Looking to buy a gift for a digital artist? Are you an artist looking to improve your workflow? What’s needed for digital art is usually a decent computer and the software program(s) of our choice.
A handful of accessories, all available on Amazon, have improved my art and workflow.
This page may contain affiliate links which pay me a commission if used to make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What are the best products for digital artists?
The following products make great gifts for:
Looking Glass Portrait – Holographic Display
This one is especially for 3D artists, but this cutting-edge technology would be a great gift for anyone. The Looking Glass Portrait displays a 3D hologram. Artists can create their own or even turn photos into holograms. Save $40 with the link below.
Looking Glass Portrait
The first holographic display available to consumers…and it’s amazing.
Drawing Gloves for Digital Artists
If an artist is doing any sort of art on an Ipad or touchscreen tablet, they’ll appreciate what a pair of drawing gloves will do for them.
These gloves keep the hand from accidentally activating the screen and let the artist’s hand glide smoothly across the screen. They prevent smudges and scratches while keeping the drawing fingers free for natural dexterity.
WooKoudai Artist Gloves (2-pack)
Lets the artist’s hand glide smoothly across a touchscreen without accidental activations, smudging or scratching.
The Elgato Stream Deck
The Elgato Stream Deck is marketed toward streamers, but it’s a game changer for digital artists. It comes in three sizes and has endless possibilities for customization. The buttons display dynamic icons using an LED screen.
A single device can have unlimited menus and folders which adapt to the program you’re using.
Elgato Stream Deck
Endlessly customizable with dynamic LED display buttons. The Stream Deck can be programmed with a long list of actions for any software.
Keyboard shortcuts and macros are just the beginning of what the Stream Deck can do for digital artists. It’s powerful software component supports a long list of specific actions with integrations into popular software programs.
The ability to customize the Stream Deck’s functionality is endless. It can even control Phillips Hue Smart Lights.
LED Extended Mousepad
Digital artists love their mousepads and this extended mouse mat is as good as they get. The high-quality pad feels great to slide a mouse across. It’s large enough to cover your entire workspace and it looks awesome with customizable LED lights around the edges.
Razer Goliathus Extended Gaming Mousepad
Large, smooth and illuminated with customizable LED backlighting. This is a luxury mousepad at a decent price.
Add some style to your workspace with a mousepad like one you’ve never seen before.
The X-Keys 24 has 24 programmable and backlit keys. We can program keys to function differently depending on the software we are using. The keyboard comes with custom labels which are inserted into the keys.
Programmable Keyboards
A common problem with digital art software is the number of keyboard shortcuts. There are a lot to remember. With a programmable keyboard, we map custom shortcuts and macros. They work well in conjunction with drawing tablets.
X-Keys 24 Programmable Keyboard
A reliable and durable accessory for any digital artist! Stop having to memorize so many shortcuts and use the X-Keys 24 Programmable Keyboard instead.
Handheld Programmable Remotes
Similar to programmable keyboards, but in many ways better, are programmable remotes. These are handy when using a stylus and need the power to control everything with the other hand.
XenceLabs Quick Keys Remote
A fully programmable remote for one hand while drawing, painting or sculpting with the other.
I first discovered these when I was drawing in 2D on a tablet. I’ve since found many other uses for them in programs like Blender and Adobe programs.
Drawing Tablets
For digital painters and sculpters, a mouse just doesn’t cut it. We need a pressure-sensitive drawing tablet. Fortunately these have become much more affordable.
Huion Inspiroy H640P Tablet
An affordable drawing tablet and pen that is becoming popular with digital artists.
I’ve done most of my work on Wacom tablets, but more and more I see people recommending the Huion brand and it’s incredibly affordable.
Blue-Blocking Glasses
Digital artists stare at computers a lot! I’m not a doctor, but when I heard blue light from computer screens and phones negatively affects sleep, I tried these out. Blue-blocking sunglasses are designed to filter the blue light and help us sleep better.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
These glasses filter out blue light which is shown to affect sleep.
I was skeptical at first, but my sleep definitely improved with these. This led to more creativity, more motivation and better focus. A good night’s sleep goes a long way for artists and digital artists in particular who stare at computer screens a LOT!
Digital Picture Frames
Of course digital artists can share their work online, but sometimes we want to show it off in our home or office. Some have built-in memory or even WiFi while others use an external USB device for storage.
Digital Picture Frame
Digital art deserves to be shown off. A single digital picture frame can display all of our art as a slideshow.
These make great gifts to display family photos or any other digital images. When it comes to digital picture frames, there are a lot of options. Personal taste in design is the biggest factor in choosing one.
“Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon
As artists, we all struggle for inspiration at times. “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon is a great read for any creative person.
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative
Austin Kleone teaches us that all inspiration is drawn from others – and that’s ok. Every creative person should read this book!
The book is packed with other motivational advice for artists. It’s an easy read and I always have my copy handy when I need a boost of inspiration.
Monitor Display Calibrator
Monitors display colors differently when not calibrated. It’s terrible to put so much work into a project and have the colors all wrong because your monitor’s color display was off.
For professional photographers and anyone wanting to print their art, a monitor calibrator is essential.
Datacolor SpyderX Pro Monitor Calibrator
The Datacolor SpyderX Pro is trusted by digital artists everywhere to ensure that what is on their screen is accurate.
Datacolor is a leading manufacturer of reliable and accurate tools for monitor calibration.