Now that we are amid a global health crisis, everyone has been staying at home and looking for hobbies. Digital art is one of them. Getting into the craft may seem daunting and intimidating for some, but with the right tools and guidance, you will be drawing your first “OC” (original character) in no time.
Whether you are a seasoned traditional artist or a complete art newbie, you will need to be patient with yourself. Digital art does have a learning curve, depending on the style you want to achieve.
So what do you need to get started with digital art?
Get The Right Tools
Just like in any field, you will need to equip yourself with the right tools before you start practicing. What are the things you need to start exploring the world of digital art?
If you want to be a graphic designer, a multimedia artist, or even an animator, you will have to invest quite a lot of money in the appropriate tools for your craft. You might have to invest in a gaming laptop that can withstand the heat and amount of data you will be using in creating your portfolio. These laptops will allow you to work using the wide range of software needed for digital art without disturbing your workflow with a slow response.
You might also need a drawing tablet. A drawing tablet often comes with a stylus that acts as a mouse but is used similarly to a pen and paper. You will have to connect this to your laptop so make sure whatever hardware you get will be compatible with each other.
After installing your chosen software, you will have to learn the basics of art as well as the basics of your software tools. There are many online resources available for free that you can use to your advantage.
These are some tools you need to get started with digital art. Why should you choose digital over traditional? Is there a difference?
Traditional Art vs. Digital Art
Much like the debate between digital photography and film photography, the debate between traditional art and digital art definitely has no answer. Both forms have their own pros and cons. It all boils down to preference and style, as well as the availability of resources.
Traditional art can get very expensive but the initial outlay may simply be just for a pencil and paper. Digital art, on the other hand, will need investment in software and hardware needed but might actually end up cheaper in the long run.
There really isn’t any competition between the two forms so it is best to try whatever suits your taste and needs. Although this is the case, digital is on the rise because of its practical applications on social media marketing which is highly popular nowadays.
Earning Big Bucks Through Digital Art
There are many applications for digital art in the world of media nowadays. Under the broad umbrella of digital art, there are many categories such as animation, game development, graphic design, product design, and many more. These artistic pursuits can get you earning big bucks if you get the right skills. As a beginner in the digital art world, there are plenty of options available for you.
You can sell prints for a small fee. There are websites that dedicate themselves to this service where you can provide your designs for a cost. Art prints are popular nowadays because people want to collect art, but they simply cannot afford it. Buying art prints allows them to do this without breaking the bank. Also, people in quarantine have been meaning to decorate their homes with unusual and beautiful pieces of art so art prints can be the way to go.
Another way to earn money is to become a freelance artist. You can do this by scouting for websites that offer freelance creative jobs such as graphic designers and layout artists. Social media marketing is the ultimate tool for most businesses nowadays, especially since the pandemic. Given this situation, business owners have provided a lot of effort and investment in boosting their online presence. This is where you come in as a graphic artist. You can offer your design services as a freelancer.
There are many ways to make money as a digital artist in 2021. You just have to be creative in where to look for opportunities. Digital art is an interesting pursuit for any creative. It offers a whole new range of possibilities when it comes to creating. You simply need the right tools and patience to get started.
