The world of art is in transition.

What used to be the craft of learning how to sketch and shade and paint is now being digitized. Procreate, photoshop and similar apps allow artists to create on their computers or tablets. For some artists, physical materials aren’t needed anymore.

Artistic talent is still required to a degree. Just because it’s digital doesn’t mean that drawing skills or an understanding of color won’t translate— they will certainly apply. Yet, digital programs are a great entryway for new artists.

Digital art also opens the door to a variety of content. Graphic designs, advertisements, fan art, logos, general artistic pieces or literally anything that someone can think of can be created. It’s a world of possibility.

Artists can then monetize or share their work more efficiently. Whether they sell it in the form of stickers or print it on posters or mugs, it is much easier getting a high quality image for reproduction, along with the fact that it can happen almost instantaneously.

Small businesses can promote their brand easier. Their company may be in the digital art business anyway, so this medium is creating a whole new way to market, advertise and conduct business.

Though, in nonbusiness use, how do we value digital art?

The natural reaction seems to still place higher value on physically created works. A canvas painting may seem more impressive than a digitally composed drawing. Obviously the material effort— attaining a canvas (some artists construct their own), selecting paints and tools, then manipulating those to create an image— is more substantial. This inherently adds to the piece’s form. Though, it doesn’t indicate quality.

I love to paint, I love to color and I love to draw. Am I any good at any of those activities? No, not at all. I won’t pretend and say that I am. But it’s still a hobby to express creativity and build up the limited skills that I do have.

Would I be any good at digital art? Probably not. Again, I can’t draw. I’ve never taken the time and effort required to establish that skill. But so many artists create beautiful work on a tablet or computer. My hobby-driven work will never hang in a museum or gallery, but what about digital artists’ work?

Most of us know what an art gallery looks like: hung paintings and photographs with the occasional sculpture or structure centered in the room, maybe an occasional bench for guests. What would a digital art gallery entail? Monitors could replace frames, projectors could be installed for large-scale pieces, digital-specific rooms could be developed.

We are trained to look at digital images quickly. We gather the necessary information and keep scrolling, and it seems that that habit could transfer to viewing digital art. An art gallery centered on digital art, however, could force viewers to slow down and really take in the creator’s ability and talent. We could see digital art as more than just advertisement or “lesser” art. By embracing this new medium, it would also give galleries a cutting-edge display.

I won’t claim to understand how the art world deals with ownership and selling pieces, so I’m not sure how galleries would truly go about acquiring digital work. Yet, it would be a worthy investment that gives credit to artists who are exploring a whole new definition and avenue for creativity.

Because digital art is valuable, and it deserves to be seen.

Maddie Peters can be reached at pete9542@stthomas.edu.