Skip to main content
    TekSure
    Step 1 of 6
    How-To Guides
    Intermediate
    2 min read 6 stepsApril 2, 2026Verified April 2026

    Getting Started with Digital Art

    Create digital illustrations, paintings, and designs using your tablet or computer.

    In this guide (6 steps):

    1. 1.Choose your device
    2. 2.Free drawing apps
    3. 3.Learn the basics
    4. 4.Essential techniques
    5. 5.Free learning resources
    6. 6.Build a portfolio
    1

    Choose your device

    ~15s
    iPad + Apple Pencil ($329+$129): best for most beginners. Samsung tablet + S Pen: good Android option. Wacom tablet ($50-300) + computer: traditional digital art setup. Any of these works great.
    2

    Free drawing apps

    ~15s
    Procreate ($12.99 one-time, iPad): industry standard, thousands of brushes. Krita (free, computer): powerful open-source painting. MediBang Paint (free, all platforms): great for comics. Sketchbook (free, all platforms): clean sketching.
    3

    Learn the basics

    ~15s
    Start with layers: draw on separate layers so you can edit parts independently. Learn undo (Ctrl+Z/⌘+Z): your best friend. Practice basic shapes and lines before complex art.
    4

    Essential techniques

    ~15s
    Use reference images (there's no shame in it — pros do too). Start with sketching loose, then refine. Use different brush sizes for different details. Experiment with opacity for shading.
    5

    Free learning resources

    ~15s
    YouTube: Proko (anatomy), Draw with Jazza (fun tutorials), Brad Colbow (digital art reviews). Domestika and Skillshare offer structured courses. r/DigitalArt and r/learnart communities give feedback.
    6

    Build a portfolio

    ~15s
    Share your work on Instagram, DeviantArt, or ArtStation. You don't need to be "good enough" to share — progress posts are hugely popular. The creative community is welcoming and encouraging.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: Getting Started with Digital Art

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    Rate this guide

    How helpful was this guide?

    art
    digital-art
    creative
    drawing
    design

    Official Resources

    GCFGlobalHow-To GeekAARP Technology Tips

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

    ← Previous

    Home Network Storage (NAS) for Beginners

    Next →

    How to Research Your Family History Online

    Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

    Our verified technicians can fix this issue for you — remotely or in person.

    Book a Verified Tech How It Works

    Related Guides

    How (and Why) to Keep Your Devices Updated

    A plain-English guide to updating Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, and your browser — and why skipping updates is risky.

    3 min read

    How to Set Up Netflix, YouTube, and Streaming Apps on Your TV

    Step-by-step guide to watching Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and more on your Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast.

    3 min read

    How to Record Your Screen

    Capture what's happening on your screen — great for showing a tech problem, creating a tutorial, or saving a video call moment.

    3 min read

    Getting Started with Digital Art — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure