Today’s artists and creative geniuses are just as likely to reach for a laptop or tablet as they are a paintbrush. Creative tech tools – which range all the way from drawing tablets to mobile phones, projectors, creative software and generative AI – are innovating the industry, allowing creativity to reach new levels. Plus, not only can you now find inspiration by simply scrolling in an app, but you can engage with other creators from across the globe or learn a brand-new art form in the comfort of your own home.
We spoke with four artists to discover how creative tech is shaping their art and their advice for budding artists wanting to involve tech into their creative process.
Digital Artist Parul Sen
Creative Tech Tools She Uses: Tablet, Stylus, Software, Mobile Phone, Laptop and Speaker
When Parul Sen moved from India to Australia, she had no idea it would lead her back to her father’s roots in architectural drawing. After finding her inspiration in the unique details of Melbourne’s buildings, Parul began painting idyllic pastel portraits of cafes and pubs, eventually leading her to starting her own business, Pink Wattle.
Embrace the Portability of Creative Tech
“Creating art can be quite isolating sometimes but the portable component [of a tablet] means I can go to a cafe and draw whatever I see in front of me. This has definitely helped me create the series that I do now, like the pubs and the cafes. It was a huge part of my creative process,” says Parul.
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Try Experimenting With Digital Mediums
“[Using creative tech] has actually allowed me to really explore and expand the possibilities of textures, colours and composition. I’m less of a perfectionist now because I know that if I do something that I don’t like, I can undo it. You really have to let [your art] flow and evolve and not constrain it.”
Engage With Your Audience on Social Media
“Technology has really helped [the art community]. Artists can connect with their audience directly [through social media] and that has given a lot of power to these artists because they get that instant feedback. That has been immensely helpful for a lot of artists.”
Parul’s Favourite Creative Tech
“I’ve been using a tablet since 2018 and I’ve explored quite a few creative apps and software. [This] means I can literally translate that knowledge of traditional mediums quite seamlessly into my digital work. And, of course, a stylus [is essential].
“I also use my mobile phone to take lots and lots of photos. I go and take photos at different times during the day to see what sort of lighting is most flattering for that particular building. I then store whole libraries of these photos on my laptop [for later reference].”
“I listen to podcasts using a speaker. I love listening to podcasts while I'm doing my painting [at home] but if I’m at a cafe, I don’t listen to anything; I’m just painting and listening to the people around me.”
Rug Maker Chrystal Christie
Creative Tech Tools She Uses: Tablet, Software, Projector, Noise-Cancelling Headphones, Cutting Machine and Heat Press Machine
Sydney-based artist Chrystal Christie’s creativity knows no bounds. As a graphic designer, sticker-maker and photographer, she is constantly exploring new artistic avenues. Her most recent creative venture? Rug making. Red Back Rugs offers a colourful range of rugs inspired by everything from popular games like Assassin’s Creed to everyone’s favourite nostalgic toy, Tamagotchi.
Get Inspired and Learn Online
“During the [COVID] 2020 lockdown, I saw a lot of people on TikTok making rugs, which sparked my interest. In 2021, I bought all the tools necessary to start making rugs, learning from TikTok and YouTube tutorials. I started to get the hang of it and after three months, I sold my first custom piece,” says Chrystal.
Save Time and Create More With Digital Devices
“Technology plays a huge role in my creative process, from beginning to end. As soon as I find any inspiration I will start sketching together a concept using creative software on my tablet. My brain is full of unmade projects that I want to create but I have such little time to do them all. By using tech, the process of creating a design and then executing the artwork has become a lot quicker.”
Embrace Both Traditional and Digital Art
“Using tech to enhance traditional mediums helps bring creativity to another level. I recently took my traditional rug-making skills and used them to create a tufted dress. This involved very precise measurements using a tool on Adobe Illustrator. Bringing this dress to life was a feat that I could not have done without the tech we have today.”
Chrystal’s Favourite Creative Tech
“I use a variety of devices to inspire and enhance my creativity! I used to sketch a lot using pens; it was my favourite way to design until I used a drawing tablet, which really changed the game for me. I then started using creative software on my tablet, which is now a staple in my art.
