Should I start with traditional painting or digital painting?

Question

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

Answer 1

Amazing question! Honestly, I believe it depends on your aspirations, interests and what stage you’re at as an artist. If you’re just starting out, then I definitely recommend traditional painting as it builds up your hands-on skills that includes sketching which will help out with textures, understanding lighting & shading, color mixing and getting to work with real materials like watercolors and acrylics. But, unlike traditional painting, digital painting (which has programs like Procreate, Photoshop, IBISPaint, and Sketchbook) is better suited for experimentation with different art styles, gives more ability to organize your layers better, and allows you more flexibility to having clean up projects without worrying about messes. As a self-taught artist, I’ve used both methods and even combined them together sometimes in my own projects, so it definitely depends on your own creative, artistic goals!

Answer 2

That's a great question! I think it depends on your interests and the level you are currently at. Digital art and traditional art can both get expensive, but pen and paper is always the go-to if you are just starting out. After you've developed interest in art and you want to invest time into it, I think digital is a great way to draw all sorts of drawings in different styles and give you a clean feel. Traditional art will always have a textured vibe to them if that's what you're going for.

Answer 3

Digital if done right, will give you passive income selling prints online. Traditional painting is better in my opinion, but the cashflow isn't as high at first. So it all depends on your goals: Authentic handmade paintings, or high-quality fine art prints. Both are respected, both will make you money. Digital has a higher ceiling.

Answer 4

digital will always let the audience down but its probably useful in some professions.

Answer 5

Both have value—it depends on your goals and what inspires you! Traditional painting (like watercolor or acrylic) helps you build hands-on skills, understand color mixing, and work with real materials. Digital painting (in programs like Procreate or Photoshop) offers more flexibility and is great for experimenting without the mess. As a working professional artist and teacher I use both and I teach and can help you explore either path—or combine them—to match your creative style and learning goals. Reach out and lets try painting together! You are never too old or too young to paint!