Digital illustration is an exciting and creative way to express yourself using a computer or tablet.
Once you get the hang of it, you can really bring your imagination to life! Plenty of folks want to dive into digital illustration but aren’t quite sure where to kick things off.
alt=”A workspace filled with a laptop, tablet, and drawing pad, surrounded by art supplies and reference books, with sunlight streaming in”>
Taking an online course is a fantastic way to learn digital illustration. You can go at your own speed and pick up tips from experienced teachers.
With a variety of courses available, covering all sorts of styles and tools, we’ve narrowed it down to some top picks to help you kickstart your digital art adventure.
1) Procreate Masterclass
If you’re looking to become a digital art whiz, check out the Procreate Masterclass on Udemy.
This one’s suited for both beginners and those with some experience.
In this course, you’ll cover everything from setting up your workspace to tackling advanced tools.
Marius Worch, the instructor, has a way of breaking things down into easy-to-follow steps.
With a whopping 14 hours of content, there’s plenty of time for you to practice your skills.
The course touches on digital drawing, painting, and even dabbling in animation techniques!
The best part? You can learn at your own pace.
Feel free to pause, rewind, and revisit lessons as many times as you need.
By the end, you’ll be crafting stunning digital illustrations and even figuring out how to share or sell your art online.
Don’t sweat it if you’re a newbie; the course starts with the basics and gradually builds up to more complex techniques.
You’ll be surprised at how quickly you’ll improve! With hands-on guidance, you’ll gain confidence in using various tools and techniques to produce eye-catching artwork.
A lot of students who began with the best graphic design courses have gone from total novices to creating impressive, professional-quality designs!
2) Adobe Illustrator for Beginners
Eager to kickstart your digital illustration journey? The Adobe Illustrator for Beginners course on Udemy is a solid choice.
It covers all the necessary basics.
You’ll learn how to navigate Illustrator’s tools and features step by step.
The instructor takes the time to explain everything clearly, so you’ll be whipping up cool designs in no time!
If you want something a bit different, give Tina Touli’s Adobe Illustrator for Beginners course on Domestika a look.
It’s perfect if you want to explore Illustrator fully for your graphic design projects.
On a budget? Check out Skillshare’s Crash Course in Logo Design using Illustrator.
It’s short and sweet, focusing specifically on logo creation.
Remember, practice makes perfect! These courses lay a solid foundation, but don’t forget to play around on your own too.
Before long, you’ll be churning out amazing illustrations like a pro!
3) Sketchbook Illustration with Ink and Watercolor
If you want to breathe life into your sketchbook with ink and watercolor, check out this course on ink and watercolor illustration.
You’ll learn how to blend these two classic mediums into stunning illustrations.
The course goes from basic sketching all the way to adding vibrant watercolor washes.
You’ll discover techniques to create texture and depth in your drawings.
The instructor will guide you through using different pens and brushes for various effects.
By the time you’re done, you’ll have the skills to fill your sketchbook with gorgeous ink and watercolor illustrations.
It’s a great way to boost your artistic abilities and get your creative juices flowing!
This course works well for beginners and intermediate artists alike.
You’ll be amazed at how much you can progress with the right guidance and a bit of practice.
4) Digital Painting with Photoshop
Want to become a digital painting pro? Photoshop is the go-to tool for many artists—it has a treasure trove of features to bring your ideas to life.
Adobe Photoshop for Digital Painting is an awesome course to kick off your training.
You’ll get to know how to navigate Photoshop’s tools specifically for digital art, covering everything from the basics to advanced techniques.
Looking for something deeper? Try the Digital Painting Master Class; it takes you through beginner to advanced levels.
You’ll be painting characters, creatures, and landscapes like a natural!
If character design piques your interest, take a look at the Best Character Coloring and Painting Course for Beginners.
It’s tailored for those who want to focus on bringing characters to life with color.
These courses will help you master Photoshop for digital painting.
You’ll learn nifty skills and techniques for creating fantastic digital art.
Just remember to keep practicing!
5) Character Design with Procreate
If you’re ready to breathe life into your characters digitally, Procreate is a fantastic tool for character design, and there are some amazing courses out there to help you master it.
The Digital Character Painting with Procreate course is a fantastic pick.
You’ll learn to craft detailed characters that look like they’ve jumped right out of a video game or movie.
If fantasy is your thing, take a look at the Fantasy Character Design in Procreate course.
It’s a blast for creating magical beings and creatures right from your imagination.
For a more general foundation, try Drawing a Female Character.
This course will guide you through designing female characters while boosting your Procreate skills at the same time.
These courses are sure to level up your character design game.
You’ll pick up cool techniques for showcasing your ideas on-screen while having fun with Procreate’s features.
6) Figma for Beginners
Curious about starting with Figma? You’re in luck; there are some fantastic courses for beginners!
Figma’s official YouTube channel is a great resource; it’s free and covers all the essential features you’ll need to know.
You’ll be learning how to use the main tools step by step.
If you prefer a more structured approach, check out the Figma 101 course on Designlab.
It’s perfect for hands-on learners, giving you real projects to work on and feedback from the pros.
Looking for something quick? The Figma Essentials course on Dribbble is short and packed full of useful info.
