Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (2024)

Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (1)

Some artists view digital art negatively while others say it's useful. But why? Why is this a debate?

Digital art is now involved in photography, animation, film, and graphic design. However, some think digital art is a one-trick pony for which no formal instruction should be required simply because it will never take the place of traditional art.

While there is only one medium with digital art, traditional art takes many forms such as painting, sculpting, mixed media, etc. thus its perception of greater importance and value. This doesn’t make digital art irrelevant, though.

Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (2)


As an example, photography was not always considered to be “art.” Now photography is absolutely considered to be a valid form of art.

It involves a creative and well-trained eye, editing skills, and an artistic viewpoint. So when we ask the question of whether digital art will ever be fully recognized as true art, why wouldn’t our ideals evolve into such? It’s pretty clear that things change, even in the world of art, and like everything else in the world will continue to do so.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of digital vs. traditional art, beginning with digital:

Better access

  • A lot of students have a device already--a tablet or iPad or phone or laptop with a touch screen. Maybe they cannot also afford to buy paint, canvas, or other art materials a painter or sculptor or artist using other mediums would need to replenish regularly.

    Devices do break or become obsolete over time, but their initial cost is less than the expense of continual buying of art supplies in most cases.

Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (3)

    Convenience

    • Devices are just smaller and handier and now designed to fit in a backpack or handbag. Carrying around an easel or a lot of other supplies can be a logistical nightmare compared to the portability of a laptop or tablet.

    Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (4)

      Shareability

      • Digital art is already stored on your device so you can instantaneously share it on social media or send it to someone for immediate consumption. You can certainly take a pic of your traditional art but the effect isn’t at all the same for the viewer--it’s still 2D.

      Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (5)
      Productivity

      • Digital saves a lot of time because you can just edit mistakes or things you’re not satisfied with; physical art is limiting in that regard because you have to spend time going back to actually correct mistakes or make changes in real life on tangible works with tangible tools.

      Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (6)

        What are the pros of tactile, traditional art, then?

        Originality

        • Traditional art is considered more valuable than digital art because every piece is original; no one else can duplicate it. no mass production, everything is always different and unique because it’s a physical creation.

        Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (7)

          Physical connection with mediums

          • You’re not working with a touch screen or mouse, you’re getting the full tactile experience, the smells, the sounds, the space in which you work. There is a physical connection between you and your art.

          Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (8)

          Versatility


          • Obviously, you can change up, combine, add to, subtract from, and use all kinds of mediums to create your finished physical product. Digitally it’s pretty impossible to vary between paints and pencil and layer achieving depth and texture that’s noticeable to the eye and creates drama.

          Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (9)

            No “Undo” button

            • You can’t just hit “undo” and make changes to physical art like you can with digital. You have to actually physically correct it using tangible mediums and devote a little more time to your project.

            Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (10)

              What’s the moral of this story?
              The issue of whether digital art is better than or comparable to traditional art doesn’t have to be black and white. It’s possible to compromise by combining digital and traditional art to expand your mediums and artistic experience, as well as those of your viewer.

              Pick up some digital techniques and incorporate them into your traditional artwork so you can keep up with the times, modernize your work, and open your mind to new technology.

              Traditional art will never be entirely placed, but digital art will continue to be incorporated into it as a supplement, not a replacement.

              Digital vs Traditional Art | Trekell Art Supplies - Trekell Art Supplies (2024)

              FAQs

              Is there a difference between digital and traditional art? ›

              What's The Difference. What's the difference between traditional and digital art? The simple answer is traditional art uses traditional mediums that have existed and been developed and improved over time. While digital art uses digital technologies to produce art.

              Is there a difference between digital art and prints? ›

              Print designs tend to involve clearly defined, and finite spaces, whereas digital designs can have nearly unlimited canvas – this creates a world of difference. When working in print, designers and artists have to work on pages cut to final, specific sizes.

              What are common between traditional and digital art? ›

              Similarities between Digital and Traditional Art :

              For both artworks, you need to have the end goal in mind on how you want the picture to look like. Drawing skills, colour and toning – you will need to have at least a basic grasp of the colour scheme, the shadows and highlights to make your drawing look realistic.

              Can traditional artists draw digitally? ›

              While traditional art requires many different tools and materials, depending on your chosen medium, you only really need two things to start creating digital artworks. Typically, you will need a digital tablet and drawing software.

              Is digital art harder than traditional? ›

              Yes, digital art is more difficult than traditional art for those with more skill and practice with traditional art. But, traditional art is more difficult than digital art for those with more skill and practice with digital art. It depends on the game we're used to playing.

              Should I draw digitally or traditionally? ›

              But new artists can learn a lot from traditional drawing materials which don't offer the same shortcuts you get with digital tools. Every serious entertainment artist should eventually move to digital art because it's easier for painting and preferred by professionals.

