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A Guide to Digitizing Your Artwork for Traditional Artists

In our era of relentless technological advancement, where breakthroughs like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the emergence of NFTs are becoming commonplace, it's understandable that some traditional artists may feel a sense of displacement.

In reality, the possibilities are far more exciting when we choose to embrace the symbiotic relationship traditional art can have with emerging tech. After all, traditional artists can draw valuable inspiration from new innovations and audiences, while digitally native artists are always excited when they can bring their work into a traditional art gallery. It is wonderful to see both of these worlds grow around each other.

If you are a traditional artist who’s new to the world of digital art and are feeling daunted, don’t be. Here’s a comprehensive guide that provides you with actionable tips and tools for you to start introducing your physical work into an increasingly digital and connected world.

3 Reasons Traditional Artists Should Embrace Digital Art

First off, if you are used to painting on canvases or other more traditional mediums, why even bother with digital art? Aside from the fact that we now consume most of our content through a computer or phone screen, here are some reasons why:

#1: It expands audience reach

Integrating digital assets with your physical art opens doors to fresh communities and untapped audiences. Engaging with platforms like HUG, X, and beyond, fosters connections, collaborations, and exponential growth opportunities.

#2: It establishes authenticity

Leveraging blockchain technology and NFTs to create digital twins of your physical pieces not only enhances authenticity but also facilitates the establishment of digital provenance (i.e. proof of ownership).

Incorporating NFC chips and seamlessly tracking physical artworks alongside their digital counterparts can further also bolster credibility and trust, especially when your art changes hands.

#3: It unlocks additional revenue streams

Many NFT marketplaces also offer creators the opportunity to earn royalties from secondary sales—an unprecedented avenue for artists to generate ongoing revenue from their creations.

3 Tips for Navigating a Transition to the Digital Art World

For traditional artists embarking on the journey of digitizing their artwork, the path forward may seem daunting. Here are some essential tips to navigate this transition:

#1: Find communities to be a part of

Seek guidance and camaraderie within communities dedicated to digital art and NFTs. Platforms like HUG offer invaluable educational resources and open calls to partake in. RealNifty offers learning guides and minting sessions to those who are new to Web3 and getting their art on-chain.

Aside from that, there are also several art and Web3 communities on X and LinkedIn. Lastly, don’t hesitate to network with and reach out to those who have already had experience digitizing their work.

#2: Choose your platforms wisely

Selecting the right platform to showcase your art is paramount. There are several NFT marketplaces, including the likes of Foundation, Rarible, and SuperRare. However, if you’re looking for a platform that’s tailored for both physical and digital art, RealNifty could be a good fit.

Either way, it is important to conduct thorough research to identify platforms, which align with your artistic vision and values.

#3: Embrace the learning journey

Amidst the excitement and novelty of digitization, remember to savor the learning process. While mastering digital art may require time and dedication, the journey itself is profoundly rewarding. Embrace the challenge, seek guidance from peers, and relish the acquisition of new skills.

3 Ways to Start Your Digital Art Journey

#1: Create digital twins

Digital twins allow you to offer collectors the opportunity to acquire digital replicas of your physical artworks through on-chain assets, known as NFTs. With NFTs, you can also do things like attach bonus content, trace digital provenance, and forge meaningful connections with collectors across the globe.

#2: Master digital art software

Even though you may be first and foremost a traditional artist, don’t be afraid to dive headfirst into the digital realm. From industry-standard software like Adobe Photoshop, Corel Painter, or Rebelle, you may discover innovative ways to incorporate digital tooling into your process.

For example, artist Efdot has created digitally animated versions of his real-life wall murals.

#3: Integrate AI and AR

Infuse your physical artwork with dynamic elements using AI and AR technologies. Apps like Artivive enable your creations to come alive, captivating audiences with immersive experiences. Similarly, rather than fear it, lean on AI as a tool for innovation and exploration, and use it to open new horizons for artistic expression.

In fact, one of our artists on RealNifty, Ola Cichy, uses AR to allow her physical pieces to morph and move both audibly and visually when viewed through a phone screen.

Closing Thoughts

While not every artist may choose to embrace the convergence of physical and digital art, the creative potential and opportunities it presents are undeniable. For those intrigued by the prospect, I hope to have illuminated the path forward, providing insights, guidance, and answers to lingering questions.

Want to explore digitizing your physical art pieces? RealNifty is giving out a $500 grant to women artists who are looking to digitize their work and sell through their platform! Submissions close Feb 28.

Artist Grants and Opportunities

• 🛍️ Sell your art with us at HUGFest! Join us in New York City and be a part of our inaugural HUGFest. Enjoy 0% booth rental and commission fees. Learn more and submit here.

• 🇰🇷 Showcase your work in a Seoul art gallery. Piuda Art Space is looking to display 2 pieces of work at their gallery space in Seoul in March. Learn more and submit here.

• 📺 Calling women artists who would like to show their work on Amazon TV, Apple TV, etc. Loupe Art is looking for women artists to showcase women artists for Women’s History Month on their streaming platform to 700K viewers. Learn more and submit here.

• 🧘 Art in support of mental health Simuka Africa Youth Association invites artists to join this open call to be promoted on Simuka Africa’s social media to help reduce youth suicide, global depression, and other mental health issues. Learn more and submit here.

• 💰 HUG is offering $500 USD grants to two artists each month in exchange for unminted artwork to raffle off to our community. Learn more and meet all our HUG Visionaries here.

This Week’s Art Drops

Did you know that these are just 8 of hundreds of art drops on HUG? Get a full list of this week’s art drops from HUG here.