How to Use Digital Art Tools for Fine Artists

New technologies have liberated drawing from the tyranny of the fixed point on the ground.

— David Hockney, on the potential of digital art tools.

Digital art tools have transformed the way fine artists create, freeing them from the limits of physical media. With intuitive interfaces, abundant online resources, and flexible settings, learning to use these tools has never been easier. Digital art is not the future; it is the now. Artists and consumers embrace digital art prints and digital art printmaking.

Visual artists can experiment with techniques and mediums with digital art tools. Artists can use them to unlock imagination in unprecedented ways. Trust me. Learning digital art tools is easier than you think, so now is the time to start.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of learning a new digital art tool? Did you think it would take ages to master and bring your visions to life? You’re not alone. Many artists feel discouraged by the prospect of diving into unfamiliar territory, especially when time is in short supply. But what if it’s easier than you think?

It’s easy to understand the frustration of having creative ideas while feeling that digital art tools are too complex. The truth is, though, that it’s not as difficult as it might seem. It’s quite the opposite.

In this post, you’ll dig into seven reasons why education with a new digital art device is viable. First, I believe you’ll find it an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The plan is to feel more sure and ready to release your creativity in ways you never thought possible. Let’s start.

Say goodbye to the days when learning new software felt like cracking a secret code. Today’s digital art tools complement easy-to-use physical tools with designs made for artists. These digital art tools are user-friendly, and they smooth the learning process. Modern interfaces are intuitive and highly responsive, ensuring no fumbling in the dark.

For example, consider the following:

• Procreate is a powerful software for creating art.
• Or the versatile Wacom tablet as a physical, digital art tool. Procreate, an app for your iPad. It has changed how artists work. They love using its simple, gesture-based interface—pinch to zoom, swipe to undo-as naturally as breathing.

Another powerful piece of software that is worth mentioning is Corel Painter. With its brushes and effects, artists can create realistic and natural media artwork. My artist friend, Marilyn Sholin, uses it for her Drunk Girl Art creations. She incorporates her digital art into mixed-media paintings by adding acrylic paints. And that process makes them more than just digital prints. I call the process “convergent media” because it mixes technology with traditional art. Marilyn is a renowned member of the elite Corel Painter Masters. She is a master teacher who helps artists use the software in their careers.

Meanwhile, among the best digital art tools are Wacom tablets. The range of options goes from the portable One by Wacom to the top-of-the-line, advanced Cintiq Pro. The range allows artists to choose a tablet that fits their needs and budget. Together, they create an experience that feels natural in your hands. With streamlined menu systems, you’ll spend less time hunting for hidden features and more time unlocking your creativity. It sounds like a dream come true, right?

2. An abundance of online tutorials and resources

Ever felt you’ve hit a brick wall when trying to learn something new? Trust us; we’ve been there. But the good news is, there’s a treasure trove of resources out there, just waiting for you to discover them. You’ll find step-by-step guides and video lessons for every skill level. They include free tutorials and affordable online courses.

• Take YouTube, for example. A quick search will yield thousands of results, covering every aspect of digital art creation.
• Want to master the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator? There’s a tutorial for that.
• Need help with shading techniques in Clip Studio Paint? No problem.

The wealth of knowledge is at your fingertips, making learning faster and more enjoyable than ever.

3. Customizable settings for an individual experience

One size doesn’t always fit all, especially in art. That’s why modern digital art tools let you tailor your methods to your unique style and preferences. You can adjust settings like brush size, opacity, and pressure sensitivity. The sensation creates a custom experience that feels like an extension of your hand.

Imagine working in Photoshop and realizing that the default brush settings aren’t cutting it. No sweat. A few clicks later, you have a custom brush that mimics the feel of your favorite traditional medium. You’ll find the learning curve smoother by editing these settings to match your needs.

4. Rapid feedback loop for accelerated progress

There’s no denying that practice makes perfect. But what if we told you digital art tools offer a unique advantage when honing your skills? Thanks to their immediate visual feedback, you can quickly identify areas for improvement and make adjustments—no waiting for paint to dry or eraser marks to disappear.

Consider working on a complex piece with multiple layers. In the past, changing an oil painting might have meant starting from scratch. But with digital art tools, you can adjust a layer’s opacity or move elements around without losing progress. It’s like having a built-in safety net, allowing you to experiment and repeat at lightning speed.

5. Digital art communities for support and inspiration

Who says art has to be a solitary undertaking? With the rise of digital art tools, you can connect with like-minded creatives worldwide. Check out online communities like DeviantArt, ArtStation, and Ello. And Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn offer group options to share your work, seek advice, and find inspiration.

Picture yourself hitting a creative roadblock. Instead of stressing in frustration, you can reach out to fellow artists for a fresh perspective. Use the resources to participate in collaborative projects or join art challenges to push your limits. By tapping into these supportive networks, learning becomes more accessible and fulfilling.

6. Compatibility with traditional art skills

Think about all the time and effort you’ve put into developing your traditional art skills. Wouldn’t it be great if you could translate that expertise directly into the digital realm? The good news is that you absolutely can. Many techniques and principles you’ve mastered in traditional art now apply to digital art tools.

Shading, perspective, and composition skills transfer to programs like Sketchbook or Krita if you are a whiz with a pencil and paper. Instead of starting from scratch, you’re building upon a solid foundation. It’s a head start on your digital art journey, making the transition smoother and less dreadful.

7. Advanced technology that makes complex tasks simpler

Everyone feels the weight of dealing with the boring aspects of creating art, like complicated linework or repetitive patterns. Enter the world of digital art tools, where smart features, AI, and automation come to the rescue. These cutting-edge technologies improve the creative process, allowing you to focus on the fun stuff: making art.

Imagine working on a detailed landscape piece with countless trees in the background. In the past, this might need hours of painstaking work. But with digital art tools, you have custom brushes, symmetry tools, and even AI-assisted features to reproduce fancy patterns and details. It’s like having a creative apprentice ready to lend a hand whenever needed.

To sum up, learning a new digital art tool might at first seem challenging. Still, as we’ve explored in this article, many factors make the process easier and more enjoyable than ever before. From intuitive interfaces and abundant resources to singular settings and advanced technology, digital art is more accessible than ever. So don’t hesitate to dive in, explore, and release your creativity in new and exciting ways.

We get it. The guilt of not exploring digital art tools can weigh heavy on your mind, especially when you’re constantly seeing incredible digital artwork on social platforms. You might think, “If only I could just get over this bar and learn to use these tools, maybe I could create the art I’ve always dreamed of.”

Well, guess what? You absolutely can. It’s time to shake off that guilt and embrace digital art tools’ possibilities. Remember the astonishing reasons we discussed: intuitive interfaces, abundant resources, customizable settings, rapid feedback, supportive communities, compatibility with traditional skills, and advanced technology – all designed to make learning new digital art tools more straightforward than ever.

So go ahead, take that leap of faith. Let yourself grow, experiment, and unlock your full creative potential. You’ll become more comfortable, confident, and capable with every step. And before you know it, you’ll create masterpieces that will make you and your audience stand in awe. The world of digital art is waiting for you – it’s time to shine.

PS: Traditional art methods and additional resources

While I believe transitioning to digital art tools is smoother than most artists realize, I also respect learning traditional methods such as oil painting. If you want the absolute best way to learn how to paint with realism, you owe it to yourself to check out Evolve Artists. It’s a year-long, self-paced online training program that has no equal. It’s that good. Nothing short of amazing. Really!