Digital Arts

What Is Digital Art?

Digital art refers to art in the online and multimedia spaces. This can include things like designing character graphics for video games, developing animated videos for company advertising, creating 3-D animation for feature films, and even enhancing photographs for publication using Photoshop or other software. It is an incredibly broad category with many different possibilities.

While digital art is largely done as the name suggests–digitally–is can also be used to mimic a variety of more traditional art forms. For example, simple line sketches for a children’s book may be enhanced using digital software or a sculpture may be designed digitally and brought to life using a 3-D printer.

No matter the area of digital art, professionals will need to have more than just artistic vision at their disposal; they also need to master the technical aspects of creating digital art, namely the computer software that makes it possible. After all, just as painters require paint and sculptors require clay, digital artists require the software tools to bring their ideas to life.

What Does a Digital Artist Do?

Digital artists can work in a variety of functions. One of the most common careers in digital art is working in the field of entertainment. Animated motion pictures, video games, and even mobile apps all require the skills of digital artists to make stories come alive.

On the other hand, digital art can serve practical purposes, as well. Companies may publish explanation videos or illustrative instructions to help their customers understand how to use their products, like a furniture company whose products require assembly. A digital artist will likely be on the team responsible for bringing these creative works to fruition. Digital artists can also create visual imagery for company websites, helping them to stand out from their competitors.

Even more traditional print media uses digital art. For example, fashion magazines require retouching of their photos to make them look immaculate, and college textbook publishers need infographics to help clarify their content.