100 Valuable Tips for Digital Artists

Getting Started

• Choose the Right Software: Experiment with programs like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, Procreate, or Clip Studio Paint to find what works best.

• Understand Your Tools: Take the time to learn about brushes, layers, blend modes, and other tools in your software.

• Invest in Hardware: A good drawing tablet or iPad can significantly impact your digital art journey.

• Customize Your Workspace: For efficiency, adjust your software's layout, keyboard shortcuts, and tablet settings.

• Start with Simple Projects: Begin with basic shapes and colors to get accustomed to your digital canvas.

 

Skill Development

• Practice Daily: Draw daily, even just a quick sketch.

• Draw from Life: Regularly practice life drawing to improve your understanding of form and perspective.

• Understand Color Theory: Study how colors interact and affect each other.

• Learn Composition: Strong compositions can make even simple art stand out.

• Study Anatomy: If you're into character art, anatomy is vital to creating believable figures.

 

Brushwork

• Master Pressure Sensitivity: Practice using your tablet's pressure sensitivity to vary line width and opacity.

• Create Custom Brushes: Tailor brushes to your specific needs or style.

• Keep It Simple: The essential brushes are sometimes the best.

• Learn Hotkeys for Brush Size: Adjusting brush size can speed up your workflow.

• Experiment with Textures: Use textured brushes to add interest to your art.

 

Working with Layers

• Name Your Layers: Keep your layers organized by naming and grouping them.

• Use Masks: Learn to use layer masks to non-destructively hide and reveal parts of your layer.
• 
  
• Understand Blend Modes: Experiment with different blend modes to create various effects.

• Clip Layers for Non-Destructive Edits: Clipping masks apply changes to a single layer.

• Save Layer States: Use layer comps or snapshots to save different states of your artwork.

 

Composition and Design

• Follow the Rule of Thirds: Place points of interest on the intersections of an imagined nine-square grid.

• Balance Your Elements: Make sure your composition is balanced visually.

• Lead the Eye: Use elements in your composition to guide the viewer's eye through the artwork.

• Contrast is Key: Use contrast to make elements stand out.

• Simplify: Be bold and remove elements that don't add to the composition.

 

Color and Lighting

• Use a Limited Palette: Stick to a limited color palette to create a more harmonious piece.

• Study Light Sources: Understand how light interacts with objects to make your art more realistic.

• Use Highlights and Shadows: They can add depth and dimension to your art.

• Harmonize Your Shadows: Keep your shadows consistent in color and temperature.

• Think in Layers: Build up your colors and tones in layers for more control.

 

Detailing and Texturing

• Don't Overdo Details: Focus on areas where detail will enhance the artwork.

• Textures Can Add Realism: Subtle texturing can make surfaces feel more tangible.

• Use Reference Images: Refer to real-life textures to understand their appearance and behavior.

• Work from General to Specific: Start with large forms and work your way to the details.

• Know When to Stop: Sometimes less is more; don't overwork your piece.

 

Workflow Efficiency

• Keyboard Shortcuts: Memorize keyboard shortcuts to speed up your work.

• Keep a Clean Workspace: A tidy workspace can improve focus and efficiency.

• Use Actions for Repetitive Tasks: Automate repetitive tasks in software like Photoshop with actions.

• Stay Organized: Keep your files and folders organized.

• Backup Your Work: Always keep backups of your digital files.

 

Experimenting and Learning

• Try New Techniques: Don't hesitate to leave your comfort zone.

• Study Other Artists: Learn by observing the work of artists you admire.

• Participate in Challenges: Engage in art challenges to push your skills.

• Keep a Sketchbook: A digital or traditional sketchbook can be a great place to jot down ideas.

• Review and Critique Your Work: Evaluate what works and what doesn't in your art.

 

Health and Wellbeing

• Take Regular Breaks: Prevent burnout and repetitive strain injuries by taking breaks.

• Practice Good Posture: Maintain a healthy posture while working to avoid back and neck pain.

