Traditional versus Digital

[rei]

Famous topic everywhere. But call it a personal interest. Even I always like to discuss this with any artist I come across.

Say, if you take a little time to survey galleries in DA or somewhere else, you can always find out that Digital arts are more popular than the traditional ones. Do you agree?

What are your opinions in this matter? Care to voice them out? I'll be waiting for the response!

[Ark]

Traditional, all the way.

Digital art cannot compare to the level of passion that can be conveyed through the nuances of traditional art work. The finest details can be conveyed through the slightest movement of the hand, but that is impossible in digital art. Sure, some people may find it easier to do digital, but art isn't suppossed to be easy.

[Meluivan Indil]

Well Ark in some ways I agree with you, in others I would have to disagree.

Yes traditional does take alot more time and effort. I'll agree with that completely. Digital is easier, yes.

But Digital can also take alot of time and effort depending on what you are doing with it. I did a PotO blend once that I had to do alot of smudgework with and used several different techniques to get the desired result. It took me probably 10 hours to finish that one peice. Yes I know that it takes days on end usually to finish one traditional piece, but I put just as much effort and heart into this one piece of digital work as someone else might put into a traditional piece.

I guess I see it this way. I prefer digital work when it comes to already established characters because you see them as they originally were intended by the original artist(anime characters) or actor(real life). Not to mention the fact that I can do digital art but can't draw worth a lick.

But I also love to see traditional artwork that depicts original characters. These original characters are the heart and soul of our own imaginations and to see your own original character come to life on paper is the most amazing feeling. I just have to beg others to create these traditional pieces for me. Believe me, I'm not too proud to beg. You ought to see the one rei recently made for me. You will once I get it uploaded here. But it is amazing.

So I see where both techniques are wonderful outlets for creativity and absolutely love them both.

M.

[Lady Idril]

I am unfortunately inclined to disagree with you, Ark, though respectably.

I do agree that there's something much more personal about traditional artwork. And I have to say that, quite honestly, everyone can learn to create wonderful digital pieces, but it takes a true gift to be a traditional artist.

However! I really disagree that digital art is easier. I think it's just as difficult. I mean, if you're doing something quick and not focusing on detail, you can certainly whip out a digital piece rather quickly, but it won't be as good as a detailed one. I personally have to save my images as a certain file so I can go back in and work on it, sometimes taking a few weeks to finish a project.

Rei, you're right. I find a lot more digital art on the web than traditional. But as I said before, graphic design is something that, given a decent programme, anyone can learn. The only skills you really need are the imagination to create something different and the patience to teach yourself how to do it.

I promise I will return the stolen soapbox now.

[rei]

I do agree with Ark that the finest details can be conveyed through the slightest movement of the hand in traditional arts but not in digital arts. I remember a digital artist told me s/he has abandon the most basic thing in a traditional art because s/he is too focused in digital arts.

M and Idril are right when she said Digital also takes a lot of time and effort in certain areas. Reminds me I did a digital art before and god, the process was like torture. And M, thanks for the compliment of the art I did for you.

I guess, Idril... that I have limited patience and lack of knowledge when it comes to Digital arts. A pity, indeed.

Actually in my opinion, an artist shall have equal knowledge and skill in both techniques. Most people start learning to draw in traditional ways and then pick up on digital. However, once they are familiar with digital arts, they tend to abandon the traditional technique because digital is more convenient in certain parts (for example, you can have layers, fix a mistake using certain tools, etc). Instead of 'easy', I think 'convenient' shall fit better. No offence though, Ark.

[Meluivan Indil]

Your welcome rei and I agree with you on the convenience part. Digital does alow you to do some things that traditional does not. But the opposite can also be said too. Because you can put such fine detail in the traditional.

I would have to say as far as traditional art went when I was a teenager I gave it a go, but could never really get into it. It just did not appeal to me like writing did, but now that I have discovered digital art I find that I can enhance my writing with the digital art pieces and that appeals to me more than anything else. So alot of which you prefer also goes to what you want to use your artwork for.

M.

[danteslover]

Hmm... I'd have to say digital art is flat-out harder than traditional art. I can draw fairly well, but still can't use my computer to do anything but use Paint to create a horrible looking picture of whatever comes to mind. Digital may be more convienient, but it is not easier. I say so only because I can't do digital art... not that am the best I know at traditional...