Resources For: Digital Artists

Written By Strazo by Nina

Digital art is a versatile and exciting medium that allows artists to create stunning works in a variety of styles and formats. Whether you're already an established digital painter, illustrator, photographer, motion graphics artist, or 3D artist, or just getting started, there are many resources available to help you hone your craft. In this article, we'll explore some of the top resources in various categories for digital artists.

Resources, at a glance

  1. Stock Image Websites

  2. Texture Websites

  3. Graphic Design Software

  4. Digital Brushes and Stamps

  5. Text and Font Resources

  6. Online Courses/Tutorials

  7. Social Media

Resources, explained

1 —
Stock Image Websites

These websites offer a vast collection of images that can be used in digital works. Artists can search for specific types of images, such as nature scenes, vintage photos, or abstract patterns, and purchase licenses to use them in their artwork.

Here is more information and links to some of the popular stock image websites:

  1. Shutterstock - Shutterstock is a leading stock photo and video library that offers millions of high-quality images and clips for use in various digital projects. Artists can search for specific themes or types of images, purchase licenses, and download the images to use in their digital collages. Link: https://www.shutterstock.com/

  2. Adobe Stock - Adobe Stock is another popular stock image website that offers a vast collection of high-quality images, illustrations, and videos for use in digital projects. Artists can purchase licenses for individual images or subscribe to a plan that offers a set number of downloads per month. Link: https://stock.adobe.com/

  3. Unsplash - Unsplash is a free stock photo website that offers a vast collection of high-quality, royalty-free images for use in digital projects. While the selection may not be as vast as some of the paid options, it is a great resource for artists on a budget. Link: https://unsplash.com/

  4. Pexels - Pexels is another free stock photo website that offers a large collection of high-quality images and videos that can be used for personal and commercial projects. The website also features a handy search function that makes it easy to find specific types of images. Link: https://www.pexels.com/

  5. iStock - iStock is a stock image website owned by Getty Images that offers a vast collection of high-quality images, illustrations, and videos for use in digital projects. Artists can purchase licenses for individual images or subscribe to a plan that offers a set number of downloads per month. Link: https://www.istockphoto.com/

These are just a few examples of the many stock image websites available. Other options include Dreamstime, Bigstock, Stocksy, …

2 —
Texture Websites

Texture websites provide a variety of textures, patterns, and backgrounds that can be used to enhance digital artworks. Artists can download these resources and use them as layers in their digital artwork, or modify them to create new textures.

Here is some more information and links to popular texture websites:

  1. Texture Haven - Texture Haven offers a vast collection of high-quality textures and materials that can be used in various digital projects. All of the textures are available for free and can be downloaded in various resolutions. They also offer a texture generator tool that allows artists to create their own custom textures. Link: https://texturehaven.com/

  2. Texturemate - Texturemate offers a collection of free textures, patterns, and brushes that can be used in digital projects. They also offer tutorials and resources to help artists improve their skills. Link: https://www.texturemate.com/

  3. Texture Ninja - Texture Ninja offers a collection of high-quality textures, patterns, and backgrounds that can be used in digital artwork. They also offer tutorials and resources to help artists improve their skills. Link: https://texture.ninja/

  4. 3D Textures - 3D Textures offers a vast collection of high-quality textures, materials, and 3D models that can be used in various digital projects. They offer both free and paid textures, with prices starting at $5 per texture. Link: https://www.3dtextures.me/

  5. Textures.com - Textures.com offers a vast collection of high-quality textures and materials that can be used in various digital projects. They offer both free and paid textures, with prices starting at $3 per texture. They also offer a free trial membership that allows artists to download up to 15 textures per day. Link: https://www.textures.com/

These are just a few examples of the many texture websites available. Other options include CG Textures, Poliigon, …

3 —
Graphic Design Software

Graphic design software: Software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, and CorelDRAW are popular tools for creating digital art. These programs allow artists to manipulate images and textures, adjust colors, add text, and create complex compositions.

