Digital Art Vs. Illustration

If you are reading this article, you may be wondering what differs between illustration and digital art. No matter what you believe about digital art and illustration, I won’t tell you what to think. Instead, provide you with relevant information to counsel your belief on both topics. I’m sure you like this article already; because your thoughts on the subject are not wrong yet.

Let’s get one thing straight before we embark on a very hard-to-explain endeavor. Illustrations explain fundamental concepts; digital art is the personal expression of the artist’s perception of ideas. The purpose of one is reality-based; the purpose of the other is individually based on one’s interpretation of the same reality. Factually, digital art and illustration are different. Perceptually, they can appear the same.

Illustration Is…

Illustrations are visual explanations of text, ideas, processes, or concepts. Illustrations are painted, drawn, carved, or created using illustrative software on a computer. Yes, even a painting in your favorite art gallery or cute cat mug at home has a communicative purpose. Traditional illustrations are made with pencils, pens, markers, paint, etc. Illustrations are only a form of digital art when made with computer software.

What Traditional Illustration Is NOT:

This section aims to discuss illustration in general, not the different categories of illustrations. However, I want to briefly consider a common type of illustration that is easily confused with digital art.

When you see an illustration paired with text in communication materials (magazines, flyers, posters, cards, etc.), these are graphic illustrations. Graphic illustrations are the joining of graphic design and illustration only. Graphic illustrations can be considered digital art, though their purpose is comparatively dissimilar to digital art.

Digital art is…

Digital art is a piece of art built online; it really is that simple. The term “Digital art” was coined in the 1980s after the creation of digital painting software. Once again, digital art regained popularity in 2017, primarily among cryptocurrency investors who saw the value in owning digital art. No, I will not be discussing NFT’s today; that’s a headache for another day and another article.

Digital art can use a combination of photography, illustration, digital painting, and photo editing, all in one. Digital art requires proficiency in various design platforms that take years to achieve. Since the invention of free or affordable digital software, this artistic medium has been accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Digital art allows artists to manipulate shadows, subjects, highlights, details, colors, and textures giving digital art a distinctive style.

Digital art is NOT…

Digital art is not a type of illustration, although one could argue that it is. Yes, digital art can illustrate a concept or idea, and yes, it can be paired with text. Like I previously mentioned, illustrations and digital art do not serve the same purpose. Digital art’s goal is not to explain tangible ideas; rather, the artist's expression of individual beliefs translated into the digital art style they choose. Digital art is the artist’s perception and interpretation of their personal reality, not your reality.

Illustration Vs. Digital Art Examples:

Example #1

Let’s pretend that “illustration” is the genre of music, “R&B.” Within the R&B genre, there are sub-genres; soul, funk, disco, pop R&B, etc. Graphic illustrations are a sub-genre of R&B, like soul, funk, or disco music. R&B music’s goal is to make you dance or sing along. Illustration and R&B both have a purpose of producing action. Now, we can pretend that digital art is the music genre, “Indie.” Indie singers tell you a story by interpreting an experience or event. Indie music does not inform you of a concept or spur you toward action. These genre and art comparisons are merely, for example, and your amusement.

Example #2

A graphic designer's project is to illustrate a heart for a set of Valentine’s day cards. The graphic designer’s purpose is to illustrate a symbol that identifies with the concept of love. So, the designer illustrates a heart symbol in a recognizable style that people associate with love. The designer will use red or pink, merge two squares, rotate the squares to look like a diamond, and round the edges. Thus the recognizable heart shape is created.

You recognize the heart element when you see two triangles with rounded edges and red or pink color because it is a universally recognized symbol. Additionally, the universal symbol for love is a heart. Think about it! When you see a heart symbol on a letter in the mail, you know the graphic element is a heart, and you can ration that the letter will talk about love.

In contrast, digital artists will produce their interpretation of a heart. The artist’s interpretation of a heart may not be red or pink. Maybe the artist is exemplifying a sad broken heart. They may use darker somber colors. The design may appear more realistic than a simple flat illustration of a heart.

Conclusion – Which is better?

If you made it to the end of the article, it means that your opinion has been informed.

Illustrations practice semiotic theory; how signs and symbols communicate meaning. Illustrations convey universally comprehensible ideas. Digital art is the artist’s perception of ideas only.

Illustration and digital art are not the same concepts; your preference toward either is ultimately based on the interaction of the artistic mediums in your own life. If you work in the communications, marketing, or public relations industry, illustration is a superior tool. Suppose your professional industry is fine art, graphic design, or art direction. In that case, you might have a softer spot for digital art's emotional depth or vibrance.

I will leave you with one last thought. An illustration reflects a tangible idea or concept that encourages action. Illustrations explain. Digital art expresses itself and does not depend on textual explanation.

Digital art is an expression of the artist themselves; illustrations are made for everyone else.