At first glance, the iPad seems like it would be a great tool for digitally sketching and drawing. It packs a beautiful, high-resolution touchscreen in a sketchbook-like form factor; what more could one want?

Well, the truth is that the iPad clearly lacks two very important features for digital artists: accuracy and pressure sensitivity. The level of precision is roughly equivalent to drawing with a meat popsicle.

Still, with the right combination of software and hardware, I’ve found that it can still be really fun to draw on the iPad. In a burst of inspiration, I made a quick doodle while Joanna was traveling:

Currently, my favorite tools are:

• Cosmonaut – This stylus is brilliant! While other styli secretly wish they were ballpoint pens, Studio Neat’s chunky crayon-like stylus practically celebrates the low accuracy of the iPad’s touchscreen. Since it’s roughly the size of a dry-erase marker (but with a great weighted feel), I subconsciously know not to expect it to behave like a pen or pencil.

• Procreate – I can’t remember where I heard about this app, but I’m glad I found it. The interface is clean, the canvas is very responsive, and the brushes are customizable (and quite Photoshop-esque). Not bad at all for five dollars.