The Nook vs Paintable
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
The Nook
This app supports creative individuals in developing their skills through live classes, self-paced courses, and community interaction. It offers guidance from experienced instructors and project challenges to foster inspiration and accountability.
- Live classes
- Self-paced courses
- Community calls
- Project challenges
- Instructor feedback
- Skill development
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At The Nook, we help creative people grow their skills and become more confident, inspired, and fulfilled. Whether you're into photography, drawing, or painting, you’ll learn from established best-selling authors and instructors while connecting with a welcoming community of fellow creatives. The Nook offers live classes and self-paced courses, as well as regular live community calls so you can get feedback, stay accountable, and push past creative blocks. Get inspired by our regular project challenges and Creator’s Series of live calls with our rich community of accomplished instructors. Whether you’re trying to finish a project, build a portfolio, or just keep up a steady creative routine, at The Nook you’ll find the support and structure you need—alongside other people on the creative path.
Paintable
This app provides a structured learning path and community support for aspiring digital artists. It offers step-by-step guidance, monthly workshops, and personalized feedback to help users build confidence and complete their illustrations.
- 5-Level Learning Path
- Monthly Themed Workshops
- Private Feedback Space
- Supportive Artist Community
- Creative Habit Support
- Illustration from Imagination
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Transform into a confident artist by creating original illustrations from imagination, guided by a clear path, helpful feedback, and a community that shares your passion. Digital Painting Academy is a private, supportive space built specifically for self-taught digital artists who want to grow their skills, build a consistent creative practice, and confidently illustrate from imagination. Whether you’re just getting started or returning after years away, you’ll find the structure, feedback, and community you’ve been missing. Join over 9,000 artists already transforming their creative lives with our step-by-step learning path, monthly themed workshops, and expert support—designed to help you finish what you start and feel proud of the art you make. > WHO IS THIS FOR? This app is for digital artists who are: • Returning to art after a long break and ready to reconnect with their creative identity • Aspiring illustrators who want to level up and take their craft seriously • Hobbyists who love making art, but struggle to finish anything • Creative burnout survivors who want to bring joy back to their art practice If you’ve ever felt stuck, scattered, or overwhelmed by all the tutorials and advice out there—you’re not alone. This space is for artists who want real growth, real progress, and real connection. > WHAT WILL YOU GET? Inside the Digital Painting Academy app, you’ll find everything you need to go from dabbler to confident artist: ** A 5-Level Learning Path ** A clear roadmap from beginner foundations to fully polished illustrations—designed to build your skills step by step, so you’re never lost or wondering what to learn next. ** Monthly Workshops ** Every month, dive into new themes like portraits, characters, and storytelling illustration. Learn pro techniques, apply them through mini-projects, and stretch your creative muscles—without getting overwhelmed. ** Private Feedback Space ** Get personalized, constructive feedback from experienced mentors who understand your goals. Whether you’re stuck or just need a nudge, we’re here to help you keep going. ** Supportive Artist Community ** No ego. No distractions. Just a warm, encouraging space to connect, grow, and stay inspired with fellow artists who care about their craft as much as you do. ** Built-In Creative Habit Support ** Life gets busy—but that doesn’t mean your art has to take a backseat. We help you find a rhythm that fits your real life, so you can make consistent progress without burnout. > WHY JOIN? Because you’re putting in the hours—now it’s time to get the results you deserve. If you’ve ever thought: “I’ve been drawing for years, but I still don’t feel like I’m improving.” “I can’t seem to finish my projects.” “I know I could do this… if I just had the right structure.” This is the space you’ve been looking for. Create art you’re proud of. Finish what matters. And finally feel like a “real” artist. No more doing it alone. No more wondering what to work on next. Just a clear, supportive path to becoming the artist you’ve always wanted to be. Join Digital Painting Academy and unlock the skills, confidence, and momentum to bring your imagination to life—one finished piece at a time.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Paintable at weekly against The Nook's every 3 months. The Nook's advantage is rating (5.0 vs 4.7) and monetization model (free vs ad-supported). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
The Nook holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 10 and 18 respectively.
The Nook ships an update every 3 months, Paintable weekly. Both last shipped on October 6, 2026.
| Parameter | The Nook | Paintable |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 5.0 (10 ratings) — better | 4.7 (18 ratings) |
| Number of ratings | 10 | 18 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free — better | Ad-supported |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 90 MB | 124 MB |
| Age rating | 17+ | 9+ |
| Developer | Rocky Nook, Inc. | Paintable Pte. Ltd. |
Customer experience
The Nook
Paintable
In-app purchases
The Nook
No in-app purchases
Paintable
No in-app purchases









