The Benefits of Using Real Pencils Over Digital Ones on Tablets: A Comprehensive Guide

A Comprehensive Look at Traditional vs. Digital Art Tools

When considering the medium to create art or sketch, there is a long-standing debate between traditional media, such as real pencils, and the digital tools available on tablets like Procreate. This article delves into the advantages of using actual pencils, highlighting the simplicity and intuitive nature that digital tools may lack.

The Learning Curve of Traditional Media

Smooth and Familiar Transition

One of the most significant benefits of using real pencils is the lack of a learning curve associated with traditional media. Most individuals have spent countless hours sketching with pencils on paper during the early stages of their learning journey. This familiarity provides an immediate foundation for most people, eliminating the need to worry about adapting to a new toolset. In contrast, switching to digital art requires a significant adjustment period, especially for beginners.

Pencil vs. Digital Tablets and Tools

Clarity and Comfort in Real Pencils

Another major advantage of using a real pencil over digital art tools is the tactile and visual feedback it provides. When you press a pencil onto paper, you feel the resistance and pressure of the graphite, which can easily be adjusted to achieve the desired effect. Additionally, it's easier to intuitively control the pencil's motion, offering a more direct connection between your hand and the result on paper. Digital tools like Procreate, while powerful, require precision and a learning period to master the interface and settings.

Patience and Focus

Using traditional media like real pencils can also enhance patience and mindfulness in the creative process. The slow and deliberate nature of sketching with a pencil encourages a deeper engagement with the medium and the artwork itself. In contrast, digital tablets can sometimes foster a faster, more automated way of working, which might not encourage the same level of focus and intentional creativity.

Procreate and Digital Sketching

The Learning Period of Digital Tools

For those who are new to digital art, especially with tools like Procreate, the initial experience can be quite challenging. The digital tablet feels too slippery in the hand, requiring adjustments to hold and control the tablet. Furthermore, learning to use Procreate efficiently involves understanding its various brushes, settings, and layers, which can be overwhelming for beginners. The tactile feedback from a real pencil can be invaluable compared to the abstract suggestions from a touch screen.

Adjustment Process with Digital Tools

Although digital tools offer numerous advantages such as the ability to erase, manipulate, and save work at any time, the adjustment process can be difficult. It often takes time and practice to get comfortable with the digital ecosystem. This might include figuring out the best settings and brushes, mastering the tablet’s pressure sensitivity, and finding the right techniques to avoid finger smudges. The benefits of traditional pencils, however, are undeniable for beginners who prefer a faster and less intimidating transition into art creation.

Safety and Affordability

Economic and Practical Benefits

Finally, practical and economical aspects of using real pencils are worth noting. Pencils are generally inexpensive and easy to find, making them an ideal choice for beginners. Digital tablets and the necessary accessories like styluses can be expensive and may not be as accessible to everyone. Moreover, the cleanup process for real pencils is minimal, and there are no concerns about digital backlash or recalibration. In contrast, maintaining and cleaning a digital setup can be both costly and time-consuming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the benefits of using real pencils over digital tools on tablets like Procreate are quite significant. The simplicity, intuitive nature, tactile feedback, and the lower cost make traditional pencils a valuable choice for beginners and artists alike. While digital tools offer a range of advanced features, the learning curve and necessary adjustments can be daunting. By understanding and embracing the advantages of real pencils, artists can better appreciate the traditional methods of creation and enhance their overall artistic experience.

Keywords

real pencils digital art Procreate traditional media learning curve

Links and References

Procreate Official Website - Learn More About Real Pencils Instagram @pencilsarebetter - Real Pencil Community