Digital Sketchbook: Apps offer new possibilities for an aspiring artist
By hola | Published | No Comments
Today to mark the end of Hispanic Heritage Month, Hola Cultura Fellow Jasmin Avila shares a new drawing created entirely on her computer, without a paintbrush in sight. Learn more about how she has taken her sketchbook online and the online apps that make it possible.
From photograph to digital drawing
I first learned about digital art from artists on YouTube. I liked the way the work looked and the fact that everything you need was on the computer. I wanted to step into the world of digital art because it meant increasing my skills and options for making art. I don’t own a lot of paint, so digital art helps me work with more colors without worrying about running out. It adds a diverse range of brushes and other tools. You can go back if you make an error, something that is not easy in traditional art.
I was excited to start this new art assignment because of the vibrant colors and wardrobe of the dancers, based on a reference photo was from a 2017 FiestaDC photo album by Ricardo Ponce that was Hola Cultura published that year on Facebook. It’s a beautiful depiction of Latin American culture. At the same time, I was nervous because I set out to complete it digitally.
I’m fairly new to digital art. It feels a little like learning how to draw all over again. But the challenge was nonetheless fun and it helped me see my strengths and weaknesses when it came to digital painting. I am good at sketching but lack some skills when it comes to using colors.
There are several digital art programs available online. Some are free, some aren’t. I used Krita, a free program I downloaded from the Microsoft Store. I’ve just recently started to record myself while I draw using my phone’s time-lapse camera setting. To edit my videos, I use the app InShot that I downloaded from Google’s Play Store. It lets me add musical tracks, change the canvas, trim, and use other tools. Another app I use, but less often, is Magisto. Magisto isn’t like InShot but it is useful if you want your videos to be edited to look like a movie trailer.
Although I was hesitant at first, I’ve started to share my artwork on the social media platform. I’m glad to be exploring new ground and only wish I could’ve done it sooner. My art is no longer hidden away; seen only by me and close family. Now, a lot of other people can see it–even other artists, who have made encouraging comments. Creating art digitally has opened up new possibilities. I hope to continue improving digital art skills because knowing traditional and digital skills makes my art more versatile.
—Jasmin Avila
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