              What are the pros and cons of digital art? ›

              Pros and cons of being a digital artist
              • Basic affordability. Digital art can begin on a phone, tablet or computer. ...
              • Reduced waste. When using technology as your canvas, you're creating less waste. ...
              • Enhanced efficiency. ...
              • Industry alignment. ...
              • Increased career options. ...
              • Technical difficulties. ...
              • Replicable work. ...
              • Abstract products.
              Oct 26, 2021

              What are 3 tools used for digital art? ›

              These software, tools, and guide will help you launch in the right direction at full pace.
              • Drawing tablet. ...
              • Drawing Software. ...
              • Education. ...
              • Colour accurate monitors are important. ...
              • Shortcut Remote for Drawing. ...
              • Art supplies such as – Poseable Mannequins. ...
              • Fonts – myfonts.com. ...
              • Powerful computer.

              Do people prefer print or digital? ›

              In 2019 some 49% of those surveyed preferred paper content (down from 52% in 2018), and only 28% said they preferred looking at content on a screen (up from 23%). Dig a little deeper and there is a more clear trend towards print that has absolutely everything to do with an emotional attachment.

              Is it better to scan or photograph art for prints? ›

              The Bottom Line. Having a professional printer scan your artwork is typically the preferred method. It's easier, and you get better quality. We're happy to scan your original artwork at Ego id Media to produce a high-resolution digital version with color accuracy.

              Is digital art worth getting into? ›

              In fact, digital painting is actually faster to master than traditional drawing or painting. Painting tools have never been so intuitive and beginner-friendly, you'll be creating amazing artworks in no time. It is often said that digital painting is just like traditional painting, except that the ink never dries.

              Why is digital better than traditional? ›

              Increased Productivity. Creating digitally saves time. If you make a mistake on a digital drawing or painting, you can simply press the undo button to start over. In a digital creation, you can erase without a trace, change colors easily, and position and resize objects in seconds.

              Which is easier traditional art or digital? ›

              Digital saves a lot of time because you can just edit mistakes or things you're not satisfied with; physical art is limiting in that regard because you have to spend time going back to actually correct mistakes or make changes in real life on tangible works with tangible tools.

              What is the difference between traditional and digital? ›

              The main difference between digital and traditional marketing is the medium through which an audience encounters a marketing message. While traditional marketing uses traditional media like magazines and newspapers, digital marketing uses digital media, such as social media or websites.

              What digital art should not do? ›

              10 digital art mistakes we do while becoming digital artists by...
              • No. 1: Not using a drawing tablet. ...
              • No. 2: Not using pressure sensitivity. ...
              • No. 3: Abusing the Airbrush. ...
              • No. 4: Over-blending. ...
              • No. 5: Using gradients to shade. ...
              • No. 6: Using smudging wrong. ...
              • No. 7: Saving the image wrong. ...
              • No. 8: Not using the digital tools.
              Oct 22, 2019

              Can traditional artists make NFT? ›

              NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are one-of-a-kind digital assets. Given they're digital in nature, can physical works of art be turned into NFTs? The short answer is that yes, physical artworks can be minted and sold online as NFTs.

              Why do people think digital art isn t art? ›

              Some commenters will say that digital art isn't art, that the availability of digital tools makes it easy, that it's “cheating,” or say that the app/computer does everything for the creators. For example, take this drawing of dynamite by Nick Jacoy, @/pastanick. The comments on this post were mixed.

              Why can't I draw well? ›

              Reason 1 – You Need More Practice

              They simply need more practice to get better. Drawing is a skill and like with any other skill, you can't expect to get better without practicing it. So many people think that drawing is just something that some people can do and others can't. This simply is not true.

              Is traditional or digital art more expensive? ›

              Digital art is far more cost effective.

              That $50 can last you years, which is far cheaper than the constant need to replace mediums with traditional art. If you're reading this, you most likely already have access to technology with a screen. Digital art can be done from a phone, a tablet, or from a computer.

              Will digital art replace traditional art? ›

              Digitally produced art is clearly here to stay, as artists continue to dabble with newer and expanding digital technologies. The digital medium may never completely replace traditional art and artists, and that's great because as humans we love traditions and embracing cultures.

              Is digital art easier than pencil? ›

              Digital art can be made faster - because the workflow of digital art is so flexible, you can progress a painting faster - there's less preparation needed, mistakes can be fixed faster and you can use techniques only possible in digital art. The same piece of art should be faster to make digitally than traditionally.

              Can I learn to draw digitally first? ›

              Tablets make it easy to start drawing digitally! All you need is a drawing app and a tablet stylus to get going. Some more well-known options are Apple iPads with the Apple Pencil (2nd generation) and the S pen for Galaxy tablets. Specifications for different apps are outlined in their respective app stores.

