I have been needing a better solution for tracing for lettering practice and so in doing research I learned that there are light up tracing pads in addition to the typical light box I was picturing. They are less expensive and potable. I knew this was the way I wanted to go since I move my creative space all the time. I then learned the Crayola has a tracing pad that many professional artists recommended as a viable solution. I decided to try it out and ordered one on Amazon for $23.
When I opened the shipping packaging, I immediately realized that there were a bunch of fun goodies included like a pencil, some tracing sheets, color pencils and more resources online. I thought it was smart that the box itself is also to be used for bright rooms or outdoors when needed.
I took my new tracing pad to the Central PA AIGA meetup Pens and Pints to try it out. I had a few people comment on the tracing pad idea, so I knew I wasn't alone in my discovery.
I was pretty happy with how easy it was to stow in my bag and to use. It could maybe be slightly brighter but it's really pretty good. It is very thin and light!
The only complaint I really had with it was the access to the battery compartment. If you buy it, be prepared to use a small-medium sized phillips head screw driver and have two AA batteries ready because it doesn't come with them.
Overall, a great find to get started without a lot of expense! I'd recommend to anyone wanting to simply play around or trace some serious artwork.