Let’s say that you have your iPad and Apple Pencil ready to go – it’s time for some digital art! But, wait a second, are there any accessories you’d need in order to make the best art possible?
And, while you’re at it, find a great gift for another digital artist in your life?
The iPad is my favorite digital drawing tool, mainly because of Procreate. It would be rare to find me without it, ready to draw whenever there’s downtime.
Throughout my digital drawing journey, I’ve picked up some accessories that have become an important part of my art routine. I mean, even though my iPad and Apple Pencil are the stars of the show, they now have some key sidekicks that I rely upon too.
Here are some of my favorite accessories for digital artists and iPad users.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you decide to purchase through my links.
1. Bellemond Screen Protector for iPad
Bellemond is the brand of screen protector that I use, and I love it! I personally have the removable one int he iPad Pro size, but everyone will need something different based on their iPads and preferences.
For me, a matte screen protector more of an essential than an accessory. Yet, it still falls in the accessory category and can make a huge difference in your digital drawing life.
These screen protectors have a texture that makes your iPad feel like a piece of paper. While it’s not an identical feel, it gets pretty darn close.
Instead of your stylus slipping around all over the place on your iPad, this screen protector gives you more friction and grip. It rivals the feeling of a traditional paper marking a physical piece of paper.
There is a possibility that Apple Pencil tips can wear down more quickly when using a matte screen protector, so pairing replacement tips with this screen protector can be a great gift for a digital artist.
A matte screen protector is a digital drawing accessory that gives a LOT of value for the money. Whether you’re looking to level up your own digital drawing game, or need a gift for another artist, this screen protector is sure to please.
Find Bellemond matte screen protectors here on Amazon!
2. Digital Drawing Glove
This digital drawing glove has been great for days where I feel like I need some extra “glide” to my screen.
Given that I use a matte screen protector, my ability to slide my hand around my screen like an ice skater is greatly reduced. Generally, this is what I want. That said, there are times when I want to skate around a bit more.
That’s where the glove comes in. This glove is designed to reduce friction between your hand and your iPad screen. It’s also helpful for combatting dirt.
Important note: There can be a common misconception about this product that I want to clear up. This glove does NOT stop unintentional marks from your hand. The goal of this glove is to reduce friction and the dirtiness of your hand rubbing off on your screen, not prevent unintentional marks.
In my experience, I find that accidental gestures are less common with the gloved fingers, but that’s because the glove doesn’t react in the same way to the iPad screen. If I try to, I can perform gestures like zooming and pinching my canvas with the gloved fingers. Again, the glove isn’t supposed to prevent this. It’s designed to prevent friction and dirt form being an issue on your screen.
For what this glove is actually intended to do, it does it well and can be a really useful accessory.
Find the drawing glove I use here on Amazon!
3. Padded Spaces Prop n’ Go iPad Pillow
I love this iPad stand! It’s a pillow and a stand in one – anything that can make drawing on the couch evdn comfier is a win in my book! This Padded Spaces Prop n’ Go iPad pillow stand is one of my favorite accessories for cozy days when I want to snuggle with my dogs and my iPad.
It can be adjusted to different angles to make sure that your wrist is always in the right position as you work. If you want to take a break to stream your favorite show, just adjust the angle and you’re good to go without having to leave you chair. Dream!
Art is supposed to be relaxing, so you might as well make your setup relaxing too.
Find the Padded Spaces Prop n’ Go iPad Pillow here on Amazon!
4. OMOTON Vertical Stand
I didn’t realize how much I needed this vertical stand until I set it up in my office and couldn’t stop gushing about it. Seriously, it is SO cool and leveled up my organization game!
Given how often I’m creating art and blogging, my iPad and my laptop are always stacked somewhere. This vertical stand gave me a specific place to put my devices that protected them from getting buried under other things.
A big perk of this stand is that it’s sturdy. It’s heavy. This was a big priority for me when picking a stand because I wanted to make sure that it wouldn’t fall over. This thing isn’t falling over anytime soon with just the weight of my computer and iPad in it.
The stand also has a grip on the bottom of it, which really helps with keeping it in place.
Another perk is that the slots are adjustable so that you can customize the fit to the size of your devices.
