How to make digital art: a step-by-step guide

The colorful world of digital art is as vibrant as ever, and digital artistry offers endless possibilities for creative expression. So, how can you bring your vision to life on a blank digital canvas? With the right tools and techniques, of course. 

Our comprehensive guide will examine everything you need to start your digital art journey. We'll explore the basics of how to make digital art, including the essential hardware, software, and accessories that will set you up for success. You’ll learn the detailed steps to mastering and making digital art, from the basics to experimenting with styles.

Plus, we'll introduce you to Gelato, a fantastic platform on which you can transform your digital masterpieces into custom products and sell them worldwide.

• Digital art combines creativity with technology, unlocking endless possibilities for artists to express their vision.

• Essential tools for creating digital art include suitable hardware, software, and additional accessories to enhance the artistic process.

• A five-step approach to mastering digital art encompasses learning digital tools and techniques, experimenting with new styles, saving and optimizing work, and transforming art into custom products.

• Software options, like Procreate and Adobe Photoshop, offer unique features to refine digital drawing skills.

• Platforms like Gelato enable artists to convert their digital creations into marketable products such as posters, calendars, and photo books, expanding their reach worldwide.

Digital art is creating artwork using computers and digital tools instead of traditional materials like paint and paper. Artists use devices such as computers, tablets, and special software to design their pieces. It includes different types like digital painting, 3D modeling, and photo editing. This form of art allows creators to explore new ideas and easily share their work online with people around the world.

Gelato offers an exciting opportunity for artists to sell custom products globally. Imagine seeing your art on stunning calendars or beautifully crafted photo books that tell a story through your digital creations. Bring life to spaces with unique wall art. 

Let's explore the essential tools and equipment needed to get you started with creating digital art. 

Hardware

A reliable computer with a fast processor and ample RAM ensures smooth performance when running demanding art software. A high-resolution monitor helps capture fine details and accurate colors. Many artists prefer a graphics tablet or pen display for a more natural drawing experience, mimicking traditional tools. Tablets like Wacom or iPad Pro offer precision and flexibility.

Software

Popular programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Corel Painter cater to various artistic styles. For free alternatives, consider Krita or GIMP, which offer robust features without the price tag. Procreate is a favorite for iPad users, while Blender is perfect for 3D modeling and animation. 

Additional accessories

A pressure-sensitive stylus, like Apple Pencil or Wacom Pen, allows for precise control and varied stroke styles. Color-accurate monitors or calibration tools ensure your work looks its best across devices. Ergonomic accessories, such as an adjustable stand or wrist support, help reduce strain during extended sessions. If you work with mixed media, a scanner can digitize hand-drawn sketches. 

Now that you know what you need to create digital art, follow these steps to start drawing digitally in five steps to turn your ideas into beautiful digital masterpieces.

1. Learn the basics of digital art tools

Starting with digital art can feel overwhelming, but understanding the tools makes the process much smoother. Here's how to get started:

• Choose the right software: Begin with user-friendly programs like Procreate, Photoshop, or Krita. Each offers a range of tools and features tailored to digital artists. 

• Understand hardware basics: Invest in a quality drawing tablet or stylus to improve precision. Get comfortable with features like pressure sensitivity and customizable buttons for a smoother workflow.

• Learn the interface: Familiarize yourself with menus, layers, and tools available in your chosen software. Follow tutorials or video guides to speed up the learning process.

• Experiment with brushes: Try brushes that mimic traditional tools like pencils, inks, and paints. Adjust brush settings to see how they affect texture and flow.

2. Master essential techniques for digital drawing

Creating polished digital art requires mastery of core techniques. From layering to blending, the methods below form the backbone of professional-looking pieces for drawing digitally: 

• Focus on layering: Use layers to separate different aspects of your artwork, such as sketching and coloring. This makes editing easier and allows you to experiment without altering the base image.

• Learn to blend effectively: Use soft brushes, gradients, or smudging tools for smooth color transitions. Blending techniques can help create depth and realism in your digital work.

• Practice linework: Develop clean and consistent lines by experimenting with pen pressure and brush settings. Linework adds definition and sharpness to your art, making it stand out.

• Explore masking: Masks let you hide or reveal parts of your artwork non-destructively. They’re great for making reversible edits and keeping your workflow flexible.

3. Experiment with different styles and concepts

Exploring different styles and concepts enhances your portfolio and sharpens your versatility as a digital artist. Here are some ways to experiment with different styles:

• Try various art styles: Experiment with styles like realism, abstract, or anime to see what resonates with you. Adapting to different styles also enhances your ability to take on diverse projects.

• Create concept sketches: Use quick thumbnail sketches to map out ideas and compositions. Concept sketches help refine your thoughts and streamline the creation process.

• Play with color palettes: Experiment with vibrant, muted, or contrasting colors to evoke different moods. Online tools like Coolors can help you generate unique color combinations.

• Incorporate textures: Use textured brushes or overlays to add dimension and detail to your work. Textures can make your digital art feel more tactile and engaging.

4. Save, export, and optimize your digital artwork

Knowing how to save, export, and optimize is crucial for showcasing or printing your work. Here are some tips to help you with these processes:

• Save frequently: Use file formats like PSD or .clip to retain layers and editable elements. Enable autosave features or manually save your progress to avoid accidental losses.

• Export in the right format: Use PNG for high-quality visuals and JPEG for web-friendly files. For printed materials, consider exporting as PDFs with appropriate settings.

