Digital Art, where to start? Where to learn, what to buy?

Answer 1

I'd start with buying a computer..

Lots of sites out there offering tutorials & encouragement. Join Fora and ask for advice.

For software, Photoshop & Illustrator are industry standards but there are cheaper & even free software packages out there.

I couldn't work without my drawing tablet either. Much better than trying to work with a mouse.

But don't forget to have pencils & paper handy too. You can't beat the old-fashioned practice methods.

Answer 2

Before worring about hardware and software, I'd advise you spend time learning how to create art with traditional tools. The computer and it's applications will not, simply, turn anyone into an artist. It is only a tool, the same as a handsaw and a table saw are tools for the woodworker. Neither of THESE tools make someone into a carpenter.

Once you have decided on what kind of digital art you wish to create, THEN think about the software application that will help you do that, and the equipment that best runs those applications.

For a long time, people with PCs would bemoan the fact that the software, available for digital design was not available for them. They made the mistake of buying hardware first. The smart money was on those that did the research and found that the best software was written for Mac.

Now, it's a lot better, and full version Illustrator, Photoshop and others are written to work in Windows OS. I hear that there are versions that work in Linux. I work in Mac and PC, since my clients may need one or the other form.

Do the homework, first. The answers will be based on what you learn.