The only downside of this stand is that this same stand doesn’t have options for additional slots. You can find other stands that have 3+ slots but, given how much I love the quality of this specific stand, I wish it came with additional options for more slots.
This is one of the best organizational purchases I’ve made for my iPad and office device setup, so I highly recommend it!
Find the OMOTON vertical stand on Amazon here!
5. Anozer Tablet Stand
Here’s another great stand that’s not only helpful for organization, but also for using your iPad. This tablet stand is not something I use when I’m actively drawing on my iPad. Instead, I use it to prop up my art so that I can get a better look at it, or to hold my reference photos.
In fact, it would actually be very challenging to draw on your iPad while using this stand, so I don’t recommend it for that. I recommend it for viewing your iPad and raising it up above your workspace.
The neat thing about this stand is that it’s adjustable. You can adjust both the height and the angle of the stand. It doesn’t raise really high, which I actually prefer. It allows me to raise my iPad above my workspace, but without the stand becoming bulky and burdensome.
Below is a picture of the stand at its tallest, with a chihuahua next to it for reference 🙂
While this stand isn’t directly used for drawing, it comes in handy when organizing and optimizing an art space.
Find the Anozer Tablet stand on Amazon here!
6. ProCase Portfolio Sleeve Case Organizer
If you’re an artist who likes to work on the go, you’ll want a carrying case that can hold all of your supplies, while keeping them safe. This ProCase Portfolio Sleeve has pockets for all of your charging cords, accessories, styluses, and even your iPad.
There’s so much space in here that you’ll struggle to fill it all. Aside from all of the space, what I love about this case is that it’s tough. It has great shock absorption to protect all of your favorite digital drawing tools. This is a great gift for any fellow digital artists that are a little less than careful with their supplies.
Find the ProCase Portfolio Sleeve Case Organizer here on Amazon!
7. Ztotop iPad Case
When I got a new iPad, I was in analysis paralysis over finding a new case. Given the way that I draw, I wanted the edges to be flush with my iPad. This included the top, which became hard to find. A lot of cases have plastic Apple Pencil holders on the top, which is nice for a lot of users, but would have gotten in the way given how I flip my iPad around as I draw.
I also wanted a fully flat front, instead of those that have an accordion style that folds up as a stand.
I also wanted it to look good. I overthought, I know!
I ended up with a case I was really happy with though, so all of the overthinking paid off.
Everyone will have their own laundry list of things they need for their iPad case, so it can be a tricky gift to get someone else. But, if you’re looking for a gift for yourself, or know what the artist in your life needs, this is a great case to look at.
Find the Ztotop iPad Case here on Amazon!
8. Fintie Pencil Case
When I put my iPad in my backpack, I’m always searching for my Apple Pencil at the bottom of it. It loves to fall off the side of my iPad and find a cozy spot in a place where I can’t find it. Then, I’ll forget my charger, and just decide to go home for my art session.
Well, this little pencil case fixes that issue. It’s a simple accessory, but it’s really helpful. It fits my Apple Pencil and my charger, which is all I need when I want to do some art in a coffee shop or on vacation.
The only downside of this case is that it’s soft sided. This works for me because I lead a fairly cautious life, but it could be a downside if you want more protection for your stylus. They do have a pencil case with a shell exterior if you want something sturdier.
Find the Fintie Pencil Holder on Amazon here!
9. MoKo Apple Pencil Holder
Even the most organized artists are worried about losing their styluses from time to time. Especially if you have a pricey Apple Pencil, you don’t want it disappearing on you. Luckily, there’s an inexpensive iPad accessory that will save you a lot of money in replacing your stylus.
My older iPad doesn’t have a way to attach my Apple Pencil to the top of it like my new one does. That’s why this pencil holder has come in REALLY handy.
This pencil holder personally gives me a lot of security knowing that my Apple Pencil is always safe. This may not be the most fun accessory on the list, but it’s practical and gets the job done.
Find the Moko Apple Pencil Holder here on Amazon!
10. The Pro-Draw Grip
I adore my Apple Pencil, which means that I use it a LOT. I’m lucky that I find my Apple Pencil comfortable on its own, even with hours of use.
This isn’t true for everyone though. Or, regardless of comfort, sometimes people just want something more ergonomic and different. So, I started looking at the options and found the Pro-Draw grip.
