Whether you’re a budding visual artist or a long-time creator, digital art can introduce you to hundreds of new styles, techniques, and visuals. Fortunately, diving into digital art doesn’t have to be expensive. You can even start off by using your own photos or other finished work.

Creating your own digital art can be a great way to showcase your work, and if you need some tips to get started, we have you covered. Here’s how to create your own digital art right now.

1. Choose Your Platform

The first step is to decide which platform you’re going to use for creating your digital art. There are many platforms available, from Adobe Photoshop to Procreate and beyond. Consider your budget, the type of art you’d like to create, and the features that you need before selecting one.

Or, you could push the boundaries of creativity by using BeFunky’s picture editor. Not only is this tool free, but it also allows you to test whether you’re really interested in pursuing digital art.

2. Learn the Basics

Once you’ve chosen a platform, the next step is to learn the basics. Take some time to explore the features of the software and familiarize yourself with the tools. If you’re new to digital art, you may want to look into classes or tutorials that can help you get up to speed quickly.

For example, Udemy has a great class called “Digital Art for Beginners,” but you can just as easily find free tutorials online. Websites like Domestika frequently have art course sales.

3. Choose a Style

With the basics mastered, you can now choose a style. There are many different styles of digital art, from abstract to realistic. Consider the type of art that you’d like to create and find some examples of artists whose work you admire. Or, you could just translate your original style.

With that said, you may not be able to transfer your style exactly to the computer. For example, watercolour is translatable, but your finished project may look too uniform if you aren’t careful.

4. Gather Your Supplies

Now that you’ve chosen a style, it’s time to gather your supplies. Consider the type of artwork you’d like to create and pick up the supplies you’ll need. If you’re creating digital art, you’ll need a computer, drawing tablet, digital drawing program, and drawing software as a minimum.

There are plenty of cheap tables you can find for under $100, but if you want to draw on what you already have (i.e., a smartphone or tablet), you can buy a stylus pen for $80 to $100 USD.

5. Start With One Piece

You should have everything you need to create a piece. Start with a single piece and take your time. Work on creating something that you’re passionate about and that reflects your artistic style. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes; it takes time to learn a new art form.

Many digital artists start out imitating other artists. Everyone copies when they start, and there’s nothing wrong with it as long as you don’t claim the art as your own or steal their personal style.

6. Get Feedback

The last step is to get feedback. Ask friends and family to give you honest feedback on your work. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve and help you develop your own unique style. Only ask for criticism from people you trust or other artists your respect.

Even if you get negative criticism, keep it up. Whether you’re drawing for fun or for profit, you’re ultimately the final judge of your art. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually be incredible.