7 Hi-Tech Gifts for Artists

All of the items in this gift guide were recommended by artists who read this blog, and online design groups.

I asked the question "What is something in your studio you can't live without?"

I got a wealth of responses, and because of this, I wrote three blog posts on gift ideas by theme: 7 Hi-Tech items for Artists, Re-purposed & Free items, and Art Supplies.

I tried my best to locate a link and picture of the suggested item if the contributor did not. The comments next to the items are by the artist who suggested it.

#1
Filter Forge $44 and up

"Filter Forge is a truly is an amazing tool that quickly allows you to create various artistic styles, change color themes, turn a photo to a sketch, create your own patterns and seamless tiles - really, the possibilities are endless. It is the perfect companion to Photoshop."
-Deb Trotter http://www.debtotter.com





#2
IPad $499 and up
New and used on Amazon

My favorite tool at the moment is my iPad. Great for sketching, holding reference photos, which can easily be magnified, research and just plain FUN. I resisted for months and finally gave in. I am so happy it. It is useful in more ways than I could have imagined".-Eva-Maria Ruhl www.evaruhl.com








#3
Digital Camera $55 and up

"Something I use a lot before I even start drawing is a point and click digital camera for photo reference!" -Brooke Luder






#4
Mimobot USB Drives $24 and up
On Amazon $29 and up

"Mimobot line of designer character-based USB flash drives." -Evan Blaustein





#5
Photoshop $79 and up (multiple versions)
On Amazon $55 and up

"I couldn't function without Photoshop! I create most of my artwork now on the computer as well as manipulating traditional art on it. I love using layers to experiment and not have to worry about ruining anything." -Deb GallagherVocal Greetings, LLC http://www.vocalgreetings.com




#6
Lightboxes

Artograph Light Tracer Light Box $34 and up

As an illustrator, I can't live without my light box. I use it constantly and would be lost without it. I use it for:
-working up new illustrations,
-retracing key lines before cutting greeting card mock-ups,
-placing handwritten text on greeting card mock-ups, etc.
Some people use transfer paper but that never felt comfortable for me. While in art school, I probably spent under $40 for an "Artograph Light Tracer Light Box". There are higher end models -- but I was on a "student" budget and this inexpensive model has served me well and become my number one, go-to tool. Beverly Ann Hayes, Illustrator www.beverlyannhayes.com



See-Rite Light Box $83 and up

"A great light box. I can refine my sketches and trace onto canvas paper to start painting away! Also a decent scanner is indispensable to transfer art to digital".- Laura Cantu Smith, www.cantusmithdesign.com






#7
Wacom Tablet $60 and up


Comments:

"My artistic item I could NOT live without: WACOM tablet. Intuos4 Medium is the perfect size. Tote-able & offers plenty of space to draw. $349." -Barbra Ignatiev Surface Design, Illustration www.ifneedb.com

"The Wacom tablet at least 9x12" in size is a game changing accoutrement for the computer using artist." -Brian Lee Boyce

"I couldn't function without a Wacom tablet!" -Deb GallagherVocal Greetings, LLC http://www.vocalgreetings.com

"A great idea is the Wacom tablet. It is a great tool". -Eva-Maria Ruhl http://www.evaruhl.com/

"A Wacom tablets is a fantastic gift. It allows the Artist to a have greater control and precision when designing. -Janice Savage -For digital work, I would say a Wacom tablet, and if you you have the extra money:) go with a Cintque". -Andre Saunders http://www.dreillustration.wordpress.com

"Wacom Intuous tablet. For tablets Wacom is higher end...I have heard people say they love the Bamboo as well." -Karen Harris

"My wacom drawing pad." -Patti Gay http://www.pattigay.com/

"Wacom Tablet - Why I love it is because it allows me to draw with the same hand position that I do when I use a pencil. It feels like an extension of my hand, letting it move easily. I have two. One for the road to take with me and my laptop. And one for home that stays on my desk". -JC Langford, Artist jeannenelangford.com/blog