              What is the opposite of digital art? ›

              Analog is the opposite of digital. Any technology, such as vinyl records or clocks with hands and faces, that doesn't break everything down into binary code to work is analog.

              Who needs digital art? ›

              This art is seen in movies, videos, games, websites, and magazines.
              • 3D Modeler. A 3D modeler is a person who creates digital models of objects using 3D modeling software. ...
              • Book Illustrator. ...
              • Comic Book Artist. ...
              • Game Level Designer. ...
              • Layout Artist. ...
              • Medical Illustrator. ...
              • Multimedia Designer. ...
              • Storyboard Artist.

              What challenges do digital artists face? ›

              • Reminiscing about the 'good old days' of pencil and paper.
              • Coming up with a brilliant idea at night, but forgetting it by morning.
              • The frustration of not being able to get your visions down on canvas.
              • A constant and unhealthy urge to compare yourself to your fellow artists.
              • Turning into a full-time insomniac.
              Mar 26, 2021

              What are the disadvantages of using digital art tools? ›

              This the biggest disadvantage of digital art. Many people don't consider digital art to be genuine or authentic since it can show up anywhere in exactly the same way. There is no original copy, no real physical thing to touch. It can be printed but even then it is not the same as a painting done by hand.

              What are the 7 types of digital arts? ›

              The different types of digital art are: digital photography, digital installations, algorithmic art, datamoshing, dynamic painting, 2D computer graphics, 3D computer graphics, pixel art, photo painting, digital collage, digital painting, manual vector drawing and raster painting.

              What should I buy for digital art? ›

              Graphic Tablets
              • Wacom Intuos small. This is the cheapest, most portable and smallest drawing tablet available to digital artists. ...
              • Wacom Intuos pro tablet. ...
              • Huion 1060 plus. ...
              • Apple Pencil. ...
              • iPad stand. ...
              • Apple pencil grips. ...
              • Paperlike iPad screen protector. ...
              • Two finger artist glove.

              What are the 5 disadvantages of digital printing? ›

              Cons of digital printing.
              • the range of printable fabrics is more limited than with screen printing.
              • the print is not so durable.
              • the colour white cannot usually be reproduced within the print.
              • due to fixed pricing, bulk printing does not offer scaled cost reductions.
              Sep 14, 2018

              Why prints are better than digital? ›

              Print is easier to read than digital media, and you can fit more information on a page than in social media content. Advertisem*nt recall is 1.7 times higher with print, and more likely to drive action than its digital media counterpart. Digital media can never match the tactility of print media.

              Is print still relevant? ›

              Physical printing services are used in marketing, construction, and school classrooms. All of these industries utilize growing technology alongside much-needed printing services.

              How do I convert physical art to digital? ›

              How to Digitize Physical Art
              1. Step 1: Photograph the Art. ...
              2. Step 2: Open Up the Photograph in Photoshop or a Similar Program. ...
              3. Step 3: Crop Your Image So That It Includes Only the Art Piece. ...
              4. Step 4: Select and Delete Any Background Areas. ...
              5. Step 5: Clean Up Your Art. ...
              6. Step 6: Experiment and Enjoy!

              Should I scan art as PDF or JPEG? ›

              Which has better quality — JPEG or PDF? PDFs will often be higher quality than JPEGs. This is because JPEGs compress images, leading to a loss in quality that you can't regain. Visuals saved as PDF are of very high quality and even customizable, making them the file format of choice for printers.

              Is glossy or matte better for art prints? ›

              The one you choose depends on where you'll display the picture. A glossy finish reflects light and offers better colors. A matte finish doesn't have glare. So, consider the location and light before choosing a finish.

              How much do beginner digital artists make? ›

              How much does an Entry Level Digital Artist make? As of Dec 25, 2022, the average hourly pay for an Entry Level Digital Artist in the United States is $20.62 an hour.

              What digital art sells best on Etsy? ›

              Arts & crafts digital products to sell on Etsy
              • Sewing patterns. Sewing patterns are digital downloads that show you how to sew fabric into clothing. ...
              • Coloring pages. If you thought coloring books were just for kids, think again. ...
              • Wrapping paper patterns. ...
              • Procreate brushes. ...
              • Printable wall art. ...
              • Photoshop actions. ...
              • Clip art. ...
              • Fonts.
              Nov 18, 2022

              Do you need to be good at drawing for digital art? ›

              Surprisingly, the short answer to this question is no. You will find that there are many graphic designers out there that do not know how to draw traditionally.

