
Digital and New Media Art Basics of digital illustration Digital illustration is a form of art created using digital tools and software, rather than traditional hand-drawn techniques. It's a key part of digital and new media art, and can be used for a variety of purposes, from commercial work (like advertising and graphic design) to fine art. Here’s an overview of the basics of digital illustration: 1. Tools and Software: To create digital illustrations, you'll need a few essential tools: Hardware: A computer or tablet (often with a stylus/pen) is essential. Many illustrators use graphic tablets (like Wacom or Huion) or tablet computers (like the iPad Pro). Software: Popular digital illustration programs include: Adobe Photoshop: Industry standard for photo editing and illustration. Adobe Illustrator: Vector-based software, ideal for creating scalable designs. Corel Painter: Known for simulating traditional painting techniques. Procreate: A popular app for iPad, designed for illustrators and artists. Krita: A free, open-source program popular with digital painters. 2. Basic Techniques: Layering: Digital illustration relies heavily on layers. Each element of your artwork (background, characters, shading, etc.) is placed on a separate layer. This allows you to work on specific parts of your illustration without disturbing other parts. Brushes:
Updated July 15, 2026
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