Easy Digital Art For Beginners

digital art for beginners

The world around you has been rapidly changing for the past several decades. Everything that people once knew has shifted to a more technological focus, including the world of art. As technology advanced, a new art medium was created, and artists begin to explore digital art. If you're interested, you're in the right place! In this guide, you'll learn the different types of digital art and what you need to get started.

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History of Digital Art

You may guess that the practice of digital art began in the 1980s when home computers were becoming increasingly common around the world. You may be surprised to hear that this art form can be traced back to the 1960s, according to The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. An early example of digital art was created by John Whitney, an individual known as "one of the fathers of computer graphics." He would use mathematical functions to create some of the world's first computer-generated art pieces. Whitney would be among the pioneers for one of the most popular forms of art in the world.

What is Digital Art?

Digital art utilizes technology as its primary medium. However, it can also refer to artistic pieces that started in traditional manners such as sketching or painting. These initial works can be scanned to a computer where the work can be touched up and perfected. Digital art can even refer to photography where camera images are enhanced with photomanipulation software (like Adobe Photoshop) to make it look even more astonishing to the eye. You see digital art frequently, with cartoons, animated movies, and even some advertisements!

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DIGITAL ART?

With the various types of digital art available, it is understandable that some methods are easier than others. First, we'll begin by talking about types that are good for beginners. After that, we'll start to progress to others that require more in-depth knowledge of the medium.

Pixel Art

The mention of pixel art may bring you a wave of nostalgia as Nintendo was well known for pixel art in their video games. Think of legendary games such as Pokemon, The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros, PAC-MAN, Castlevania, and more! Pixels are the smallest elements of a display screen that can be controlled and shaped into the beautiful scenes and characters we see on screen. It is not to say that pixel art is an old art form as there has been a resurgence for this "retro" art style. Minecraft is a great example of a pixel art-based game that started in 2011 and still going strong today.

Digital Photography & Photo-Painting

Digital photography may only be known as "photography" for some, as it is uncommon to see cameras that use physical film unless for specific aesthetics. Digital photography is captured using tools such as a DSLR camera and even cell phones, as these cameras utilize electrical photoreceptors to capture the perfect shot. Photo-painting is frequently referred to as "photoshopping," originating from the use of the popular software Adobe Photoshop. It is used to edit particular aspects of the photo. Photo-painting programs are also available on cellular devices, making digital photography and photo-painting some of the most available digital art methods.

2d design art

Two-Dimensional (2D) Digital Art

Two-dimensional digital art is a popular form and where many modern-day digital artists start their careers. Within 2D digital art, you can make pieces of art that can be easily adjusted even if mistakes are made along the way. In traditional art, errors can be a pain to fix, putting a delay in your work. This type of art allows for mistakes to be remedied thanks to layers separating the elements from each other or by simply using the undo button.

Digital painting is a popular form of 2D digital art. For more information on digital painting, check out our beginner's guide to digital painting.

Animation

Animation is a type of digital art used in cartoons, anime, animated movies, and even commercials. Some are more complex than others but requires knowledge of 2D or 3D digital art. However, there are basic animations that you can create even as a beginner. If you're looking to be an artist for Pixar or Disney, you will need to commit yourself to the trade and make your way to becoming an advanced digital artist!

Fractal Art

A type of digital art that may not be well known is fractal art or algorithmic art. Fractal art can only be developed with the use of computers. There is a specific set of skills required in which you must have knowledge in digital mathematics and the ability to handle software data.

Dynamic Painting

Dynamic painting is an art process created mainly by a computer. The concept of the piece is brought to life through digital intelligence. While this may sound simple, it requires skillful work with a computer to bring the elements together like DNA strands. The computer will take the concept of art and turn the piece into a living anomaly. It will produce images that are never-ending but also unique and never-repeating.

3d digital art

Three-Dimensional Digital Art (3D Digital Art)

3D digital art is a method of art that relates strongly to the previously mentioned 2D digital art. It incorporates effects to make the art appear three-dimensional to the human eye. 3D digital art is a style of art that requires extensive training and adaptation of art skills to create a realistic scene.

What Do You Need to Become a Digital Artist?

The first choice you have to make is what kind of technology you are going to use. Digital art is not confined to the screen of your computer. You can also use devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The program that you utilize can be dependent on your preferred screen set-up or style of art you want to create. First, we'll talk about items that many people already have at home. Then, we'll progress to some other items you can invest in if you choose to pursue this hobby.

Phone

Almost everyone has a smartphone these days, so it's the easiest way to dive into digital art. Many apps can be downloaded to get started. Find free and paid software a few sections down!

Computer/Laptop

Another popular way to create digital art is through your computer or laptop. With just this and the right program, you can make any type of digital art.

wacom digital art tablet

A Digital Art Tablet

If you'd like to have more control in your digital art creation, you can use a digital art tablet. Multiple companies specialize in digital art tablets, such as Wacom, which has tablets both with and without digital screens. Tablets will connect to your computer or laptop and will cost anywhere from $30 to $500 and up. They come with a stylus that mirrors the feeling of drawing or sketching with a pen or pencil and makes it much easier to create art. If you are looking to start with something affordable, try out XP-Pen's StarG640 is available on Amazon. With over 3,000 global 5-star ratings, it's a steal for anyone just starting!