Here is some more information and links to popular graphic design software:

  1. Adobe Photoshop - Adobe Photoshop is the most popular graphic design software used by professionals worldwide. It offers a wide range of features for editing images, creating digital collages, and designing graphics. It is available for both Mac and Windows operating systems, with pricing starting at $20.99 per month. Link: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html

  2. GIMP - GIMP is a free and open-source graphic design software that offers many of the same features as Adobe Photoshop. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Link: https://www.gimp.org/

  3. CorelDRAW - CorelDRAW is a popular graphic design software that offers a range of features for creating digital collages, designing graphics, and editing images. It is available for Windows operating systems, with pricing starting at $249. Link: https://www.coreldraw.com/en/

  4. Canva - Canva is a graphic design platform that offers a range of features for creating digital collages, social media graphics, and other types of designs. It is available as a web-based application and a mobile app, with a free plan and pricing starting at $9.99 per month. Link: https://www.canva.com/

  5. Affinity Designer - Affinity Designer is a professional graphic design software that offers a range of features for creating digital collages and other types of designs. It is available for Mac and Windows operating systems, with pricing starting at $49.99. Link: https://affinity.serif.com/en-gb/designer/

These are just a few examples of the many graphic design software options available. Other popular options include Sketch, Inkscape, Figma, …

4 —
Digital Brushes and Stamps

Digital brushes and stamps are collections of pre-made elements that can be used to add texture and effects to digital artworks. Artists can purchase these resources and use them in their artwork to create unique textures and visual effects.

Here is more information and links to popular digital brush and stamp resources:

  1. Kyle T. Webster Brushes - Kyle T. Webster is a well-known digital artist who creates high-quality brushes for Adobe Photoshop and other digital art software. His brushes are popular among digital artists and offer a wide range of textures and effects. They are available for purchase on his website, with prices starting at $15. Link: https://www.kylebrush.com/

  2. GrutBrushes - GrutBrushes is a collection of high-quality digital brushes and tools for artists. They offer a variety of brushes and stamps for Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, and other digital art software. Their brushes are available for purchase on their website, with prices starting at $2. Link: https://www.grutbrushes.com/

  3. Procreate Brushes - Procreate is a popular digital art app for iPad and iPhone, and there are many digital brush and stamp resources available for use with this app. Many artists create and sell their own brushes on platforms like Gumroad and Creative Market. Prices for Procreate brushes can vary, but typically range from $5-$30.

  4. Creative Market - Creative Market is a marketplace for digital design resources, including digital brushes and stamps. Artists can purchase brushes and stamps from a variety of creators, with prices ranging from $1-$50 or more. Link: https://creativemarket.com/brushes

  5. Adobe Stock Brushes - Adobe Stock is a popular stock image and design resource website, and they also offer a variety of digital brushes and stamps for use in Adobe Photoshop and other digital art software. They have a wide range of brushes available, with prices starting at $0.99 per brush. Link: https://stock.adobe.com/brushes

These are just a few examples of the many digital brush and stamp resources available for digital artists. Other popular options include BrushLovers, RetroSupply Co., Envato Elements, …

5 —
Text and Font Resources

Fonts are a key element in many digital works, and artists can find a wide variety of fonts online. Some font resources are free, while others require purchase or subscription. Artists can use these resources to find fonts that match the tone and style of their artwork.

Here is more information and links to popular text and font resources:

  1. Google Fonts - Google Fonts is a free resource that offers hundreds of open-source fonts that can be used in digital artwork. These fonts are designed for use on the web, but can also be downloaded and used in digital projects. They offer a wide variety of font styles. Link: https://fonts.google.com/

  2. Adobe Fonts - Adobe Fonts (formerly Typekit) is a font library that offers a variety of fonts for use in Adobe software and beyond. Adobe Fonts offers both free and paid fonts, and they have a vast selection of font styles available. Link: https://fonts.adobe.com/

  3. DaFont - DaFont is a popular free font resource that offers thousands of fonts for download. These fonts are user-submitted and range in style and quality, but can be a great resource for finding unique and interesting fonts for digital collages. Link: https://www.dafont.com/

