Digital Beginner's Software Help

[Nastarial]

I'm looking to go fully digital with my art for the ease of a (self-induced) project I have in mind to do. I have everything i need for it.... except for a program to help me get into the swing of things. I've been playing around with Sketchbook by Autodesk, but with it originally being a mobile app, trying to use it on my PC is kinda like hell, since there's no zoom option, or I just haven't figured it out yet? Dx

I'm looking for something that's easy for digital newbies to use and that's either free or has a decent trial period. I have no qualms about paying for something later on, I just need something to help me learn some good techniques, as I'm trying to get used to drawing tablet set up I have (a Monoprice Graphic tablet and pen set). Any recommendations for more advanced software would be a boon as well. ^.^

There are a lot of talented artists floating around here, so I figured this would be the best place to ask around.

 

[marshmarrow]

GIMP is a little difficult to navigate but completely free, lightweight, and with practice and some custom brushes can really step up your artwork. But it does take some time getting used to.

 

[Nastarial]

GIMP is a little difficult to navigate but completely free, lightweight, and with practice and some custom brushes can really step up your artwork. But it does take some time getting used to.

Sounds nifty! I don't mind something that takes a bit to learn, so I'll check it out. Thank you!

 

[Onmyoji]

Yes I second GIMP recommendation. It needs some time to get used to but it's free and has a lot of options.

Also I suggest Paint Tool Sai. It's not free but has a trial period when you can check it with some limitations. I think it's either 30 days or 30 times you start up the software. Which is quite a lot anyway. The program is around for a long time, is simple, lightweight and is used by a lot of artists.

Clip Studio Paint is also a good software, especially if you plan to ever draw manga. It's specialized for drawing manga and aside from usual drawing tools has a lot of options to make comic pages. Also it has built in feature with 3D models you can pose as you want and use for reference. It's not free, but they do 50% sales a few times per year so it's rather affordable. You don't need the expensive EX version, Pro is more than enough. It's the program I use myself for a few years.

 

[Spice]

I personally also have a problem with buying software but I’ve found Medibang to work pretty well for a beginner digital art program. I’ve also tried Krita but it’s a bit difficult for me.

 

[peritwinkle]

I suggest Krita. It's what I started with - super easy to get the hang of and has everything you could possibly need + it's free. Seriously, give it a shot.

 

[Sir Fungus]

Autodesk sketchbook and sketchbook pro is free if you have an autodesk account