How to Learn Digital Drawing: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Digital drawing has become an increasingly popular art form over the past decade. With the rise of tablets, drawing apps, and creative communities online, more and more people are exploring digital art and illustration

But for a total beginner, the idea of learning digital drawing can seem daunting. Which devices and platforms should you use? How can you recreate traditional drawing and painting techniques digitally? Where do you even start?

Not to worry! With the right mindset and tools, anyone can pick up digital drawing. Follow this comprehensive guide to get started on your digital art journey.

Set a Goal to Stay Motivated

Having a goal gives your learning a sense of purpose and direction Do you want to

• Create character art for games?
• Illustrate a children’s book?
• Design your own comics?
• Produce fan art of your favorite characters?

Your goal can be anything that inspires you to create. Write it down somewhere visible to help stay focused while learning.

Setting milestones like completing a piece every week or month is also important, Small achievements keep you motivated to improve,

Choose Your Hardware: Tablet vs. Laptop

The first big decision is choosing your drawing device. The main options are:

Graphics tablets: These connect to your computer and allow you to draw on the tablet surface while seeing the results on your monitor. Popular affordable choices are Wacom and Huion tablets.

2-in-1 laptops: These function as both a tablet and laptop. You can illustrate directly on the screen for a more natural experience. The Microsoft Surface Pro and Apple iPad Pro are common picks.

Tablets are generally more portable and feel more natural for drawing. But laptops offer more processing power for complex software and artwork. You can’t go wrong with either option as a beginner.

Consider available budget and portability needs when deciding. It’s also fine to start with a basic tablet and upgrade later as your skills grow.

Choose Your Software: Programs and Apps

The software you use depends on your device choice:

• Graphics tablets: You need drawing programs on your connected computer, like Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Corel Painter, or the free open-source Krita.

• Laptops/tablets: You use drawing apps designed for your platform, like Procreate (iPad), ArtFlow (Android/Windows) or Autodesk Sketchbook (cross-platform).

For a beginner, Photoshop is quite complex, while apps like Procreate offer an intuitive interface and easy tools to start. Try free trials of paid software to test what feels best.

Learning one program well is more important than mastering multiple when starting out. Stick to a single app until you build basic proficiency.

Gather Additional Supplies and Tools

Even when working digitally, traditional art supplies can help your creative process:

• Sketchbooks: Quickly sketching ideas on paper helps develop drawing fundamentals. Transfer to digital later.

• Canvas/paper: Painting or drawing textures and colors on canvas can inspire digital projects.

• Reference photos: Gather interesting reference images to use as inspiration or practice reproducing images digitally.

• Drawing tablet gloves: These allow your hand to glide smoothly across the tablet surface when drawing.

Don’t go overboard buying expensive supplies as a beginner. Start with essentials like sketchbooks, pencils and an eraser. Expand your collection over time.

Find Tutorials Suited to Your Skill Level

Tutorials teach digital drawing techniques step-by-step. Search for beginner tutorials on:

• Basics like sketching, coloring, shading, texture.

• Using the tools and features in your drawing program or app.

• Drawing specific subjects like hands, faces, landscapes.

The wealth of free tutorials online is unlimited for digital art. Follow along carefully and repeat tutorials until each technique sinks in.

Taking a structured online course is also great for guiding you as a beginner. Try Skillshare, Udemy or platforms specific to your software.

Master Key Skills for Digital Drawing

Pen and brush tools: Learn how pressure sensitivity works and create tapered, natural strokes. Master different brush types.

Layers: Use layers to apply colors, effects, edits non-destructively. Keep lines, fills, and details on separate layers.

Selection and masking: Select precise areas to isolate and edit. Cut out elements from backgrounds cleanly.

Coloring: Understand digital color mixing and blending. Create color harmony and compelling lighting.

Textures: Simulate realistic textures like skin, stone, fabric, etc. Use custom brushes, effects, overlays.

Shading: Transition tones smoothly from light to dark. Shape forms using highlights and shadows.

Practise Consistently to Improve Your Abilities

• Sketch daily: Fill a sketchbook with quick sketches from life, imagination or reference. Focus on capturing shapes, forms and gestures.

• Reproduce artworks: Practice fundamental skills by recreating artworks you admire in your own digital style. Study what techniques the artist used.

• Use photo references: Take your own reference photos to practice realistic lighting, composition and detail.

• Expand your skills: Try challenging tutorials outside your comfort zone regularly to expand your artistic repertoire.

• Complete finished pieces: Learn to take an artwork from start to finish. Problem solve through issues on your own.

• Get community feedback: Share your art on social platforms and get critiques from more experienced artists. Receive helpful advice for improving.

Helpful Tips for Avoiding Beginner Pitfalls

Starting digital drawing comes with unique challenges. Here are some tips to avoid common pitfalls:

• Resist the urge to only “draw with filters”. Rely on filters as shortcuts less as you progress.

• Don’t stare at your tools more than your canvas. Focus on making meaningful marks.

• Don’t obsess over mimicking traditional art perfectly digitally right away. Embrace digital as a new medium.

• Avoid comparison with other artists. Focus on your own growth and having fun with creating.

• Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. Mistakes are the best way to learn.

• Back up your artwork! Losing work due to tech issues is painful.

Ready to Dive In?

As you can see, learning digital drawing is an exciting journey filled with creative potential. Start on a positive note by:

• Purchasing your first graphics tablet or 2-in-1 device

• Downloading a beginner-friendly drawing program or app

• Finding easy introductory tutorials to follow along

It may feel intimidating as a beginner, but take it step-by-step. With regular practice and persistence, you’ll be on your way to mastering digital illustration skills. Enjoy the adventure and have fun expressing your creativity digitally!