Gone are the days when you had to shell out a buttload to create art. Thanks to the internet, people now have access to a myriad of online learning materials with just a single tap. Digital artists are thriving right now, and if you also aspire to be one, having the right tools can make or break your journey. Here are some free programs on the web that you might want to consider adding to your download list. 

Inkscape

Whether you want to create websites, clip arts, diagrams, or cute logos, Inkscape is a great and cost-free option to hone your vector design skills. Some features include object creation and manipulation, kerning, letter spacing, and node editing. It’s been around for over a decade, but more improvements and fixes are still being added every year. Download Inkscape.

GIMP

GIMP or GNU Image Manipulation Program is deemed a good “Photoshop alternative” since it offers an impressive set of professional-quality tools and photo editing features for your projects. There’s also a growing community of GIMP users actively contributing new software plug-ins and tutorials. Download it here.

ZBrush Core Mini

Designed with beginner artists in mind, ZBrush Core Mini is a subscription-free digital sculpting software with a more streamlined interface. It has 12 sculpting brushes to create your 3D model and a real-time ambient occlusion that acts as a mirror to spot imperfections. Get ZBrush Core Mini. 

MediBang Paint Pro

With over 50 ready-to-download brushes and assets, digital artists can create one riveting masterpiece after the other. What’s good about Medibang Paint Pro is you can use it on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone as long as you have a registered account. For a free drawing program, it’s rich with tools and features to help artists find their own signature style. Download it here.

Krita

Krita is another feature-packed drawing software ideal for concept art, illustrations, and comics. You can create your shortcuts, including a customizable interface to help you build a simple yet functional digital workspace. Artists also have access to over 100 beautiful brushes and frame-by-frame raster animation features if you want to breathe life into your masterpiece. Download Krita.

Blender

If you want to add 3D modeling to your skill set, Blender is packed with lots of features to help kickstart your journey. The open source 3D creation suite supports sculpting, visual effects, animation, motion tracking, and even game creation, to name a few. Blender is mainly used by advanced artists and industry professionals, so don’t expect a basic learning curve. Thankfully, there’s YouTube to fall back on for tutorials, and if you’re dedicated to learning the software, you’ll be a pro in no time. Get Blender.

Quickposes

Any traditional or digital artist knows the struggles of finding reference photos online to do some gesture drawings or illustrations. Even though it’s not software, Quickposes is a gold mine of free images that beginner artists can use to be more familiar with human anatomy. The website has thousands of poses, from simple to the most intricate, with a filter function for easier searching.  

PoseIt

PoseIt gives the feel of using a traditional mannequin in a digital form. The mannequin is adjustable and lets you put more than five figures in a scene to have a straightforward visualization for creating active and dynamic artworks like a comic. The app is a little tricky to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, PoseIt helps get the job done more efficiently. Available on Google Play and App Store.

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