, such as iOS and Android.
Be sure to check the tool’s compatibility with your specific device.
Conclusion
Not only has the digital art revolution given artists new ways to work outside of traditional art, it has also brought together artists from all over the world.
With so many helpful art apps, artists are no longer limited by their surroundings.
You can quickly try new things, share your work, and work together with these 15 best apps for artists.
Technology and art are always changing quickly, and the future looks like it will be even more exciting and new for artists to discover.