You’ll be creating simple designs in no time!
7) iPad Art: Drawing and Painting
If you want to make stunning art on your iPad, you’ve got some brilliant courses to help you level up your digital illustration skills.
A popular choice is the Procreate Drawings and Paintings on the iPad course.
It’ll show you how to make the most of Procreate, which is one of the best-selling apps for iPad artists.
For a more comprehensive dive, take a look at The Ultimate Drawing and Painting on the iPad with Procreate.
This course runs the full spectrum, from basic sketches to complex backgrounds.
And if you want to dig deeper into what Procreate offers, check out Procreate: Digital Art, Illustration, Animation on Your iPad.
You’ll discover how to bring your creative visions to life with the app’s awesome features.
These courses are perfect for beginners and seasoned artists alike.
They’ll help unlock your creativity and maximize your iPad’s artistic potential.
Understanding Digital Illustration
Digital illustration lets you create art on digital platforms, which is a fantastic way to produce cool drawings and designs using specialized software.
It’s fun and also makes it super easy to correct mistakes or try out new ideas.
What Is Digital Illustration?
Think of digital illustration as making art on electronic devices.
Instead of paper, you use a stylus or mouse to draw directly on the screen.
It’s like traditional drawing but with all the high-tech goodies.
You can easily select different brushes, colors, and effects with just a click.
This form of art is perfect for creating book covers, marketing materials, and character designs.
A lot of artists turn to it for comics, games, and animations too.
The best part? You can easily undo any mishaps.
No more eraser marks or crumpled paper! You can also copy, resize, and rearrange parts of your drawing, all with a few clicks.
If you want to dig deeper, digital illustration courses can teach you some impressive tricks.
You’ll discover how to make your art pop on screens.
Tools and Software Used
To get started with digital illustration, you’ll need some basic tools.
A computer or tablet is your main gear.
Many artists prefer drawing tablets that hook up to their computers.
Here’s a quick list of popular software you might want to check out:
- Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
- Procreate (ideal for iPad users)
- Clip Studio Paint
- Krita (the best part? It’s free!)
Each program has features that cater to different styles—some are better for realistic art, while others excel in cartoons or graphic design.
And don’t forget a stylus! It’s like a pen for your tablet, and some even come with buttons for quick commands.
If you’re unsure about which tools to choose, drawing courses can guide you through selecting the right ones and show you how to use the software to create stunning art.
Benefits of Taking Digital Illustration Courses
Digital illustration courses are a great way to level up your skills and explore new career avenues.
They provide hands-on training with popular software and techniques used by professionals.
Enhancing Creative Skills
Taking these courses can really help you grow as an artist.
You’ll learn to master tools like Adobe Illustrator and Procreate.
Classes often include fun projects that can stretch your creativity.
You might design characters, create landscapes, or craft eye-catching posters—all while getting feedback from teachers and peers.
Practice sessions let you experiment with new techniques right away.
You could be surprised at the hidden talents you discover!
Career Opportunities
With solid digital illustration skills, you’re opening the door to some exciting job prospects.
Companies are always on the lookout for artists who can craft stunning visuals for ads, websites, and apps.
You might consider working as a freelance illustrator, creating art for books or magazines.
Or how about teaming up with a design crew at a substantial company? Some illustrators even launch their own products to sell online.
Learning digital tools makes you a valuable asset to employers.
It shows you’re on top of the latest trends in the industry.
Plus, you’ll be ready to tackle a range of projects, from logos to animated graphics.
By building a robust portfolio during your courses, you can impress potential clients or employers with a collection of your best work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Digital illustration courses offer a fantastic way to take your art skills to the next level.
Let’s look at some common questions about learning digital art online.
What are some top-rated digital illustration courses for newbies?
Procreate Masterclass stands out for iPad users just starting with digital art.
It covers all the app essentials.
Adobe Illustrator for Beginners is perfect for getting into vector graphics, teaching you how to create logos, icons, and illustrations.
Can you recommend any free digital art courses that are available online?
You can find tons of free tutorials on YouTube for various digital art programs.
Many artists share their tips and techniques without charging a dime.
Also, Skillshare offers a free trial.
You can take their Digital Painting with Photoshop class while you’re on the trial.
Which online platforms offer the best digital illustration courses?
Skillshare has a variety of art classes, and their Sketchbook Illustration with Ink and Watercolor course is quite popular.
Udemy boasts affordable options too.
Check out their Character Design with Procreate course tailored for budding character artists.
What do Reddit users suggest as the best digital art learning resources?
Reddit artists often recommend popular YouTube channels like Proko and Marco Bucci, which are full of free art lessons.
For beginners, starting with Procreate for Beginners on Domestika comes highly suggested.
It’s known for being friendly to those just getting started.
How can I improve my skills in digital illustration?
The best advice? Practice daily, even if it’s just for half an hour.
Try out different brushes and techniques in your favorite software.
Join art challenges on social media to keep yourself creating regularly and to gather valuable feedback.
Are there career opportunities in digital illustration, and if so, what are they?
You could work as a freelance illustrator for books, magazines, or websites, or dive into the gaming and animation industry where you’ll design characters, backgrounds, or concept art for productions.