A digital artist uses specialised software and technology to create visual artwork for a range of media, including websites, games, films, and advertising. Digital artists may produce illustrations, animations, character designs, or concept art, often working closely with other creative professionals such as graphic designers, animators, and developers. The role requires strong artistic skills, a good grasp of digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite or 3D modelling software, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing technology. Digital artists may work as freelancers or as part of studios, agencies, or in-house creative teams. The career is highly creative and offers opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects.
Digital artists in the UK typically earn between £20,000 and £40,000 per year, with experienced professionals in senior roles earning upwards of £50,000.
According to Creative Skillset, there are over 20,000 digital artists and related roles across the UK's creative and media industries.
The majority of digital artists in the UK work in sectors such as advertising, gaming, film and television, and web design.
Focuses on creating original character, environment, and prop designs for video game development studios.
Specialises in building three-dimensional digital models for animation, films, or product design.
Creates digital illustrations and artwork specifically for children's books and educational material.
Gain confidence with drawing, painting, and understanding the basics of art such as colour, composition, and perspective.
Practising traditional art techniques helps you understand the foundations that are crucial in digital art. Take art classes at school or in your community, attend workshops, or follow online tutorials. Focus on improving your observation skills and experimenting with different mediums such as pencils, paints, and inks.
Familiarise yourself with popular digital art tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, or Krita.
Begin by downloading trial versions or free alternatives like GIMP or Krita. Many software packages offer tutorials to help beginners get started. Practise basic functions such as layering, brush settings, and using a graphics tablet, if possible. Building confidence with these tools early can make future learning easier.
Produce a variety of digital pieces to showcase your skills and creativity.
Experiment with different styles and subjects, such as portraits, landscapes, and character design. Save your best work and update your portfolio regularly. A diverse portfolio will help you demonstrate your abilities to potential clients or employers.
Build an online presence by posting your art on platforms like Instagram, ArtStation, or Behance.
Sharing your work online helps you connect with other artists, receive feedback, and attract followers or clients. Consider creating a simple website or using portfolio platforms to display your work professionally. Participate in online art communities and challenges to further develop your skills and network.
Consider studying art, design, or digital media at college, sixth form, or university.
Courses such as A-level Art, BTEC in Art and Design, or a degree in Illustration, Animation, or Graphic Design can help you develop your skills and make valuable industry contacts. Some roles may not require a degree, but formal education can boost your knowledge and employability.
Seek internships, freelance opportunities, or small paid commissions to gain real-world experience.
Approach local businesses, charities, or online clients who may need digital artwork. Participating in competitions or collaborative projects also adds to your experience. Each project helps build your confidence, portfolio, and professional connections.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Digital Artist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
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Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.
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A Digital Artist and a Web designer both focus on creating visual content for digital platforms, utilising similar skills in graphic design, digital illustration, and visual communication. Their work often involves designing user interfaces, web graphics, and visual elements, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications and expertise.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a higher national diploma or degree in:
You'll usually need:
You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you need for this job, for example:
You may need:
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You could take an apprenticeship, such as:
You'll usually need:
You could start working as a design assistant or web support assistant and train while you work.
You could volunteer for a local community group or charity and create a website for them. Any experience you can get will be helpful when applying for jobs.
You'll need a portfolio of work that shows employers your creative design skills.
To make sure that you're up to date with the latest trends, features and design software you can:
You can get more advice about careers in web design from techskills.
You can also find out more from Discover Creative Careers.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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