How to pursue a creative career

Wacom’s creative pen displays and pen tablets are the technology choice of professionals across a variety of creative industries, from animators to comic artists to film editors to digital illustrators.

If you’re thinking about pursuing a creative career, you’ve come to the right place.

Wacom has worked with thousands of artists over the years, and we’ve tapped a bunch of them to provide advice and insight into how you can pursue a creative career. Stay tuned, as we update this page often.

Student using Cintiq Pro 24 pen display

The latest insight and advice on creative careers from Wacom

Here are the most recent articles we’ve put together about pursuing a creative career: interviews, advice, and more from a variety of professional creatives across a variety of fields.

Vera Brosgol on her creative career journey, the difference between traditional and digital art, and the benefits of starting small

Vera Brosgol on her creative career journey, the difference between traditional and digital art, and the benefits of starting small

Eunbi Kang on her career in illustration and visual development, whether art school is necessary, and her advice for young artists

Eunbi Kang on her career in illustration and visual development, whether art school is necessary, and her advice for young artists

How to go from hobbyist to full-time illustrator, with Craig Babin

How to go from hobbyist to full-time illustrator, with Craig Babin

Featured webinar

Wieger Poutsma‘s workshop from Wacom Career Days 2023, “From Freelancer to Becoming a Brand.”

In this presentation, Wieger Poutsma shares his experiences in turning his freelance career into a brand, the challenges he faced, and the uplift he found in unexpected places.

 Wacom discounts & promotions

Want to use the same tech the pros use, or that you’ll be utilizing in art school — but you’re on a budget? Check out our current sales and promotions below at the Wacom eStore.

If the product you want isn’t on sale, we also offer a blanket Education discount for current students! Click here to learn more.

Please note: Pricing and product availability are determined by the Wacom US eStore and are subject to change without notice.

More Wacom creative careers content

Jenny Li on her inspiration, the similarities between music and art, and breaking into the animation industry

Jenny Li on her inspiration, the similarities between music and art, and breaking into the animation industry

July 30, 2024: How to create a visual autobiography in Adobe Photoshop

July 30, 2024: How to create a visual autobiography in Adobe Photoshop

July 25, 2024: How to design interesting shapes and objects with Kirk Wallace

July 25, 2024: How to design interesting shapes and objects with Kirk Wallace

July 23, 2024: How to create suspenseful manga pages with Gigi Murakami

July 23, 2024: How to create suspenseful manga pages with Gigi Murakami

July 18, 2024: How to craft compelling character designs with Jocelyn Short

July 18, 2024: How to craft compelling character designs with Jocelyn Short

July 16, 2024: Storytelling through visual media: from photography to film

July 16, 2024: Storytelling through visual media: from photography to film

The Top 10 things I wish I’d known sooner as a freelancer, by Inkshift

The Top 10 things I wish I’d known sooner as a freelancer, by Inkshift

Omar Gomet’s character design process — and insight into his creative career

Omar Gomet’s character design process — and insight into his creative career

Connect with Wacom on Social

"I love the new dial, it has haptic feedback, which I was always looking for ... I can feel its position, I can feel its options, and I can feel what I have to do to reach my aim.” ⁣ Markus Bledowski on the new #WacomIntuosPro⁣ ⁣ Markus is a motion designer based in Germany who has been using Wacom products for decades. He thinks the newly redesigned Wacom Intuos Pro is the best version yet. ☺️⁣ ⁣ #WacomIntuosPro #IntuosPro #PenTablet #WacomTablet
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“You’re not thinking about the tool ... it just feels good.”⁣ @joiceesketch on the new #WacomIntuosPro⁣ ⁣ Designer and illustrator Joyce Liu creates dynamic, expressive artwork that transports viewers to a vibrant, futuristic world where shapes and colors blend and flow beautifully. ⁣ ⁣ From the ExpressKeys to the customizable Pro Pen 3 to the lightweight form factor to the seamless connectivity, Everything about it helps her get into the flow of her work. “It just feels natural,” she says. ✍️😍⁣ ⁣ #WacomIntuosPro #IntuosPro #PenTablet #WacomTablet
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Ever wondered how a digital tablet can elevate your tattoo game? Check out @amy.innocenzi's process for creating stunning botanical designs. 🌿🐛🌾🎋 Amy is an Italian artist deeply inspired by nature and her family’s roots in art. Watch as she reveals how Wacom gear like the Wacom One helps her achieve the unmatched detail and precision that makes her work stand out. But it’s not just about technique. Amy shares her experiences navigating the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and how she’s built a supportive network of artists along the way. She also opens up about the highs and lows of the creative process—overcoming artist's block, connecting with clients, and pushing boundaries in her work. Head to YouTube or to our stories to watch the full video. ☝️ #madewithwacom #botanicalart #creativeprofessionals #tattooart #WacomTips #wacomone #artistlife
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Artists on Valentine's Day according to @lplucas ❤️🤣🎻💌 #ValentinesDayArt #valentinesday #artistlife #madewithwacom
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🎉 The NEW Wacom Intuos Pro is here! 🎨⁣ ⁣ Creative work is all about balance—part technique, part flow.⁣ ⁣ The new Intuos Pro is designed to help you stay in that sweet spot where ideas come to life effortlessly. 🪁⁣ ⁣ Featuring the Wacom Pro Pen 3, customizable ExpressKeys, and an intuitive physical dial, the new Intuos Pro tool redefines how a pen tablet enhances your creative process.⁣ ⁣ Whether you’re editing, designing, or animating, Wacom Intuos Pro is designed to speed up your workflow so you can dive deeper into your art.⁣ ⁣ Are you ready to level up your creative game? 🚀⁣ ⁣ Learn more through the link in our bio. ⁣ ⁣ #WacomNews #WacomIntuosPro #IntuosPro #PenTablet #WacomTablet
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Who's hungry? 🍣✍️⁣ Why would an art director choose illustrated food over photographed food? 🤔 Share your thoughts in the comments! ⁣ #FoodArt #DigitalArt #DigitalIllustration #FoodPhotography #MadeWithWacom
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Remember when @thebunbunshopofficial made us a sweet Valentine's postcard on her Wacom Cintiq 🐇🎈🩷 🌹💘 This Valentine’s Day, skip the store-bought and get creative! Whether it's a hand-drawn sketch, a digital masterpiece, or a heartfelt design, crafting something unique shows how much you truly care. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also prove that artists are the ultimate romantics. 💖✨ So, what are you creating for someone special this year? Share your creations with us! #madewithwacom #ValentinesDayArt #WacomLove
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Kicking off Black History Month with @imjoshualeonard 🙏 Check out his full character design tutorial on YouTube. (Head to our stories 👆) Joshua is an incredible character designer, 2D animator, and concept artist on a mission to create diverse, inclusive, and impactful characters that challenge stereotypes. This month, let's come together to celebrate and uplift Black artists worldwide, shining a light on their talent, creativity, and contributions. 🥊❤️‍🔥 #blackhistorymonth #blackartist #blackartmatters #madewithwacom
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Sometimes a little change of scenery is all you need to get creative. ⁣ Gather your things (don't forget that tablet 😉) and step outside 🎒⁣ What do you carry in your bag when when you're whipping up magic on the move? ⁣ #CreativesOnTheGo #WacomMovink #CreativeProfessionals ⁣
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