Digital Art Supplies is one of the exciting and versatile media that allows an artist to freely explore his or her creativity, free from traditional supplies such as paint, canvas, or paper. Whether you are a novice or an expert artist looking for a change into digital, getting to know the basic tools and software will definitely get you going. This tutorial will take you through everything you need to know to get started with digital art-from hardware and software to key techniques.

1. Selecting Proper Digital Art Hardware

Before you are able to create digital art you need proper hardware. This page lists the key equipment you will require:

A. Computer or Tablet

Graphics Tablet: A drawing tablet, which connects through to your computer, enables you to sketch using a stylus. Some even have their screen on board, for example, the Wacom Cintiq.

iPad with Apple Pencil: A portable option, an iPad is great with an Apple Pencil. Apps such as Procreate make digital painting seamless and friendly to use.

Standalone Drawing Displays: Microsoft Surface or Wacom MobileStudio Pro are some devices that offer a touchscreen along with high performance for the digital artist who requires mobility.

B. Stylus

A stylus is a pressure-sensitive pen used on a tablet. The options go from battery-free ones, for example, the Wacom and to rechargeable styluses. A good stylus should feel great in one's hand; be pressure sensitive and have some degree of tilt recognition.

C. Monitor

For example, if you're using a desktop, investing in a good high-resolution monitor with good color accuracy, like IPS panels, is recommended. Color calibration tools like Datacolor Spyder also help make your artwork look amazing on various screens.

2. Selecting the Right Digital Art Software

When you have the hardware, then comes the decision of selecting software that would cater to your requirements. Here are some of the most popular software:

A. Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop is one of the most powerful and versatile programs for digital art, offering advanced tools for drawing, painting, and editing. It's widely used by professionals in illustration, concept art, and graphic design.

B. Procreate

Procreate is an iPad-exclusive app that offers an intuitive interface, powerful brushes, and a smooth workflow. It's excellent for beginners and professionals alike.

C. Clip Studio Paint

Clip Studio Paint is ideal for the comic and manga artist, including features such as vector layers, frame-by-frame animation, and inking tools.

D. Corel Painter

Corel Painter is the program that has been designed to mimic the appearance and feel of traditional painting using realistic brushes emulating oil, watercolor, and acrylic techniques.

E. Krita

Krita is an absolutely free, open-source program offering very powerful tools for digital painting. Therefore, it is on the cheaper end of the budget scale.

3. Learning the Basics of Digital Art

Now that you've got your tools, it's time to start learning the basics. Here are some fundamental skills you want to get a handle on:

A. Understanding Layers

This is the ability to separate different elements in your artwork, making editing simpler. You can sketch, color, and shade using several layers without interfering with other parts of an image.

B. Mastery of Brush Settings

The experimentation with size, opacity, and pressure sensitive brush settings in attaining different artistic effects. Many programs offer a custom creation of brushes for use.

C. Color Theory and Blending

Digital art offers an infinite number of colors, but color theory is necessary to create harmonious compositions. Use blending modes and opacity settings to achieve smooth transitions.

D. Using Shortcuts and Customizing Workspaces

Learning keyboard shortcuts and customizing your workspace can significantly improve your efficiency and speed up your workflow.

4. Practicing and Developing Your Style

Like traditional art, digital art requires practice. Here's how to develop your skills:

A. Follow Tutorials

There are a lot of free and paid tutorials online, covering everything from the most basic techniques to advanced methods of digital painting. Some excellent learning resources are available on YouTube, Udemy, and Skillshare.

B. Join Online Communities

There are many websites like DeviantArt, ArtStation, and Reddit's r/DigitalPainting that give inspiration, feedback, and networking opportunities with other digital artists.

C. Participate in Art Challenges

Join challenges like Inktober (for digital drawing) or embrace the #DrawThisInYourStyle trend. You'll learn and have fun doing so.

5. Exporting and Sharing Your Art

Export your new digital artwork into an online-friendly format or print it out. Here's how:

A. Saving in the Right Format

PSD (Photoshop Document): Layers are saved, meaning you can edit them later.

PNG: High-quality format to share online.

JPEG: Compressed format for web display.

TIFF: High-quality format for printing.

B. Printing Your Artwork

If you plan to print your work, you will want it to have a minimum of 300 DPI and it should be in CMYK color mode for accurate color rendition.

Conclusion

Getting started in digital art can seem somewhat overwhelming, but if you have the right tools and practice, you will develop your skills to create your stunning artwork. You may opt for a tablet, digital drawing pad, or advanced stylus. Find out the best one for you. Explore your options on software, regular practice, and no fear of experimentation. The virtual world opens up myriads of endless possibilities—so dive in and start creating!