• Optimize resolution: Maintain at least 300 DPI for prints and 72 DPI for web displays. A proper resolution ensures your artwork looks professional and crisp in any format.

• Resize thoughtfully: Use scaling tools to adjust the size of your images without losing quality. Always save a copy of your original file before resizing.

5. Turn your digital art into custom products

Transforming digital art into tangible products is an exciting way to showcase your work and even monetize your creativity. Here's how you can do this:

• Choose a product type: Decide whether you want to create prints, stickers, apparel, or home decor. Tailor your designs to fit the dimensions and purpose of each product.

• Partner with print on demand services: Platforms like Gelato allow you to design and sell without upfront costs. We handle production and shipping, so you can focus on creating.

• Prepare print-ready files: Check specifications like DPI, file format, and bleed areas for your chosen product. Proper preparation ensures your designs are produced at the highest quality.

• Promote your creations: Share your products on social media or build an online store. Strong visuals and engaging posts can attract customers and grow your audience.

With Gelato's design maker, transforming your digital art into finished products is smooth and fun. Gelato offers a versatile platform to bring your creative ideas to life. Explore our easy-to-use tools and start designing high-quality, print-ready files that are perfect for any custom product.

Lastly, let's discuss the popular platforms to help create stunning artwork that can revolutionize your digital art journey.

Procreate

Procreate is a highly popular digital drawing app tailored for iPad users. Known for its intuitive interface and professional-grade tools, it caters to both beginners and experienced artists. It offers a wide range of brushes, color options, and layering capabilities, making it ideal for creating detailed artwork. When paired with the Apple Pencil, the app supports pressure sensitivity for natural strokes. 

Adobe Photoshop

This tool's robust features include advanced brush customization, blending modes, and layer controls, enabling artists to create intricate and professional-level artwork. Photoshop excels in versatility, offering drawing, photo editing, and graphic design tools. Its compatibility with drawing tablets enhances precision, making it a favorite among digital illustrators. 

Clip Studio Paint

This offers an impressive range of brushes, vector tools, and 3D models to aid in creating professional-quality artwork. Its comic and manga creation focus includes tools for panel layout, speech bubbles, and screen tones. The software supports both raster and vector layers, giving artists greater control and flexibility. It’s compatible with tablets and styluses, ensuring a natural drawing experience. 

Krita

Designed for illustrators, concept artists, and animators, Krita offers customizable brushes, powerful blending modes, and advanced layer management. Its user-friendly interface and dedicated workspace make it accessible for beginners and professionals alike. Krita supports tablet pressure sensitivity, ensuring smooth and dynamic strokes.

Corel Painter

Corel Painter is renowned for its realistic brush and texture simulation, making it ideal for traditional artists transitioning to digital media. It features a vast library of brushes mimicking oil, watercolor, and acrylic, providing a tactile painting experience. Corel Painter’s advanced color-mixing tools and layer capabilities empower artists to create intricate, lifelike artworks. 

ArtRage

ArtRage is a digital painting software designed to replicate traditional art tools. Its standout feature is the realistic simulation of paints and textures, such as oil, watercolor, and canvas grain. ArtRage offers an intuitive interface, making it approachable for beginners while still catering to experienced artists. The software supports layering, blending, and tablet pressure sensitivity for precise brushwork.

Autodesk SketchBook

This offers a clean and distraction-free interface, allowing artists to focus entirely on their work. The app features an extensive brush library, customizable tools, and blending options. SketchBook supports pressure-sensitive devices, providing a natural drawing experience. Its intuitive design makes it suitable for quick sketches and detailed illustrations alike.

You've discovered the dynamic world of digital art, understanding the essential tools, techniques, and creative steps to bring your visions to life. Now, it's time to take your digital masterpieces from screen to reality with Gelato. 

As a platform designed for artists, Gelato offers print on demand solutions that effortlessly transform your digital art into custom products like custom art prints, calendars, photo books, and more. With over 140 production partners in 34 countries, Gelato ensures your artwork reaches a global audience. 

Imagine your digital designs adorning a beautifully crafted wall art piece or cherished in personalized photo books. Gelato simplifies the production process and creates a smooth pathway for artists to monetize their art creations without worrying about upfront costs or logistics. 

Ready to showcase your digital art to the world? Sign up for Gelato and let your creativity print, produce, and prosper.

What is the best drawing app for digital art?

The best drawing app depends on your needs and your device. Procreate offers an intuitive interface and professional-grade tools for iPad users. Adobe Photoshop is versatile for detailed illustrations and design. Clip Studio Paint shines for comic artists. 

How do I make my own digital art?

To create digital art, start with a drawing tablet or touchscreen device. Choose beginner-friendly software like Procreate, Krita, or Autodesk SketchBook. Learn basic tools, brushes, and layering techniques through online tutorials. Sketch your ideas, refine lines, and add colors. 

Can a beginner do digital art?

Yes, beginners can start digital art with the right tools and practice. Use beginner-friendly apps like Procreate or Krita and invest in a drawing tablet for a natural experience. Start with simple sketches and explore tutorials to learn basics like layering and shading in a few seconds. 

Can I make digital art on Canva?

Yes, Canva allows you to create digital art using its drag-and-drop interface and design tools. While it’s more suited for graphic design than freehand drawing, its templates, elements, and customizable features are great for beginners or those creating stylized visuals.