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Design+ Digital art illustration and design in Zimbabwe

blends artistic inspiration with human reasoning using and accessibility of the internet have acted as a catalyst for
computer tools, with new media and digital technologies the rapid evolution of the digital art illustration world.
forming its foundation. As information technology Despite the global rise in digital art illustration, this
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advances, digital illustration has become ubiquitous in trend has not been as pronounced in some countries.
various aspects of life, facilitated by the widespread use of According to Kariati, visual artists such as Masunda
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computers. lament the shortage of digital illustrators and artists in
Historically, the development of art illustration can be Zimbabwe, a point previously highlighted by Moyo. In
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traced back to the Renaissance period, during which it their study on computer graphics in the Zimbabwean
flourished and spread worldwide as a key component of film industry, Mauyakufa and Pradhan concluded that
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visual culture. In the 1960s, computer-aided design (CAD) filmmakers in Zimbabwe cannot afford the software
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programs such as Sketchpad and PRONTO were introduced necessary to modernize their productions. As a developing
to architecture, with the aim of improving the accuracy of nation, Zimbabwe faces numerous challenges in accessing
geometric drawings and enabling quicker design iterations. software that is crucial to the work of designers.
Sketchpad, in particular, laid the groundwork for modern Chipambwa and Chimanga reported that most graphic
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CAD systems and the interactive graphical interfaces that designers in Zimbabwe rely on pirated copies of the design
are prevalent in today’s digital design world. In contrast software, which hinders their ability to fully explore and
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to traditional art illustration, which requires numerous utilize these tools. In an interview with an emerging artist
materials, digital illustration offers a more convenient from Kadelwa Arts in Zimbabwe, Tshuma mentioned
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platform for creative designers to produce and store their that limited access to formal education and training in
work. The rise of digital environments and tools in design digital art was a major obstacle to the development of
has highlighted their potential to transform conventional digital art in the country. Tshuma further highlighted
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methods of design representation. However, despite the that local artists struggle to find specialized courses or
advantages of digital tools, manual sketching continues to institutions that can provide training in digital art and
play an essential role in design today. 4,5 related technologies. Despite the global rise of digital
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Digital art and illustrations have gained prominence art, Tshuma also stated that cultural differences hinder
in the online space, offering artists limitless opportunities its adoption within Zimbabwe, as it is often viewed
for self-expression and the exploration of new visual by local artists as less authentic and too foreign. As a
territories through technologies such as graphics pads, developing economy, Zimbabwe has not yet established
universal pens, and graphics tablets. Ping reported that comprehensive digital art protection laws, which raises
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digital art combines traditional illustration techniques significant challenges regarding intellectual property
with advanced computer technology, providing artists with rights. Artists face challenges in preventing unauthorized
unprecedented creative possibilities and technical support. use of their digital artwork. A study conducted in Uganda,
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According to Chandrakar and Nayal, as well as Hashimi, another developing economy, found that inadequate
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digital art illustrations have become an effective medium digital skills and the fear of losing creativity were among
for social awareness campaigns, particularly on issues such the challenges faced by art and design teachers when
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as women’s rights, leveraging social media platforms to adopting digital technologies in their work. Adeyemi also
reach broader audiences. noted that limited access to technology restricts the ability
of African digital artists to create, communicate, and sell
The demand for digital artists has surged globally,
driven by the growing popularity of digital art. This trend their work, further exacerbating existing disparities in the
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art industry. These issues highlight critical barriers to the
is also evident in the fashion industry, where the demand growth of the digital arts sector in developing economies,
for digital fashion illustrators has increased as businesses
strive to remain competitive in the fast-paced global fashion which need to be addressed to foster progress.
market. 10,11 In the fashion sector, designers are expected The development of the digital art illustration sector
to generate designs quickly using digital platforms, depends on adequate investment in software, hardware,
providing distinctive clothing lines that can serve as key and skill development. It is also crucial for educational
differentiators in a competitive market. In today’s world, institutions to develop curricula that respond to
there are more career opportunities for digital artists as the technological developments. This study aims to explore
design sector continues to expand. 12,13 The design industry, the development of digital art illustration in Zimbabwe
which includes fields such as gaming, product design, web through an in-depth investigation involving various
development, and others, increasingly requires conceptual stakeholders in the creative design sector. The study seeks
technical art, a realm where digital art excels. The growth to answer the following question: How has the availability

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 2 doi: 10.36922/dp.4342