The first thing that I loved about this grip and made me purchase it instantly is that it was designed by a digital artist. Designed by someone who knows what it’s like to draw for hours with an Apple Pencil? Sign me up!
When the grip arrived, I started putting it to the test.
The grip is hefty and substantial. I found it to be an advantage because it showed the quality of the product. The only downside I found was that it made my Apple Pencil more top heavy than I was used to, which took some adjustment.
Despite the heft of this grip, it’s easy to install. It actually has a slit down the back of it that allows you to easily slip your Apple Pencil into it. This slit also lets you wirelessly charge your Apple Pencil on top of your iPad! This is a huge benefit because many grips don’t accommodate charging.
That said, there was a big downside for me with the charging because I had to remove my case for it to work. Keep this in mind if you have a lip on your iPad case.
Alright, what about comfort? I personally found this grip to be really comfortable. You can use it in two ways – with the cutout at the bottom, or at the top. I prefer the cutout at the top given my hand positioning when I draw.
Overall, I’m excited to have this grip when I want to have some extra comfort or change up my grip.
Find the Pro-Draw grip here on Amazon!
11. Love Mei Carrot Apple Pencil Sleeve
I’ve never thought of my Apple Pencil as cute before, but this carrot Apple Pencil sleeve has changed that. Aww, cute little Apple Pencil!
The cute design is the most obvious feature of this sleeve, so let’s talk about its other features. This sleeve is made out of silicone, which has a nice feel to it.
The perk of the silicone is that it hugs the Apple Pencil really well. It fits really snugly with no gaps or sliding. The downside of this is that it’s really hard to take off!
If you’re putting on this sleeve and feel like it doesn’t fit, it’s likely that you haven’t put it on all the way. I had this same issue when I first put it on, but realized that I just needed to wriggle my Apple Pencil further into the sleeve.
In addition to the sleeve, it comes with some larger tip covers and smaller tip covers.
This is a fun way to style your Apple Pencil, while protecting it and adding a nice grip to it!
Find the Love Mei carrot Apple Pencil sleeve on Amazon here!
12. Fintie Silicone Apple Pencil Grips
Apple Pencils are thin and sleek, which is amazing. But, sometimes, that can be a recipe for hand pain. If you find that you get tired or uncomfortable when you’re using your Apple Pencil, try some grips to see if they’ll make your drawing life more comfy.
I like these Fintie grips because they’re supportive without being bulky. They give a little extra support without you having to change your grip entirely in an unnatural way. They’re also cheap and come in a 2 pack. Who doesn’t love that?
Find the Fintie Silicone Apple Pencil Grips here on Amazon!
13. Skillshare Membership
I’ve been a member of Skillshare for a LONG time and it’s the first place I turned to when I started my own digital drawing journey. Honestly, I wouldn’t have learned Procreate so quickly without it.
I know this is a “digital accessory,” but it’s arguably the best digital drawing accessory out there. I regularly take Skillshare classes that teach me digital art techniques that I didn’t know.
A Skillshare membership makes a great gift for any digital artist who is looking to learn new things and up their skills. If that digital artist is you, grab a big discount on a year of Skillshare to check it out for yourself.
I have a post about my favorite classes for learning Procreate that should give you a jumpstart on your Skillshare journey.
14. USB C Hub 7-in-1 Adapter for iPad Pro
This adapter is perfect for iPad digital artists who love to be connected. This adapter comes with a headphone jack, an HDMI port, a standard USB port, an SD card reader, a USB-C data port, a USB-C PD port, and a USB 3.0 port.
If you’re bummed by the lack of hookups and ports in your iPad, this adapter will fix that.
Note that this adapter is for the iPad Pro. Check the compatibility of this adapter with your specific iPad before purchasing.
Find the USB C Hub 7-in-1 Adapter for iPad Pro here on Amazon!
Whatever digital drawing accessories you end up getting for yourself, or as a gift for a fellow digital artist, make sure they suit your creative vibe and support your artistic needs.
Diana has been an artist for over 27 years and has training in drawing, painting, digital drawing and graphic design. Diana’s latest obsession is digitally drawing with Procreate and Procreate Dreams. Diana has experience selling her art across a number of platforms and loves helping other artists learn how to make money from their art as well.