Last updated on May 7, 2023
Photo by Dennis Mita on Unsplash
The rapidly changing landscape in the technology sector has created an ever-increasing demand for digital art professionals. With digital technology playing an ever-increasing role in almost every industry, the need for digital art experts is also on the rise. These highly-skilled professionals can unlock creative possibilities with digital art and create stunning visuals while also connecting art with technology.
Over the past few years, the job market in India has seen a rise in jobs and careers related to digital art. There are several opportunities available in this field, with most companies hiring digital artists on contract or a full-time basis. These professionals earn in the range of INR 2 lakhs to 5 lakhs per annum depending on the project's complexity and the skill-level of the candidate. To enter this field, gaining the appropriate qualifications and necessary skills are very important.
For those planning to transition into a career as a digital artist, there is no shortage of success stories to draw inspiration from. Take, for example, Karan Desai, a former software engineer who decided to pursue a career as a digital artist. Unhappy with his current job and wanting to exercise his creativity, he quit his software engineering job and decided to take the plunge and follow his passion. Starting from scratch, he faced many struggles initially, but with sheer hard work and determination, he quickly gained recognition in the digital art world. Within a few months, he had achieved his goal and was able to land big projects with some of the most prestigious companies.
Karan's story is an inspiration to all those thinking of shifting their career to digital art and highlights the importance of investing time, energy and effort into learning new skills. With the right tools and guidance, anybody can achieve success in digital art.
Becoming a successful digital artist requires honing a range of skills and knowledge. These include understanding the basics of composition, color theory, and design principles, along with mastering the software tools used by digital artists. Photography, illustration, and typography are other key skills that one should possess to succeed in this profession. Additionally, some knowledge of video editing and animation also helps.
Fortunately, developing these skills is not hard. There are several online courses and tutorials available on the internet that can help aspiring digital artists get a good grasp of the basics. These courses are typically tailored to the skill-level of the artist and can be customized to suit the artist’s learning preferences. Additionally, attending workshops, seminars and conferences on digital art can be beneficial for those looking to learn from more experienced professionals.
Transitioning into a career as a digital artist can be a challenging journey. One of the biggest challenges that artists face is getting their work noticed. Creative portfolios are essential for aspiring digital artists as it helps to showcase their work to potential employers. Networking events too can be useful as they allow digital artists to connect and mingle with industry professionals. Additionally, joining freelancing websites like Upwork is a great way to leverage one’s skills and land great projects.
Finding the right clients can be a tricky task. Since the projects vary greatly in terms of complexity and price, it is important to research and study the market properly before deciding to take up a project. This also applies to long-term contracts as one should be realistic in their expectations and research the market thoroughly to understand the competitive landscape.
Starting a career in digital art requires preparation, focus and dedication. Here are some of the steps one can take to start a successful career in digital art in India:
Switching to a career in digital art can be intimidating and challenging. However, with the right set of skills, knowledge, and dedication anyone can make a successful transition into this field. Learning the basics of digital art, mastering the tools for creating stunning visuals, and building a creative portfolio are the most important steps for starting a successful journey. Further, joining freelancing websites, attending industry events and seminars, and networking with professionals can help jumpstart a digital art career in India.