Page 29 - DP-2-1

Design+ Digital art illustration and design in Zimbabwe

Table 1. Summary of profiles of interviewed participants
Participant Identity Gender Age (yrs) Experience (yrs) Background
Lecturer (University) LU1 M 41 11 Fashion design; graphic design
Lecturer (University) LU2 M 45 8 Drawing; illustration; graphic design; animation
Lecturer (University) LU3 F 52 24 Drawing; illustration; graphic design; product design
Lecturer (College) LC1 M 34 7 Animation; graphic design
Lecturer (Polytechnic) LP1 M 32 6 Drawing; illustration; sculpture
Artist A1 M 30 12 Animation; graphics
Artist A2 M 34 10 Fine art
Artist A3 M 45 25 Sculptor; ceramics
Artist A4 F 28 5 Graphics
Artist A5 F 24 6 Art illustration
Abbreviations: A: Artist; F: Female; LC: College lecturer; LP: Polytechnic lecturer; LU: University lecturer; M: Male; yrs: Years.

coding, and finally, selective coding. This iterative process expect more students to start enrolling in our
continued until the researchers determined that theoretical program as we have introduced more digital
saturation had been reached. components compared to traditional art, such as
Core categories were then synthesized and integrated life drawing (LU3).
into one main theme or sub-theme to form a coherent The decision to introduce more digital learning courses
standpoint. The focus group discussions also generated key or modules was also supported by another lecturer, who
ideas, and some general quotes about digital art illustration stated that career opportunities for students have expanded,
were captured. The obtained data were compared with as the demand for these new digital skills grows. One artist
the interview data to identify similarities or nuances that mentioned that digital art illustration has also benefited the
aligned under the same theme or sub-theme. The unit of local film industry, with more production houses investing
analysis for the focus group discussions was the group in new equipment and technologies, thus opening up
as a whole. The study utilized a constant comparison more roles for digital creative. Furthermore, the art and
analysis method for the focus group discussion data, as design sector has the potential to contribute significantly
recommended by Leech and Onwuegbuzie. 52 to the country’s gross domestic product through revenue

3. Results generated from digital exhibitions. Increased competition
among digital artists was also noted as a positive factor,
All the interviewed participants met the criteria set for as it drives the quality of their work. As one participant
validating the data, as shown in Table 1. The codes assigned in the focus group discussion pointed out, digital art
to the participants ensured anonymity. Male participants serves as a powerful marketing tool, helping to sell the
constituted 70% of the sample, compared to 30% of female country as a brand by enabling artists to creatively share
participants, although the selection was not gender-based. Zimbabwe’s story. This was further supported by another
Regarding knowledge, all participants provided insightful artist, who mentioned that nowadays, it is easier to share
perspectives on digital art illustration in Zimbabwe. Major folktales through digital art, thus preserving their culture
themes were extracted from both the interview data and and heritage. Digital art illustration also plays a critical
the focus group discussions, as presented below. role in education and communication. The participants

3.1. Benefits of digital art illustration noted that educational materials, such as textbooks and
online resources, increasingly use illustrations to aid in
It was highlighted that digital art illustration is a growing understanding complex concepts. One artist emphasized:
sector, offering a wide range of job opportunities within
the art and design field. This expansion creates a lucrative Digital art can result in better data visualization
area for younger students to enter the art sector, as noted using artistic elements, making complex models
by one lecturer: easier to understand and share (A3).
The growth of digital art means more opportunities This sentiment was echoed by the students, who noted
for tech-savvy youths, who are increasingly exposed that digital illustrations can bridge language barriers,
to technology as digital technologies advance. We making information more universally accessible.

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 6 doi: 10.36922/dp.4342