Creating digital art that captures the essence of traditional art is like embarking on a thrilling creative adventure. It’s a bit like a time machine that lets you explore the past while harnessing the best of modern technology. So, let’s take a closer look at these eight tips and dive deep into how each one can truly enrich your artistic journey.

1. Get the Right Tools

You should think of your digital tablet and stylus as your trusted companions in this artistic journey, just as an artist’s canvas and brushes have been their faithful allies throughout history.

These tools are not mere gadgets; they’re your magical bridge to the tactile and immersive world of traditional art.

When you apply the pressure sensitivity feature, it’s like you are extending your senses to feel the very texture of the canvas under your brush, even though you are working in a digital realm.

Now, let’s talk about software. Choosing the right software is like finding that perfect art studio – a place where your creativity can flourish.

Imagine Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, or Procreate as your creative sanctuaries, your personal ateliers. They are like the secret ingredients in a chef’s kitchen, except in this case, they’re the digital tools that breathe life into your artistic visions.

With these software choices, you step into a world where every brushstroke can replicate the texture of oil, the flow of watercolor, or the depth of charcoal. It’s almost like having a virtual palette with endless possibilities at your fingertips, and you are the master chef creating a delectable visual feast.

So, remember, your digital tablet and stylus are your loyal artistic sidekicks, and the software you choose is your virtual studio where you can weave the magic of traditional art in a digital realm. With these tools, your creative journey is set to be nothing short of enchanting.

2. Brush It Right

As you dive into the world of digital art, it’s a bit like learning to play an instrument for the first time. Just as a musician practices various scales and techniques to master their instrument, you get to experiment with different types of settings and custom brushes.

For example, if you use Procreate, you can use custom Procreate watercolor brushes to make your digital art more intricate and realistic.

Every brushstroke is a musical note on your canvas. As you gain expertise, you begin to compose your unique artistic symphony, where each stroke adds to the visual melody, evoking emotions and stories within your art.

Whether you are brushing strokes on a canvas or playing notes on an instrument, it’s all about the art of creating, expressing, and invoking emotions through your craft.

Your journey to becoming a brush maestro is a musical one, where your brushes dance to your artistic tunes on the canvas of your choice.

You can also use different software settings to create unique effects. With Opacity and flow settings, you can compose a beautiful symphony of strokes and textures.

3. Take Inspiration from the Masters

Imagine stepping into the realm of traditional art as though you are strolling through the magnificent halls of an art museum. These halls are brimming with history and stories, much like an artist’s journey through time.

In this world, you are not just a spectator; you are a dedicated student, an art enthusiast on a quest to unlock the secrets of the grandmasters and the artistic legends of the past. It’s a bit like having a conversation with the great artists themselves, even though they’re no longer here in person.

As you gaze at their masterpieces, it’s not about copying their work as much as it is about deciphering the hidden tales within their brushstrokes.

Opt for different art periods. For example, you can try exploring Renaissance paintings or any other art period you like. You are trying to uncover the nuances, the textures, and the unique strokes that brought their canvases to life.

These artists, long gone from this world, left their imprints in their work, much like how a great writer’s words continue to resonate through the ages.

Their paintings are like the pages of a visual novel, each stroke telling a story, sharing an emotion, or revealing a piece of their soul.

Your task is to decode their visual language, to understand the magic they wove on canvas, and to let it influence your own artistic journey.

4. Add Dimension with Texture

By adding texture to your digital artwork, you are not just creating an image; you are weaving layers of history into your digital canvas.

Picture this: a traditional artist standing before their canvas, skillfully layering paints, scraping, and experimenting with various techniques to achieve that tactile quality. In your digital realm, you are doing something quite similar but with a digital twist.

You have the power to overlay textures onto your work, and it’s as if you are adding layers of stories to your piece. These textures give your artwork a sense of depth and character, much like a traditional painting might reveal the history of its creation through brushstrokes and layers of paint.

And here’s the exciting part: you are not just limited to what digital textures offer. You can venture into the physical world, much like a treasure hunter collecting gems from nature.

By capturing real textures from the world around you, you are infusing your artwork with the essence of the tangible world.

5. Mix Up Line Thickness and Pressure

Try varying the thickness of your lines in your digital art, as the thickness becomes your way of adding emphasis and depth to your art. You, as an artist, control the pressure you apply with your stylus, orchestrating the natural ebb and flow of traditional brushwork.

You use line thickness to evoke feelings and add dimension to your digital canvas. The thin lines may be your soft, gentle notes, while the thicker lines are like powerful crescendos in your visual composition.

When you are painting with your stylus, you are creating an art form that resonates with emotions and tells a story. It’s not just about lines and strokes; it’s about the art of orchestrating feelings and depth within your artwork.

6. Master the Art of Layering

Working with layers and blending modes in your digital art is similar to being an archaeologist of your own creation, adding layer upon layer, each contributing to the rich history and depth of your artwork, just as a traditional artist would apply layers of paint to their canvas.

In this digital realm, you are not merely painting; you are crafting a visual story. It’s like starting with a blank canvas, and with each new layer, you are painting a chapter in your artistic narrative. Each layer carries its own significance, much like a page in a history book, contributing to the evolving story you are telling.

And then come the blending modes, which are like the magical threads that weave through these layers. The blending modes are the tools that enable you to harmonize or contrast the layers, much like an artist mixing and blending colors to achieve the desired effect.

Your digital canvas is not just a two-dimensional space; it’s a multi-dimensional playground where you sculpt history, depth, and emotion with each layer.

Just as a painter builds the texture of their canvas with each stroke, you are creating a layered, textured history with each layer and blending mode, making your art a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered.

7. Easy on the Digital Effects

With digital effects, it’s about finding that delicate balance, using them sparingly to preserve the authentic essence of your work, much like adding a pinch of magic to enhance the overall experience.

In the realm of digital art, your effects can enhance the visual experience, add drama, or create intrigue. Yet, as an artist, you should aim to enhance your artwork while preserving its authenticity.

It’s all about restraint and balance. You have to use digital effects with finesse and a deep understanding of how they will impact the final creation. Too much, and the subtleties of your art may get lost; too little, and the piece may lack that extra flair.

When working with digital effects, think of them as your complement to the essence of your artwork, not overwhelm it. They should enhance the overall experience, making your creation truly delectable to the eye. The digital effects are the finishing touch that leaves your audience in awe.

8. Bring It to Life

Printing your digital art on high-quality paper or canvas is a bit like turning a dream into reality. It’s the moment when your digital creation transitions from the intangible realm of screens and pixels to a tangible masterpiece.

Imagine for a moment that you’ve spent hours, days, or even weeks crafting a digital artwork. The real magic happens when you decide to print it. When that freshly printed artwork emerges, it’s not just ink on paper; it’s your passion, your imagination, and your hard work given a new lease on life.

The texture of the paper or canvas, the vibrancy of the colors, and the tactile quality of the print add a whole new dimension to your art. You can run your fingers over the textured surface, appreciating the depth and richness that can only be truly felt in a physical form.

And then, there’s the joy of sharing it with others. You can display it proudly on your wall, send it as a gift to a friend, or even offer it for sale to art enthusiasts.

So, printing your digital art isn’t just a mechanical process; it’s a transformation, a celebration of your artistic journey. It’s about turning your digital creation into a piece of history, something that can be cherished, admired, and passed down through generations.

Final Thoughts

Creating digital art with a traditional touch is a captivating journey. It’s about exploring, learning, and letting your unique style shine through your digital creations.

So, embrace this artistic adventure with passion and patience, and make your digital art resonate with the echoes of history and tradition.