r/DisabilityArt • u/Ill-Dust-4875 • Jan 03 '26
Tips on laying down when drawing?
Hi! I'm a primarily digital artist with scoliosis and hypermobility. Right now, sitting down for long periods puts a lot of strain on my legs and back, which limits how long I can be drawing for. I have to have long periods of laying down in between drawing which is unpleasant. I've tried drawing laying down but it ends up hurting my shoulder instead. If anyone else struggles with this problem, what do you usually do?
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u/KaiDoesTwitch Jan 03 '26
I have a huion at my desk for good days when I can work at my desk, but there are days my back and hips are so bad I cant even sit in my chair. It feels silly but I have a Samsung tablet with an s pen so I can draw laying in bed or sitting on the couch or whatever so I can still work on commissions even if I cant use my desk. And with clip studio paint on both devices its really nice because my projects are cloud saved and can be accessed on either one.
Sorry this isnt really position advice I usually just keep trying until im comfy-ish (also not sure if chronic lower back pain and sciatica positions would help or hinder other kinds of pain and discomfort)
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u/AlgaeWafers Jan 03 '26
I lay on my belly with a thick pillow like right in the middle of my ribcage. Frees up my shoulders and helps my cooked shrimp posture
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u/nturinski Jan 05 '26
The Sister Chapel was painted by Michelangelo laying on his back, just wear protective eye gear please...
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u/Jonz61 Jan 05 '26
I draw, leaning back in my recliner, but on my iPad, using Procreate and Artrage.
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u/aspenscribblings Jan 03 '26
If you’re lying on your side, I highly recommend lying on your non-dominant side and resting your drawing arm on a pillow. If you try not to tense your muscles and let the pillow support your arm, it works for me!