digital art. Artists argue that digital art is a way of taking shortcuts to make art rather than learning the fundamentals, while digital artists describe their art as a different tool that’s incorporated in their work. Being a painter, artwork shouldn’t be something copied or traced, it should be something innovative and original. Is digital or traditional work favored over the other? Digital and traditional art are both art forms that introduce different elements, but does one medium dominate?
We’re in a modern time. Technology takes over with new updates on cell phones and laptops and new applications to use. When technology continued to rise, advancements and changes in the arts occurred. Graphic design was a new style of art where colors, shapes, and geometry was used. When computers were created, graphic design became more used since it was accessible. Computers were the new tool and applications like Photoshop and Illustrator became popular. Many artists feel as though digital work is a cheat in the arts and may include shortcuts like mixing colors, creating shapes, tracing forms, and adding layers. Graphic Design has tools that make some processes easier but do computers take away from the art in graphic design? Different mediums require different tools. When learning the fundamentals of art, many of the procedures that are taught can be recreated on a computer but in a simpler way, causing some people to lack the skills of drawing. When artists, specifically graphic designers, are able to use the computer as an extension of their knowledge rather than depend on digital filters and effects, the artwork is more original, creative, and innovative in the end (Digital).
Graphic design is a style of art that for me, a painter, is much more difficult and disconnected. Hands on work that I can physically grasp is the style of work that I prefer. Although some artists are able to scan in traditional or physical artwork to create something mixed media, computers are just not some people’s specialty. My ideas need a direct route to the paper rather than floating on a computer screen. Traditional art can be seen as more likeable due to the physical connection from the artist to the paper. Being able to understand the fundamentals of art and using the applications as a tool rather than depending on it, can be determined on whether or not an artist's work is successful.
"Moose Jaw"
Drawing
Ink, charcoal, acrylic
Graphic design is computerized and includes tools different than traditional or physical artwork. Traditional art can have an assortment of styles created through the human hand. Rather than a computer, paintings, drawings, and sculptures use more organic tools. There is a connection from the hand to the canvas/material that digital art may not achieve. Computers may cause a disconnect from the work to the artist since the artist is using tools that quicken processes, are harder to manage, or since their work is viewed on a screen. Traditional artwork is beautiful in a way that the artist was able to portray their emotion through their color palette, their line work, and their subject matter. Graphic designers are still able to represent emotion through the same elements but seeing work that was created through long gestural arm motions instead of from sitting at a computer screen may be more interesting or satisfying to look at. Traditional work can be viewed as more sentimental or personal since the work is not saved on a computer. Graphic designers are able save their work and print multiple copies. Artists who use traditional mediums don’t have a redo button. Once a piece of art is created the original would be sold or kept and copies would be made. Although both art styles are able to make copies and prints, traditional art will always have an “original”. The time put into these pieces without using digital shortcuts introduces a new aspect of the debate where traditional paintings generally take longer from drying paint or fired clay. Traditional artwork includes processes and procedures not used in the digital aspect of art but can be appreciated throughout each style.
Artwork is just a collection of people’s opinions and perspectives. Is it really okay to argue about which style of work is better? Everyone should have a favorite type of work but learn to enjoy all art styles. Embracing everyone’s views and ideas makes the world only look more creative. I simply like paintings and drawings better than any digital work. I don’t feel a connection to the piece therefore I have no motivation to finish it. I have a physical connection to the mediums that I work with. I need to be able to manipulate the medium and enjoy the process of creating the piece in order for me to enjoy the style of work. Digital art and traditional art are both styles of work that use different tools. One style of work might allow for a quicker product or one may allow you to connect better emotionally but no matter which style, each have pros and cons. Even though one does not feel intrigued by the media of a piece of artwork, appreciate the difference and the challenge or even the shortcuts used. Love all art forms and embrace all mediums. Rather than forcing digital and traditional artwork to be against each other, join them in admiring artwork as a whole.