Digital or paper illustration?

Digital or paper illustration?
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Do you prefer traditional techniques or are you more into digital? In the office, we have a bit of everything, from those who want nothing to do with paper to those who carry a notebook everywhere. Do you want to discover how the world of illustration changed with the shift to digital?

Mixed media has traditionally been defined in the visual arts as the combination of two or more techniques of different natures on the same support. To these classic combinations of techniques, we add the digitized medium, where part or all of the process makes use of a computer or tablet and requires an understanding of the traditional foundations before evolving them. Digital technique for illustration is seen as something current and a step further in the evolution of image creation.

What is the evolution of digital illustration?

The first software was not originally developed with an artistic vision but quickly became a supporting tool that provided various qualities to the work. In this way, they became increasingly associated with the world of imagery. Their development is not so much linked to the artistic aspect but is more focused on improving the user experience with early computers. The main idea was to devise a peripheral that facilitated communication between the user and the device. This product is now known as a graphics tablet, a peripheral that allows for a direct connection between the artist’s hands and the image created on the screen.

The precursor to current peripherals can be found in the development of the so-called SketchPad, designed by Ivan Sutherland in 1963. This interface allowed lines and arcs to be drawn in the software using an external optical pen, and the elements were editable during work. It is very similar to the current model, with the limitation that it was based on generating polygons and editable geometric elements through points rather than fluid strokes.

These types of tools brought about a technical improvement and new visual proposals, as well as speeding up the work of artists, so they began to be designed more specifically for this function.

In 1983, Apple introduced the KoalaPad, the first home tablet available to users. In the same year, the company Wacom was founded, which has become the leading competitor in terms of drawing peripherals, resulting in today’s Apple iPad and Wacom Cintiq division.

During the 1980s, the field of graphic design explored these new tools’ ability to create images. In contrast, artistic drawing felt that the digital line’s coldness was still far from the spontaneity that could be achieved on paper.

Digital Dawn

However, in the 1990s, the digital dawn occurred. A shift in which digitalized illustration began to become popular, but without abandoning traditional tools. The incorporation of digital work allowed for modifications and enhancements to works created in traditional techniques, incorporating nuances that would not otherwise be possible. This led to a wave of experimentation with these media, seeking differentiation.

There are many professionals who prefer to continue using traditional methods for their designs, while others are 100% digital. It all depends on the work to be done, as digital tools have limitations, and the traditional medium requires the digital medium to communicate. That’s why using both methods today is the best solution for achieving top-quality work.

If you need any design or illustration work, contact us and find out how we can assist you. Also, discover the importance of using color in your designs.

Credits

Post image typography:

Simon Lee

Post image typography:

Ligerid
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