Digital art has been around for decades, but with the advent of affordable and accessible technology, it has become an increasingly popular medium for artistic expression. Children are naturally drawn to technology, making it a great platform for them to explore their creativity. Digital art for children is a fun and engaging way to introduce children to the world of art. In this article, we will explore how to get started with digital art for children.
1. Choose the right tools and software
Introducing children to digital art requires choosing the right tools and software to help unleash their creativity. The tablet is one of the most essential tools for digital art, providing a canvas for children to draw on and work with digital brushes and pens. Choosing a tablet suitable for children, with a sturdy case and a large screen, can make the process comfortable and enjoyable. The Wacom tablet is an excellent option as it’s designed specifically for digital art, with a high-quality drawing surface and a pressure-sensitive stylus for precise lines and shapes. When it comes to software, the free and easy-to-use Sketchbook app is an excellent choice, providing children with a variety of digital brushes and pens to create their artwork. The app is also easy to use, making it a great option for children who are just getting started with digital art.
2. Exposing them with different techniques in drawing
The second way to introduce children to the world of digital art is by exposing different techniques in drawing with the tablet and stylus pen. Just like traditional art, digital art involves using different tools and skills to create unique pieces of art. By learning various drawing techniques, children can identify their interests and strengths in digital art. Basic drawing skills are essential, but children also need to learn how to use their fingers or stylus pens to add colours, textures, and use other features of the software to create collages and more. These skills will enable children to create original digital artwork that showcase their creativity and imagination.
3. Encourage children to share their digital artwork
Encouraging children to share their digital artwork with others is an excellent way to start exposing them to the world of digital art. By sharing their creations, children can showcase their work and receive feedback, which can help them to improve their skills and gain confidence. Moreover, sharing their artworks can open opportunities for collaboration with other artists, graphic designers, and illustrators when the children’s skills are at a certain level. This can be an excellent way for children to learn new techniques and styles and to network with other creatives. In addition, sharing their artworks can also expose children to the concept of NFT, where fellow artists sell their digital artworks. This can be a great way for children to learn about the art market and possibly even earn income from their creations in the future. Overall, encouraging children to share their digital artworks not only helps them to grow as artists but can also provide them with valuable real-world experience and opportunities.
Hey, as parents, it’s natural to feel a bit intimidated when it comes to exposing our children to digital art. But don’t worry, there are plenty of options out there to help us out. For example, there are several enrichment centres and after-school programmes that specialise in teaching digital art to children. Even if you’re not able to find many options in your area, you can always check out ALFA and Friends Centre, which has locations all around Selangor. The best part about their Digital Art programme is that children get to showcase their artworks by creating a storybook filled with their creations. So, not only will your little ones learn new skills, but they will also get to share their creativity with others. Sounds like a win-win to me!