Making the work
Growing an audience
Running the business
4 tools that solve a similar problem. Compare what each costs and what it covers.
A free image editor for retouching and paint
GIMP is also free with no time limit, but it is built around photo retouching and general image editing, the pick if painting is only one of several jobs.
Photo, vector and layout, free for individuals
Affinity is free for individuals too, but it splits into photo, vector and layout apps rather than one painting canvas, the better pick if the work is not only illustration.
Free vector drawing that writes plain SVG
Inkscape is the free choice for vector work, logos and icons rather than painting, and it saves in plain SVG that opens anywhere.
Built for comics, and it shows
Clip Studio Paint is built for comic and manga pages, with panel and screentone tools Krita does not have. It offers a free trial rather than a free tier, from $0.99.
