Introduction to Digital Illustration: Tools and Techniques
Digital illustration has become a core discipline within the broader graphic design, animation and concept art fields. Illustrators leverage digital software and tools to create vibrant imagery for books, editorial, websites, advertisements, concept art, game assets and much more.
This guide will provide an overview of digital illustration covering fundamental concepts, essential tools of the trade, techniques, best practices and resources to help beginners get started. Let’s dive in!
Digital Illustration Fundamentals
Before jumping into tools and techniques, understanding foundational concepts and theory is key:
Raster vs Vector Graphics
Raster graphics are comprised of pixel grids. Vector graphics use mathematically defined shapes. Raster works for photos. Vector is better for logos, animation and adjustable print output.
Color Theory
Understand color harmonies, blending modes and palettes. Using color purposefully enhances illustrations stylistically and psychologically.
Composition and Layout
Arrange graphic elements strategically based on principles like the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing and balancing elements. Direct the viewer’s eye.
Shape Language and Contrast
Visually communicate through deliberate shapes, silhouettes and sizes. Establish contrast between elements.
Concept Art Principles
Methods for effective visual storytelling and worldbuilding. Usually involves character, costume and environment design.
Drawing Perspective and Dimension
Critical for conveying depth. Linear perspective, atmospheric perspective, foreshortening and conveying light/shadows make illustrations appear dimensional.
Art History
Studying different artistic eras and movements like Baroque, Art Nouveau, Propaganda, Pop Art, etc provides inspiration.
Essential Digital Illustration Tools
These core software tools form the standard digital illustration toolkit:
Adobe Illustrator
Vector illustration app for logos, web/UI design, comics, technical drawings. Provides precision and scalability.
Adobe Photoshop
Raster painting and photo manipulation app. Great for texturing, effects and precision masking.
Procreate
Top illustration and painting app made for iPad + Apple Pencil. Very intuitive for freehand drawing.
Adobe Fresco
iPad painting app mimicking real artistic media like oils and watercolors via touch and Apple Pencil.
Affinity Designer
Full-featured vector design/illustration alternative to Illustrator. Great quality with cheaper one-time pricing.
Clip Studio Paint
Specializes in comic and manga art creation but also fantastic for vibrant general illustrations.
Krita
Open-source digital painting tool great for concept art and texture painting. Produces lovely artistic output.
Adobe Animate
Enables creating rich vector and raster animations. Has tools tailored for interactive web experiences.
Blender
Open-source 3D modeling and sculpting tool useful for creating assets for illustrations.
Top Techniques and Best Practices
Applying these methods will take your digital illustrations to the next level:
Thumbnail Sketches
Rough out multiple composition options quickly. Refine the best thumbnails into final pieces.
Efficient Layers and Groups
Use layers to isolate elements so they remain editable. Groups help organize more complex documents.
Custom Brushes
Make and import custom brushes to speed up repetitive tasks or emulate natural media effects.
Non-Destructive Editing
Utilize adjustment layers, layer styles, masks and smart objects to apply changes non-destructively for flexibility.
Reference and Draw From Life
Use photo reference and study the world around you closely to illustrate based on realistic forms, perspective and lighting.
Color Pick From Photos
Sample colors directly from photos to coordinating palettes matching real-world scenes and objects.
Create 3D Renders as Guides
Model simple shapes and environments in 3D to use as an underpainting guide for perspective and lighting.
Mix Vector With Raster
Design key elements in vector then add raster textures and painted effects for efficiency and artistic style.
Save Production Assets
Maintain libraries of brushes, colors, materials and common elements to reuse on projects for consistent branding and efficiency.
Learn Efficient Shortcuts
Customize hotkeys in your apps to speed up tedious tasks and streamline your creative workflow.
Helpful Learning Resources
Here are excellent places online to find tutorials, courses, inspiration and mentoring:
- Schoolism
- SVSLearn
- Proko
- Watts Atelier YouTube
- Skillshare
- ConceptArt.org
- The Gnomon Workshop
- CtrlPaint
- Photoshop Training Channel
Digital illustration is an essential creative skill applicable across countless industries and mediums. Master fundamental theory combined with efficient tools and technical methods to bring your artistic visions and clients’ needs to life.