Graphics/drawing tablets

[Pixie2015]

thinking about graphics tablet for DH for Christmas as he enjoy drawing and making cartoon images on computer for the children.

does anyone have any suggestions of one they like - I don’t want to get iPad as he has latest iPhone it’s literally for drawing on for fun.

any help appreciated

What kind of budget & what kind of tablet are you looking for?

There are 2 types.

One is a blank you draw on, with what you've drawn showing up on the screen/monitor of your computer.
e.g. small one.

www.amazon.co.uk/Deco-MW-Wireless-Graphics-Compatible-Black/dp/B0B3MYVB3R

The other kind has it's own built in screen, so you are drawing on the image rather than looking at the screen while you draw on a blank.
They cost a bit more
e.g. medium size with screen but I much prefer that sort.(more intuitive to use as you are looking at what you are drawing.)

www.amazon.co.uk/Artist12-Graphics-Drawing-Battery-free-1920x1080-Artist-12/dp/B07GPX9T58

I use Wacom, just because I always have, but I see a fair bit of love for XP-Pen over the past few years which cost less.
I'm thinking of getting one to try out.

They come in many sizes, from teeny (pretty much meant for digi signing documents) up to massive.
Bigger it is, more it costs.
There is a bit of a learning curve at first, but it's worth it.

You'll also need software if you don't already have some, but can use GIMP which is free, open source software that has been around for a long time.

The issue I found with a graphics tablet or pad is that they can't be used standalone they have to be used connected to a device, so not portable.

I decided against one and opted for a tablet with pen after much research for my daughter (Samsung tab s6 lite with pen £209) as there wasn't much price difference and you have more functionality with a tablet. There's lots of software you can use, I use Krita on my Surface, my daughter uses Ibis Paint X on her Samsung, both free.

thank you that is so useful - I am thinking where you draw on screen but if wanted send to computer.

you reply was very useful as the brand coming up I had not heard of - haven’t got set budget but was thinking around £300 ish.

will have a good look today thanks

Thanks helping to focus my mind on what I want - going to have good look at products today

The thing is I think one of larger size newer ipads are actually the best tablets. You can get the programme Procreate on them (not yet available on anything other than apple devices) which is excellent and what a ton of people use now - so tutorials, brush packs etc online are often centred around using that programme. I bought an android tablet which was well reviewed for drawing on and I desperately wish I had gone for an ipad.

My only caveat is that the branded proper art/drawing tablets eg Wacom are good if he is going to connect it to a desktop computer and draw that way. So if he already has a computer and desk set up then go for one of those. If he is going to be drawing and editing directly onto a tablet, honestly an ipad is your best bet. Pick a larger screen size one and he'll need a pen too.

If you are getting him something like that & you also make up a stocking, something like this is neat too & under a tenner.

www.amazon.co.uk/Parblo-Two-Finger-Graphics-Drawing-Tracing/dp/B018VASU3O

They mean if you rest your hand on the drawing surface, the glove stops the tablet thinking it's mean to 'draw' there.

That is a random, first one I found, glove (they can be worn on either hand) but they all work the same.

I use mine with the Adobe suite of software, so I'm always around my computers, but Noln has a good point about how much use a tablet will get.

Thank you everyone so much think I will go iPad and pen as our iPad is out of date x

Hi @Pixie2015 Thanks for posting. We have a guide to the best kids tablets that might be useful to you. They aren't specifically drawing tablets, but some of the models are ideal for use with a digital pen/pencil. The article was inspired by the recommendations of Mumsnet users and checking out the consumer reviews. Hopefully it helps you to choose, do let us know what you think.