As our lives continue to become increasingly digital, the art we consume is more commonly online. Artists are using more digital tools than ever. And while art fans usually agree that there is nothing like seeing a piece in a tangible space, technology facilitates the creative impulse in new, profound ways. There is both interactive and spectator-driven art in the online space. Below are five ways that digital art is changing and how it continues to evolve.

NFTs

You’ve probably heard about NFTs or non-fungible tokens. Few people actually know what they are, but it’s pretty simple. NFTs are original digital copies of something like an image that is minted and sold as a unit. Since there are typically a limited number of minted copies, their value is often relatively high. This form of digital minting creates all kinds of strange opportunities for the art world. Whether you’re making a single original NFT or a derivative NFT that fits into a concept, digital art has a new medium in non-fungible tokens.

Video Games

While video games have been maligned for all the obvious tropes, the industry's potential to produce innovative, 3D, and dynamic art in the games is still expanding. Graphics are now mind-blowing. Not only do video games look natural, but they are also beautiful. Video game developers can create characters, and a whole world is born.

As technology lends itself to virtual (VR) and augmented (AR) reality, there will be gamification to almost every aspect of our digital lives. Mixed reality art shows will be the shows of the future. We shouldn’t dismiss video games or the art that is produced for them.

Graphic Design

The role of design in a digital capacity continues to evolve. Whether you’re a business leader, a band, an event organizer, or a restaurateur, graphic design is necessary to catch spectators' eye and get the word out about a specific topic. One way to utilize graphic design is to create a cohesive brand. It doesn’t matter what you are promoting. You can make a statement and get people’s attention with graphic design. For example, Volt, a creative agency in Nashville, helps artists, businesses, comedians, and more with a design approach to marketing.

In Museums

While technology can be used as a medium in an almost endless number of ways, it has also changed the way art is presented. Museums use technology for multimedia installations, performances, and showrooms. Whether its projections, lights, or the presentation of classic pieces, museums are doing what they do best—getting creative. In this way, the future is exciting for both art and museums. If technology is used to create a visceral experience, it will push art forward.

3D Printing

With technology and a 3D printer, you can make tangible pieces from your designs on computers. If you can imagine it, there is a good chance you can print a version of it. Artists can use 3D printers to create art pieces or to make a statement about contemporary life. As 3D printing advances, the possibilities for us to use it in creative ways expand with it.

Some people think that technology is antithetical to artistic sensibilities, but there’s no denying it is a tool like any other. It shouldn’t be dismissed as a tool to create things, but idealizing digital art will never stack up to the visceral experience of viewing any art in person. Whether it’s a painting, a concert, theatre, or even a movie on the big screen, art fans will always gravitate to the genuine experiences that the art world can provide.

Like it or not, digital art is changing with the broader field of art. It is advancing, providing new ways to create and present our works. Every medium has its uses, and every resource has its place. Technology and the medium of digital art are dynamic and changing the way we think about and engage with creativity.

Ryan Beitler is a journalist, writer, musician, and enthusiast. He has written for dozens of publications.