
Top Tips to Select the Right Digital Art Course
22 October, 2024
The journey of the game artist involves developing the right skills to transform them into artists. That being said, selecting the right digital art course is the first phase of this process.
As we explored in our guide, “Game Art Essentials: Your Guide to Becoming a Game Artist,” starting off with a good understanding of digital artwork and concepts is the key.
However, with thousands of programs running online, how can anyone determine the right course to take up and fit in the chosen career path? Here are some practical tips which you may consider when selecting the right Digital Art Course.
1. Do Not Begin with a Blank Page; Begin with a Plan
Just think about starting with a painting without a format; it is like wandering in a maze without knowing your end. It could often be good fun to doodle or just walk around aimlessly, drawing whatever comes to mind next, but when you’re ready for the real deal, you need something in mind that you’re going to draw.
What’s your end goal? This raises the question, ‘Is your artwork going to be a digital work of art, or is it to be imprinted on a t-shirt? Consciously realising the outcome, message, or vision will guide you through staying relevant and avoiding wasting time on tangents.
2. Learn the Difference Between DPI and PPI
To the untrained eye, these terms may sound relatively high-tech, but they are essential to achieve that perfect professional finish. DPI (Dots-Per-Inch) is used for printing, while PPI (Pixels Per Inch) is used for screens.
Monitors are usually designed for about 80 PPI, while contemporary smartphones range above 400 PPI or even more. Are you sick and tired of your artwork fading or greying when placed in a different location? So, it is ideal to become more aware of DPI and PPI capabilities and modify them accordingly.
3. Thumbnail, Thumbnail, Thumbnail!
Thumbnails are something you should think of as your smokescreen. That is why, before starting your most extensive work, try to draw several small samples to look at various positions, perspectives, or concepts. Being able to create thumbnails and work through the design without over-investing means that one can try out as many ideas as one wants to get the one that will be most appealing.
Image source: brandmint.io
If you are confident that your first picture idea is perfect, you may eventually stumble upon an even better perspective or composition. Sketch small, dream big.
4. Think in 3D, Even in a 2D Space
The concepts are to be considered in a three-dimensional manner even when the platform for development is two-dimensional. But don’t worry if your work remains two-dimensional; merely thinking in three dimensions will help your art grow to another level.
Understanding shape and form thus refers to the ability of an individual to give a subject its correct perspective of where it belongs in space. This does not negate the need for style, but if you want your work to portray some depth and a realistic feel, start incorporating the stereoscopic style of a sculptor working in the 3D dimension into your 2D plane.
5. Reference Isn’t Cheating, It’s a Tool
Some people are under the impression that referencing diminishes creativity. References are still one of the available and effective methods that professionals can use.
When every day you are forced to draw a dragon mid-air or simply the angle of a sword or an axe, why even try? By using references, it means you can work faster, acquire knowledge faster, and work more accurately. And it’s not cheating; it’s about employing all that one could to do it right.
6. Don’t Pick Colour from References
Well, references are your friends but do not use them to pick colours outright. This can put your learning process on the wrong footing. However, it is better to comprehend how colours are used with light and dark. With these colour value studies, you can exercise yourself and develop the understanding for creating richer, more advanced pieces.
7. Embrace Contrast, But Don’t Go Over the Top
To become a creative game artist, use contrasts where they actually help, but like with salt, too much contrast ruins the dish. Control of contrast is one of the most critical aspects that can significantly enhance the overall work, achieve expression, and draw attention to the statement you need.
Although striking opposite colours may help create tension, over emphasising black or white will tend to remove depth from artwork and make it less interesting. However, contrast should be used as a tool and only at certain places to make the composition of the whole piece better.
8. Maintain Fun and Productivity in Art-Making
Art making should be both fun and a job, or at least progress towards a job. And you should learn how to get better at it. Of course, there must be deadlines, hard work, and studying, but if you notice that you are no longer enjoying what you do, that is a sign that you must change something.
Far from that statement, burnout is very real and can make you hate art altogether just because you forced yourself to keep going when you most probably needed to rest. So have it both ways—be productive for your job but also take time off on your own to create things that make them happy and challenge yourself.
Bottom Line
Deciding on which kind of digital art course to take is not merely a decision; it is the starting point for your artistry. The right course will do more than just train you in the mechanics of the job, it will educate, motivate, and transform you into the artist you want to become.
As you will see throughout this course, your future as a digital artist depends on your present decisions. Preparation for a creative career begins today; decide well and let your work do the talking.
Ready to dive into the world of digital creativity and technology? With MAGES Institute, you’ll learn from the best in the industry and master the skills that will set you apart with an excellent portfolio needed by future employers. Join us now and start shaping your future!
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