How to Design Digital Art
Digital art opens up a galaxy of aesthetic opportunities. Some artists use it to help with planning and sketches, others go all-out and create a finished work entirely using digital processes.
You can also enhance traditional, physical artworks – for example, by digitally improving a brushstroke or adding a new colour. Many creatives use digital processes for practical reasons and for the freedom of not being constrained by physical materials.
Shading and Lighting
The use of shading in digital art helps to create the illusion of depth and dimension, and communicates the interplay of light and shadow. There are a wide variety of shading techniques, from using opacity and flow to layering and airbrushing, which artists can experiment with to find the best results for their artwork.
The lighting used in digital art can also impact the final look of an image. A natural, diffused light source is ideal for enhancing the colors and textures of an object. Choosing the right light temperature and color rendering index can help artists achieve the desired effect.
Digital art has a strong community, with many online platforms where artists can showcase their work and learn from each other. There are also a number of free and paid software applications available for digital art, which allows artists to experiment with different styles and techniques before committing to a particular approach. This can be especially helpful for novices, as it gives them a chance to test the waters before investing in expensive software or hardware.
Character Drawing
When designing a character, it is important to consider the shapes you use. This is because shapes communicate a lot of information about a character to the viewer. By using shape language, you can create a more expressive and interesting character.
One of the most popular techniques in character design is to combine hand-drawn and geometric styles. This is a bold and eye-catching technique that can be used to highlight areas of the illustration. Here are a few examples to inspire you.
Another method of creating character designs is to use color blending layers. This allows you to create a wide range of effects and add a more realistic feel to your work.
It’s also important to research the subject matter of your characters. This can be done by watching documentaries, reading books or searching for reference images online. The more you know about the subject, the easier it will be to create your own unique characters.
Sketching
A digital art illustrator can use different types of software to create a wide range of drawings. These can be simple sketches or elaborate CAD drawings. Using specific programmes like Adobe Illustrator, digital artists can also create detailed vector art.
Creating a sketch is an essential step in the drawing process. Digital artists can create a sketch by scanning their paper and then importing it into their digital design software. When scanned, it’s important to scan at a high resolution so the image is sharp and clear.
The artist can then edit the scanned file with different tools and features in the software to make it perfect for their project. This can include erasing, adding shadows and adding colour to the image. Artists can also use the software to add patterns, textures and gradients. The artist can even use typography as a design element in their projects. This can be a great way to add a personalized touch to their work.
Editing
All artists should experiment with both traditional and digital art processes to flex their creative muscles. Some people choose to use digital tools for practical reasons – like being able to give Whistler’s Mother a glow-up or create a mind-blowing VR installation – while others choose it because of the flexibility that comes with it.
Understand the basic functions of a graphic editing software application. This includes importing/exporting files, managing layers, and creating thumbnails and rough sketches.
Identify and select appropriate file formats for specific print or web media. This includes raster and bitmap image modes, high/low resolution, RGB and CMYK color, and the use of pixelation vs. continuous tone in black/white and color images.
Understand and apply the basics of typography to design with text. This includes understanding the difference between capitals, lowercase, and small caps. Also, illustrating the differences between font styles and families (such as serif, sans-serif, monospace). It is important to know how to create, adjust, and edit outlines and paths of text.