Digital Abstract Art Secrets: A Step-by-Step Guide

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

Embarking on the journey of creating digital abstract art can be vibrant, intriguing, and a bit overwhelming. But fear not! This step-by-step guide will unveil the secrets behind this digital canvas, taking you from a beginner to a proficient digital abstract artist. Let’s dive into the world of colors, shapes, and textures, and make some art!

Getting Started with Digital Abstract Art

Starting your digital abstract art journey involves understanding the basics, choosing the right tools, and setting up your digital art studio. Here's how you can get going.

The Basics of Digital Art

To create digital abstract art, you first need to understand the basic principles of digital art. This includes understanding the different properties of digital canvases, like resolution and aspect ratio, and learning how to navigate through digital art software. Here are a few things you need to know:

Resolution: This refers to the number of pixels in an image. A higher resolution image will have more detail and clarity.
Aspect Ratio: This is the ratio of the width to the height of an image or screen. It impacts how your digital abstract art will appear on different devices.
Software Navigation: Familiarizing yourself with your chosen digital art software is key. Learn how to use different tools, layers, and adjustments to create your masterpiece.

Choosing the Right Tools

Having the right tools can make a world of difference in digital art. This includes a good drawing tablet, a stylus, and the right software. Adobe Photoshop and Procreate are popular choices, but there are also free alternatives like GIMP and Krita that are quite powerful. Always remember, the best tool is the one you're most comfortable using.

Setting Up Your Digital Art Studio

Creating a comfortable and efficient digital art studio can enhance your creativity. You'll want a space with good lighting, comfortable seating, and your tools within easy reach. And don't forget to make it personal — decorate with inspiring art pieces or add a plant or two. Remember, this is a space where you will create, so make it a place where you feel inspired and productive.

Exploring Abstract Art Concepts

Now that you're set up, it's time to explore the fascinating world of abstract art. We'll delve into its history, understand its essence, and identify its key elements. Ready to go? Let's get started.

History of Abstract Art

Abstract art may seem modern, but its roots trace back to the late 19th century. Artists like Wassily Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian chose to break away from traditional representations of physical objects. Instead, they used shapes, colors, and forms to express their ideas and emotions. This was a revolutionary shift that paved the way for the diverse and dynamic field of digital abstract art we see today.

Understanding Abstract Art

Understanding abstract art can be quite a challenge, but it's a fun one! Unlike representational art, which mirrors the real world, abstract art is all about expressing an idea or a feeling. It's like a visual language that speaks through colors, lines, and shapes. It can be as simple as a blue square that evokes a feeling of calm, or complex multi-layered pieces that invoke a sense of chaos. The beauty of digital abstract art is that it's open to interpretation - what you see and feel could be entirely different from what others do.

Key Elements of Abstract Art

Despite its seemingly chaotic nature, abstract art often relies on key elements like color, form, line, and texture. For instance:

Color: Color can set the mood of a piece. Warm colors like red and yellow can evoke feelings of excitement or anger, while cool colors like blue and green can suggest calmness or sadness.
Form: Abstract art often uses geometric or organic forms to represent ideas. A circle might represent unity or eternity, while a jagged shape might imply conflict or danger.
Line: Lines can show direction, movement, and energy. They can be thick or thin, smooth or rough, continuous or broken.
Texture: Adding texture can make your digital abstract art more interesting. You can create a sense of depth, suggest movement, or add visual interest.

Creating Your First Abstract Artwork

With the basics under your belt, it's time to dive into the actual process of creating digital abstract art. Don't worry if you feel a little unsure. Remember, abstract art is all about expression, so there's no wrong way to do it. Let's start by selecting colors, working with shapes, and applying textures.

Selecting Colors

The color you choose for your digital abstract art can set the whole mood for your piece. Are you trying to evoke happiness? Consider bright, vibrant colors like yellows, pinks, and oranges. Looking for a more soothing effect? Blues, greens, and purples might be your go-to. Tools like Adobe Color can be a great help in creating harmonious color schemes.

Working with Shapes

Shapes are the building blocks of your digital abstract art. They can be geometric (like squares, circles, and triangles) or organic (like blobs, squiggles, or anything else you can imagine). Play around with them, see how they interact, overlap, or stand alone. Remember, in abstract art, a circle doesn't need to be just a circle—it can represent the sun, a feeling of unity, or even a good pizza if that's what you feel like expressing!

Applying Textures

Textures can add depth and interest to your digital abstract art. They can help your artwork feel more tactile and tangible, even in a digital space. Consider using digital brushes that mimic real-world materials, like chalk or watercolor. Even a simple texture like a noise filter can transform a flat color into something more dynamic. Experiment and see what works best for your style.

Developing Your Unique Style

Now that you have started creating your own digital abstract art, it's time to focus on developing your unique style. This is what will set your work apart from others and make it uniquely yours. Let's look at how you can find inspiration, experiment with different techniques, and refine your artwork.

Finding Inspiration

Where do you look for inspiration? It might be as close as your local park or as far as a city in another country. Inspiration can come from nature, architecture, music, or even a good cup of coffee. Some digital artists keep a notebook or a Pinterest board to collect things that spark their creativity. Just remember, inspiration is not about copying what you see, but about letting it fuel your own unique ideas for your digital abstract art.

Experimenting with Techniques

There's no one "right way" to create digital abstract art. Some artists use digital brushes to mimic traditional painting techniques, while others might use 3D modeling software for a more modern look. Why not try vector art, pixel art, or even digital collages? The more techniques you try, the more tools you'll have in your creative toolbox. And who knows? You might stumble upon a technique that becomes a signature part of your style.

Refining Your Artwork

Creating digital abstract art is a process, and it's okay if your first drafts don't look exactly how you want them to. That's what refining is for. Look at your art with a critical eye. Are there areas where the color clashes, or where the composition feels off-balance? Don't be afraid to tweak, adjust, and experiment until you're happy with the result. Remember, every adjustment is a step forward in your journey as a digital abstract artist.

With your unique style of digital abstract art developed, it's now time to take it to the world. This stage is all about getting your work seen and starting to make a name for yourself in the digital abstract art community. Let's dive into building a portfolio, promoting your artwork, and finally, selling your artwork.

Building a Portfolio

Think of your portfolio as the digital version of an art gallery. It's a curated collection of your best digital abstract art pieces, designed to showcase your skills and style. You can create your portfolio on a personal website or use platforms like Instagram, ArtStation, or Behance. Remember, quality trumps quantity, so only include your best works. Also, keep it updated as you create new pieces.

Promoting Your Artwork

Now, it's time to get your digital abstract art in front of people's eyes. Social media is a great place to start. Share your work on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and consider collaborating with other artists. You can also enter digital art contests or exhibitions—these are fantastic opportunities for exposure and to connect with the art community.

Selling Your Artwork

Once you've built a following and have a strong portfolio, you might decide to sell your digital abstract art. There are plenty of online platforms where you can sell your art, such as Etsy, Society6, or Redbubble. You can sell your art as prints, on merchandise, or even as digital downloads. Just remember to price your work fairly—not just for the buyers, but also for the time, effort, and creativity you put into each piece.

If you're eager to dive deeper into the world of digital abstract art, don't miss the workshop 'Digitising Handmade Illustrations' by Jola Pictures. This workshop will teach you the techniques and secrets to transform your handmade illustrations into stunning digital art pieces, taking your creativity to new heights.