Are you ready to dip your toes into the world of digital artwork, but feeling a little intimidated? Fear not, my friend! In fact, my Apple Pencil sat in my junk drawer in its perfect white packaging for 2 years before my digital art journey began, so I understand what it feels like to put off trying something new.
As a seasoned digital illustrator (okay, maybe "seasoned" is a bit of an exaggeration), I'm here to share my top 5 tips for beginners who want to start creating digital artwork. Let's get started!
1. Get the tools you need
First things first, you'll need a drawing tablet, a stylus pen, and a drawing program.
Sure, you could use a mouse instead of a stylus pen, but that's like trying to paint with a toothbrush - it's just not the same.
Procreate is a very powerful and intuitive digital illustration app that is affordable (one-time purchase of $12.99) and beloved by everyone I know that uses it. Keep in mind that it is only available for Apple iPads and iPhones.
I personally use an iPad Pro (tablet), an Apple Pencil (Apple’s own iPad stylus), and Adobe Fresco (built specifically for iPads) to create my digital illustrations. Adobe Fresco is available in a freemium model (i.e. you can use it's basic plan or upgrade to a paid version to get the premium features).
2. Start small and simple
When you're first starting out, it can be tempting to try to create a complex masterpiece right off the bat. But trust me, it's better to start small and simple. Pick a subject that's relatively easy to draw, like a piece of fruit or a simple shape, and focus on mastering the basics - like creating clean lines and choosing the right colors. It's also tempting to tackle all of the advanced program features, but start by simply drawing.
3. Practice, practice, practice
The more you practice, the better you'll get at creating digital artwork.
It's as simple as that. So set aside some time each day to work on your art, even if it's just for a few minutes. Try different techniques, experiment with different brushes and tools, and don't be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone. The more you practice, the more confident you'll become in your skills.
4. Learn from other artists
One of the best ways to improve your digital artwork is to learn from other artists. Check out tutorials on YouTube, follow other artists on social media, and join online communities where you can share your work and get feedback from other artists. Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek out advice - most artists are more than happy to share their knowledge and help others improve their skills.
I remember the eagerness I felt when I first watched a YouTube video of an artist creating a piece of digital art with the same drawing program I now had access to. It felt like an entire new world of digital art open up to me, and I was ready to dive in.
If you ever have any questions, please feel free to Contact Me, or reach out to me on Instagram (@MishiMoooDesigns).
5. It's supposed to be fun!
It sounds cheesy, but it's important to remember to have fun! Creating digital artwork should be an enjoyable, fulfilling experience. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to create perfect artwork right out of the gate. It's more than okay to make mistakes and when you do, you'll appreciate the 'undo' button. Enjoy the process, try new things, and most importantly, have fun with it!
In conclusion, these five tips are the perfect starting point for anyone looking to begin creating digital artwork. Get the right tools that work for you, start small and simple, practice regularly, learn from other artists, and most importantly, have fun with it! Before you know it, you'll be creating stunning digital artwork, and you can be proud that you learned a new skill!
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Thank you and happy creating!
About the author
My name is Michelle Alexander and I'm a Canadian artist with a sweet tooth. I started MishiMoooDesigns in 2020 and specialize in combining my love for junk food with everyday objects in unusual and often 'punny' ways. If this sounds interesting to you, I'd love for you to check out my Gallery and/or follow me on Instagram @MishiMoooDesigns.
I'm proud to be included in Feedspot's Top 30 Digital Art Blogs and Websites To Follow in 2023.
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