What Is Digital Art? Process, Tools, and How to Get Started

Key takeaways

• Digital art is artwork created using digital tools and technologies such as design software, tablets, and computers.

• The process of creating digital art varies depending on the type of art you're creating and the tools you'll use. For example, you may create assets for video game art using Unreal Engine, or use programs like Procreate on a tablet to draw and color.

• You can learn how to create digital art by developing foundational digital art skills, such as sketching and animation, as well as getting comfortable using design software like Adobe Photoshop.

Afterward, build your creative skills and gain hands-on experience with digital art tools through the online program Creative Design Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Specialization. In as little as two months, you'll gain proficiency using industry standard tools and techniques like editing images in Photoshop and creating vector graphics in Illustrator.

What is digital art?

Digital art is artwork created with software designed for use with a computer or other forms of digital technology. It can be drawings, paintings, videos, photography, or any other art form created electronically. Advertisers, video game developers, and filmmakers often use digital art in their crafts.

How to make digital art

As an artist, you can use many mediums to create digital art, including digital photography, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), pixel art, data moshing, 2D and 3D computer graphics, and photo painting. You can create projects entirely digitally or upload conventional art or photography and manipulate it with a digital arts program. For example, uploading an existing photo to a program such as Adobe Illustrator and manipulating the color scheme is considered digital art. 

Tools for creating digital art

The tools needed to create digital art include a device to work on and primary hardware and software. The specifics will depend on the type of art you want to create and what you want to use it for. 

Primary hardware

Primary hardware may include high-performance computers, graphics tablets, digital cameras, and virtual reality/augmented reality devices. You’ll want an operating system with at least 8 GB of memory to support graphics software and prevent lags or freezing. A laptop or tablet should suffice if you’re comfortable creating with a smaller canvas. If you prefer working in a large area, you’ll want a PC or large-screen laptop. 

If you'd like to use a tablet only to create your artwork, Apple, XPPen, and Xenelabs make drawing tablets. Some of these devices, called “pen tablets,” allow you to draw using a pen that controls the on-screen cursor, whereas other products, called “display tablets,” allow you to draw directly on the screen without an external pen. Digital art can also be created on a smaller screen with a smartphone. 

Digital art software and applications

With the help of apps such as Procreate Pocket and Adobe Photoshop Express, you can easily create art and edit digital projects. When creating digital art on a smartphone, it is important to research whether your device supports stylus pen pressure sensitivity to create the most accurate lines.

Using software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Fresco, and Adobe Illustrator can help you create impressive digital art projects. Applications such as Krita, FireAlpaca, and Clip Studio Paint are also helpful when creating digital art projects—particularly for 3D modeling.

When selecting a software application, consider the kinds of tools you may need and select your program based on the feature that would best assist you. Free trials and demos are great ways to experiment with software applications before committing to a subscription.

Skills you need to create digital art

Imagination, creativity, and attention to detail are essential elements for digital artists. Problem-solving and patience are also essential should you run into technical issues with your selected digital art software. 

Proficiency in technical skills, such as working with digital art software programs, can help you become a successful digital artist. Additional skills to develop include:

• Sketching: Sketching is the foundation for a digital art career. Regular sketching helps you develop skills, experiment with new techniques, and promote artistic growth and consistency.

• Character drawing: As a digital artist, you’ll need to draw characters in different poses and facial expressions. The eyes are important and should capture the character's emotion.

• Animation: Creating animated art is an essential skill as a digital artist, so you know how to make objects or characters appear to move. Adobe After Effects is a commonly used animation software, so it’s an important tool to master.

• Digital software programs: Digital artists use design software programs to create 2D and 3D digital art. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are among the design software used by digital artists. 

• Composition: Composition refers to the specific arrangement of certain elements in digital art. Some examples of popular composition techniques are the rule of thirds, harmonious triangles, and a balance of positive and negative space. 

• Typography: Typography is the look and style of the text you add to your artwork. Typography allows the text on your design to be accessible, visually appealing, and user-friendly. Choosing the right font and letter arrangement can help you achieve the tone and mood of a message. 

Digital art NFTs

Non-fungible tokens, also known as NFTs, have become a popular way to distribute digital artwork through online buying and selling. When you convert your digital art into an NFT, it exists on a blockchain, where someone can purchase a digital file of your work. You or those who purchase your NFT art can display it on social media and in digital frames designed for NFT art stored in your crypto wallet. You can also display your NFT art on any compatible device, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones. You can also print your NFT art; however, the print quality may be imperfect because it's optimized for high-definition display. 

To showcase or sell your digital artwork, you’ll need to transform your original artwork into an accessible digital format such as JPEG, PNG, GIF, or MP3. NFT marketplaces use cryptocurrency instead of dollars or credit cards, so you’ll need a digital wallet to sell your digital artwork. 

Get started in graphic design and digital art

With technology steadily growing, digital art may be the next step in your art career. Start by subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, where you can stay up to date on industry trends and career insights. Or, consider these other helpful resources:

• Take the quiz: Graphic Design Career Quiz: Is It Right for You? Find Your Role

• Watch on YouTube: Understanding AI Art: Tools & Ethics

• Hear from an expert: AI Creativity Unleashed: Expert Insights from Vanderbilt’s Dr. Jules White

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