How to Do Digital Art: Everything You Need to Know

Digital art has revolutionized the creative landscape, offering artists new tools and techniques to express their ideas. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about digital art, from its definition and history to the advantages, popular software, and various techniques used in the medium.

What is Digital Art?

Digital art refers to any artwork created using digital technology, such as computers, graphic tablets, software, and other electronic devices. It encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques, including digital painting, 3D modeling, photo manipulation, vector art, and more. Digital artists use specialized software and hardware to create, manipulate, and enhance their artwork, resulting in endless possibilities for artistic expression.

History of Digital Art

Digital art has its roots in the early 1960s when computer technology first became accessible to artists. The emergence of digital art can be traced back to pioneering artists and computer scientists who experimented with computer graphics and algorithms. Notable milestones include the invention of the computer-based paint program (Sketchpad) by Ivan Sutherland in 1963 and the development of early computer-generated artworks by artists like Frieder Nake and Georg Nees.

As technology advanced, the introduction of personal computers and graphics software in the 1980s and 1990s allowed more artists to explore the medium. The advent of the internet further expanded the possibilities for sharing and distributing digital artwork, leading to the establishment of online art communities and digital art platforms.

Advantages of Digital Art

1. Versatility: Digital art offers immense versatility, allowing artists to work in various styles and genres with ease. Artists can create realistic paintings, abstract compositions, vector graphics, or even explore mixed media techniques, all within a single digital workspace.
2. Undo and Edit: Unlike traditional art, digital art allows artists to make unlimited changes and edits to their work. The ability to undo, redo, and experiment freely empowers artists to refine their ideas and explore different artistic directions without fear of damaging the artwork.
3. Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness: Digital art eliminates the need for physical art supplies and traditional mediums, reducing costs and making it a more accessible medium for artists. Additionally, digital tools offer features like layering, blending modes, and automatic adjustments, enhancing workflow efficiency and saving time.
4. Easy Sharing and Reproduction: Digital artwork can be easily shared online, reaching a vast audience and potential buyers. Furthermore, digital files can be reproduced and printed in different formats and sizes without losing quality, making it ideal for commercial purposes.
5. Experimentation and Non-destructive Workflow: Digital art allows for experimentation and exploration without the fear of irreversible mistakes. Artists can create multiple versions, try different techniques, and make adjustments non-destructively using layers and masks.

Popular Software for Digital Art:

1. Adobe Photoshop: Widely regarded as the industry standard, Photoshop offers a comprehensive set of tools for digital painting, photo manipulation, and graphic design.
2. Procreate: Designed specifically for iPad and iPhone, Procreate is a powerful and intuitive app for digital painting and illustration, offering a wide range of brushes and creative tools. This one is my go to and favorite. It’s only $9.99- which is a one time payment.
3. Corel Painter: Known for its realistic brush simulations and extensive brush library, Corel Painter is a popular choice for traditional-style digital painting.
4. Adobe Illustrator: Focused on vector graphics, Illustrator is used for creating logos, icons, and illustrations that can be scaled to any size without loss of quality.
5. Autodesk SketchBook: SketchBook offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of drawing tools, making it a great option for sketching and conceptualizing ideas.

Digital Art Techniques:

1. Digital Painting: Artists can create paintings digitally using brushes, textures, and blending modes to simulate traditional painting techniques. They can work with different brush settings, layering techniques, and color palettes to achieve desired effects.
2. Photo Manipulation: Combining and altering multiple images to create a new composition or convey a specific concept is a popular technique in digital art. Artists can manipulate photos, apply filters, adjust colors, and seamlessly blend elements to create surreal or realistic images.
3. 3D Modeling: Using specialized software, artists can create 3D objects, characters, and environments. They can manipulate and sculpt digital models, apply materials and textures, and set up lighting to render realistic or stylized 3D scenes.
4. Vector Art: Vector graphics are created using mathematical equations to define shapes and lines. Artists can create scalable illustrations, logos, and designs that retain their quality and clarity at any size.
5. Mixed Media and Collage: Digital art allows artists to combine different mediums, such as photographs, traditional artwork, textures, and digital elements, to create unique and visually compelling compositions.
6. Animation: Digital art can be used to create animations and motion graphics. Artists can bring their characters and illustrations to life through frame-by-frame animation or utilize software tools for creating motion graphics and visual effects.

How to Get Started

The best way to get started with digital art is to keep it simple and just start. I didn’t start off with a fancy iPad or software, but instead bought the cheapest tablet I could that was a screen-less drawing pad, and used Rebel3 painting software until I saved up enough to purchase my iPad pro 12.9″ as well as Procreate. Long story short, it’s not all about having the nicest, newest thing. You do need to be able to draw, so even starting off with traditional drawing is helpful. If you need ideas, I have over 143 great drawing ideas for beginners and beyond here if you have art block or if you’re just looking for new ways to create. If that is a little intimidating, I also have a shorter idea list here that is perfect for beginner artists!

Final Thoughts

Putting it all together, digital art has opened up a world of possibilities for artists, offering a versatile and accessible medium for creative expression. From its humble beginnings to the vast array of tools and techniques available today, digital art continues to evolve and push artistic boundaries. Whether you’re a traditional artist looking to explore new avenues or an aspiring digital artist, embracing digital art can expand your artistic horizons and provide endless opportunities for creativity. So, grab your digital tools, unleash your imagination, and embark on an exciting digital art journey.