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Digital Artist

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A digital artist uses technology and software to create artwork, illustrations, and graphics for various industries such as video games, advertising, film, and publishing. Work can include character design, animation, concept art, and visual effects. Digital artists often use programmes like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and specialised 3D modelling tools. Many digital artists work as freelancers, but there are also opportunities within media companies, design studios, and advertising agencies. Creativity, technical skills, and a strong portfolio are important for success in this career.

Digital Artist

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Digital artists in the UK earn between £20,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and sector.

Industry Growth

The UK creative industries sector employs over 2.3 million people, with digital art roles increasing due to the growth in gaming and media.

Freelance Opportunities

Approximately 60 percent of digital artists in the UK work on a freelance basis, allowing flexible career paths.

🚀 Careers in this path

Build Your Artistic Skills

Learn Basic Art Principles

Understand the core principles of art, such as anatomy, colour theory, composition, and perspective.

Building a strong foundation in traditional art skills is essential, even for digital work. You can learn these through online tutorials, art classes, or by practising drawing from real life. Many digital artists begin by sketching with pencil and paper before moving on to digital tools.

Experiment with Digital Tools

Familiarise yourself with common digital art software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, or Krita.

Download trial versions or free alternatives to get used to digital drawing. Watch beginner tutorials on YouTube or take introductory courses. Experiment with different brushes, layers, and tools to see how they work and find your preferred workflow.

Develop a Portfolio

Create a Range of Artworks

Produce a variety of digital artworks to showcase your skills and creative style.

Aim to demonstrate versatility by including character designs, environments, illustrations, and any other relevant work. Focus on quality over quantity. Challenge yourself with personal projects, art challenges, or by replicating professional briefs.

Build an Online Presence

Share your portfolio on platforms such as ArtStation, Behance, or your own website.

Having an online portfolio makes it easy for potential clients or employers to view your work. Use social media platforms like Instagram or Twitter to connect with other artists and showcase your progress. Keep your portfolio updated with your best and most recent work.

Gain Experience and Grow Professionally

Seek Feedback and Improve

Ask for constructive criticism from peers, mentors, or online communities to improve your work.

Receiving feedback is vital for growth as a digital artist. Join online forums, Discord groups, or attend workshops and art fairs to connect with others. Be open to suggestions and use them to refine your craft.

Find Work Opportunities

Look for freelance projects, internships, or entry-level positions with studios or agencies.

Start by taking on small freelance jobs, collaborating with indie game developers, or contributing to group projects. Apply for internships with creative agencies or companies that need digital artwork. Building professional relationships and a network can help you find more opportunities over time.

Available Apprenticeships

Please note that this may not be a comprehensive list of available apprenticeships. To view a more complete collection, visit the Find an apprenticeship service.

Click on any card to be redirected to their vacancy page.

Apprentice IT Support Technician

FRANK H DALE LTD

( Added 23 Sep 2024 - 1 position available )

This is an exciting opportunity to represent Frank H. Dale, a major structural steel fabricator that was founded in 1932 in the Herefordshire market town of Leominster.

Closing date: in 2 days

Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025

Apprentice Service Desk Operator (IT)

LANYON BOWDLER LLP

( Added 30 Apr 2025 - 1 position available )

This is an exciting opportunity to represent Lanyon Bowdler Law Firm, who are consistently recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers UK, and strive to create a happy and supportive working environment.

Closing date: in 2 days

Possible start date: 27 Oct 2025

Apprentice Digital Support Technician - REF 14822

P3 COMPUTER SERVICES LIMITED

( Added 22 May 2025 - 1 position available )

P3 Computer Services Ltd in Burnley are recruiting for an Apprentice Digital Support Technician. The successful candidate will work towards completing a Level 3 Digital Support Technician apprenticeship over the duration of 18 months.

Closing date: in 1 month

Possible start date: 29 Nov 2025

IT Support Apprentice

HEYGATES LIMITED

( Added 29 Jul 2025 - 1 position available )

A fantastic opportunity has become available for an IT support trainee to join the team, reporting to the Head of IT. This new and challenging role will give the opportunity to work with a wide range of enterprise technologies and potential to travel to other sites in the UK. An exciting and varied role.

Closing date: in 2 months

Possible start date: 13 Dec 2025

IT Support Engineer Apprentice

BUBBLE IT SOLUTIONS LTD

( Added 12 Aug 2025 - 1 position available )

As an IT Support Engineer Apprentice at Bubble IT, you’ll be the first point of contact for customers needing technical help. You’ll gain hands-on experience resolving a range of IT issues and developing your knowledge across hardware, software, and network support.

Closing date: in 19 days

Possible start date: 10 Nov 2025

IT Apprentice

BV Dairy

( Added 27 Aug 2025 - 1 position available )

First line business support, onsite, resolving issues such as forgotten passwords, connection and printing issues, and general problem identification. Covering customer service, system maintenance, and security, preparing you for more complex technical support roles.

Closing date: in 16 days

Possible start date: 03 Nov 2025

Content Creation Apprentice

LOCALLY WE DO... LTD

( Added 03 Sep 2025 - 1 position available )

Join Locally We Do... Ltd as a Content Creator Apprentice and master the art of impactful storytelling across digital platforms. Learn to craft videos, images, and articles that connect with audiences, while gaining hands-on experience in modern marketing and creative production.

Closing date: in 12 days

Possible start date: 01 Nov 2025

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

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.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

A Digital Artist and a Web designer both work primarily with digital media to create visual content, often involving graphic design, user interfaces, and multimedia elements. Their qualifications overlap in skills related to digital tools, creativity, and visual communication.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

 You could take a higher national diploma or degree in:

  • web design and development
  • multimedia design
  • digital media development
  • interactive computing

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

More Information

College

You could take a college course to learn some of the skills you need for this job, for example:

  • Level 3 Certificate in Web Design and Development
  • T Level in Digital Production, Design and Development
  • Level 4 Diploma in IT Web Design

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

  • 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could take an apprenticeship, such as:

  • Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Junior VFX Artist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
  • Creative Digital Design Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start working as a design assistant or web support assistant and train while you work.

Volunteering

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.

More Information

Career tips

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:

  • get involved in free webinars or online training courses
  • sign up to free online magazines
  • read the latest industry blogs for news and tips

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in web design from techskills.

You can also find out more from Discover Creative Careers.

Interested in More Career Paths?

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