75 Digital Art Ideas to Help You Unleash Your Inner Artist

As I've stated before, I have explored various creative interests including digital art. Decades ago when stylus pen-based tablets and smartphones weren't yet available, most of my art was created with a mouse and computer. It was painful. The possibilities are endless with today's technologies, and it's much more enjoyable.

A few months back I found myself fascinated by artists on Instagram who were creating art on their iPad Pros with a software application called ProCreate. I had a laptop and a smartphone but for years couldn't find a use for the various basic tablets I own (obtained mostly through free promotions). My attitude changed with the proliferation of stylus pen-based devices and I went on a mission to find a tablet that was perfect for me.

I've been more of a Samsung and Android girl since the start (circa 2008-ish?) so I knew an Apple product wasn't going to be my choice. After some initial research, I decided on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 and apps like Infinite Painter and Sketchbook.

I have been exploring all aspects of digital art with both my smartphone and new tablet, converting photographs I've taken with cameras, and more. While I'm still finding my voice, I'm also finding the whole exercise of creating art to be very therapeutic. I have been running out of ideas lately, though, so I went on another mission to compile a list of digital art ideas to keep me inspired and motivated.

It is my hope that they will also inspire and motivate you to unleash your inner artist.

Digital Art Ideas

For both beginners and seasoned artists, and in no particular order, consider these ideas for your next project. Before you start down the list, though, let's make a distinction between “design” and “illustrate.” Design relates to an entire look based on fonts, colors, layouts, and the like. Illustrate is to tell a story. Some of the ideas listed below may seem the same, but they're really different based on these two and other concepts — so keep that in mind.

1. Create a surreal landscape using abstract shapes and colors.
2. Create a portrait of a loved one using digital tools and techniques.
3. Design a futuristic cityscape using 3D modeling software.
4. Create a stylized character design for a video game or animation.
5. Illustrate a scene from your favorite book or movie.
6. Design a custom album cover for a music artist.
7. Create a set of emoticons or emojis for use online.
8. Design a new logo for a company or brand.
9. Create a digital collage using images and textures from various sources.
10. Illustrate a recipe and make a short animation of the dish being prepared.
11. Design a custom interface for a smartphone or computer application.
12. Create a digital painting of a landscape or cityscape.
13. Design a tattoo for a friend or family member.
14. Create a series of stickers or decals for use on social media or messaging apps.
15. Illustrate a children's book using digital tools.
16. Design a custom typeface or font.
17. Create a short animation or video game cutscene.
18. Illustrate a comic book or graphic novel.
19. Design a custom piece of jewelry using 3D modeling software.
20. Create a set of digital patterns or textures for use in design projects.
21. Illustrate a set of tarot cards.
22. Design a custom invitation or greeting card.
23. Create a short animation or motion graphic to explain a complex topic.
24. Illustrate a series of book covers for a fictional series.
25. Design a custom avatar or profile picture for use online.
26. Create a digital coloring book or activity book for children.
27. Design a custom vehicle wrap for a car or truck.
28. Illustrate a series of posters for a music festival or concert.
29. Create a set of infographics to explain complex data or information.
30. Design a custom pair of sneakers or shoes.
31. Illustrate a series of product packaging designs.
32. Create a short animation or motion graphic to promote a new product or service.
33. Design a custom wallpaper or background for a computer or phone.
34. Illustrate a series of bookmarks or bookplates.
35. Create a set of digital stickers or badges for use on social media or messaging apps.
36. Design a custom t-shirt or clothing item.
37. Illustrate a series of gift tags or gift wrap designs.
38. Create a short animation or motion graphic to tell a story or convey a message.
39. Design a custom calendar or planner.
40. Illustrate a series of postcards or greeting cards.
41. Create a digital art print or poster for display.
42. Design a custom phone case or laptop skin.
43. Illustrate a series of business cards or stationery.
44. Create a short animation or motion graphic to explain how a product or service works.
45. Design a custom notebook or journal.
46. Create a digital art installation or interactive piece.
47. Design a custom puzzle or game.
48. Illustrate a series of stickers or decals for use on physical objects.
49. Create a short animation or motion graphic to teach a skill or concept.
50. Design a custom playing card or card game.
51. Design a custom 3D model of a real or fictional object.
52. Create a digital art gallery or exhibit showcasing your work.
53. Illustrate a set of educational materials or resources.
54. Design a custom website or web page.
55. Create a short animation or motion graphic to advertise a product or service.
56. Illustrate a series of educational posters or infographics.
57. Design a custom video game or app.
58. Create a digital art tutorial or workshop.
59. Illustrate a series of maps or diagrams.
60. Create a short animation or motion graphic to explain a historical event or concept.
61. Illustrate a series of educational games or activities.
62. Design a custom virtual reality experience or game.
63. Create a digital art portfolio or website to showcase your work.
64. Illustrate a series of educational videos or films.
65. Design a custom interactive installation or exhibit.
66. Create a short animation or motion graphic to teach a language or cultural concept.
67. Illustrate a series of educational books or guides.
68. Design a custom educational platform or website.
69. Create a digital art installation or interactive piece that reflects on a social or political issue.
70. Illustrate a series of educational comics or graphic novels.
71. Design a custom educational app or tool.
72. Create a short animation or motion graphic to promote a social or political cause.
73. Illustrate a series of educational materials or resources for a specific audience, such as children or seniors.
74. Design a custom educational game or activity.
75. Create a digital coloring book for adults.

Quite a list, huh? With all of these ideas, surely we can all find something to create!

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