Asked • 06/08/25

Should I start with traditional painting or digital painting?

Learn to paint traditionally or digitally, which is better? Do I need both?

Maria O.

tutor
It depends on what your end goals are. If you're interested in a career in painting, most entertainment-based art industries such as video games, animation, etc. rely on artists being largely digital in their work. Freelance artists who work with tight deadlines for industries such as children's books are often at least partially digital in regards to edits in order to apply changes art directors ask for, but they can still be traditional in their medium to a large degree. There are also freelance artists who create beautiful works for album covers, magazines, etc. who make money off of their own personal style, which could be either. Gallery work or work meant to be viewed in person often leans traditional, but some galleries display prints of digital work as well. So the short answer is: It depends on what you want to do with those skills. I will say, you learn more about color theory and how paint works when you mix traditionally, but digital is a lot easier to edit.
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02/25/26

4 Answers By Expert Tutors

By:

Robin S. answered • 06/08/25

Tutor
5 (7)

Graphic Design, Illustration & Fine Art | 30+ Yrs Pro | Procreate, PS,

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