AR Art Revolution: Practical Insights & Best Practices

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 6 min read

Art has always found a way to adapt and thrive with technological advancements, and augmented reality (AR) is no exception. The fusion of art and AR has given birth to a new form of creative expression, aptly called AR Art. This blog post will be your guide as we navigate through the exciting world of art in augmented reality—transforming physical spaces with digital art installations. Let's dive in.

Explore AR Art: An Introduction

Before we dive into the practicalities, it is important to get a comprehensive understanding of what AR Art is and how it works. This will not only broaden your understanding but will also help you appreciate the intricacies involved in creating and interacting with AR Art.

What is AR Art?

AR Art, short for Augmented Reality Art, is a form of art that uses the power of AR technology to create interactive and immersive experiences. Unlike traditional art, which is confined to a physical medium, AR Art exists in the digital realm and overlays virtual elements onto our real-world environment.

Imagine walking into an empty room, but when you look through your smartphone, you see a vibrant and dynamic art installation. This is the magic of AR Art. It transforms physical spaces with digital art installations, creating a novel and immersive art experience.

How Does AR Art Work?

AR Art leverages the capabilities of AR technology. Using a device like a smartphone or AR glasses, the technology superimposes digital images onto your view of the real world. The device's camera captures the real world, and the AR application adds the digital artwork into this captured view. As a result, the artwork appears as if it's part of the real world.

Consider the work of renowned AR artist, Jenny Holzer. Her project 'AR NYC' transformed several New York City landmarks into digital canvases for her provocative text-based art. Through an app, viewers were able to see Holzer's art superimposed onto iconic structures like Rockefeller Center and Central Park—illustrating the transformative power of AR in the realm of art.

Create AR Art: A Step-By-Step Guide

Now that we've covered what AR Art is and how it works, you might be wondering how you can create your own AR Art. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started.

Pick the Right Tools

The first step to creating AR Art is choosing the right tools. There are a variety of AR platforms available that can help you create digital art installations. For instance, platforms like Adobe Aero, ARKit, and ARCore are user-friendly and versatile, making them great starting points for beginners. Remember, the right tool for you depends on your technical skills and the complexity of the AR Art you wish to create.

Design Your Artwork

Next, it's time to design your artwork. Start by sketching your idea on paper. What do you want your AR Art to look like? What message do you want it to convey? Once you have a clear vision, use digital tools like Photoshop or Illustrator to create your artwork. Make sure your design is engaging, dynamic, and optimized for the AR platform you have chosen.

Implement AR Technology

Once you have your artwork designed, it's time to bring it to life with AR. Using your chosen AR platform, you'll need to upload your digital art and use the platform's tools to make your art interactive and immersive. This might involve adding animations, interactions, or even sound—elements that can elevate your AR Art and make it more engaging.

Test and Improve

The final step in creating AR Art is testing and improvement. Viewing your art through an AR device will give you a better understanding of how your art looks and feels in an augmented reality setting. Pay attention to the details—Is the scale correct? Does the interaction work as intended? Remember, it's okay to go back and revise your work. The goal is to create an AR Art piece that is not just visually pleasing, but also offers an engaging and immersive experience.

Creating AR Art might seem complex at first, but with practice and persistence, you can master this unique form of art. And who knows? You might just end up transforming physical spaces with your own digital art installations.

Engage With AR Art: Tips and Tricks

So you've created your AR Art, but how do you engage with it and share it with others? Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of your art in augmented reality.

Find AR Art Exhibitions

Experiencing AR Art in a dedicated exhibition is quite something! It's a fantastic way to see how AR can transform physical spaces with digital art installations. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco regularly host AR Art exhibitions, showcasing the work of talented AR artists. It's worth checking out local listings or museum schedules to see if there are any upcoming exhibitions near you.

Use AR Art Apps

Another way to engage with AR Art is through apps. There are plenty of apps out there—like Artivive, Arloopa, and ROAR—that allow you to view, create, and share AR Art. These apps offer a platform for artists to showcase their work and for viewers to interact with it, adding a whole new layer of engagement to the art experience.

Interact With AR Art

Of course, one of the key features of AR Art is its interactivity. When viewing AR Art, don't just stand there—move around, touch, and engage with the artwork. You might be surprised at how the artwork changes and evolves based on your interactions. This dynamic element is what sets AR Art apart from traditional art—it's a two-way conversation between the viewer and the artwork.

Whether you're creating, viewing, or interacting with AR Art, remember: the goal is to push the boundaries of what art can be and how it can transform physical spaces with digital art installations.

Monetize AR Art: Strategies and Best Practices

Creating AR Art is not just about transforming physical spaces with digital art installations—it can also be a source of income! Here are some strategies and best practices to monetize your AR Art.

Sell AR Art Online

One of the simplest ways to monetize AR Art is by selling it online. Websites like Etsy, eBay, and ArtStation provide platforms where artists can sell their AR creations. You could also consider setting up your own website or using social media platforms like Instagram to showcase and sell your work. Just remember, pricing your work can be tricky—make sure to consider the time, effort, and resources you put into each piece.

Partner with Galleries

Collaborating with art galleries can also be a fruitful strategy. Many galleries are open to showcasing AR Art, recognizing its potential to draw in a younger, tech-savvy audience. Plus, galleries can offer a physical space where potential buyers can interact with your artwork, experiencing firsthand how AR Art can transform physical spaces.

Apply for Grants

Lastly, don't overlook the potential of grants. Numerous organizations offer financial support to artists working with emerging technologies, including augmented reality. Grants not only provide funding but also often come with opportunities for exposure and networking. Do a bit of research—you might be surprised at the resources available!

Remember, monetizing art takes time and patience, but with some creativity and persistence, you can turn your passion for AR Art into a profitable venture.

Future of AR Art: Predictions and Opportunities

As we gaze into the crystal ball of the art world, it's clear that augmented reality (AR) is not just a passing trend. The future of art in augmented reality is bright and it promises to continue transforming physical spaces with digital art installations. Let's take a look at some emerging trends, potential challenges, and opportunities that lie ahead.

Emerging Trends

AR Art is becoming increasingly accessible and popular. One emerging trend is the use of AR in public art installations—imagine walking through your city park and suddenly encountering a fantastical AR sculpture! There's also an increasing interest in collaborative AR projects, where multiple artists contribute to a single augmented reality experience. And with advancements in technology, we can expect AR Art to become even more immersive and interactive.

Potential Challenges

With new territory, comes new challenges. One of the biggest hurdles for AR Art is the technological barrier—creating AR Art requires both artistic talent and technical skills. There's also the issue of accessibility, as experiencing AR Art typically requires a smartphone or similar device. And let's not forget the legal complexities that might arise, such as copyright issues when AR Art interacts with existing physical art or structures.

Opportunities Ahead

But let's focus on the bright side—AR Art opens up a world of opportunities! Artists can reach a global audience, as anyone with a smartphone can access and interact with their work. Plus, the novelty and interactive nature of AR Art make it a powerful tool for engaging younger generations. And as more people become familiar with AR technology, the demand for AR Art is likely to grow.

In conclusion, the future of AR Art is as vibrant and dynamic as the artworks themselves. And who knows? Maybe your next AR creation could be the one to truly revolutionize the way we experience art!

If you're fascinated by the AR Art Revolution and want to dive deeper into the world of augmented reality in photography, don't miss the 'Augmented Photography' workshop by Albertomaria. This workshop will provide you with practical insights and best practices that will help you create stunning, immersive augmented reality experiences in your photography projects.