Digital

I’ll admit it. I used to hate digital art.

That’s not real art! Real art is messing up and then trying to work that mistake into your piece. These digital artists are taking the easy way out with their control-z function and their ability to crop and scale things with the tap of a key.

But here I am now, a drawing tablet always attached to my computer, ready for the stylus to create illustrations at a moments notice.

So what’s good about digital art? And what are some of the drawbacks?

These are some of the nice things about digital art that turned me into a fan:

• It offers the widest range of colors possible, from the most vibrant neon colors to the subtlest shades of grey. Plus, the colors don’t get muddy (unless you want them to) and there’s no drying time!

• You can use layers in your art so that sketches can easily be erased after you finalize your lines. Layers also work great in adding small details, slowly increasing values, and creating dimension in your art!

• Creating art digitally means that you can share your work with others, allowing for greater collaboration with people all around the world.

• You don’t run out of paints or paper or any other supplies (except maybe your electronics’ batteries). Also, you don’t have to worry about cleaning up!

• Unlike traditional art, digital art gives you the option of transparency, such as with transparent backgrounds.

• Some apps give you a timelapse video of your entire drawing process, and it’s really fun to watch!

• And yes, the undo button. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching your mistakes fade away.

Of course, as with anything, there are some drawbacks:

• You don’t get the same feel of the pencil against the paper or the brush against the canvas (although they do sell some screen protectors that are supposed to feel like paper).

• The equipment and software can be pricey, depending on which ones you choose to use.

• It’s hard to recreate the texture of paint peaks, pencil strokes, watercolor blends, etc.

• There are increased questions about credibility (did the artist trace/copy someone else’s work?).

If you are an anti-digital artist like I once was, I encourage you to just try it. You never know, maybe it’ll become your new favorite medium.