              What are three advantages of digital? ›

              7 Advantages of Digital Technology In Today's Time
              • Social Connectivity.
              • Communication Speeds.
              • Versatile Working.
              • Learning Opportunities.
              • Automation.
              • Information Storage.
              • Editing.
              Jan 11, 2020

              Why digital art is not cheating? ›

              Since much of digital art is a matter of emulation, it can be difficult to emulate traditional art. And that's just it: digital art is not cheating. It is simply a way to be more efficient. The tools you use will speed up parts of the workflow for you, such as rotating, warping, transforming, and picking colors.

              How much can digital art cost? ›

              PUBLISHED CREATORS – DIGITAL
              HIGHESTAVERAGE
              SKETCH$75$29
              BLACK & WHITE$65$35
              FULL COLOUR$120$60
              BUST$80$30
              1 more row
              Sep 3, 2019

              Is traditional art outdated? ›

              While traditional arts have been around for centuries, the majority of them have not changed since those early days. Today's artisans are still creating the same objects with the same materials and methods by which they were created hundreds or even thousands of years ago.

              What is the easiest form of art? ›

              Acrylic is typically the easiest for beginners, while watercolor is the hardest. However, if you hate working with acrylic, don't force yourself to paint it just because it's easier.

              How much time does it take to learn digital art? ›

              Practicing on Self-gadgets Instead of Getting a Degree

              Yet they take a minimum of 1000 hours of practice before they can master digital art. The main things that come in your way are your natural abilities to draw and your dedication level to the field.

              What is the same of traditional and digital art? ›

              Similarities between Digital and Traditional Art :

              For both artworks, you need to have the end goal in mind on how you want the picture to look like. Drawing skills, colour and toning – you will need to have at least a basic grasp of the colour scheme, the shadows and highlights to make your drawing look realistic.

              What is the difference between traditional and digital painting? ›

              A traditional painting provides a completely tactile experience. The sounds, the texture, and the space have an impact on the artist. A physical connection is formed between the artist and the artwork. This is absent in the case of a digital painting where one is merely working with a touch screen or a mouse.

              What is the difference between traditional and digital media? ›

              To begin with, traditional media is media that existed before the rise of the internet, which includes newspapers, magazines, billboards, radio, and broadcast TV and direct mail. Digital media includes online advertising, search engines, social media, video streaming services, and websites.

              What is the difference between traditional design and digital design? ›

              While graphic design focuses mostly on static designs, digital design involves movement, such as animation, interactive pages, and 2D or 3D modeling. Digital designers create images and elements that will end up on a screen, whether that's a computer screen, a phone screen, a dashboard, or any other digital formats.

              What are the similarities and difference between traditional art and digital art? ›

              Digital art is a form of art where artists create their work on a computer, typically through digital manipulation. On the other hand, traditional art may include any medium that does not involve computers- paintings, sculptures, drawings, etc. These two forms of art are fundamentally different in many ways.

              What is better digital or traditional? ›

              Digital marketing is generally more cost-effective and can be more targeted, while traditional marketing can be more effective at reaching a larger audience. It's important to consider your budget and target market when deciding which type of marketing to use.

              What are the 5 examples of digital media? ›

              Digital media products can be found in:
              • eCommerce.
              • Games – console, online and mobile.
              • Websites and mobile applications.
              • Animation.
              • Social media.
              • Video.
              • Augmented reality.
              • Virtual reality.

              What are the three 3 traditional forms of media? ›

              Traditional media include radio, broadcast television, cable and satellite, print, and billboards. These are the forms of advertising that have been around for years, and many have had success with traditional media campaigns. Even within traditional media, however, there is some debate over which form is best.

              What are the main difference between traditional and new media? ›

              Traditional media includes print media, such as newspapers and books, and broadcast media, such as television and radio. New media includes digital media, such as the Internet and social media. Throughout history, there have been major changes in the way that media is produced and consumed.

              What is the difference between digital and conventional learning materials? ›

              Traditional education is a classroom experience where students have access to only the resources their teachers provide. Digital education, on the other hand, is about using online resources in addition to traditional materials.

              Which is better digital design or graphic design? ›

              The main difference between graphic design and digital design is that graphic design is mostly static (logos, magazines, pictures etc.), while digital design involves movement (animations, interactive elements, movies etc.). The digital design does not only use visual arts, but may also include audio and sound effects.

              Is digital art cheaper than traditional art? ›

              Digital art is far more cost effective.

              That $50 can last you years, which is far cheaper than the constant need to replace mediums with traditional art. If you're reading this, you most likely already have access to technology with a screen. Digital art can be done from a phone, a tablet, or from a computer.

              What is opposite of digital art? ›

              Analog is the opposite of digital. Any technology, such as vinyl records or clocks with hands and faces, that doesn't break everything down into binary code to work is analog.

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