Art Set Pro For Ipad

Let’s face it there are piles of artistic rendering softwares out there for the iPad, other tablets, and PCs. If you are the type of person to want to find the best software that “works for you” I think there is almost too much to choose from.

Procreate for iPad is still my go-to workhorse software program. It takes a good deal of time to really get into the swing of things with it ,and the more brushes you buy or add the more there is to learn. But it’s in a good way. I found one of the hardest things to do was to get a “workflow” down that worked for me. (sorry about the double words) I still do not consider myself a master of Procreate but using it daily helps. As does re-doing tutorials and watching videos. But Procreate has limits and there are many other programs I love just as much for doing other things that I find are not achievable in procreate.

On such program is ART SET PRO for iPad. Now I think this software is pretty old, and I find the interface counterintuitive (but it’s my own issue).

I use Art Set Pro primarily for oil painting or impasto effects that I can’t achieve in Procreate, or clip studio, or affinity, or mostly any other software besides Art Rage or Realistic Paint Studio. For me it just works and feels like real paint. I am sure you need to have some experience with real oil paints or acrylics because I do find myself forgetting that the software acts like real painting does. It’s hard to describe without experiencing it. I hate the interface and its restrictive layering and cut and pasting process but I love the results.

The software only seems to export at one size/resolution (I could be wrong but can’t figure it any other way). Public support and tutorial content seems limited. Regardless for me it seems to work although I find the tool tray and interface hard to get used to. The restrictions the software has adds to its charm I guess. I am not sure if it is still being supported or developed/improved. The name of the developer is LOFOPI. Their website is minimal. Here is what Apple® said about it when it was App of The Day:

Art Set 4 is full of reality-blurring features like these. For example, the app keeps track of where your canvas is wet and where it’s dry and adjusts accordingly. It also takes into account the consistency of the materials you’re creating with. Work with wax crayons, markers, chalks, charcoals, and biro pens—more than 150 different tools in all. Premium Pro subscribers get access to a custom color-blending tool and custom palette creation, so you can always find the perfect shade.

There is a newer software called Realistic Paint Studio - I am guessing this one will replace Art Set Pro for me in the future - but it too has some quirks. I have also used this software for commercial work you can see on my website. I will do an article on this software as well in the near future. I just need to use it a little more first to get over some of its quirks.

So if you are open-minded and a little patient and you don’t dig ArtRage® then maybe ArtSet Pro is for you. With the unlocks its ten bucks Canadian. For me its a great way to render things is a classic unexpected way.