Alternatively, you can invest in the Microsoft Surface. This device combines the power of a computer/laptop with surface drawing capabilities. The Surface device can range from $450 to $1000+ depending on the model and storage capabilities.

iPad

If you're more of a Mac user than a Windows user, I also want to recommend an iPad! As long as your iPad is running iOS 11.1 or newer, there is the previously mentioned Procreate that will be your best friend. With the Apple Pencil, an iPad is just as good – if not better – than the official "drawing tablets" that you may find on Amazon! If you are interested in an iPad for digital art, you can find iPads here and grab yourself an official Apple Pencil. However, you could save a lot of money by going with one of the more affordable stylus alternatives.

Books

Classes

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Free Digital Art Programs and Software

Autodesk Sketchbook

Autodesk Sketchbook is a great free resource for beginners. It has an extensive selection of brushes that change shapes, opacities, and sizes. Autodesk Sketchbook allows has the option to create multiple layers to your art piece similar to paid programs. Autodesk Sketchbook is available on desktops/laptops and mobile devices such as cell phones and tablets that run iOS or Android systems. It also has an app available from the Microsoft Store for devices running Windows 10.

Krita

Krita is a digital art program that was created by artists in an attempt to allow everyone access to affordable software. This program been around for 20+ years and has been continuously growing with the help of students and donations. Like Autodesk Sketchbook, Krita has a wide array of brushes, colors, and dockers that allow you to personalize your experience with the software. Krita is available for Windows devices with Windows 8.1 or higher; Mac devices with OSX 10.12, and Linux. For graphic tablets, it supports Wacom, Huion, Yiyinova, and Surface Pro brands. It is not available for mobile devices. Krita can be downloaded here.

GIMP

GIMP is a program that hosts an interface that strongly resembles Adobe Photoshop. GIMP hosts various digital painting tools such as pencils, airbrushes, and brushes while also offering different layers and channels. This program also has a special tool for animation and allows your work to be saved in a great selection of file types. GIMP is available for download for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.

Other Digital Art Programs/Software

Procreate

Procreate is a product only available on iPads and iPhones. This digital art app offers hundreds of handcrafted brushes, a fantastic selection of colors, and the ability to do just about anything. Procreate is great for sketches, paintings, animations, and more. You can purchase Procreate on the iPad for a one-time purchase of around $9.99. There's no monthly subscription, there's just aone-time purchase! If you don't have an iPad but have an iPhone, Procreate also has a version for iPhones aptly named "Procreate Pocket." Procreate Pocket is also available with a one-time purchase, also without a monthly subscription, for approximately $4.99.

Adobe Photoshop

Abode Photoshop is probably the most popular paid digital art program, if only because it was one of the trail-blazers for the programs that followed. Adobe Photoshop has everything the other programs have and more. Various brushes with numerous settings can be customized until you have the perfect tool. It also has a seemingly-infinite color selection, layers, and a great program for 3D digital painting or photomanipulation. Adobe Photoshop can be purchased as part of the Adobe Creative Suite, where you will have access to many other programs that can support your digital art journey (like Adobe Illustrator). All of these programs are available to try for free for a week. Students also get a deep discount with their subscription. Adobe products can be found here.

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is another program available as part of the Adobe Creative Suite. It is a vector-based program utilizing paths to create digital art, unlike the raster-based Adobe Photoshop. These Adobe products are industry standards and imperative to learn if you'd like to pursue a career in digital arts or design.

Adobe Illustrator Draw

Another great program is Adobe Illustrator Draw, a version of Adobe Illustrator meant for mobile devices. It's an app that is available on both iOS operating systems and Android operating systems. Although it does not have the full functionality as the original Adobe Illustrator software, the app still allows for a variety of different art tactics, offering different brushes, colors, opacities, layers, and more. If you are an artist that will constantly be on the go, you can learn more about Adobe Illustrator Draw here.

CorelDRAW

CorelDRAW is a digital art software that gives you an option between three different programs ranging in price. The programs that are listed are CorelDRAW Essentials, a program where you design "for the fun of it;" CorelDRAW Standard, a program where you design "for hobby or home business;" and CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. There is a free 15-day trial for CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, their most expensive software available. CorelDRAW is also available for free trials on the Windows Store and the Mac App Store.

Digital Art Resources

Conclusion

In the world of digital art, whether it is digital painting, photo-painting, digital photography, or one of the many other types of digital art, there is something for everyone. You have to sit down with yourself to figure out which method is best for you while staying within the means of your budget. You can always decide to invest more if you enjoy creating digital art. Art isn't a race, and you can take this at whatever speed you feel you need to. Art is more than a hobby! It is a home in which you can lay your thoughts. Utilize it as you deem fit!

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digital art for beginners