Digital art has transformed the world of creativity, offering artists an endless range of tools and techniques to express themselves. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or a seasoned artist looking to sharpen your skills, having the right guide can make all the difference. Books on digital art provide invaluable insights, from learning how to use software like Photoshop or Procreate to mastering digital painting and drawing techniques.

In this article, we’ll explore eight of the best books that can guide you on your digital art journey. These guides cover a range of topics, including digital illustration, painting, drawing, and more, making them perfect for artists at every level.

Why Learn Digital Art Through Books?

While there are many online tutorials and courses available, books offer structured learning, curated by experts in the field. A good book on digital art not only teaches you techniques but also delves deeper into the principles of art and design. You can learn at your own pace, revisit concepts, and have a resource that grows with you as you advance in your digital art skills.

1. Beginner’s Guide to Digital Painting in Photoshop by 3dtotal Publishing

This book is an excellent starting point for beginners. Beginner’s Guide to Digital Painting in Photoshop focuses on teaching readers the basics of using Photoshop as a digital painting tool. It covers essential topics such as understanding layers, brushes, and color theory, and also includes step-by-step tutorials on creating digital art from scratch. If you’re new to both Photoshop and digital painting, this guide provides a solid foundation to build upon.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the fundamental tools of Photoshop for digital art.
• Step-by-step tutorials for beginners.
• Tips on color theory and using brushes effectively.

2. Digital Painting Techniques: Volume 1 by 3dtotal Publishing

A fantastic guide for intermediate artists, Digital Painting Techniques: Volume 1 features tutorials from professional digital artists who share their expertise on various techniques. This book focuses on more advanced skills, such as blending, lighting, and rendering different textures like skin, hair, and fabric. Each tutorial is packed with practical advice and stunning artwork, making it an essential resource for artists looking to refine their digital painting abilities.

Key Takeaways:

• Advanced techniques for digital painting.
• Tutorials on rendering textures like skin, hair, and fabric.
• Insights from professional digital artists.

3. The Art of Digital Painting by ImagineFX

If you're looking for inspiration and professional advice, The Art of Digital Painting is a comprehensive guide filled with interviews and artwork from some of the top digital artists in the industry. This book covers various styles, from fantasy to sci-fi, and explores different tools and software used by the pros. It’s a great resource for both beginners and advanced artists seeking to broaden their creative horizons.

Key Takeaways:

• Insight into various digital painting styles.
• Interviews and tips from professional digital artists.
• Exploration of different tools and software.

4. Digital Art Masters: Volume 9 by 3dtotal Publishing

The Digital Art Masters series is well-known in the digital art community, and Volume 9 continues to uphold its reputation for high-quality content. This book features detailed tutorials and breakdowns of complex digital artworks by leading artists. Covering topics like digital painting, 3D modeling, and concept art, this guide is a must-have for artists looking to advance their digital skills and learn from the best in the field.

Key Takeaways:

• Detailed tutorials on digital painting and 3D modeling.
• Expert insights from leading digital artists.
• Focus on concept art and advanced techniques.

5. The Animator's Sketchbook: How to See, Interpret & Draw Like a Master Animator by Tony White

For those interested in animation, The Animator's Sketchbook is an invaluable resource. While not exclusively about digital art, this guide helps bridge the gap between traditional drawing techniques and digital animation. Tony White, an award-winning animator, shares insights into creating lifelike motion, storytelling, and character design. This book is ideal for artists looking to incorporate animation into their digital art repertoire.

Key Takeaways:

• Techniques for drawing and animating characters.
• Learn how to integrate traditional art skills into digital animation.
• Tips on motion, storytelling, and character design.

6. Mastering Manga with Mark Crilley by Mark Crilley

For those with a love for manga and comic-style digital art, Mastering Manga with Mark Crilley is a fantastic guide. Though focused on manga, Crilley’s tips on drawing figures, faces, and expressions translate well to digital art techniques. This book walks you through the process of creating comic-style artwork from sketching to inking, and it’s perfect for artists who want to bring their manga and comic creations into the digital world.

Key Takeaways:

• Techniques for drawing manga-style figures and faces.
• Step-by-step tutorials from sketch to finished artwork.
• Practical tips for inking and creating dynamic scenes.

7. Photoshop for Digital Artists: Creating Digital Art Using Photoshop by Michael Fenton

Photoshop remains one of the most popular tools for digital artists, and Photoshop for Digital Artists offers a focused guide on creating digital art using this software. This book covers various techniques, from basic brush settings to more advanced methods like texture creation and photo manipulation. It’s ideal for digital artists of all levels looking to enhance their skills with Photoshop.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn to use Photoshop for digital painting and illustration.
• Advanced techniques for creating textures and photo manipulation.
• Covers both beginner and intermediate-level tutorials.

8. Procreate Artists’ Handbook: Your Complete Guide to Procreate for iPad by Savage Interactive

Procreate has become one of the leading digital art tools for iPad, and the Procreate Artists' Handbook is a must-read for anyone using this app. This guide dives deep into the features of Procreate, offering tips and tutorials on brush settings, layering, and animation tools. Whether you're new to Procreate or an experienced user looking to refine your skills, this book provides a comprehensive look at everything the app has to offer.

Key Takeaways:

• Comprehensive guide to using Procreate for digital art.
• Tutorials on brush settings, layering, and animation tools.
• Perfect for both beginners and advanced Procreate users.

Best Guides to Creating Digital Art

The world of digital art is vast, and these eight books provide an excellent starting point for anyone looking to improve their skills. Whether you're a beginner learning the basics of Photoshop or an experienced artist refining your techniques in Procreate, there’s a guide here for you. Each of these books offers expert insights, practical tutorials, and inspiration to help you create stunning digital artwork. As you progress in your digital art journey, these guides will serve as valuable resources to help you hone your craft and unlock your full creative potential.

Start with a book that matches your current skill level and preferred software, and immerse yourself in the techniques that will take your digital art to the next level!

Explore your favorite book at your own online bookstore.