Sketching Apps for graphic pieces?

September 28, 2012 8:35 AM

Recommendations for sketching apps like Penultimate?

I use Penultimate on my iPad to sketch cartoon-ish stuff. I like Penultimate because it has nice graphic lines and a super-easy interface. I also like it because it allows me to sketch over a photograph and then cut and paste the sketch (and not the photograph). I don't like it because it has a limited palette and no zooming options.

I have tried Sketchbook Express and Art Set, but both require some level of technical knowledge I don't want/possess. Sketchbook Express works somewhat like Adobe Illustrator, which is far far out of my wheelhouse, and Art Set doesn't have the thick graphic lines I prefer. All I want is the basic Penultimate setup with more colors and more zooming. Is there an app that will do this for me? I don't mind spending money on something that works, but free/cheap is better in the deciding stages.

posted by mrfuga0 to technology (5 answers total)

I was going to recommend Tracing Paper (Universal, $2.99), but as I was poking around in it to give you a better sense of the app, it got really buggy on me. :\
posted by itesser at 9:37 AM on September 28, 2012

Brushes? Obviously good for more detailed painting, but I do some simpler sketching with it. Layers, zooming, colors, etc.
posted by mikepop at 10:53 AM on September 28, 2012

I really, really like Paper. It is very fluid and graceful. There are built in limitations that make it feel elegant. I use it a lot.
posted by dirtdirt at 11:01 AM on September 28, 2012

Upon re-reading your question: clearly paper is not for you. There's no zoom, no layering, and a limited palette. But it is still a terrific, terrific app.
posted by dirtdirt at 11:05 AM on September 28, 2012

I've only used it on the iPhone but Adobe Ideas is pretty nice and there's an iPad version.
posted by nfg at 12:10 PM on September 28, 2012