Any art history student would tell you that art forms have always borrowed ideas and inspiration from their time and environment to evolve. From illustrations of patron saints and gods in the Middle Ages to the trending Non-Fungible Token (NFTs) images in 2022, art creation has changed dramatically.
Industrialisation and technological development have also revolutionised the way art is created and shared across the world. Today, art has moved on from easels and canvases to digital screens and design software.
This blog delves into the impact of technology on the art world and the rise of digital art. You can also explore some of the most popular tech tools and software that can help you with art creation as a digital artist.
How has digital technology changed the art world?
Art critics once assumed that digitisation could threaten the existence of the art industry. On the contrary, there have been several positive effects of technology on art creation globally.
Here are some ways in which digital technology has impacted the principles of art in the modern world.
- Tech is making art institutions more efficient: Many art and auction houses state that technology has helped them become more efficient in managing their operations. Digital resources like the internet and online advertising have helped them move art pieces faster and generate a buzz around them.
- It has made it possible to access art by breaking down geographical constraints: Digital technology has made viewing, owning and appreciating art accessible for more people. With digital prints and art being substantially cheaper and available across the world, the art world is now accessible to anyone with a smartphone or working internet.
- Tech has introduced new audiences to the art world: Art creation today draws heavily from pop-culture references and current affairs. As a result, more young people can relate to pieces of work and are interested in investing in art. This is a huge divergence from earlier times when art was seen as a status symbol for the rich.
How has digital technology changed art creation in 2022?
Digital technologies have become the backbone for creating tangible pieces of art today. 3D images, virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence and computer graphic techniques are enabling modern artists to make their own interpretation of art forms and push beyond the barriers of the art world.
Technology has also impacted other aspects of art creation and distribution. For instance, art pieces were once the monopoly of established auction houses which restricted their access to the common public.
With the rise of social media and illustration apps like Pinterest, digital prints of classics are popping up everywhere. Online stores and e-commerce websites are selling art prints and merchandise by thousands of artists which is also encouraging new people to make a career as full-time artists.
What are the latest tech tools that can help you create digital art?
If you are an aspiring digital artist, there is an arsenal of technological tools and software that can help you create digital art. It all boils down to what you want to create—different digital art forms like textual images, manga drawing, and comic illustrations have specific tools dedicated to them.
You can also find a lot of diversity when it comes to the price of the design tools from free open-source options to professional tools with premium prices. Here is our selection of some of the most popular technology art and illustration software available in 2022.
- Adobe Photoshop: Adobe Photoshop has become the industry standard when it comes to digital art creation, so much so that photoshop has now become a verb! If you are an aspiring digital artist, you will likely be expected to know your way around the programme. You can use Photoshop on a wide range of devices and utilise an impressive library of plug-ins for extra features.
- Affinity Photo: Affinity Photo may be the best alternative to Photoshop, especially if you don’t want a costly monthly subscription. It is on par with Photoshop when it comes to design elements and features and even allows you to work on more than 100-megapixel images.
- Corel Painter 2022: Corel Painter is good graphic design software for digital artists. It allows you to make your work seem as ‘real’ as possible. The new version has overcome a previous problem of taxing computer hardware and can now run on any system.
- Rebelle 4: If you are into digital paintings, you can create art seamlessly with Rebelle 4. The software mimics the way paint behaves in the real world and allows you to create realistic digital paintings. You get access to more than 170 brush presets and an array of impasto and watercolour effects.
- Procreate: Procreate is an impressive digital art tool for iPad users. It is packed with plenty of tools and plug-ins which makes it easy to create art. Its numerous features include typography tools, masks and blend modes, and over 130 customisable brush presets.
Other trending digital art tools include Krita, TwistedBrush Pro Studio, Medibang Paint Pro, Paintstorm Studio, and Black Ink. Some more alternatives include Clip Studio Paint Pro, ArtWeaver 7, and ArtRage 6.
While art foundation courses in London are popular choices among aspiring artists, a well-designed graphic design programme is the best way to gain mastery over these tools. You will learn about different aspects of digital art creation such as typography, colour wheel, and design elements and how to utilise them for digital storytelling through your artwork.
The London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA) offers a great BA (Hons) Graphic Design programme that can provide you with a solid foundation for art and creative technology. The course gives you access to top-of-the-range art software, design studios, and industry connections.
This graphic design degree is awarded by the prestigious University for the Creative Arts. The course will also help you learn how to convey specific ideas through art and design and build a successful career within the creative industry.
Click here to apply for this graphic designing programme at LCCA today.