“Then, I’ll use a projector to project my design onto the tufting fabric and then trace before filling it in. It’s like a colouring book but instead of pencils I’m using yarn.
“[When my rug is complete] I use my craft cutting machine to create the branding for all the rugs individually. I will cut out iron-on labels and use a heat press machine to iron on my branded patches.”
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Fashion Illustrator Natasa Prasai
Creative Tech Tools She Uses: Tablet, Stylus, Software, Noise-Cancelling Headphones, Scanner, Cutting Machine, AI
Fashion and live event illustrator Natasa Prasai combines traditional and digital mediums to bring her unique designs to life. At a young age, Natasa would design and sew her own clothes for her Barbie dolls. As she grew, her passion for art and design evolved into a love of fashion illustration. Now, Natasa illustrates her designs by combining watercolour and digital mediums.
Use Digital Devices To Enhance Traditional Mediums
“Digital tools help me refine details, adjust colours and plan my layouts beforehand. I can visualise outfits, test patterns and even create my own brushes for different textures. It has also been equally fun when customising denim jackets; it saves me time, helping me plan my layout and mock-ups.”
Develop Your Style With Creative Tech
“Over the years, I have developed a distinctive style that blends traditional techniques with modern technology. [I’ve] always been drawn to painting with watercolours [but] as my work evolved, I began to see the potential of digital tools in enhancing my creativity. About a year ago I started using a creative software [and though] the transition wasn’t easy, the flexibility and possibilities [it] offered only enriched my process, seamlessly blending with my traditional methods.”
Embrace AI Technology
“I’ve started exploring AI, like Canva’s AI tools and ChatGPT, and while I don’t completely rely on it, it has been incredibly helpful for simplifying repetitive tasks. They’re also fantastic for brainstorming and visualising ideas. With the advancements in science and tech, it’s important to learn how to use these tools as it makes your creative process more efficient and inspiring.”
Natasa’s Favourite Creative Tech
“The digital tools I use make my workflow easier and have allowed me to transition seamlessly between traditional and digital art. At the moment, a tablet and stylus are my go-to tools for digital illustration. Noise-cancelling headphones help me maintain focus while working. I also use a scanner to digitise my watercolour creations and I’m also looking at exploring different cutting machines to add depth to my drawings. These devices have made my art studio portable and now I can create from anywhere in the world.”
Digital Artist Kimberly Engwicht
Creative Tech Tools She Uses: Tablet, Stylus, Laptop, Noise-Cancelling Headphones, Mobile Phone, AI
Kimberly Engwicht’s digital art is bright, confident and joyful; a style visually characterised by thick lines and bright block colouring. She launched her business K-Rae Designs in 2017 with a line of greeting cards and quickly expanded to prints, stickers and stationery. Since she started her business, its success and her love of digital art has grown to incredible heights.
Discover the Right Medium For You
“In the beginning, I only used conventional art tools, and even though it stretched me with my art practices, it didn’t really come naturally to me. I started using tech for my art because it made sense for my lifestyle, and I love working with bold outlines and bright colours. Digital tools make it so much easier to experiment and bring my ideas to life. Plus, with two young kids and a busy schedule, it’s been way more practical than traditional art tools,” says Kimberly.
Embrace Tech in Your Creative Process
“Technology is absolutely essential to my creative process. I use the internet to gather inspiration. Once I’ve got a direction, I move on to creating my artwork using a drawing app on my tablet with my stylus. Digital tools give me the flexibility to experiment, adjust and bring my ideas to life.”
Find Inspiration With AI
“I recently began incorporating AI tools into my creative process. It makes my creative process more efficient by helping me to tackle tricky aspects of my artwork. For example, if I want to draw a character riding a skateboard while holding a coffee cup, I’d use an AI art generator to see how it interprets my concept. From there, I will use this as inspiration to create my own drawing, allowing me to dive into my illustrations sooner.”
Kimberly’s Favourite Creative Tech
“To create my illustrations I use a larger tablet and a stylus. I also use a laptop, which I use to research my ideas or have a movie on in the background whilst creating. If I’m not watching something, I use noise-cancelling headphones to help myself switch off and listen to one of my many RnB mixes. I also use my phone to research ideas and see what is [trending] at the time.”
