Like with every single medium, before you even start drawing, you need to get to know and learn the tool - and in this case, program - you are using. Only once you understand this, will your work and creating art become easier and more natural to you. Using myself as an example, when I first started digital art, I was literally just experimenting in Photoshop; clicking every button, using every tool, testing every brush. This way I learned more about the program and the tools it provided me, starting with very simple experimental pieces until I was eventually able to comfortably create the larger and more intricate pieces you see today. So, my advice would be: start small and simple, do not commit to larger projects until you are familiar with the program and tools it has. The more you practice and experiment, the easier it will get.

I get this question all the time from other artists, especially beginners. Asking me how to practice art, or what is in general a good way to practice, as a beginner. My recommendation is to start from the basics. Learn and refine the fundamentals first; anatomy, lighting, perspective, composition, color theory, etc. Once you know and understand the basics, you will be able to make more complex pieces, that are both more natural for you and pleasing to your viewers. How frequently you practice is entirely up for you to determine and decide, and not something I can give you a set schedule for, as this is heavily dependent on individualistic needs and limitations. Do NOT fall for the stereotype lie that you "must" practice "every single day," because not only is it simply not true, there are many artists out there who burn out and give up under the strain and pressure of thinking this is somehow an absolute requirement to get better. Or worse, end up with painful physical injuries, such as RSI and carpal tunnel. Set your own pace, experiment and feel out the edges of your limitations, even push them sometimes; but do not feel pressured to match the practicing methods and schedules of other artists. Remember to take breaks, have days where you don't draw anything at all; give yourself time to rest and recover, so your motivation can rebuild. Ultimately, find out what works for YOU and stick with that!

When it comes to graphic tablets you can basically use almost any type of tablet and make art with it. If you’re a beginner or if you don’t have a big budget then even cheaper tablets will do the trick. For a bigger part of my career, I used cheaper and smaller tablets, like Genius or Wacom Bamboo. After all, if you decide to buy the most expensive tablet it doesn’t mean your art skills will get better! If you decide to buy a non-screen tablet then I recommend checking the specifications, like resolution and pen pressure levels. If you don’t have the budget even 1000 levels of pen pressure will be okay. On average I’d recommend anything about 4000 pen pressure levels and 2540lpi of resolution. If you seek graphic tablets for more professional use then I’d recommend looking for a tablet that has higher values than these.

When it comes to screen tablets then I recommend you check screen specifications as well. Again, if you’re a beginner or a hobbyist then any type of screen tablet will work. If you look for a more professional tablet then I’d recommend screens that show color accuracy as best as possible. Because if you want to print your works or use it for different products, then you want to make sure that colors match the ones on the screen. For that, I’d recommend screens with Adobe RGB 90-100% (the higher percentage, the better it’ll be. I wouldn’t recommend tablets with lower color gamut coverage for professional use). I’d also recommend 1.07 billion colors (10 bit or higher), 300 cd/m2 or higher brightness, and minimally 1000:1 contrast. Tablets with glass surfaces are also better compared to ones with plastic surfaces, since the screen won’t get as easily scratched.