• Protect Your Eyes: Take steps to reduce eye strain, like using a blue light filter or following the 20-20-20 rule.

• Stay Inspired: Keep your creative juices flowing by seeking inspiration outside of digital art.

• Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthily: Good health can improve art productivity.

 

Networking and Community

• Join Online Forums: Engage with digital art communities on DeviantArt, ArtStation, or Reddit platforms.

• Social Media Presence: Share your work on social media to build an audience.

• Attend Workshops and Webinars: Take advantage of learning opportunities.

• Collaborate with Others: Collaborations can open up new thinking and creation methods.

• Accept Constructive Criticism: Use feedback to improve your art.

 

Marketing and Career

• Create a Portfolio: Build a professional-looking portfolio to showcase your best work.

• Understand Your Audience: Know who you're creating your art for.

• Freelancing Platforms: Use platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to find freelance opportunities.

• Sell Your Art: Consider selling prints or digital downloads of your artwork.

• Brand Yourself: Develop a unique brand identity for your art business.

 

Advanced Techniques

• 3D Modeling: Incorporate 3D modeling into your workflow for complex compositions.

• Animation Basics: Learn the basics of animation to bring your art to life.

• Incorporate Mixed Media: Incorporate traditional media textures into your digital work.

• Learn Vector Art: Explore the possibilities of vector art with software like Adobe Illustrator.

• Understand Typography: Good typography can make a massive difference if your work includes text.

 

Staying Current

• Follow Industry Trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in digital art.

• Upgrade Your Software Regularly: Keep your software updated to take advantage of the latest features.

• Adapt to New Technologies: Be open to learning about new tools and technologies that can enhance your art.

• Attend Industry Events: Conferences and trade shows can be great for inspiration and networking.

• Subscribe to Art Magazines/Blogs: Learn from industry publications.

 

Time Management

• Set Realistic Deadlines: Give yourself enough time to complete projects.

• Break Down Large Projects: Tackle big projects into smaller, manageable chunks.

• Use Time-Tracking Apps: Track how long you spend on your art

• Prioritize Tasks: Know what needs your attention first and allocate your time accordingly.

• Avoid Multitasking: Focus on one thing at a time for better results.

 

Mental Approach

• Embrace Mistakes: They're opportunities to learn and grow.

• Maintain a Positive Mindset: A positive attitude can keep you motivated.

• Set Personal Goals: Having goals can direct your learning and improvement.

• Be Patient: Progress and skill development take time.

• Find Your Niche: Specializing can help you stand out in a crowded field.

 

Legal Awareness

• Understand Copyright Laws: Know the legal aspects of using and creating digital art.

• License Your Work: Be aware of different licensing options for your art.

• Watermark Your Art: Protect your art from being used without permission.

• Read Contracts Thoroughly: Understand the terms before agreeing to any contract.

• Consider Copyright Registration: For added protection of your work.

 

Presentation

• Display Your Art Professionally: Present your art in a clean, professional manner online.

• Use Mockups: Show your art in real-world scenarios using mockups.

• Develop a Signature Style: A recognizable style can make your work more memorable.

• Create a Good 'About' Page: Help people understand you and your art on your website or portfolio.

• Get Good at Storytelling: Explaining your work can add value to it.

 

Continual Learning

• Take Online Courses: There are numerous online platforms with courses tailored to digital artists.

• Read Books: There are many excellent books on digital painting, anatomy, color theory, and more.

• Attend Workshops/Classes: Live instruction can offer valuable hands-on experience.

• Watch Tutorials: Video tutorials can provide step-by-step guidance on specific techniques.

• Stay Curious: Always look for new things to learn.

 

Tech Savviness

• Regular Software Updates: Stay secure and efficient with the latest updates.

• Learn Shortcuts and Scripts: Speed up your workflow with automation and shortcuts.

• Optimize Your Files: Learn to manage file sizes for better performance.

• Keep Hardware Updated: Ensure your Hardware can handle your software needs.

• Backup Your Work Regularly: Protect against data loss with regular backups to the cloud or external drives.