What is Digital Art?

Digital Art can be seen everywhere, and is part and parcel of the creation of many things we see around us; Animation, Media Advertisements, Movies, Furniture and Props, etc. It is part of the production pipeline for our favourite shows and films like Moana, Your Name, Spiderman and more!

So what is digital art?

Digital art is made using software, computers, or other electronic devices. Anything produced or made on digital media, such as animations, illustrations, videos, digital paintings, and such is a form of digital art.

 

The ease of publishing, sharing, and selling digital art has made many new jobs and careers available for digital artists all around the world.

Some careers that use digital art include:

  • 2D animation/design
  • 3D animation/design
  • Gaming animation
  • Character animation
  • Facial animation
  • Video animation
  • Digital drawing
  • Art restoration
  • Graphic design

Have a look at some of the things that are created with digital art:

Japanese Animation - Your Name
Disney film - Moana
Environment Concept Art by Pat Presley
Character Design by Scott Flanders

Digital Art is also a great form of art that portfolio students may explore, especially those looking to venture into the field of Animation, Game Design, Visual Communications and more. It can be used for creative works that students looking to apply for SOTA, or specialised works for those looking to apply for a Diploma or Degree in the arts.

 

Should I learn Digital Art?

Digital Art is suitable for for learners with all levels of experience, it is never too early or too late to start learning digital art! Of course, it will naturally be easier for those with prior traditional art experience such as sketching and painting but it will not be a deterrence.

In a way, digital art is actually easier than traditional sketching and painting! Digital softwares allows users to undo their mistakes and create multiple layers that allows for more room for adjustments. The availability of adjustment layers provides more opportunities to create more vibrant and striking effects that would be harder to achieve in traditional mediums.

Starting out on a Digital Art journey actually costs less than traditional art in a long run. If you are on a budget, why not consider digital art? All you need is a stylus, drawing tablet and a software, and you are good to go! These tools can be purchased with less than $500 and used for years to come.

 

The tools usually comes in such combinations:

A) Laptop/Desktop + Drawing tablet/Display screen and stylus

B) Ipad + Apple Pen*

You do not need to get the most expensive tablet right off the bat. There are cheaper options and brands available that works just as well. Here are some things that you should take note of when getting the tools:

  • Controls: Each tablet and stylus have different functional layouts. Choose where you’d like your buttons and controls for your best workflow.
  • Pressure sensitivity: Tablets vary when it comes to pressure sensitivity and stroke lines. The higher your tablet’s pressure level (2048) is, the better it will be for creating lines with the thickness you prefer.

* The original Apple Pen comes with pen pressure, which is not available in many alternative Ipad styluses. Even if the alternative stylus does come with pen pressure, it might not necessarily work with your drawing software. Hence, it is the safest to use the original Apple Pen that is compatible with your Ipad!

  • Screen size: The more space you have, the more a premium it is. Don’t skip on surface area just to save a few dollars.
  • Battery life: It’s never ideal to be bogged down by having to work while charging your devices. Make sure your stylus and tablet can last.
  • Ergonomics: With your device in your hands for long periods of time, it’s wise to have a tablet that doesn’t hurt your eyes, back, or neck.
  • Add-ons: What else comes with your purchase? Some products offer free screen protectors and tools for your trade.
  • Simplicity: Find out what the learning curve is for the operating system, its tools, etc. If you’re not so tech-savvy, avoid a complicated tablet.

 

Drawing tablets that come with a plug-in wire is generally cheaper than display screens and Ipads, however, there are additional things that would require some considerations:

  • Processing power
  • Memory
  • Graphics card

These factors affect how smoothly your drawing application will run, and how big of a file size you can work with. For big projects, it is recommended to work on computers as it allows for more layers to be created and for you to work with larger canvas sizes within the software itself.

Digital art offers creatives multiple roads to embark on in their hobby and career. From knowing how to make animation and cartoons to character art and patterning, any and more are possible just by learning a few courses and programs. The return on the investment of your time will carry over for years, possibly even a lifetime. By embarking on a worthwhile endeavour today, in the future you will be educated and ready for whatever comes next in your life with art.

Considering to learn Digital Art and Painting?

Visual Arts Centre is offering a 3 days workshop for students aged 10 to 18 from 14th March to 16th March, during the upcoming March Holidays. Join the Introduction to Digital Painting Holiday Workshop to find out more about the basics of digital painting, and how to create your own characters as well as environment! We will be completing a key frame painting at the end of the workshop, with your very own character and environment design with tells your curated story!

Art materials, tools and softwares are not provided for this workshop, please come with your own devices and softwares and get ready to start painting!

