Digital Art IS Art!

Many people say that digital art is not “real” art because they think all you do is “type in some stuff and art comes out” or they think “you’re not really using real tools to make it”. Many people think it’s effortless to make a piece of art digitally, and while some aspects make things easier it is by no means like an art vending machine where you press a button and art comes out. Maybe I can change a few minds with this post.

Let me first ask, is it really so bad if digital art makes things a bit easier for people? Digital art is cost-effective - Traditional artists spend a lot of money on supplies like paint, charcoal, canvases and more but digital artists only have to pay once for their tablet and art program. A piece of art isn’t ruined if you make a mistake, they can hit a button to redo your stroke. A painter has to paint their scene in a particular order to layer the paint correctly, but a digital artist can simply paint under their first layer if they choose. It makes art less stressful and more progressive.

Don’t think I’m saying digital art demands no effort, however! Obviously a creative process is still involved, a creative mind is still needed to make art. Like with any other art form, the artist needs to be familiar with their art form to make better art. Like learning how to oil paint, they need to know how to use your art program. If they can’t draw, that still translates onto the computer screen. They need to know what is aesthetically pleasing, what colors to choose, how to arrange a piece so it looks its best. You practice that in digital art just as much as in traditional art.

Digital art is still art, because after all it is in the name. Making art on a computer has its perks but it is still an art form and as such is something that requires skill and knowledge. Art is defined by aesthetic appeal, not how it is made. I hope I changed your opinion on this matter or at least made you consider the other side! Let me know what you think in the comments.