There is wide debate about the legitimacy of digital art actually being art in the art world at the moment, but what is fueling this debate? There are a variety of advantages and disadvantages of both traditional and digital art, and there are valid points on each side.
So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of digital art? Some of the key advantages of digital art include cost, convenience, and accessibility, whereas its disadvantages include a lack of prestige, uniqueness, and its disposability.
Read on to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of digital art, and what is fuelling the debate about its legitimacy as art.
Jump To:
- What is the Benefit of Digital Art?
- What are the Disadvantages of Digital Art?
- What is the Difference Between Digital and Traditional Art?
- Why is Digital Art Controversial
- Does Digital Art Replace Traditional Art?
What is the Benefit of Digital Art?
Whilst there is a whole range of benefits of digital art for consumers, some of the most common benefits include:
Increased Access
Traditional art pieces tend to either be one unique piece or run in very small quantities. A key benefit of digital art is that it can be accessed and purchased widely, meaning that your FOMO is kept at bay. This is particularly true for printable wall art that is available for immediate download to print at home.
Convenience
Digital art, or printable wall art, is also far more convenient than traditional art pieces. Not only is it easily accessible, but it’s also available at the click of a button – no longer do you have to sacrifice your time to finding new artwork in dingy antique stores or intimidating art galleries.
Cost
Another key benefit of digital art is the cost. Many people, especially those just starting out in their own homes, can’t afford to splash out on unique traditional artwork, but that doesn’t mean that they should have to put up with bare, boring walls.
Digital art costs a fraction of the cost of traditional art, and can be made even cheaper with printable wall art – simply pay for the files and print at home or at a copyshop of your choice.
What are the Disadvantages of Digital Art?
Just like beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the disadvantages of digital art are equally subjective. What we claim are disadvantages, some may argue that they are benefits. Here are some of the commonly claimed disadvantages of digital art:
Pieces Aren’t Unique
Digital art is, obviously, not unique. Each piece of digital art is available to the masses to purchase, and you’ll probably find some pieces in every other house across the country.
For some people, this can be off-putting. Part of the value in artwork is its unique character, as well as the time and effort put into creating it.
No Air of Prestige
Following the lack of uniqueness, digital art also lacks any prestige. Traditional art doesn’t have to be a Monet, or a Picasso to have a level of prestige, simply that it was handmade.
This doesn’t detract from the skill involved in producing digital art – it’s a completely different skill set. However, some do consider traditional art to be better for this reason.
Disposability
A final disadvantage of digital art is its disposability. Because it wasn’t handmade, and doesn’t cost a fortune, many people will be happy to throw away digital art pieces when they’re done using them, due to their lack of perceived value.
Some treat digital art as a temporary finishing touch in their home, with the intention of switching it up whenever they choose.
What is the Difference Between Digital and Traditional Art?
The difference between digital and traditional art is the medium that was used to create it. Digital art is an art that is created on a digital platform. It can include art drawn with a graphics pad, typography, graphic design, or any other form of multimedia.
Traditional art, on the other hand, is created by any other means than digitally, in its original form. It may still be considered traditional if the original form is reproduced digitally. Mediums may include drawing, painting, and sculpture.
Why is Digital Art Controversial
Digital art is controversial as traditionalists just don’t consider digital art to be “real art”. Adrian Searle of The Guardian says that digital artworks “can never hide their electronic origins”. But, who said they want to? This attitude implies that digital arts ought to be ashamed of using such means to create art.
A key factor that adds to this debate is the idea that digital art has no “original” like a traditional piece of art does. But can we really compare the two when they aren’t like-for-like products?
Some would say that digital art is like live music; the last time that your favourite artist plays a specific song may be the last “original” performance of that song, but subsequent performances of that song by other artists, and digital recordings are still considered art. The same goes for digital art – the 700th download or print of a piece of digital art is still art, regardless of its originality.
Does Digital Art Replace Traditional Art?
t’s unlikely that digital art will ever replace the prestige and value of traditional art, but in terms of popularity, and the volume in which it’s purchased, it has probably already begun to replace traditional art. It is far cheaper, and much more convenient to adorn your home with digital art than with traditional art.
Digital Art at Printable Wall Art
Printable Wall Art offers a wide range of digital art and digital printable wall prints. From bedroom prints and animal nursery art prints to office prints, kitchen prints, and even Disney quote prints, there’s something for everyone and every room of the house. Take a look at our collection today.