When it hurts to draw

Do you find yourself hunched over at your desk to draw on your iPad for the illustration you need to create for your client in Procreate? Or maybe you prefer drawing on the couch but you can’t seem to hold your iPad and execute precise gestures needed for your design in Affinity Designer? If so, I feel you (and every part of your body that hurts!). Regrettably, the consequences of maintaining poor posture over the years can lead to significant health issues like serious neck pain that is observed in this study for example. Bad posture is not something you want to mess with, and finding a good iPad drawing stand is a must if you want to stop the suffering.

A good drawing posture is essential

In my quest for a remedy to the painful tension building up in my shoulders, neck, and back during extended iPad design sessions, I scoured the internet for a solution. Heck, I even tried to make my own! This obviously didn’t work (I had to give it a go). And most of the iPad drawing stand proved flimsy or unsteady, leaving me still in awkward positions that hindered rather than helped my workflow. It is clear that your regular iPad stand -the kind you’d use for casually scrolling through emails- just wasn’t going to do the trick. I was on the lookout for a sturdy iPad drawing stand that could handle actively working on it. After a deep dive into research, I found the ideal fix, and I’m excited to share this brilliant idea with fellow professionals and creatives, ensuring no one has to endure discomfort while working. I snagged mine a couple of years back, and to this day, it is still in perfect condition.

Designed for artists by artists

Let me introduce you to the ultimate iPad drawing stand – the Sketchboard Pro. Crafted by Braintreehouse, an independent art studio. Recognising that if they faced challenges drawing on the iPad, other artists likely did too, they took action. Who better to come up with a solution for artists than the people who truly understand the struggles of the creative process? Their mission was clear: ensure that everyone who loves drawing on their iPad can do so comfortably, channeling more energy into creativity and less into physical stress. Thanks to a Kickstarter campaign, they brought this ingenious solution to life. It’s an inspiring tale of innovation, driven by a real understanding from artists themselves. And on top of that, they plant a tree for each ipad stand sold!

The ultimate ergonomic iPad drawing stand

I’ve been using the Sketchboard Pro for a couple of years now, and I can’t recommend it enough, especially if you’re dealing with shoulder, neck, and even wrist issues. Here’s why.

Supports whole arm from elbow to wrist

What sets it apart is the comprehensive support it provides for your entire arm, from elbow to wrist. Unlike most solutions I’ve come across online where the device is lifted, but you still have to hover your arm while painting, Sketchboard Pro lets you rest your arm while drawing, preventing long-term strain on your shoulder.

Sturdy feet and a slight incline

Drawing on an iPad flat against your desk can be seriously frustrating. The Skateboard Pro iPad drawing stand has got these solid, sturdy feet that fold out, giving you a comfy 20 degree incline which you can use both in landscape or portrait mode. The feet are rock-solid – they don’t budge on any surface you throw at them. You can rest the weight of your arms on it while you draw, and it will stay put.

Charging while drawing

The drawing stand got this nifty little gap where your iPad sits, allowing you to charge it while you work. When you’re on a tight deadline, the last thing you need is to be stuck without juice. With this iPad drawing stand, you can keep the creative flow going while keeping your devices juiced up. And don’t worry about your Apple Pencil – it sits and charges just like it should, adding another layer of convenience.

Supports most iPad’s

The Skateboard Pro 2 has a versatile design and accommodates most iPad models. The only exceptions are the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st-2nd Gen (2015-2017). But it supports over 36 other iPad models, making it super adaptable. What I really appreciate is that you won’t need to throw away your Sketchboard Pro if you decide to switch up your iPad. Instead, you can just swap out the inner section of the stand with a different frame, and you’re good to go! I love the fact that they thought about this and added a layer of sustainability to the product.

Snug, flush and secure

No need to worry about your iPad shifting during your drawing sessions. The frame centerpiece, crafted from silicone, ensures a secure and snug fit for your iPad. It’s effortlessly easy to insert your device (and as effortless to get your device out of the frame too!), and once in place, it remains securely held, allowing you to work without any unwanted movement. Another clever design feature is the seamless alignment between your iPad and the stand, eliminating any awkward lifts – it’s a perfectly flush connection.

The even safer magnetic cradle

I own the initial version of the stand, which comes with a caution against carrying it vertically due to the risk of the iPad falling out. However, the Skateboard Pro 2 has addressed this concern by introducing a magnetic cradle, providing an extra layer of security to keep your iPad securely in place. While I personally wouldn’t carry the stand with the iPad inside, it’s a noteworthy enhancement for those who may occasionally forget their iPad is stored in the stand!

Aesthetic minimal design

As you know, I am a big fan of minimalism and the “less is more” ethos, and I really appreciate the simplicity embodied in this iPad drawing stand. It embraces essential functionality – no unnecessary buttons or flashy logos in your face. The design is aesthetically pleasing, every bit of it has a job, coming together to create a smooth, good-looking, and totally purposeful stand.

Quality and endurance

You can feel this product is designed and crafted from high-quality materials. As I mentioned earlier, mine’s been around for a couple of years, and it still looks brand new – no scratches, the legs are still working like a charm, and the silicone hasn’t stained or shown any signs of aging. It goes to show that investing a bit more upfront pays off in the long run. Totally worth it for the longevity.

Is there anything bad about the Skateboard Pro?

The one downside I’ve noticed is that this stand is on the larger side. However, that’s actually one of the things I appreciate about it too! Sure, it might not be the most travel-friendly, yet its slim and flat design makes it easy to carry around if you wanted to with the grip they cleverly added on top. Realistically, most creators, illustrators, and designers I know prefer working with focus in the comfort of their home rather than attempting it on a moving bus or at Starbucks anyway. So even its size is actually a pro for me.

Is it worth the price?

Absolutely yes! I mean, without a doubt, the Sketchboard Pro might raise a few eyebrows when you mention the price to friends, but it’s worth every penny. This is an iPad stand that is a unique solution that solves a real problem. The design is top-notch, and the quality is outstanding. Honestly, I’d pay out even more if needed because it has truly made my life easier and enhanced my iPad tenfolds.

Conclusion

When it comes to a sustainable iPad drawing stand that’s practically built to last a lifetime, I can’t recommend the Sketchboard Pro enough. Whether you’re a professional digital artist or just a hobbyist, it’s hands down the best iPad accessory for putting an end to bad posture and those pesky aches that creep in, especially if you’re clocking in 8 hours a day on design work.