Intuos Pro and Wacom Pen Feature

Creative careers of the future, and the education and skills required to pursue them 

October 5, 2023

In the world of digital arts and creative professions, certain tools have emerged as game-changers, enabling professionals to push boundaries and redefine possibilities. This is where Wacom comes in. Whether it’s a digital art conservator meticulously preserving the past, a UX designer crafting seamless user experiences, a 3D sculptor designing models for the latest blockbuster video game, a VR artist painting immersive worlds, or a generative artist melding code and creativity, one common thread unites these diverse careers: the essential role of technology.  

In this blog post, we’ll explore how these specialized tools, such as Wacom pen displays and pen tablets, have become indispensable assets for a variety of creative careers, providing precision, control, and creative freedom to excel in the world of digital arts. Read on for a journey through these specialized creative professions and discover how advanced digital tools like Wacom pen technologies empower visionaries to redefine what’s possible. 

Art gallery painting Photo by Samantha Hurley from Burst 
Photo by Samantha Hurley from Burst 

Digital art conservators and restorers: Precision and fidelity 

Digital art conservators and restorers play a pivotal role in digitally preserving artistic masterpieces for future generations. Their work requires a delicate touch and precise attention to detail. With tools like Wacom pen tablets and displays, which offer unmatched precision, conservators and restorers can digitally protect and restore artwork with fidelity and accuracy. Every brushstroke or correction becomes an act of preservation, made possible by these advanced tools. 

Education:  

Digital art conservators typically hold a bachelor’s degree in art conservation, art history, or a related field, but experience and training in digital art practice can also be essential. Advanced positions may require a master’s degree in art conservation. 

Skills: 

  • Proficiency in digital art restoration techniques 
  • Strong attention to detail and a delicate touch 
  • In-depth knowledge of art history and digital preservation 
3d printing photo by U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexandra Santos Arambulo, via Picryl 
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alexandra Santos Arambulo, via Picryl 

3D printing specialists: Crafting tangible dreams 

3D printing specialists transform digital models into tangible creations, bringing dreams to life in three dimensions. The precision required in their work is complemented by technology designed specifically for their needs. These specialists use advanced digital tools to sculpt, refine, and prepare their models for printing. Responsive digital pens, like Wacom’s, offer a level of control that’s essential for translating digital concepts into physical reality. 

Education:  

Aspiring 3D printing specialists may pursue a bachelor’s degree in engineering, industrial design, or a related field. Hands-on training and certifications in 3D printing technologies are also valuable. 

Skills: 

  • Proficiency in 3D modeling software and 3D printing technology 
  • Attention to detail and precision in model preparation 
  • Understanding of materials used in 3D printing 
VR Photo by XR Expo on Unsplash 
Photo by XR Expo on Unsplash 

Virtual Reality (VR) artists: Creating immersive worlds 

VR artists craft immersive experiences in virtual reality, transporting users to entirely new realms. Their canvas is a digital landscape, and their palette is an intricate blend of colors, shapes, and emotions. With advanced technology at their disposal, VR artists have the tools they need to create these immersive worlds with extraordinary precision. The result is a deeply immersive and emotionally resonant experience for users. 

Education:  

VR artists often begin with a degree in digital arts, computer graphics, or a related field. Some are self-taught and build portfolios through personal projects. 

Skills: 

  • Proficiency in VR software and 3D modeling 
  • Strong creative and artistic abilities 
  • Understanding of immersive storytelling and user experience design 
Coding Photo by Ilya Pavlov on Unsplash 
Photo by Ilya Pavlov on Unsplash 

Generative artists: Melding code and creativity 

Generative artists create art through code and algorithms, forging a unique fusion of human vision and computational precision. For these artists, advanced digital tools serve as a bridge between the digital and the artistic. The ability to sketch, draw, and manipulate code with the same fluidity as traditional media empowers generative artists to express their creativity more authentically. These specialized tools ensure that their creations retain the human touch. 

Education:  

Generative artists may come from diverse educational backgrounds, including computer science, mathematics, or creative coding. However, formal education is not always a prerequisite. 

Skills: 

  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Processing or Python. 
  • Artistic vision to blend code with creative expression. 
  • Ability to manipulate digital media seamlessly. 
Wacom One display

Other creative careers that use modern digital tools

There are many other career options in the digital arts: 

  • Digital fabrication artist: Digital fabrication artists use computer-controlled machines like CNC routers and laser cutters to create intricate physical objects and sculptures. They combine design skills with knowledge of digital fabrication technologies. 
  • Forensic animator: Forensic animators use computer graphics and animation software to recreate crime scenes or accidents. They can create 3D reconstructions of crime scenes, accidents, or events to help investigators and jurors better understand the sequence of events. 
  • Augmented Reality (AR) designer: AR designers specialize in creating digital overlays and experiences that blend the virtual and physical worlds. They work on AR apps, games, and interactive installations. 
  • Sound designer for interactive media: These professionals focus on creating audio experiences for video games, virtual reality, and interactive media. They design sound effects, music, and voiceovers to enhance the user’s experience. 
  • Virtual set designer: Virtual set designers create digital environments used in television and film production. They use 3D modeling and compositing techniques to design sets that seamlessly integrate with live action. 
  • Digital marketing artist: Digital marketing artists create visual content and assets for digital marketing campaigns. They design eye-catching banners, infographics, and social media graphics to promote products and brands online. 
  • Forensic Digital Sculptor: Digital sculptors create 3D reconstructions of human faces or remains based on skeletal remains or partial remains. This can aid in the identification of unidentified bodies. 
  • Medical illustrator: Medical illustrators use their artistic skills and digital tools to create detailed and accurate illustrations of anatomical structures, medical procedures, and scientific concepts. Their work is used in medical education and publications. 

