With 2020 being hit by Covid-19 and other related dramatics, many artists find themselves in a hunch for what next step to take to further their skills. While that may be an online splurge in supplies or practicing everyday, a lot of artists are able to reflect in this weird time of adjustments and attempt to figure out what to do next. That being said, when you’re stuck at home and scrolling through several artistic inspirations, coming across works from a sleek screen with minimalistic finishing touches begins to look quite tempting to try. The clean and crisp look of a technically advanced project makes you wanna begin your digital journey. The problem is, it costs a month’s paycheck, and we both know you don’t have that kind of money. So. What are you gonna do?
Hold your grip!
Let’s get some things straight: do not expect your digital works to massively improve just because it is digital. Many artists make the mistake of believing that their best projects can only look their best with the right tools; which, if you have made mistakes of believing this and paid the price for it, will understand how false this is. Digital art is significantly different from paper and pencil. The grip is much harder to maintain when your material is very slippery and your hand can suddenly change the way your work looks with just one minor adjustment. Many screens can be sensitive to touch, especially certain hand-held tablets with in-app versions of digital art programs. It will be a big change that you will probably have to take some time out of your day to practice.
Pricy, pricy.
Tablets are expensive. Programs are expensive. It’s as if digital art creates a hole in your bank account. All jokes aside, if you plan to invest in nice equipment, the obvious is to know what you’ll be investing in. Spending a lot of money on something that you’re not completely sure you’ll be using a lot is a big price to pay after literally having to pay a big price. The guilt of looking in the corner of your room to see your brand new tablet set up and ready to use except you don’t really know how to use it, will definitely not be worth it. Make sure you have time to practice and develop your digital skills and act on it before being impulsive about spending. I know it’s tempting! But knowing how passionate and dedicated you are to art is essential in splurging for it.
Best of both worlds.
Nothing beats an old pen and pencil. Obviously, things get boring sometimes so taking your art up a notch is extremely exciting. But at the same time, rushing into something that you’re not completely ready might end up just wasting your time and money. Instead, get the best of both worlds. Learn to go back and forth to get used to things and practice on both. Versatility isn’t what makes an artist the best, but it does teach you about what you specialize in, or your line of expertise. Splatter oil paint onto the sketch of your peaceful neighborhood and then draw a post-apocalyptic version of the neighborhood on your tablet. Let’s be honest, this middle ground pretty much settles the best of both worlds.
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