Mobile drawing apps

[B.J.]

We've had threads in the past about 3D programs, 2D programs, free programs, etc. But they've all been for the PC before, so how about we start discussing what people are using on their mobile devices (phones, tablets, etc.)?

I admit that a cell phone is not an ideal device for doodling, especially with your finger and a small screen. But it could be good for getting some ideas down at the spur of the moment.

I did have some other apps before on my Android phone, but almost all the ones I found were geared towards kids or were very simplistic. Though yesterday, I did discover Autodesk Sketchbook Mobile, and it seems to work pretty well. I'm just using the free Express version right now, and I was able to do these 3 pictures in 5 minutes each:

The images have actually been scaled down by half from their originals. I have to say, I *really* like the way the pencil works in this one, which almost makes up for the lack of sensitivity in my phone, and even the free version gives you 3 layers to work with.

So, anybody else have any good mobile drawing apps?

 

[sojourner]

^Cool, going to load this on my Nook Color right now. should be fun with a decent sized screen!

 

[backstept]

^Cool, going to load this on my Nook Color right now. should be fun with a decent sized screen!

I have it on mine, and I've gotta say . . . the Nook Color's touch sensor wasn't meant for drawing
I can barely draw a straight line, and even with a stylus it's frustrating
YMMV, though . . .

 

[Patrickivan]

Funny you post this. I just installed Sketch n Draw on my Galaxy Infuse 4G last week... Nice larger then usual screen to do stuff like this, but I just couldn't get around not seeing what was behind my big finger. Therefore I couldn't really draw anything I was willing to show here.

 

[B.J.]

Funny you post this. I just installed Sketch n Draw on my Galaxy Infuse 4G last week... Nice larger then usual screen to do stuff like this, but I just couldn't get around not seeing what was behind my big finger. Therefore I couldn't really draw anything I was willing to show here.

Sketchbook Mobile has an offset drawing mode, where it draws about an inch above where your finger is. I haven't used that function myself, and I would imagine it would take a little getting used to, but that might be an option. Maybe yours has a similar function?

 

[The Axeman]

I have the Autodesk Sketchbook app for the iPad, the full version which costs a couple of bucks. Very nice, pretty easy to use, but I lack the talent to make the most of it. I find it handy though, I can sketch away trying shapes and ideas without creating pages and pages of A4 waste. It has a lot of potential to make some very nice art, if you're happy enough drawing with your finger.

 

[Patrickivan]

Funny you post this. I just installed Sketch n Draw on my Galaxy Infuse 4G last week... Nice larger then usual screen to do stuff like this, but I just couldn't get around not seeing what was behind my big finger. Therefore I couldn't really draw anything I was willing to show here.

Sketchbook Mobile has an offset drawing mode, where it draws about an inch above where your finger is. I haven't used that function myself, and I would imagine it would take a little getting used to, but that might be an option. Maybe yours has a similar function?

I just checked... No such feature. The colour choices are outstanding, but that's the best part.

I have the Autodesk Sketchbook app for the iPad, the full version which costs a couple of bucks. Very nice, pretty easy to use, but I lack the talent to make the most of it. I find it handy though, I can sketch away trying shapes and ideas without creating pages and pages of A4 waste. It has a lot of potential to make some very nice art, if you're happy enough drawing with your finger.

I'm going to take a look at some of the art apps available. Then look into maybe paying for one if I like them enough.

As it stands now, I sketch by hand (pen), photograph it, send it to my wordpress, then to here... It's not really so much the effort that I don't like, it's the wasted paper. Unless it's in my sketchbook of course. I like my sketchbook.

 

[Dac]

Here's a few I've done on my iPad. The first lot are from Sketchbook Express, the latter two are from Procreate.

This was the first thing I ever drew on my iPad, by finger :P

This was done using my stylus iirc, so were the rest from here on out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/Dac/717040ac.jpg (Pic was waaay too big, it stretched the page)
I couldn't resist taking a shot at a Picard's Ready room style portrait of my Enterprise F :P

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v438/Dac/ac4b14fc.jpg (ditto page stretching).


As I'm sure you can tell by these, I am by no means a skilled artist with my hands. I'm first and foremost a digital modeler, sketching/drawing is where I fail :P

 

[Nascence]

I have quite a few drawing apps on my iPad.
I use mostly Sketchbook Pro by Autodesk and another called Art Studio. Both are pretty good on the iPad and the price is right.
Plus, Sketchbook Pro for tablet devices is one-tenth the cost for the similar functioning desktop version.
I use a stylus now with these apps. I find I get better control of drawing this way than using my finger.
Here's an example (non-Trek) of an office chair that I designed and built.
The sketch was done in SketchBook Pro on my iPad some time ago.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/88/mychairdesignfinishd.jpg/

 

[Nascence]

Dac,

You did a pretty job sketching these.
Your sketch style has a lot of "movement" to it!

 

[sojourner]

Autodesk sketchbook is only $.10 on the app store today. don't miss it.

 

[B.J.]

It's also $.10 on Android Market! I picked it up just for the additional layer capabilities. Would you believe this is the only app I've ever bought?

 

[sojourner]

Er, yeah, that's what I meant. The android Market. I forget that silly Ipad thing is out there.

 

[Dac]

Er, yeah, that's what I meant. The android Market. I forget that silly Ipad thing is out there.

Oh, so thats why I rushed to my iPad only to see its still £2.99 :P

 

[The Axeman]

How could you not spring for £2.99! Look at the awesome painting I made with my finger while intensely bored in a crap hotel room...

 

[Dac]

How could you not spring for £2.99! Look at the awesome painting I made with my finger while intensely bored in a crap hotel room...

Because I sprung £2.99 on Procreate instead. Still though, nice pic

 

[B.J.]

This is fun! I sketched out the lines for this with a pencil & paper, loaded up Sketchbook, and used the camera to import it as a new layer. Then I just colored it in the app.