12-24-2025, 06:50 AM
I'm an illustrator transitioning from traditional mediums to digital art and I'm completely overwhelmed by the options for digital painting software. I've tried free programs like Krita and GIMP, but I'm considering investing in Photoshop or Clip Studio Paint for more professional features and industry compatibility. For digital artists who work in a commercial illustration style, what software have you found offers the best balance of intuitive brushes, layer management, and performance for detailed work? How steep was the learning curve, and are there any specific tablets or pen displays you'd recommend pairing with your chosen software to get a natural painting feel?