Digital artists use digital image editing software and drawing programmes to manipulate images which may have been created from scratch or created digitally on the screen. Images or objects are often scanned in, including hand drawings and photographs.
The work is very diverse and can encompass advertising, special effects in film and television, animation, magazines, computer games, multimedia, websites and large-scale digital installations.
The work can involve:
- Using a combination of traditional art skills and new technology
- Generating ideas, concepts and proposals and presenting these to the client
- Working as part of a design team to develop briefs and solve problems
- Developing design solutions and mock-ups for the client
- Working out time and costing for projects
- Amending designs according to clients’ needs
- Pitching new ideas to clients
- Communicating with a wide range of professionals, including other creative staff and company account managers
- Keeping up-to-date with ever-changing creative digital technologies
- All aspects of running a business if self-employed
Some digital artists work at home or from a studio on a self-employed basis, whilst others are employed by companies. The work can involve travelling to meet clients. Digital artists employed by companies often work normal daytime hours, although evening and late working is not unusual in order to meet tight deadlines.
