Getting into art and design doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. Here’s your beginner-friendly run down on the must-have tools that help young creatives shine, plus a few fun extras to explore later.
Getting Started in Art & Design: Keep It Simple
If your creative tween or teen is getting into digital art and design, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of tools out there. But let me tell you a secret- you don’t need fancy equipment to get started. You only need a few essentials, a spark of creativity, and some space and time to experiment.
Let me break it down for you into:
- The must-have essentials.
- The extras they would love.
- The things that can wait until they’re hooked.
The Essentials for Young Creatives
These are the tools every beginner should start with: nothing more, nothing less.
1. Tablet or iPad
A basic iPad with Apple Pencil support is perfect for beginners. They tend to be the most user-friendly and work beautifully with creative apps like Procreate.
Side note: You don’t need the newest or most expensive iPad. Older models that support the first-gen Apple Pencil are a great starting point.
2. Drawing Apps
Start with one beginner-friendly app:
- Procreate (iPad)—This intuitive and powerful app is great for digital drawing and design. It’s a one-off paid app, but it’s totally affordable and definitely worth it!
- Canva (Desktop or App) – This is a free graphic design tool perfect for layout, typography, and visual storytelling. I, and many of students, prefer using it on the desktop as the app can be a little fiddly.
These apps are easy to learn and allow kids to experiment with colour, layout, fonts, and more.
What About Android?
If you’re using an Android tablet, there are some great drawing apps for young creatives, too. Many of my students have enjoyed using Ibis Paint X. It’s packed with beginner-friendly features and is very popular among young digital artists.
3. A Sketchbook & Pencils
Yes, good ol’ paper and pencil still matter! Sketching, brainstorming, and lettering on paper help ideas flow before they go digital.
I always encourage young creatives to start their ideas on paper. Sketching first is more free-flowing and helps them map out their thoughts without the distractions of digital tools.
Nice-to-Have Extras They’ll Love
These aren’t must-haves, but they can definitely help level up creations:
4. Stylus or Pencil
If your device supports it, a pressure-sensitive stylus (like the Apple Pencil) can make drawing feel more natural and fun. It gives you control over brush pressure and precision.
BUT: Many of my students still love drawing with their fingers—and that’s totally okay! You might lose some pressure sensitivity effects, but finger drawing has helped many kids develop their unique personal style. Keeping it simple can lead to amazing creations.
5. Canva Pro Subscription
The free version of Canva is already fantastic, but Canva Pro unlocks extra features that older kids and teens may love to explore:
- Access to premium fonts, templates, and graphics
- Magic Resize (for turning one design into multiple formats easily)
- Background remover (great for cutting out photos or artwork)
- Brand kits and folders for staying organised.
It’s not needed when first starting out, but Canva Pro can be an exciting upgrade for them to explore with their design projects.
6. Helpful Accessories for iPad Artists
Once your young creative is spending more time drawing digitally, these small tools can make a big difference in comfort and control:
- iPad Drawing Stand – Helps with posture and gives a better angle for drawing, especially during longer sessions.
- Drawing Glove – Helps the hand glide smoothly across the screen.
- Paper-like Screen Protector – Mimics the feel of real paper and gives better control over brush strokes. Many find it more comfortable than the slick glass surface.
These accessories aren’t required to get started—but once your young artist finds their flow, they might appreciate the upgrade (hint: great birthday/Christmas present ideas!).
What Can Wait Until Later
There’s no need to buy everything upfront. These tools are amazing, but they can wait until your young creative is sure they are ready.
7. Creative Software Subscriptions
Apps like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Affinity Designer are powerful, but often overkill for beginners. Start simple. These tools can come later when they’re ready for advanced features.
8. High-End Equipment
A top-tier iPad Pro, MacBook, or display tablet (like a Wacom Cintiq) is amazing—but only if they’re already committed to the craft. Young creatives can thrive for years on simpler setups.
9. Online Courses or Creative Classes
While it’s great to let kids explore and play freely at first, structured support can be incredibly valuable once they show a genuine interest.
Whether it’s a self-paced tutorial, a youth-focused creative group, or a short online course, these experiences can help young creatives build skills, boost confidence, and connect with others who share their passion.
Creativity First, Gear Second
Young creatives don’t need a studio or a pile of gadgets—they need encouragement, time to explore, and the freedom to make mistakes.
Start with the basics, let their interests lead the way, and build up over time.
What matters most is that they’re creating!
