What is digital artwork? A beginner’s guide to modern art

Have you ever wondered what is digital artwork and why it’s becoming so popular in modern art? If you’re new to this concept, don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Digital artwork is simply art created or presented using digital technology. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll explain what digital artwork is, how artists create it, and share modern ideas for using digital art in your home and lifestyle. Get ready to be inspired by this accessible form of modern art that anyone can enjoy!

What is Digital Artwork?

Digital artwork (also known as digital art) refers to any artistic creation made with the help of computers, tablets, or other digital tools. Instead of painting on a physical canvas with brushes, a digital artist might draw on a tablet or design on a computer software. The result is a high-quality image file that can be enjoyed on screens or printed out as an art print. Essentially, it’s art for the digital age – ranging from abstract art prints to realistic illustrations – all created in a virtual workspace. Digital art has become a natural part of the modern art world, blending creativity with technology. It’s also widely accessible: artists can easily share their work online, and you can buy digital artwork from anywhere in the world to download instantly.

One big advantage of digital artwork is that it can be transformed into physical decor just like traditional art. For example, an artist’s digital illustration can be printed as a wall art poster or a framed picture for your home. Because the artwork is a file, you have the flexibility to choose the size and material for printing – whether you want a small picture for a bedroom or a large canvas for your living room. Unlike one-of-a-kind paintings, digital files can be used multiple times, so you could even print the same design in different sizes or on various products. In short, digital artwork gives art lovers endless possibilities to enjoy and personalize art in their space.

How is Digital Artwork Created?

Digital artists use technology as their creative toolset. Many use graphic tablets and a stylus (digital pen) to draw or paint on screen, using software like Procreate®, Photoshop®, or other art programs. These tools simulate traditional techniques (you can “paint” with digital brushes, mix colors, and so on) but also offer unique features like undo/redo and special effects. Some artists create digital paintings that look like oil on canvas, while others make crisp vector graphics or even 3D models. Photographers also create digital art by editing images with creative filters and collages. No matter the method, what defines digital art is that the final artwork exists as a digital file (for example, a PNG or JPG image).

Because it’s created digitally, this type of art is easy to adjust or edit. Artists can experiment freely – try different colors, change backgrounds, or add elements – without needing a new canvas for each version. This creative freedom leads to a huge variety of art styles and ideas in the digital realm. It also means that when you download a piece of digital art, you’re getting a high-resolution file crafted with all that creative flexibility. You can be confident it will print beautifully, since digital artists often work in very high detail. In today’s art scene, creating digital artwork has become as legitimate and beloved as traditional painting – it’s simply a different medium. And the best part for beginners exploring modern art is that digital pieces are so easy to obtain and enjoy.

Benefits of Choosing Digital Artwork

Digital art isn’t just trendy – it comes with some fantastic benefits for art lovers, especially when it comes to decorating your home:

• Instant access and convenience: With digital art prints, there’s no waiting for shipping. You can purchase and download a beautiful art piece within minutes. This means you can start decorating or personalizing your space right away!
• Affordable art for everyone: Digital downloads are often more budget-friendly than original paintings or physical prints. You’re buying the artwork file, so there are no printing or shipping costs included. High-quality art becomes accessible to everyone, even if you’re decorating on a budget.
• Customizable size and medium: Printing your own digital artwork gives you total flexibility. Want a large centerpiece for the living room or small art prints for a gallery wall? It’s your choice. You can print on canvas, poster paper, or even fabric. Frame it, hang it as a poster, or put it on a canvas – you get exactly the format that fits your home.
• Endless variety of styles: The world of digital art is incredibly diverse. From bold abstract digital art to serene nature photographs, there’s something for every taste. Love minimalist black-and-white designs or colorful modern art posters? You can find them all online. This huge selection makes it easy to find art that truly reflects your style and personality.
• Eco-friendly option: Choosing digital downloads can be more sustainable. Since you’re not having a product shipped across the world, there’s less packaging and transport involved. You only print what you need, which reduces waste. It’s a modern way to enjoy art while being kind to the environment.