Date/Time: 14th – 16th March 2022, 10am-1.30pm

Location: Visual Arts Centre Dhoby Ghaut Studio

Workshop Fees: $380nett/pax (excluding art tools and softwares)

Foundation In Digital Art

Embark on a captivating journey into the vibrant world of digital art! Our Foundation in Digital Art workshop invites budding creatives aged nine and above to unleash their imagination and hone their artistic skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. From mastering basic digital tools to crafting mesmerizing digital masterpieces, children will explore a spectrum of techniques guided by seasoned mentors. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, participants will discover the endless possibilities of digital expression while fostering creativity and critical thinking. Join us for an exhilarating adventure where young artists transform ideas into stunning visual realities, igniting a passion for digital art

Colour & Texture Exploration With Acrylic Painting & Collage

Prepare to unleash your inner artist in a kaleidoscope of color and creativity with ‘Colour Blast: Acrylic Painting & Collage Techniques’! Dive into a whirlwind adventure where vibrant hues and mesmerizing textures collide in a symphony of imagination. From mastering the art of seamless color blending to discovering the magic of mixed media collage, this journey is a playground for your artistic soul. With each brushstroke, explore new techniques that breathe life into your canvas, transforming it into a vibrant tapestry of expression. Join us and let your creativity run wild as you embark on this colorful escapade!”

World of Manga [Foundation & Styling]

A manga art workshop for children and teenagers sounds like a fantastic idea! Here’s how you might structure it:
Introduction to Manga: Begin by introducing what manga is, its history, and its influence on popular culture worldwide. Show examples of different manga styles and genres to give participants an overview.
Basic Drawing Techniques: Start with the fundamentals of drawing, such as line work, shapes, and proportions. Provide step-by-step instructions on how to draw basic manga characters, focusing on simple shapes that can be built upon.
Character Design: Move on to character design concepts, including creating unique characters, designing their personalities, and developing backstories. Encourage participants to get creative and think outside the box.
Expression and Emotion: Teach how to convey emotions and expressions through facial expressions, body language, and positioning of characters. This can be a fun and interactive exercise where participants practice drawing various emotions.
Storytelling and Paneling: Explore the basics of storytelling in manga, including paneling techniques, pacing, and layout. Show examples of different panel structures and discuss how they affect the flow of the story.
Inking and Coloring: Introduce participants to inking techniques using pens or markers. You can also cover digital inking for those interested. Then, demonstrate basic coloring techniques using markers, colored pencils, or digital software.
Feedback and Collaboration: Provide opportunities for participants to share their work and receive feedback from their peers and instructors. Encourage collaboration by having them work together on short manga projects or collaborative drawings.
Final Showcase: End the workshop with a showcase of participants’ work. This could be in the form of an exhibition, digital gallery, or printed booklet. Celebrate everyone’s creativity and progress throughout the workshop.
Remember to create a supportive and encouraging environment where participants feel free to express themselves and explore their creativity. And don’t forget to have fun! Manga is all about imagination and passion, so let that spirit shine through in your workshop.

Academy Drawing Traditions

The academy drawing and sketching tradition, rooted in centuries of artistic practice, emphasizes disciplined study of form, proportion, and technique. Originating from Renaissance workshops and formalized by institutions like the Royal Academy, it prioritizes meticulous observation and mastery of fundamental skills. Students progress from basic exercises to complex compositions, learning to depict still life and common objects with precision and expression. This tradition values both classical principles and innovation, encouraging artists to push boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. Through rigorous training and critique, artists within this tradition cultivate a strong foundation for creative exploration and artistic excellence.

Chinese Ink Painting and Calligraphy

This course on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy introduces young learners to the rich traditions of Chinese art. Through hands-on activities, students explore the basics of brush techniques, ink control, and the delicate art of Chinese script. They learn to appreciate the cultural significance of calligraphy and painting, developing skills in creating elegant strokes and expressive brushwork. The course fosters creativity, patience, and fine motor skills, while also providing insights into Chinese history and aesthetics. By the end, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and a deeper understanding of Chinese cultural heritage.

Funk with Graffiti

Funk With Graffiti Workshop for children is an engaging and creative program aimed at introducing young artists to the vibrant world of graffiti and funk-inspired street style art. Participants learn the basics of graffiti history, techniques, and safety. Guided by professional graffiti artists, children explore the art of designing their unique tags, emphasizing creativity, expression, and individuality. The workshop includes hands-on activities, from sketching concepts to creating final designs with spray paint on provided surfaces. By the end of the session, children gain confidence in their artistic abilities and an appreciation for graffiti and funk as legitimate forms of street art. Each child completes two original artworks, which they proudly take home, showcasing their newfound skills and personal style.

Batik Tales

In the Batik Introduction Handkerchief Painting workshop, participants will learn the traditional art of batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique originating from Indonesia. The workshop begins with a brief history and overview of batik, highlighting its cultural significance and various techniques. Participants will then observe a demonstration of applying wax with tjanting tools and dyeing the fabric. Following the demonstration, each participant will design and create their own batik handkerchief, applying wax to create patterns and then dyeing their fabric. The workshop concludes with a group discussion, allowing participants to share their creations and reflect on their learning experience.