  4. MyFonts - MyFonts is a font marketplace that offers a wide variety of paid fonts for use in digital artwork. They have a vast selection of font styles available, and their fonts can be purchased individually or as part of a subscription. Prices for fonts on MyFonts can vary, but typically range from $10-$50 per font. Link: https://www.myfonts.com/

  5. Fontspring - Fontspring is another font marketplace that offers a variety of paid fonts for use in digital artwork. They have a curated selection of high-quality fonts available, and offer a variety of licensing options for different types of use. Prices for fonts on Fontspring can vary, but typically range from $10-$50 per font. Link: https://www.fontspring.com/

Other popular font resources include Font Squirrel, Font Bundles, Creative Market, … As with everything, it's important for artists to consider the licensing terms of any fonts they use in their digital works, as some fonts may require attribution or have restrictions on commercial use.

6 —
Online Courses/Tutorials

Video courses and tutorials are a great way to learn new techniques and gain inspiration for digital artworks. Artists can search for tutorials on specific topics, such as how to create a vintage collage or how to use digital brushes to add texture to artwork.

Here is more information and links to popular platforms with online tutorials:

  1. Skillshare - Skillshare is an online learning platform that offers thousands of classes on various topics, including digital art and design. The website offers a free trial period, after which users can choose to subscribe to gain access to all the classes. Link: https://www.skillshare.com/

  2. YouTube - YouTube is a vast resource for video tutorials on almost any topic, including digital art and design. Many artists and designers share their knowledge and techniques through video tutorials on the platform. Link: https://www.youtube.com/

  3. Udemy - Udemy is another online learning platform that offers video tutorials on a variety of topics, including digital art and design. Users can purchase individual courses or subscribe to access all the classes. Link: https://www.udemy.com/

  4. CreativeLive - CreativeLive offers live and pre-recorded classes on various topics, including digital art and design. The website also offers a subscription service that provides access to all the classes. Link: https://www.creativelive.com/

  5. Pluralsight - Pluralsight is an online learning platform that offers video tutorials on various topics, including digital art and design. The website offers a subscription service that provides access to all the classes. Link: https://www.pluralsight.com/

In addition to these websites, many digital artists also create and share their own video tutorials on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. By following other artists and designers on social media, artists can learn new techniques and gain inspiration for their own work.

7 —
Social Media

Social media platforms can be a great way for digital artists to connect with other artists, showcase their work, and gain inspiration.

Here are a few social media platforms that are particularly popular among digital artists:

  1. Instagram: Instagram is a visual platform where artists can share images and videos of their artwork with a large audience. Many digital artists use Instagram to showcase their portfolio and gain exposure for their work. Artists can use hashtags to reach a wider audience and participate in challenges and contests to connect with other artists. Link: https://www.instagram.com/

  2. Twitter: While Twitter may be more text-based than other social media platforms, it still offers many opportunities for digital artists to connect with others in their community. Artists can share their artwork and participate in Twitter chats and threads to gain feedback and connect with other artists. Twitter is also a great platform for promoting events or new projects. Link: https://twitter.com/

  3. TikTok: TikTok is a short-form video platform that has become increasingly popular among digital artists. Artists can use the platform to showcase their work and share their creative process through short videos. Many artists also use TikTok to share tips and techniques, and participate in challenges with other creators. Link: https://www.tiktok.com/

  4. Facebook: While Facebook may not be as popular among younger digital artists, it is still a valuable platform for connecting with other artists and showcasing work. Many digital art communities have Facebook groups where artists can share their work, ask for feedback, and connect with others in their field. Link: https://www.facebook.com/

  5. Pinterest: Pinterest is a visual platform where users can create boards and save images that inspire them. Many digital artists use Pinterest to collect reference images and inspiration for their work. Artists can also use Pinterest to showcase their own work and connect with others in their field. Link: https://www.pinterest.com/

Conclusion

In conclusion, digital artists have a wide range of resources available to them that can help enhance their work and develop their skills. It's important for digital artists to explore and experiment with different resources to find what works best for their individual style and needs.

Strazo by Nina
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