by Marc Brunet
Jump straight to: The ULTIMATE GUIDE to Digital Art
Learn everything you need to start digital art, from choosing the right tablet and software to mastering essential tools and techniques. This comprehensive guide covers hardware options, software selection, basic exercises, and key features to help you begin your digital art journey.
Select between pen tablets (budget), pen displays (mid-range), or iPads (premium) based on your budget and preferences
Pen tablets require hand-eye adjustment but are affordable. Pen displays offer natural drawing experience. iPads provide all-in-one solution but cost more.
Download and install the correct drivers for your tablet from the manufacturer's website
Without proper drivers, your tablet won't work correctly - you'll only get basic mouse-like functionality instead of pressure sensitivity.
Choose from Krita (free), Procreate (iPad only), Clip Studio Paint (recommended), or Photoshop (industry standard)
Clip Studio Paint works on all devices and is most popular among students. Photoshop is powerful but expensive with monthly subscription.
Use Ctrl+N or File > New to create a 4K canvas (3840x2160 pixels) for balanced quality and performance
4K resolution prevents pixelation while maintaining good performance. For printing large works, you may need higher resolution.
Master brush (B), eraser (E), and color picker (Alt+click) shortcuts for efficient workflow
These three shortcuts allow you to work quickly without constantly switching tools through menus.
Draw circles with one continuous line and parallel curved lines to improve pen control
Disable smoothing to develop real dexterity. Practice on paper too - these exercises benefit all artists.
Use layers to separate elements, adjust opacity, and experiment with blending modes
Layers work like transparent sheets. Use alpha lock to paint within existing areas without affecting other parts.
Master lasso tool and selection box for precise painting within defined areas
Use Ctrl+D to deselect. Selections are great for creating gradients and clean edges without affecting surrounding areas.
Save as PSD for working files, export as JPEG (quality 8-10) for sharing online
PSD files preserve layers for future editing. Resize to 50% for web sharing to balance quality and loading speed.
Download and import custom brushes to enhance your painting capabilities
Use soft brushes for smooth shading. Import brushes through the brush menu in your software of choice.