Essential Digital Art Tools and Software
Digital art tool allows you create amazing pieces, right on your computer or tablet. In our article, we will walk you through the digital art tools you need to bring your creative ideas to life.
4 aspects to consider for your digital art setup
Field of digital art
Digital art is an umbrella term that includes many different fields. For example, a digital artist could be a:
- 3D animator,
- 3D modeler,
- graphic designer,
- layout artist,
- logo designer,
- motion graphics artist,
- print designer,
- storyboard artist,
- UI/UX designer,
- video game designer,
- video editing,
- visual effects artist,
- web designer and much more.
The digital art tools you will need can vary significantly depending on your specific area of focus.
Budget
Once you have pinpointed your specific digital art field, the next crucial factor in finding your ideal setup is your budget. Fortunately, you can start your digital art journey with a basic setup. There are discounted or second-hand hardware options, and you can use free software to get going. However, as you advance in your career, you might need a more powerful computer or specialized software, which will come with a higher price tag.
Current setup
Before you start shopping for your dream digital art setup, take stock of what you already have. Your current computer might be enough to get you started and explore the basics. Additionally, if you are a student, check if your university provides access to digital art software. This can help you save on upfront costs as you build your setup. For instance, Shapelab is available at no cost to educational institutions. If you have questions about Shapelab educational licenses, please contact our sales team via email at [email protected].
Future plans
Lastly, think about your long-term digital art goals. If 3D modeling, graphic design, or motion graphics is not just a hobby but a potential career path, investing in high-quality, durable tools is probably worth it.
Digital art tools: from basics to advanced
There is no one-size-fits-all digital art setup – what works for one person might not work for another. Even professionals in the same field often use different digital art tools for the same purposes. That is why we have put together a list of general suggestions to help spark some ideas and guide you in finding what works best for you.
Computer and/or tablet
Depending on your digital art discipline, you will need a computer to work effectively. If you are on a tight budget, a tablet might be a feasible alternative for certain areas of digital art. However, many specialized software programs are designed exclusively for computers, which also offer better performance.
When buying your computer, make sure to review its technical specifications to confirm it can handle the software you plan to use.
For instance, Shapelab has the following system requirements:
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS *: Windows™ 8.1 or later or Windows™ 10
- Processor: Intel™ Core™ i5-4590 or AMD FX™ 8350, equivalent or better
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce™ GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon™ RX 480, equivalent or better
- Storage: 800 MB available space
- VR Support: SteamVR or Oculus PC
If your computer does not meet these requirements, the software will not function properly. Additionally, check if the software you choose is compatible with your computer’s operating system, as not all programs are available for both Mac and Windows.
A great example is Lucas Tom Knepper, better known as Tinynocky, a well-known 3D artist and YouTuber. Tinynocky struggled with sculpting heads due to his limited knowledge of facial anatomy. To overcome this, he challenged himself to sculpt a face every day for 100 days. The final results can be seen in this video.
Software of your choice, add-ons and plugins
Once your computer is set up, you can install the software of your choice and begin working on your first project. To help you get started, we have listed some popular software options for four key digital art fields. Feel free to explore and experiment with different programs to find what works best for you.
- 3D Art
- Shapelab
- Blender
- Autodesk 3ds Max
- Autodesk Maya
- ZBrush
- Graphic Design
- Adobe Illustrator
- Affinity Designer
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe InDesign
- Figma
- Krita
- Motion Graphics
- Adobe After Effects
- Cinema 4D
- Cavalry
- Rive
- Video Editing
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- DaVinci Resolve
- Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
Digital artists often use several software programs together to get the best results. Many programs also let you add extra features through add-ons or plugins.
External display (if you use a laptop)
Laptops are popular among digital artists due to their portability and performance. However, they typically have smaller screens, usually between 13-16 inches, which may not offer enough space for creative work.
For instance, if you are a 3D artist and need to view reference images alongside your 3D modeling software, a 15-inch display might be too cramped. If your budget allows, consider using an external display with your notebook. In the case of desktop computers, a dual monitor setup can provide even more screen space.
Accessories
While the basic digital art tools are essential, a few additional accessories can be very helpful:
- Stylus pen: A stylus pen, like the Apple Pencil, lets you draw on your tablet with high precision. Many stylus pens can detect pressure changes, allowing for varied strokes.
- Drawing tablet (preferably with a screen): If you want to elevate your graphic design skills, investing in a drawing tablet with a screen can be a great idea. It allows you to draw directly on the tablet without having to look at a separate monitor.
- VR Headset for 3D Modeling: Did you know that VR headsets can be used for purposes beyond gaming and media consumption? You can create stunning 3D models using a VR headset and Shapelab. Check out our video to see what you can expect.
Elevate your design skills with Shapelab!
Shapelab is a VR design application offering a variety of powerful polygon mesh-based sculpting tools, for both aspiring creatives and experienced 3D artists. Step into our virtual lab and release your creativity, make your models, and perfect your ideas through digital sculpting!