DIGITAL ART FOR BEGINNERS: TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

Digital art for beginners has gained immense popularity in recent years. It offers a new way to create and share art.

Once a niche, it is now mainstream. With the right tools, you can quickly develop your skills.

For example, take Dorcas Magbadelo. She is a self-taught artist who runs DorcasCreates, a UK-based illustration brand. She began in 2015 to address the lack of black women in mainstream media. Her dedication has made her a key figure in digital art. Therefore, her story shows how passion and perseverance lead to success.

Whether you’re experienced or new, digital art for beginners is accessible and rewarding. This guide provides essential tools and techniques to help you get started.

See more of DorcasCreates work

Getting Started with Digital Art for Beginners: Essential Tools

Having the right tool is crucial. These tools help you create digital illustrations and enhance your learning. Here’s what you need:

Digital Art Software

The foundation of your digital art toolkit is the software you choose. There are several excellent options available, and we recommend trying these:

• Adobe Photoshop: This software is essential. It offers versatility for painting, drawing, and editing. Additionally, it provides many tutorials and resources for beginners. Cost: $20.99/month.

• Procreate: Ideal for beginners, it has an easy interface and powerful drawing tools. Also, you can create art on the go with an iPad. Cost: $9.99 (one-time purchase).

• Corel Painter: Known for realistic simulations, Corel Painter is favoured by professionals. It’s great for high-quality output and detailed digital art. Cost: $429 (one-time purchase) or $199/year.

• Krita: This free tool includes many features. It’s a good choice for budget-conscious beginners. Cost: Free.

• Photopea: It’s essentially a free version of Photoshop but online. It has many of the same features, though it's supported by ads. You can pay $5/month to remove them. Cost: Free with ads, $5/month without ads.

Digital Art Hardware

Good hardware is essential. Here’s what you need:

• Graphic Tablets: Portable and efficient, graphic tablets are necessary. Some have built-in screens for direct drawing. Others connect to a computer monitor. Consequently, this feature enhances your digital art experience.

• Computer: If a graphic tablet is too expensive, a computer with enough RAM (8GB or 16GB), a powerful graphics card (NVIDIA or AMD), and SSD storage will work well.

• Stylus Pen: A stylus pen mimics drawing with a regular pen, offering accuracy and control, which is essential for beginners.

Digital Art for Beginners: Tips and Techniques

Digital art for beginners can seem overwhelming. However, understanding key techniques builds a strong foundation. Here are some essential tips:

• Understanding Layers: Layers are crucial for organising and editing artwork. Mastering them improves your workflow and efficiency.
• Mastering Colour Theory: A good grasp of colour theory enhances your illustrations. This knowledge helps you create visually appealing art.
• Familiarising with Brush Settings: Experimenting with brush settings shows how lines and strokes change. As a result, this will enhance your skills.
• Blending Methods: Blending adds depth and dimension. It’s similar to achieving a flawless makeup look. This technique is essential for detailed artwork.
• Getting Online: Use resources like YouTube, Udemy, and Skillshare for tutorials from professionals. Learning their techniques will boost your skills.

As Dorcas Magbadelo says, “Representation doesn’t have to come from mainstream resources or from communities outside our own; we have to do it for ourselves.” Her story demonstrates that you can create meaningful work from within your community.

As you start your journey in digital art, remember to practise regularly. Perseverance will help you overcome setbacks. Moreover, experiment with different techniques and tools until you find what works best for you.

Now that you have the basics, dive in and let your creativity shine!