I'm a beginner 2D digital illustrator who uses Krita, Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator. Someone recommended a Mac mini, but I'm concerned about compatibility when exchanging files with clients who use Windows. I also need to connect a Wacom drawing tablet. What type of computer would be suitable, and how much RAM should I look for? I don't know much about computer hardware, so practical advice would be appreciated.
3 Answers
A Mac mini should work fine for this. The main Adobe, Krita, and common image-file formats work across macOS and Windows, so exchanging projects usually isn’t a problem. I’d consider 16 GB of RAM the minimum, though 32 GB would give you more room for large files and multitasking.
The operating system generally isn’t the important compatibility issue; the files and fonts are. Editable text can reflow if you and a client don’t have exactly the same fonts installed, so it’s best to use common fonts or convert final text to outlines when appropriate. Mac and Windows are both perfectly capable for illustration, so choose based on your preferred workflow and budget rather than outdated ideas about one being necessary for creative work.
Check the model and age of your Wacom tablet before buying. Very old tablets may not have current drivers for newer versions of macOS, so confirm that your specific model is supported. For the computer itself, 32 GB of RAM is a comfortable choice if you can afford it, especially if you work on high-resolution illustrations while keeping reference images, tutorials, and other applications open. Sixteen gigabytes can be enough for lighter projects, but it leaves less headroom.
That makes sense. I’ll make sure to check font compatibility and avoid relying on unusual system fonts when sending editable files.