These benefits show why digital artwork has become so popular in home decor and art collections. You get the joy of beautiful art with added convenience and personalization that traditional art might not offer.

How to use digital artwork in your home and lifestyle?

One of the most exciting things about digital artwork is how versatile it is in use. Whether you want to revamp your living space or add art to everyday items, digital art makes it easy. Here are some modern ideas for using digital art in your home and lifestyle:

Living room and shared spaces

The living room is a perfect place to showcase digital art. A large digital art print can instantly become the focal point of the room. For example, you might hang a bold abstract art poster above your sofa to bring energy and creativity into the space. If your style is minimalistic or Scandinavian, a monochrome black and white digital print can add sophisticated elegance without clashing with your color scheme. At Desaigne, you’ll find everything from vibrant street art abstracts to timeless black-and-white designs that work beautifully as wall art prints in a living room. Because you can choose the size, you can go for an oversized statement piece or a set of smaller framed prints to create a gallery wall. The result? A personalized, modern interior that truly reflects your taste.

Bedrooms and personal retreats

In bedrooms or personal spaces, digital artwork can set whatever mood you desire. Looking for calming vibes? Try a nature-inspired digital art print with botanical elements or soft watercolor tones to create a peaceful atmosphere. If you want your bedroom to feel inspiring and uniquely “you,” consider typography art or a printable quote that motivates you every morning. Because digital art files are so flexible, you can even switch out your bedroom pictures whenever you want a refresh – simply download a new design and print it. Many people use printable art as a way to update decor each season or whenever their style changes. A set of coordinated art prints in the bedroom can tie together your color scheme and make the room more cozy and personal. Whether it’s an uplifting phrase in stylish font or a dreamy landscape poster, digital art lets your personality shine in your private retreat.

Workspaces and offices

Your workspace or home office can also benefit from the creativity of digital art. Hanging a framed wall art print in your office can make the environment more inspiring and professional at the same time. Think about what motivates you – it could be an abstract piece with vibrant colors to spark creativity, or a modern geometric design that gives a clean, focused feel. Some people even rotate art in their offices regularly to keep the atmosphere fresh. With digital files, that’s easy: you can have a few favorite designs and swap them out from time to time. For a stylish office, you might choose a set of black-and-white illustrations for a minimalist look, or go bold with contemporary art posters that show off your interests (like travel, music, or technology themes). Since you can print digital art at any size, even a small desk nook can feature a mini framed print or a canvas on the wall. It’s a simple way to add character to your workspace and boost your inspiration during the workday.

Beyond walls: art in lifestyle and gifts

Digital artwork isn’t confined to walls – you can use it to personalize many aspects of your life. Because you get a high-res file when you buy digital art, you can print that design on all sorts of items. For instance, you could print artwork online onto a throw pillow, phone case, tote bag, or t-shirt. Imagine having a unique phone case with a cool abstract pattern, or wearing a t-shirt featuring digital art you love – it’s like carrying a piece of art with you! This is a fun way to express your style, and it also makes for unique gifts. You can create a custom gift for a friend by printing a digital artwork on something you know they’ll use, like a coffee mug with a quirky art design. The possibilities are endless.

Even in your digital life, there are modern ways to enjoy digital art. You can set your purchased digital artworks as wallpapers on your computer or smart TV, or display them on a digital photo frame that changes the image periodically. Your living room could have a digital frame showcasing a slideshow of your favorite art pieces – a very 2025 way to decorate! Since the cost of trying new art is low (no shipping or expensive originals), you can experiment and be creative. Digital art truly lets you blur the line between art and lifestyle, making sure art isn’t just something on the wall – it’s part of your day-to-day world.

By now, you can see that digital artwork opens up a world of creative possibilities. It’s an easy and modern way to bring art into every corner of your life, from your home’s walls to your everyday accessories.

Ready to explore the world of digital art yourself? Visit Desaigne to browse our curated digital art collections and download your favorites today – bring inspiring, personalized art into your home and life with just a few clicks!