These careers highlight the diverse applications of digital arts across various industries, including healthcare, forensics, entertainment to marketing and education. Each role requires a unique set of skills and expertise, making them exciting options for those interested in combining creativity with technology. 

Wacom One tablet

Advanced digital tools have emerged as indispensable assets for individuals in every creative career, providing them with the precision, control, and creative freedom needed to excel in their respective fields. Whether they’re preserving digital masterpieces, harmonizing content and design, crafting tangible dreams, painting immersive worlds, or melding code and creativity, these tools empower creative visionaries to push boundaries and explore uncharted horizons.

As the digital arts landscape continues to evolve, these specialized technologies, like those from Wacom, remain steadfast allies, enabling professionals to redefine what’s possible. 

Related posts:

Preparing Students for Careers Using Professional Tools: A Wacom Case Study

Preparing Students for Careers Using Professional Tools: A Wacom Case Study

Wacom’s digital art lesson plans: Exploring light, shadows, and highlights, Part Three

Wacom’s digital art lesson plans: Exploring light, shadows, and highlights, Part Three

Etherington Bros’ Comics Crash Course #3: Character design and costumes

Etherington Bros’ Comics Crash Course #3: Character design and costumes

Eunbi Kang on her career in illustration and visual development, whether art school is necessary, and her advice for young artists

Eunbi Kang on her career in illustration and visual development, whether art school is necessary, and her advice for young artists

Connect with Wacom on social media

Calling all newbies! 📣📣📣

Try these three exercises to help you master your digital pen ✍️

#Wacom #WacomTips #wacomtablet #drawingtips #drawingtablet #digitalart #wacompen #wacomintuos #wacomintuospro
270 8
Today, we lift our heads high and draw one another in even tighter. 🤲🥹⁣
⁣
We extend our deepest sympathies to all those enduring the aftermath of the distressing fires in Los Angeles. The sorrow wrought by this tragedy is close to our hearts, and in this time of trial, we embrace our community with unwavering support.⁣
⁣
Art by the wonderful @yingshiart ⁣
⁣
776 6
Change is scary sometimes. It also requires time. 🫠
For @adam_theillustrator, it took some time to switch the mouse over a stylus, but he never looked back. 💪
Do you remember what it was like for you? How many tries did it take you to master drawing with a tablet? What advice do you have for new users? 
#wacomtablet #wacomintuospro #digitalartist #digitalart #wacom #wacompen
1882 61
Time flies when you're absorbed in the details, hyper focusing on every stroke and thinking about every line. 👀🤓🧐🔍🐲
Love seeing @andrezgalviz_art taking advantage of his beautiful Cintiq Pro 24 canvas to sculpt for hours. 
#madewithwacom #Wacomworkspace #wacomcintiq #CintiqPro #3dmodeling #3dsculpting #3dart
1025 9
Don't mind us, we're out here mesmerized watching @andreaalice.nz make petals 🌺🌸💜🖌️
What beautiful things are you making today? Tag us #MadeWithWacom
Now go feast your eyes and check out Andrea's stunning botanical prints. 
#creativeprofessionals #digitalart #artistsoninstagram
373 8
How many strokes to draw Rengoku? 🗡️💥❤️‍🔥
@caleo_real did this challenge and the results were..... Interesting 🤯😂
Do you count your strokes? An artist may choose to paint with as few brush strokes as possible for many reasons, including aesthetic effect, style, technique or emotional impact. 

#madewithwacom #digitalartist #digitalart #demonslayer #rengoku #fanart #artchallenge
1064 11
One of the most important steps in animation is BLOCKING! 
We asked @fabgioffre to walk us through his process to show you how easy it can be, especially if you're using the right tools like @toonboomanimation and a Wacom tablet (Fabio is using the Movink on this video). 
Head to Fabio's YouTube channel for the full tutorial or head to our stories to get there. 
#toonboom #wacommovink #madewithwacom #animation
206 8
A seamless blend of design, engineering, technology. 
The Cintiq Pro 27 is designed to let professionals work and move in complete harmony. 
Ready for an upgrade? 
#wacomcintiqpro #CintiqPro
777 36
It's assembly time! 🔨📏💪🪛
Watch @hannarybak_ upgrade her #WacomWorkspace with the Wacom Flex Arm. 
Are you good at assembling things? We think Hanna made it look like a breeze. 
#wacomcintiq #CintiqPro #digitalart #artistlife #creativeprofessionals
343 11
New year's resolution: spend more time outside! 🌞🌼🌿🪴⁣
Where's your favorite place to draw? ⁣
With the Wacom Movink, you can transform any charming park nook or quaint café into your creative haven.⁣
Video by the lovely @ho_yingching
299 3
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: There is no connected account for the user 17841445048021802.