What is Digital Art? How to get started with it?

Tips to get started with digital art

Do not worry; This article is intended to guide you through the world of digital art and we will explore what digital art is, how to create it, and where to display it.

What is Digital Art?

Digital art is defined as any artistic work or image that uses digital technology to create or present. Software programs, devices, algorithms, AI, AR, and other digital tools to craft art are notable examples of digital art forms: 

The Lavinia - Digital Portrait Art By AI Artz

Now let’s know the Different types of Digital Art:

•  Digital Paintings: Digital Paintings are such type of digital art that looks like traditional paintings but are created using software programs like Corel Painter, and Adobe Photoshop allowing the artist to create realistic or abstract creations in any style.
  
  

•  Digital Illustrations: Digital Illustrations are such types of images or patterns created by the direct influence of the artists like hand drawings but on a digital screen. Which is mostly used for comics, cartoons, logos, icons, posters, and more. There are two main types of tools mostly used to create digital illustrations: Bitmapped (also known as “raster”) in Adobe Photoshop and Vector applications such as Adobe Illustrator.
  
  

•  Digital Photography: Digital photography is a digital version of an image that is captured using a digital camera or smartphone. And then use the software to edit the image and share it with anyone or upload it to social media. One of the most famous photo editing software is Adobe Photoshop, there are many different photo editing software available for both mobile and computer.
  
  

•  Pixel Art: Pixel art is a form of digital art created using some graphic software where pixels are placed to form a complete image like a puzzle. Some of the best software for creating pixel art is Aseprite and GraphicsGale. These arts are mostly seen in retro video games but are suitable for modern and original artwork.
  
  

•  Fractal Art: Fractal Art is a form of algorithmic art that basically represents those calculation results as images and animations that are created by calculating fractal objects. Some of the best Software to create Fractal Art are Mandelbulb 3D, XenoDream, and more.
  
  

•  Algorithmic Art: Algorithmic Art or algorithm art is a form of art where the design is generated by an algorithm. It's a type of generative art, which is created by an autonomous system. The artists who create Algorithmic are called Algorists.
  
  

•  AI-generated art: Artificial-intelligence-generated art (AI Art) is a form of artwork that is created or enhanced using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. In AI art the artist creates or enhances images simply by giving prompts to the AI. In that prompt, the artist mentioned image details such as the action or object of the image, the style of the image, and the quality of that image. Some famous AI image generators are Midjourney, Dall-E 2, Nightcafe, etc. 
                        

  Neon Street - AI-Generated Art as NFT By ArtzLab

     
•  AR Art: Augmented reality (AR) is an enhanced version of the real physical world that is achieved through the use of augmented reality technology to create immersive and interactive experiences through the use of digital visual elements(AR Art), and sound delivered via technology. Such a type of visual element is called AR Art which allows artists to share their vision, expand upon existing works, or create new environments. Some of the most famous software for creating AR Art are Unity, echo3D, Meta Spark Studio, etc.

Now the question is, Who can be a Digital Artist?

How to make Digital Art: The 5-Step Guide

To embark on your digital art journey, you'll need three essential components: a computer, suitable software, and optionally, a tablet or smartphone.

Digital Painting on Photoshop By Lois van Baarle

• Step 1: Select Your Software: Choose your ideal software as per your requirements or budget from the variety of free and paid software options like Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, GIMP, Krita, and more.
  
  

•  Step 2: Pick Your Device: Choose the device that suits your comfort level, be it a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Depending on your choice and requirements, you may require additional tools like a mouse, keyboard, stylus, or graphics tablet for precise input.
  
  

• Step 3: Sketch Your Idea: Begin with a rough sketch of your concept, whether on paper or directly on your device's screen. This initial sketch will serve as your blueprint.
  
  

• Step 4: Outline and Color: Utilize your chosen software's tools and features to outline and color your sketch. Depending on your style and art category, experiment with different shapes, fillers, color gradients, and more, and use layers, masks, and effects to enhance your artwork.
  
  

• Step 5: Save and Export: Once satisfied with your digital artwork, save it on your device or in cloud storage. Consider the appropriate format (JPEG, PNG, SVG, PDF, etc.) and resolution to ensure quality and optimal loading times.

Best Digital Art Websites to Share Your Digital Art Ideas

 To explore captivating digital art, develop your skills, or exhibit your creations to a wider audience, consider these websites dedicated to the world of digital art:

Behance Homepage

• Behance: Behance is a social media platform owned by Adobe whose main focus is to Discover and showcase digital artworks. You can create your portfolio of work to receive feedback from the artistic community about your work.  You can even follow other creators to explore their unique works. It's completely free to create an account to showcase your work.
  
  

• DeviantArt: DeviantArt is the largest online social network platform, especially for artists and art enthusiasts to share, and exhibit their work. You can do self-promotion of yourself with fellow creators and art-centric communities. Explore millions of artworks in various categories and engage with digital art-related groups and forums.
  
  

• ArtStation: ArtStation is one of the best platforms to showcase your digital works as it mostly focuses on Digital Arts. You can check its free plan to explore the platform and to showcase your work, as well as it provides ArtStation Plus is priced at USD 6.99/mo, and ArtStation Pro is priced at USD 9.95/mo with advanced features.
  
  

• Dribbble: Dribble serves as a self-promotion social networking platform for digital designers to find and share their digital works, it can be an animation, image, logo, Illustration, or mobile and website designs. It also serves as a job and recruiting site, especially for the designers.
  
  

• Medium: Medium is an online publishing platform where you can read and write on different topics, like digital art. You can even read about other digital artists' journeys which will inspire you and interacting with them will help you to get new ideas to work with.
  
  

• Pinterest: Pinterest is a visual discovery platform that people use to find ideas and inspiration for their next purchase so It is one of the best places for digital artists to get inspiration or to showcase their artwork to get some potential buyers for their digital artwork as millions of people visit this site every day.
  
  
  

  AI Artz profile on Pinterest

Conclusion: Let's wrap it up!

"In short Digital art is the term used to describe art created or presented by technology. Embarking on a journey as a digital artist is an exciting venture. Whether you want to start it as a hobby or as a professional artist. The world of digital art promises limitless possibilities as you imagine your artistic potential. Happy creating"