6 completely free tools to know as an emerging illustrator
Building an illustration practice often means juggling tools for drawing, painting, vector work and even 3D, all while keeping costs down. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your toolkit without committing to a full subscription, there are plenty of free and low-cost options worth knowing.
Blender
Best for: 3D illustration
Cost: Free
Platforms: Desktop
If you’re looking to get into 3D illustration, this is your tool. Blender is an open-source 3D creative suite with modelling, sculpting, texturing and rendering features, making it a solid contender among illustrators exploring 3D work.
Affinity
Best for: All-in-one illustration workflow
Cost: Free
Platforms: Desktop
This Adobe alternative from Canva combines raster and vector workflows in one place. Affinity is a popular choice for illustrators who value fluid, intuitive working and non-destructive editing, with a wide range of features for illustration, layout and image editing — all completely free.
Sketchbook
Best for: Sketching and digital drawing
Cost: Free (one-off payment for premium features)
Platforms: Desktop, tablet
For sketching, drawing and digital painting, Sketchbook is a solid choice. It’s pressure-sensitive and comes with a strong selection of brushes and tools. The core software is completely free, with a one-off payment available if you want access to premium features.
Inkscape
Best for: Scalable illustration
Cost: Free
Platforms: Desktop
Often praised as a free alternative to Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape is an open-source vector graphics editor optimised for high-resolution output. This makes it a strong option for professional illustration, with files that scale easily and convert smoothly between formats.
Krita
Best for: Comics and digital painting
Cost: Free
Platforms: Desktop
Created by artists, Krita has become a go-to tool for digital artwork. With over 100 brushes and a range of comic-creation features, it’s particularly well suited to comic and graphic novel illustrators. Open-source and user-friendly.
Adobe Fresco
Best for: Drawing and painting
Cost: Free
Platforms: Desktop, tablet
This free Adobe drawing and painting app is designed for use with a stylus and offers full pressure sensitivity alongside a wide range of brushes. A standout feature is its Live Brushes, which replicate the real-time effects of watercolour and oil painting.
