Mastering Digital Art: Tips and Techniques for Beginners

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 20 June 2023 7 min read

Starting your journey as a digital artist can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many software options and techniques to learn, it's important to find the right tools and strategies to help you succeed. In this blog, we'll guide you through the process of choosing the right software, setting up your workspace, mastering the basics, developing your own style, and practicing to improve your skills. Let's dive in!

1. Choosing the Right Software

As a digital artist, the software you choose can play a huge role in your creative process. There are several options available, each with its own features and advantages. Here are three popular software choices to consider:

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard for digital art and design. This powerful software offers a wide range of tools and features, such as:

Layering and masking: Easily create complex compositions by stacking and blending multiple images or elements.
Custom brushes: Choose from a variety of built-in brushes or create your own to achieve different textures and effects.
Adjustment layers: Non-destructively edit your artwork by applying color, contrast, and other adjustments to separate layers.

Photoshop is a versatile option for any digital artist, but its advanced features and price tag might be overwhelming for beginners.

Corel Painter

Corel Painter is a popular software choice for artists who want to create digital paintings that mimic traditional art techniques. Some of its key features include:

Natural media brushes: Painter's brushes simulate the look and feel of traditional art materials, such as oils, pastels, and watercolors.
Real-time brush performance: Experience the responsiveness of your brushes as you paint, just like using real art tools.
Customizable workflow: Tailor the software interface to fit your needs, allowing you to focus on your artwork.

Corel Painter is perfect for those who want a more traditional art experience in a digital format.

Krita

Krita is a free, open-source software designed specifically for digital artists. It offers a range of features, such as:

Brush engines: Customize your brushes with various settings and options to achieve the perfect stroke.
Vector and raster support: Seamlessly switch between vector and raster layers to create versatile artwork.
Animation tools: Bring your artwork to life with Krita's built-in animation tools.

With its user-friendly interface and zero-cost, Krita is an excellent option for digital artists who are just starting out or working on a budget.

2. Setting Up Your Workspace

Now that you've chosen the right software, it's time to set up a comfortable and efficient workspace. A well-organized workspace can significantly improve your productivity and help you stay focused on your art. Here are two important aspects to consider:

Digital Tablets

A digital tablet is an essential tool for any digital artist. These devices allow you to draw directly on a surface with a stylus, providing a more natural drawing experience than using a mouse. There are several types of tablets to choose from:

Graphics tablets: These tablets consist of a flat drawing surface that connects to your computer. You draw on the tablet while looking at your monitor. Popular brands include Wacom and Huion.
Pen displays: Pen displays are tablets with built-in screens, allowing you to draw directly on the screen. This can provide a more intuitive experience, but they tend to be more expensive. Examples include Wacom Cintiq and XP-Pen Artist.
Tablet computers: Devices like the Apple iPad Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro can double as both a traditional computer and a drawing tablet, offering convenience and portability.

When choosing a tablet, consider factors such as your budget, workspace, and personal preferences.

Workspace Ergonomics

As a digital artist, you'll likely spend long hours working on your projects. Prioritizing ergonomics in your workspace can help prevent strain and injury. Here are some tips to improve your workspace ergonomics:

Chair: Choose a comfortable chair with adjustable height and lumbar support to maintain proper posture while working.
Desk: Your desk should be at a height that allows your arms to rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle when using your keyboard and tablet.
Monitor: Position your monitor at eye level and at a comfortable distance to reduce eye strain.
Breaks: Remember to take regular breaks to stretch and rest your eyes. A good rule of thumb is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

By setting up an ergonomic workspace, you can ensure a more comfortable and productive digital art experience.

3. Mastering the Basics

Before you can create amazing digital art, it's important to master the fundamental techniques and tools. This will provide a solid foundation for your artistic growth. Here are three key areas to focus on as a digital artist:

Brushes and Tools

Understanding the brushes and tools available in your chosen software is crucial for creating digital art. Familiarize yourself with the various brush types, their properties, and how they can be customized to suit your needs. Some standard tools that every digital artist should know how to use include:

Pencil: Ideal for sketching and line art, the pencil tool creates clean, precise lines.
Brush: The brush tool is highly versatile, allowing you to create various textures and effects by adjusting its size, opacity, and shape.
Eraser: The eraser tool is essential for correcting mistakes and refining your artwork.
Smudge: Use the smudge tool to blend colors and create smooth transitions between different areas of your piece.
Lasso: The lasso tool lets you quickly select and edit specific portions of your artwork.

