An Introduction to Digital Art Essentials and Basics!

So what are the digital art essentials? We need to look at a few things that will need to consider as these are some of the common concerns that you need to know about 2d digital art.

In this world of new media, it is not common for beginners to get lost simply because there is just too much to learn.

To give you better directions, I will give a general description of what you need to get started. As well, we will explore these learning curves in depth as to not to overwhelm you.

As a budding 2d digital artist, aside from basic drawing abilities, you need:

• Tools that will help you transfer your drawings on the computer
• Art programs as a medium between your tools and your imagination
• The specifics of drawing that you will need to know
• Techniques that will help you compose everything you’ve learned

1. You need a physical drawing tool

The two most common tools to use is either the mouse or a digital stylus. Well, a mouse is self explanatory. A stylus, on the other hand:

• Looks like a plastic pencil with a plastic writing tip
• Usually is connected to an electronic drawing pad
• Is activated within a certain distance above the drawing pad
• Simulates a pencil and sketch pad
• Gives far more control than a mouse

Generally speaking, the stylus is the superior tool that most digital painters use for digital art essentials. Obviously, you can still use a mouse! But I strongly suggest you get a stylus.

2. Finding the right 2d graphics program

What’s next is the program that you will need to make everything work digitally. There are a few concerns regarding which is the best.

Through my experience in 2d digital art essentials, I have recommended the top four programs, each has their strengths and weaknesses, that fit most beginning artists and their needs:

• Adobe Photoshop
• GIMP
• Corel Painter
• Paint Shop Pro

Certainly, you are free to use any programs to suite your needs. However, these four programs have created a standard in the world of 2d digital artworks.

They each have their advantages and disadvantages which I will go in detail later.

Even though you are using an art program, don’t depend on them! That is the mistake that most beginners do. You have to remember that you are the artist and not the program. It is just a tool for you!

3. Digital art essentials for techniques

Throughout the building of the site, I will teach you brush techniques that will turn those scribbles and shapes into controlled brush strokes.

There are always strategies you can use.

For example, even the direction of the brush can alter how the leaves on a tree flow in your digital painting! What about For starters, which do you draw first: the leaves or the trunk? How would create depth in a world of greenery? Well, I will definitely teach you these tricks and strategies!

4. Putting it all together

When you build upon the basic techniques, I will show you how you can use them to compose the general image.

Composition is important. You can use everything that you’ve learned to do realistically and apply it to different types of styles and different planning methods such as thumbnail sketches.

But you need to keep in mind that you have to learn it properly through realistic drawing and painting lessons throughout the site!

Furthermore, you can use what you learn and apply it to another level of 2d painting called vector images. Unlike raster images, vector has more freedom in terms of manipulation, color, and sizing as they rely heavily on mathematical equations of shapes rather than fixed pixels.

Sounds confusing? Don’t be. You probably won’t use vector until much later in your learning.

One thing to keep in mind is that you need motivation! Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is activating that hidden talent that is within you!

Always be motivated you will learn a lot!

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Return from Digital Art Essentials to the 2d Digital Art Guide.