Essential Tools and Techniques for Creating Art

Art Supplies You Need to Start Art Creation Process Digital Art Tools

Art has been a passion for me since I first picked up a charcoal pencil. Years ago, I attended art classes and only used charcoal. All I needed was high-quality paper, an easel, charcoal pencils, a rag, and a blending tool. However, as my interests have evolved, so have my tools and techniques. Today, I'll share the essentials and my process for creating digital art.

Art Supplies You Need to Start

Whether you're starting with traditional art or moving into digital art, here's what you'll need:

Paper and Pencils: High-quality paper and various types of pencils (charcoal, graphite, colored pencils) are great for drawing. Brushes: If you're into painting, a good set of brushes, watercolors, and oil paints are essential. Easel: This provides a steady surface for working on larger pieces. Digital Tools: Consider software like Adobe Photoshop or Procreate for digital artists. Editing Apps: Adobe Express or Canvas are great for editing and refining images.

Art Creation Process

Creating art is a process that involves several steps, whether you're using traditional or digital mediums. Here's a breakdown of my usual process for making art:

Find the Subject: Whether it's a character from a game or a real-life portrait, finding the subject is the first step. Choose the Background: The background can make or break the overall image. I look for backgrounds that enhance the subject. Edit the Render: I often use photo editing apps to tweak the render or the background to fit better together. Adjust Filters and Layers: Fine-tuning the image to get the desired look is crucial. This includes adjusting brightness, contrast, and layers. Final Touches: Adding final touches like shadows, highlights, or additional elements to enhance the image.

Digital Art Tools

For digital art, there are a plethora of tools to choose from:

Canvas: An all-in-one app for drawing, painting, and editing. Adobe Express: A user-friendly tool for creating designs, banners, and social media graphics. Adobe Photoshop: A powerful tool for photo editing and digital art. Procreate: Known for its intuitive interface and powerful tools for iPad users.

Which tools you use will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Adobe Express has proven to be a more versatile option for me, offering both simplicity and advanced features.

Conclusion

Creating art is a personal journey that involves both passion and technique. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a seasoned professional, understanding the tools and techniques can help you reach your full creative potential. Whether it's through traditional methods or digital tools, the process of making art is as exciting today as it was years ago.