Whether you're using a Surface Pro, Surface Book 2, or something like Wacom's Cintiq drawing tablet line, there's an array of cool tools that can up your digital drawing game.
Surface Pen
Obviously, the first thing you're going to need is the Surface Pen, which was updated last year to include tilt support and other new features for modern Surface devices.
The Surface Pen supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. Modern Surface devices typically don't come with the pen, so you'll need to drop an additional $99 to jump in.
Zodiac pen tips
Microsoft ships their own Surface Pen tips, but I found them to be way overpriced and also lacking in durability to be worth while. Zodiac provides an alternative that are not only a little more hard-wearing, but are also cheaper.
Each pen tip can provide a different "feel" for the Surface Pen, giving the impression of a pencil, or something rougher like a felt pen. The nib that comes with the Surface Pen as standard is usually more than enough to do the job, but it can wear out over time, so keep this $30 option in mind when the time comes to replace it.
eZAKKA artist gloves
One of the problems with digital inking, as both newcomers and veterans will attest, is smudging the display when resting your palm on the screen. Additionally, if you get sweaty hands or get strain injury, having a bit of extra support is always a nice thing, particularly if you spend hours and hours drawing.
Thankfully, there's an array of high-quality gloves that can provide some relief, screen cleaning, and a smoother action while moving across the screen. eZAKKA produces a range of colorful artist glove options for $10.99, and being lycra-based, can fit a large range of different hand sizes. It's a must-have for active artists.
EcoMoist screen cleaner
This is my personal favorite screen cleaning product, not only for its quality, but it's also incredibly affordable, lasts ages, and is free from harsh chemicals.
The EcoMoist organic screen cleaning kit comes with a bottle spray of environmentally-friendly liquid solution designed to clean all types of displays. Each pack also comes with a microfiber cloth to dry off the liquid after use, and can be used on other types of electronic products too.
A $10 pack will last you at least a few weeks, maybe months, depending on how dirty your screen gets. This is one product I can't recommend enough!
Surface sleeves
You're going to probably want a protective sleeve for your Surface device, whether it's a Book 2 or a Pro.
We've put together a large compilation of sleeve recommendations from Surface users around the company, including our Executive Editor Daniel Rubino. Personally I've picked up the Hex Recon 15" sleeve for the Surface Book 2.
Surface Dial
The Surface Dial is an intriguing Bluetooth peripheral that probably isn't the most needed accessory on this list, but if you want to get the most out of your Surface inking experience, it's definitely worth a look.
The Surface Dial is a hockey puck-like device that responds to touch, and can be placed directly on the screen of compatible Surface devices, adding contextual controls to certain apps, with other customizable features. Its compatibility is limited to a few apps, but it's a nice addition if you're a fan of Sketchable or Photoshop CC, it can really enhance your game. If you're willing to drop $99 on it that is.
What digital art accessories are you using? Sound off in the comments, and maybe we'll include your suggestions in a future update!
