Why I Love the Apple Pencil for Digital Art

Mar 20

Written By DAB

As a digital artist creating illustrations on my iPad using Procreate, my number one recommendation when it comes to styluses is the Apple Pencil. It just clicks.

The first time I used the Apple Pencil, I was amazed at how quickly my lines appeared on the screen — no lag at all. I was used to drawing with a stylus on a Wacom tablet that didn’t have a screen, so seeing my work instantly show up felt pretty magical. The pressure sensitivity was great for shading, too. It feels a lot like using a regular pencil.

It's the right weight; just enough to feel in control without being heavy. The pressure and tilt sensitivity makes it easy to go from thick to thin lines, so whether I’m just sketching or adding tiny details, it’s smooth and easy to use. Borrowing words from my friend who called Notion “an extension of his brain;” the Apple Pencil feels like an extension of my hand. It’s super intuitive and fun.

This one is a no-brainer, but Apple Pencil works really well with the iPad. I’m a big fan of the Apple family because I love it when my phone, laptop, tablet, and stylus can have an effortless conversation. They just figured it out – thank you, Steve! Plus, you don’t have to waste time setting your Apple Pencil up; just attach it to the side of the iPad, and it charges automatically.

One feature I didn’t realize I’d love so much is the double-tap to switch between tools. It makes sketching or painting faster because I don’t need to pause and find a menu to change things.

I think it’s normal to be hesitant about the price at first, because many other stylus options are way more affordable. But after using it for over two years now, I can say it’s totally worth it. I believe it’s a good idea to go for the quality choice if it’s something you buy once and use every single day for years.

Long story short, the Apple Pencil has become a big part of my creative process. Whether I’m sketching, illustrating, or brainstorming ideas for the layout of my wedding (!), it’s always reliable and feels great.

If you’re a digital artist thinking about getting one, I say go for it. It might just change how you work, too.