What is Digital Art?

In this technology-driven world that we live in today, almost everything is digitalized. We use computers to check our mail, smartphones to communicate, and send photos and videos to each other using social media. 

Like everything else, art has also started going digital. Younger generations have grown up with digital art, but it is still a very new concept for many of us. If you want to know more about what digital art is and how you can get into creating it or collecting it, then keep on reading!

Digital Art Definition

Digital art, once called computer art or new media art, refers to art made using software, computers, or other electronic devices. Anything produced or made on digital media, such as animations, photographs, illustrations, videos, digital paintings, and such can be classified as digital art.

Is Digital Art Real Art?

There has been much debate and varying opinions on whether or not digital art counts as real art. If by “real,” you mean is the end product actual physical items made using physical tools? Then no. 

But at the same time, digital art can be called real art because it requires more or less the same creative techniques and skills that traditional art needs. Art is art, and the primary purpose of art is to express the artist’s emotions regardless of the medium used.

Making good quality digital art requires the same amount of skill, talent, originality, knowledge, and effort as any other traditional art piece. Every artist must learn to master his tools regardless of the medium. Therefore, it’s fair to say digital art can be called “real” art.

What Is Digital Art Used for?

Digital art has countless applications and uses but is most commonly used in commercial settings. These include media advertisements and producing visual graphic effects and animations in films, video games, etc. 

The ease of publishing, sharing, and selling digital art has made many new jobs and careers available for digital artists all around the world. Digital art can also be used to create graphic designs.

Increasingly, digital art is moving into the high art collector space. Crypto art has allowed many digital artists to sell their works for prices that were previously exclusive to traditional artworks.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Digital Art?

Digital art has many pros and cons. One benefit of digital art is that it is far more convenient than traditional art due to the fact that you don’t need to gather tools such as brushes, paints, etc., and require minimal setup. It also is far more forgiving than traditional art due to the ability to undo most mistakes with just the click of a button.

Storage and delivery of digital art are also much easier than other traditional art forms due to being stored digitally. Artists can simply send their prints digitally with a few mouse clicks if the need arises. This process allows digital art to be more accessible, global, and widely influential. 

One con of digital art is that it lacks the intimate connection and tactile nature and feeling you get when actually putting pencils or brushes to paper.

How Is Digital Art Made?

Digital art can be made in many different ways using different software and hardware. For starters, though, to create digital art you need: 

• A bit of talent and hard work
• A drawing tablet with a pen
• Some software such as photoshop etc
• A computer or laptop device for running the software
• Creativity and imagination.

Is Digital Art Difficult?

Not necessarily, it can be difficult for traditional artists when switching to digital forms or even beginners due to the steep learning curve of adjusting to a new medium and learning all the nuances of the various software needed. But it’s not exactly more difficult than traditional art; it all takes a bit of getting used to and developing your skills.

Is Digital Art Easier Than Drawing?

In some ways, digital art can be easier than drawing due to having the ability to undo mistakes without much consequence. Coloring, layering, shading, etc., is also much more convenient and easier to do on digital media, with many different tools and settings available at an artist’s disposal. However, other talented artists may struggle to learn the new technologies required to create digital artworks.

Is Digital Art Easier for Beginners?

Not exactly; digital art still requires similar basic artistic skills and also requires artists to be proficient with working with different software. It can be more forgiving and attractive to beginners though, due to being much easier to get into without requiring too much setup, space, and art equipment.

Is Digital Art More Popular?

You may have more exposure to digital art due to your online presence, but it’s hard to say if it’s actually more popular. Sharing and publishing digital art is also much easier than conventional art which is why it might be so popular online. Digital art is also preferred by many beginners as well due to being so convenient. 

Many popular exhibits now showing around the globe combine both digital and traditional art elements. The work of Yayoi Kusama, for example, fuses digital and physical art forms and attracts record numbers of visitors whenever it goes on display. Recent digital “immersive” exhibits have taken older traditional artworks from artists like Vincent Van Goh and digitized them, allowing more viewers to appreciate artworks that would once have been much more difficult to see.

Collecting Digital Artworks

There are many ways to buy and collect digital artwork. Crypto art is a growing niche that can be a great way to learn about and buy digital artworks. If you enjoy the work of crypto or digital artists, then buying digital art could be a great investment choice which you can enjoy just as you would traditional original artworks.