Q: Can you plug in a usb flash drive to any of the apple "lightning to" devices, so I can use to store my projects instead in my iPad?

When you sync the iPad to a computer using iTunes, your projects will be copied to the computer.

Can you plug in a usb flash drive to any of the apple "lightning to" devices, so I can use to store my projects instead in my iPad?

No. The iPad will not write to a usb flash drive.  It will read pictures and movies only.

There are lots of ways of moving files.

A simple and popular way to copy files and share files amoung your devices.

https://www.dropbox.com/

Using iTunes to transfer files:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4094?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

Files Connect -- The swiss army knife of remote file connect

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/files-connect/id404324302?mt=8

iExplorer -- " iExplorer's disk mounting features allow you to use your iPhone, iPod or iPad like a USB flash drive."

http://www.macroplant.com/iexplorer/

Windows File server

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/filebrowser-access-files-on/id364738545?mt=8

There are other devices like this.

Airstash

This dual personality device is both a WebDav device which allows you to transfer files via Wifii between device & iPad and a thumb drive which works with compuers.

Compatibility

Wireless operation:

     Web browser WiFi b/g capable device

     Optimized experience for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad via HTML5

     No internet connection required

USB operation:

     Compatible with most operating systems that support USB Mass Storage Class (thumb drives)

     Firmware update via file drag and drop

http://www.airstash.com/

this is my first time using an apple product.

The iPad I'd say is focused on simplicity & security.  Have fun.

Robert

You can use a USB flash drive & the camera connection kit.

Plug the USB flash drive (works the same with an SD card) into your computer & create a new folder titled DCIM. Then put your movie/photo files into the folder. The files must have a filename with exactly 8 characters long (no spaces) plus the file extension (i.e., my-movie.mov; DSCN0164.jpg).

Now plug the flash drive into the iPad using the camera connection kit. Open the Photos app, the movie/photo files should appear & you can import. (You can not export using the camera connection kit.)

Using The iPad Camera Connection Kit

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4101

iPad: Using iPad Camera Connector with unsupported USB devices

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4106

Secrets of the iPad Camera Connection Kit

http://howto.cnet.com/8301-11310_39-57401068-285/secrets-of-the-ipad-camera-conn ection-kit/

There are some wireless external hard drives that can be used with the iPad.

Best iPad External Hard Drive Storage Options

http://www.unlocktips.com/2012/11/best-ipad-mini-external-hard-drive-memory-stor age-options/

iPad Storage Solutions

http://www.ipadstoragesolutions.com/iPadWirelessStorage.php

SanDisk Connect Wireless Media Drive http://www.sandisk.com/products/wireless/media-drive/

Another option:

Expand your iPad's storage capacity with HyperDrive

http://www.macworld.com/article/1153935/hyperdrive.html

On the road with a camera, an iPad, and a Hyperdrive

http://www.macworld.com/article/1160231/ipadhyperdrive.html

 Cheers, Tom