How To Ink Digital Art - Digital art has become increasingly popular over the years, with many artists using various software and tools to create their masterpieces. One of the most important aspects of digital art is inking. Inking is the process of drawing outlines and detailing in a drawing, and it has been an integral part of traditional art for centuries. Although most digital art applications come with pre-set brushes, sometimes you need that personal touch, hence, inking is still an important part of the digital art process. With the help of some of the images we found, we will be giving you some tips, tricks, and ideas on how to ink your digital art.
Ink + Digital Illustration
Illustration by Behance
One of the easiest ways to ink your digital art is by using a combination of ink and digital media. Drawing your outlines and detailing using ink on paper and then scanning it into your computer to add color and other effects is a classic way of doing things. Inking your drawing with traditional materials gives your work that extra personal touch, which can be hard to achieve through purely digital means.
Of course, scanning your drawings can be a bit tricky, especially when you need to scan it in high resolution to avoid losing details. However, once your image is in the computer, it can be manipulated and edited using various digital applications. In general, the inked outlines of your drawing should be black or dark-colored, making it easy for you to separate the outlines from the rest of the image.
Digital Ink Drawing Pointers
Art by Pinterest search results
If you prefer to stick to just digital inking, you must be aware of a few things to achieve the best results. Firstly, always ensure that the outlines of your drawing are clear, sharp, and readable. In digital inking, you should use only one color for the outlines, usually black.
Secondly, it is essential to choose the right brushes for your project. Most digital art programs come with generic brush sets, but you should explore other brush sets available online. There are many free and premium brush sets available online, which can make your digital art stand out. You should experiment and find the brushes that suit your style and create the necessary effects you need in your inking.
You should also use layers efficiently when inking your drawings digitally. To avoid confusion, you can skillfully name the layers, for example, "outlines," "details," "shadows," and so on. Each layer should have a specific purpose so that you can later easily change, remove or adjust this element of the drawing.
Inking with Watercolors and Ink
Artwork by Jaime Andrews
If you are looking for a unique way to ink your digital art, you could take a cue from traditional artists like Jaime Andrews, who uses watercolors and ink in her art pieces. This technique is commonly referred to as "mixed media" art, and it involves combining different art materials to create different effects in one artwork.
Using watercolors and ink to ink your digital art adds an organic, unique and textured feel to your work. However, it would be best if you first started by creating outlines of your drawing before moving on to adding watercolors and ink to your artwork.
Digital Painting with Ink
Digital Painting by Me
If you intend to paint your art digitally, inking is still an essential part of the process. Inking is the foundation on which you build the different elements of your drawing, such as shadows and highlights. You can use digital inks specifically designed for coloring your artwork, such as watercolor brushes, pencil brushes, and more.
To create clean lines in digital inking, hold down the SHIFT key after selecting the brush, and move your cursor in a straight line. This technique helps you draw smooth lines that don't wiggle or waver, which can be distracting to the viewer.
Advanced Digital Inking
Advanced Digital Inking Tutorial
If you are an advanced digital artist looking to enhance your inking skills, you could consider following an advanced digital inking tutorial. These tutorials teach you how to use different inking tools and effects, such as pressure sensitivity, brush sizes, and flow levels, to create unique and intricate digital ink illustrations.
If you feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools and brush sets available, consider starting with the pre-set brushes that come with most digital art programs. These brushes are usually calibrated to work well in different situations, giving you an excellent foundation to build your inking skills.
In essence, inking your digital art depends on your personal style, the skill level you possess, the tools you have at hand, and the effects you desire. Regardless of the method you choose, inking is a crucial part of any digital art project, adding depth, complexity, and dimension to your artwork.
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