Hey everyone,

I thought it would be interesting to start a thread for all the digital art lovers and digital illustration experts here! Whether you’re a professional illustrator, a hobbyist, or someone trying to level up their digital art game, we all have those go-to tips and techniques that make a huge difference in our workflow.

Here are a few of mine to get the conversation rolling:

✅ Use Layer Groups & Naming: This sounds basic but it’s a lifesaver when you’re handling complex illustrations. Organizing layers saves so much time and confusion later.

✅ Custom Brushes: I always recommend that digital illustrators experiment with creating or downloading custom brushes. They add unique texture and save time.

✅ Flip the Canvas: One of the oldest tricks but still golden — flipping the canvas helps spot awkward proportions and freshens your eye when you’re stuck.

✅ Lighting Tricks: For depth, try adding a subtle color dodge layer for highlights or an overlay layer for atmospheric effects. Small lighting tweaks can elevate a piece instantly.

✅ Shortcuts & Hotkeys: Spend time learning shortcuts in your software (Photoshop, Procreate, Clip Studio, etc.). It feels tedious at first but boosts speed massively.

✅ Zoom In & Out: Don’t get trapped painting at 300% zoom forever. Keep zooming out to see the overall piece — this keeps your composition balanced.

So, to all the digital illustration experts out there — what are YOUR must-know tips and techniques? Do you have brush packs you swear by? Color palettes that never fail? Or maybe a unique approach to line art or shading?

Drop your best advice below — whether it’s a tiny hack or a big game-changer. Let’s help each other grow and keep this art community thriving!

Looking forward to seeing your ideas. 🎨✨