20 Unwritten Rules About Digital Illustration

Digital illustration has become an essential medium for artists across the globe, offering a versatile platform to create stunning visuals, from character designs to conceptual art. However, beyond the technical skills required to master digital tools, there are unwritten rules that every illustrator should consider to ensure their work stands out, resonates with audiences, and maintains a professional standard. Here are 20 unwritten rules about digital illustration:

1. Always Start with a Solid Sketch

Before diving into details, it’s essential to start with a clear sketch. A rough outline serves as the foundation for your illustration, helping you work out proportions, composition, and the overall flow of the piece.

2. Master Layer Organization

Layering is one of the greatest strengths of digital illustration, but it can get messy if not organized properly. Always name your layers and group them logically (e.g., “Background,” “Line Art,” “Shading”) to keep your workspace tidy and avoid confusion.

3. Use the Right Brush for the Job

One of the beauties of digital illustration is the ability to use various brushes. However, it’s important to understand which brush fits the job. Avoid overusing one brush for everything—experiment and select tools that complement the texture or effect you want to achieve.

4. Don’t Over-Detail Everything

While details are important, it’s essential to know when to stop. Over-detailing can make your illustration feel crowded or lifeless. Focus on the focal points of the piece and leave some areas simpler to create contrast and balance.

5. Keep Your Color Palette Limited

A limited color palette creates harmony and unity in your artwork. While it’s tempting to use a rainbow of colors, sticking to a smaller, well-thought-out selection of colors will make your piece feel more cohesive and visually appealing.

6. Use References, But Don’t Copy

References are invaluable for improving your understanding of anatomy, lighting, and perspective. However, avoid tracing or directly copying references. Instead, use them as tools to enhance your work, ensuring your style and interpretation shine through.

7. Be Aware of Composition

Composition is one of the most important aspects of any piece of art. Make sure your elements are well balanced, whether through symmetry, the rule of thirds, or leading lines. Proper composition ensures your illustration communicates the intended message effectively.

8. Understand Light and Shadow

Lighting plays a crucial role in digital illustration. Whether you’re working with natural or artificial light sources, understanding how light affects form and texture can add depth and realism to your work. Don’t skip the shadows—they give your illustrations life and dimension.

9. Use Gradients Wisely

Gradients can enhance your illustration, adding depth and smooth transitions between colors. However, they should be used sparingly and thoughtfully. Overusing gradients can make your illustration feel flat or artificial. Make sure they serve a purpose.

10. Know Your Software Inside and Out

The more you know about the software you’re using (like Photoshop, Procreate, or Illustrator), the more efficiently and creatively you can work. Learn the shortcuts, brush settings, blending modes, and other features that will help speed up your process and unlock your full potential.

11. Keep Your Style Consistent

Whether you’re working on a series of illustrations or just one piece, maintaining a consistent style is key. This includes consistent line thickness, color choices, texture, and shading techniques. A cohesive style helps reinforce your artistic identity and makes your work recognizable.

12. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Digital tools allow for immense freedom, so don’t be afraid to try new techniques or step outside your comfort zone. Experiment with different brushes, textures, or color combinations. It’s through exploration that your unique artistic voice will emerge.

13. Work in High Resolution

Starting your illustration at a high resolution (at least 300 DPI) is crucial if you plan to print your work. Even if your final output is digital, working in high resolution will give you more flexibility when resizing or adjusting details.

14. Pay Attention to Textures

Textures can add a lot of personality and depth to your work. Whether you’re simulating the look of paper, fabric, or skin, it’s important to use textures thoughtfully to enhance your piece without overwhelming it. Subtlety is often the key.

15. Take Breaks to Avoid Burnout

Digital illustration can be intense, and long hours in front of the screen can lead to burnout. Take regular breaks to rest your eyes, stretch your body, and clear your mind. This not only helps with physical health but also improves creativity and focus.

16. Don’t Be Afraid to Use Layers for Non-Destructive Editing

One of the greatest benefits of digital illustration is the ability to make changes without affecting the entire image. Use layers for different elements (e.g., background, line art, shading) so you can adjust and refine your work without destroying previous steps.

17. Use Contrast to Your Advantage

Contrast is an effective way to make certain elements in your illustration stand out. Whether it’s through light versus dark colors, sharp versus soft edges, or different textures, contrast helps guide the viewer’s eye and enhances visual interest.

18. Learn to Work with Vectors (When Needed)

For certain styles, especially for logos, icons, and clean geometric shapes, working with vector graphics can be incredibly beneficial. Vector illustrations can be resized without losing quality, making them versatile for various applications.

19. Don’t Rely Too Much on Filters

Filters can be tempting, but they often make your illustration look generic or overdone. Instead of relying on filters to “fix” your work, focus on refining your artistic technique to achieve the desired effect manually.

20. Always Keep Improving

Digital illustration is an ever-evolving field, with new tools, techniques, and styles emerging constantly. Don’t rest on your laurels—always seek opportunities to learn, improve, and refine your skills. Participate in online communities, take tutorials, and challenge yourself to push the boundaries of your creativity.

Digital illustration is an exciting and dynamic art form, offering limitless possibilities for creativity. However, mastering the craft goes beyond just knowing how to use the software—it involves understanding core principles like composition, light, color, and technique. By following these unwritten rules, you can elevate your digital art, hone your unique style, and create impactful, professional-quality illustrations that resonate with your audience.