Experiment with these tools and others to find the ones that best suit your style and workflow.

Layers and Blending Modes

Layers are a powerful feature in digital art software, allowing you to organize and edit your artwork without affecting other parts of the image. Here's how to make the most of layers:

Organization: Use separate layers for different elements of your artwork, such as line art, color, and shading. This makes it easier to edit and refine your work.
Blending modes: Experiment with different blending modes, such as Multiply, Overlay, and Screen, to create interesting effects and enhance your artwork.
Layer masks: Layer masks let you hide or reveal parts of a layer without permanently erasing or altering the content. This can be useful for non-destructive editing.

Mastering layers and blending modes will give you more control and flexibility as a digital artist.

Color Theory

Color plays a significant role in the overall impact of your artwork. It's important to understand color theory to create harmonious and visually appealing pieces. Some basic concepts of color theory include:

Hue: Hue refers to the actual color, such as red, blue, or green.
Value: Value describes the lightness or darkness of a color. Learning to control value can help you create depth and form in your artwork.
Saturation: Saturation refers to the intensity of a color, with higher saturation being more vivid and lower saturation appearing more muted.
Color schemes: Familiarize yourself with common color schemes, such as complementary, analogous, and triadic, to create cohesive and visually appealing color combinations.

By understanding and applying color theory principles, you can elevate the quality of your digital art and create more visually engaging pieces.

4. Developing Your Own Style

As a digital artist, it's important to develop a unique and recognizable style that sets your work apart. Here are some tips to help you cultivate your own artistic voice:

Inspiration and Research

Look for inspiration in various sources, such as other digital artists, traditional art, photography, movies, and even nature. Keep a collection of images, artworks, or color palettes that inspire you. This will help you identify patterns and themes that resonate with you and can be incorporated into your own style. Don't be afraid to mix and match elements from different sources to create something new and unique.

Experimentation

Experimentation is key to finding your own style as a digital artist. Try different techniques, tools, and media to discover what works best for you. Some ideas to consider:

Line style: Experiment with varying line weights, smoothness, and brush types to find a line style that suits your vision.
Color palettes: Create a collection of color palettes that you enjoy and try using them in your artwork. This can help you develop a signature color scheme.
Textures: Incorporate different textures into your artwork to add depth and interest. Experiment with both digital and traditional media, such as scanned paper or fabric textures, to achieve unique effects.
Subject matter: Explore different subjects and themes to find what you're most passionate about and what best showcases your artistic abilities.

Remember that developing your own style is an ongoing process, and it's essential to stay open to new ideas and experiences. Over time, you'll see your unique artistic voice emerge and grow.

5. Practicing and Improving

As with any skill, becoming a proficient digital artist requires dedication and practice. Here are some strategies to help you consistently improve your digital art skills:

Daily Sketching

Make a habit of sketching every day, even if it's just for a few minutes. This will not only help you improve your drawing skills but also keep your creativity flowing. You can sketch anything that comes to mind, or give yourself specific prompts or challenges. Over time, you'll notice significant improvements in your work, and your confidence as a digital artist will grow.

Online Tutorials and Courses

There are countless online resources available for digital artists to learn new techniques and improve their skills. From YouTube tutorials to online courses, there's something for every skill level and area of interest. Invest some time in learning new techniques and tools, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. This will help you stay current with industry trends and expand your skillset as a digital artist.

Joining Art Communities

Connecting with other digital artists can provide valuable feedback, support, and inspiration. Join online forums, social media groups, or local meetups dedicated to digital art. Share your work, ask for critiques, and engage in discussions with fellow artists. Not only will you learn from others, but you'll also build a network of peers who can help you grow as a digital artist.

Remember, the journey to becoming a skilled digital artist is continuous, and improvement comes with consistent practice and learning. Stay curious, open to new ideas, and dedicated to your craft, and you'll see your skills and style evolve over time.

If you're interested in exploring the best tools and techniques for illustrators, don't miss the workshop titled 'An Analog & Digital Mix: Customising Your Tools As An Illustrator' by Florencia Fuertes. In this workshop, you'll learn how to effectively combine traditional and digital methods to create stunning illustrations and develop your unique artistic style.