Several of my fellow teachers have been asking me to feature a post on drawing apps for schools. Well, here it is! This collection includes some of the best drawing apps that I have been recommending to my readers over the years.
These apps will provide your students with the tools they need to express themselves artistically and engage in creative endeavours in and outside schools. Whether you’re a seasoned educator, a curious student, or a parent seeking constructive and creative outlets for your child, understanding the spectrum of available drawing apps can be a game-changer.
From honing fine motor skills in young learners to providing a sophisticated platform for experienced artists, these apps promise to make the journey of learning to draw not just educational, but profoundly enjoyable.
Drawing Apps for Schools
Here are some of our favourite apps for drawing apps for schools:
1. Let’s Learn to Draw (iPhone/iPad )
Let’s Learn How to Draw! is the ideal app for those looking to embark on their drawing journey. This app makes drawing accessible and enjoyable, breaking down lessons into simple, manageable parts. Animated strokes guide users through each line, ensuring that every drawing is constructed properly. For those finding it a bit challenging, the Assist Mode is a lifesaver, automatically correcting strokes and ensuring a masterpiece every time.
Beyond structured learning, the app offers a scratchpad for those moments when creativity flows without bounds. Current modules include a diverse range of subjects like monsters, trains, dogs, and dinosaurs, each containing five progressively challenging lessons.
2. Artworkout (iPhone/iPad/ Mac)
Artworkout distinguishes itself from other drawing apps with its game-like approach to teaching and its emphasis on performance evaluation. It’s not just about following steps; it’s about mastering the art of drawing through interactive and comprehensive lessons that blend a bit of theory with a lot of practice.
The app supports various tools, including the Apple Pencil, and provides over 500 lessons in Doodling, Sketching, Drawing, Painting, and Handwriting. It’s designed to be stress-free and suitable for a wide range of users, from kids to adults and from beginners to pros. What truly sets Artworkout apart is its ability to measure your accuracy and evaluate the quality of your strokes, offering a more tailored and effective learning experience.
3. Simply Draw (iPad )
Simply Draw is another powerful drawing app for schools. It stands out by offering a personalized learning experience, allowing users to focus on drawing subjects that pique their interest. The app boasts a range of easy-to-follow video tutorials curated by professional artists and teachers, ensuring that learners of all levels can understand and follow along.
Users appreciate the app’s flexibility, allowing them to learn at their own pace and convenience. A unique feature is the ability to receive feedback on their work, fostering growth and improvement in their drawing skills. The app also continuously updates with new drawing sessions every week, keeping the content fresh and engaging.
4. Kids Drawing Games 3-5 Years (iPhone/iPad)
Drawing Academy is a unique and engaging drawing app for schools, designed to inspire kids aged 2 to 6 years to learn by drawing. Recognizing the crucial role of drawing in the development of a child’s right brain, the app offers a range of features to nurture this development through visual, physical, and emotional processing.
With over 150 step-by-step drawing tutorials across 10 thematic sets, kids can learn at their own pace and according to their interests. The app includes special packs like “ABC” and “Numbers” to get children excited about learning letters and numbers through drawing, turning education into an enjoyable activity.
5. How to Draw Anime Easy (iPhone/iPad/ Mac)
How to Draw Anime Easy is the ultimate app for anime and manga enthusiasts eager to learn the art of drawing their favorite characters in schools. This app serves as a comprehensive resource, providing original, high-quality tutorials tailored to the unique style of anime and manga.
Users can dive into detailed step-by-step guides that cover the distinct features of manga characters, such as enlarged eyes and heads, simplified facial features, and intricately detailed backgrounds. Whether you’re new to the world of anime drawing or looking to refine your skills, this app offers valuable insights and tips to help you master the style.
6. TAYASUI Sketches (iPhone/iPad & Android)
TAYASUI Sketches is a drawing application that stands out in the Android ecosystem for its incredibly realistic and beautiful brushes, offering users a premium drawing experience. The app boasts a minimalist and intuitive interface, enhanced with a wide array of advanced functions, including layers and numerous tool variants.
The Pro options, available as a one-time purchase, further extend the app’s capabilities. Users can enjoy over 20 ultra-realistic tools, an incredibly realistic watercolor wet brush, and a versatile brushes editor. The app also supports stylus use, unlocking even more realistic brush strokes that adapt to your movements.
7. Drawing with Carl (iPhone/iPad )
Drawing with Carl is a top-rated app that makes drawing an exciting, easy, and enjoyable activity for kids. This app is perfect for nurturing the inner artist in children. It allows users to import pictures and draw over them, enhancing creativity and imagination. A standout feature is the talking stickers that repeat anything you say in a funny voice, adding an element of fun and interactivity.
The app boasts a plethora of powerful and user-friendly tools that assist in creating outstanding drawings. Kids can create their own sets with Talking Carl and draw Talking Monsters, engage in mirror painting, and much more. The app also provides an easy platform to share drawings, get votes for your artwork, and save memorable creations.
8. Sketchar (Android)
Sketchar is an innovative app designed for anyone who wants to enhance their drawing skills, express themselves through art, or impress others with stunning artwork. Combining AR and AI, Sketchar accelerates the learning process and makes it more entertaining. The app offers over 550 drawing lessons based on beloved characters and various themes, suitable for beginners and those looking to delve deeper into specific artistic skills.
Sketchar’s personalized plan, powered by AI, is designed to fast-track your creative growth. The powerful drawing toolset, engaging contests, and the unique augmented reality feature for drawing make Sketchar a standout app.
9. Learn Drawing (Android)
Learn Drawing is the ideal app for anyone aspiring to master the art of drawing. It’s especially tailored for beginners, offering a wide range of drawing tutorials from basic sketching techniques to more advanced lessons. The step-by-step drawing lessons and interactive exercises make the learning process simple and engaging.
Users can explore various drawing domains, including cartoon drawing, figure drawing, and pencil sketching. The app not only teaches the fundamentals but also delves into advanced drawing techniques, helping users to create lifelike and captivating illustrations. Whether you’re pursuing a career in art or seeking a creative outlet, Learn Drawing provides the tools, knowledge, and inspiration needed to unlock your artistic potential and bring your imaginative visions to life on the canvas.
10. ShadowDraw (iPad)
ShadowDraw revolutionizes the learning process for aspiring artists by providing a seamless and enjoyable experience in mastering the art of drawing. Tailored for true beginners, ShadowDraw offers a straightforward way to learn the basics and evolve into creating realistic drawings. The lessons, crafted by real art professionals, guide users through the exact steps used by experienced artists.
By following along with the Apple Pencil, users can see significant improvement in their skills in just a few lessons. ShadowDraw emphasizes the importance of daily practice and provides hundreds of step-by-step drawing guides to ensure continuous skill enhancement. Users can choose between “Art Teacher Mode” for guided drawing or “Sketch My Way” for a more personalized experience.
Related: Best Free Drawing websites and Sketching tools
Final thoughts
As we conclude this exploration of drawing apps for schools, I hope you have found one or two to try out in your class. The diversity of these apps ensures that there’s something for everyone, from the youngest learners taking their first artistic steps to seasoned artists seeking to refine their craft. These apps not only foster artistic skills but also nurture a sense of achievement and confidence in users of all ages.
