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Design+ Digital art illustration and design in Zimbabwe

3.2. Digital art education The above sentiments suggest the lack of enthusiasm

Despite being taught in their respective two institutions, for traditional art has directly impacted the growth of
students reported that the skills they acquire do not the digital art sector. Another critical issue raised by the
adequately prepare them for real-world application. One students was the financial capacity to purchase graphic
student shared: software that could significantly improve their creative
output. Although some software, such as CorelDraw,
The time allocated for the course on digital offers monthly subscriptions, it was noted that financial
illustration is very limited, and as students, constraints prevent some students from renewing their
we end up aiming only to pass the exam Focus subscriptions. In addition, the cost of the hardware
Group Discussion One (FGD1). required for digital art illustration was considered
This case reflects the need for a curriculum review to prohibitively high by the majority of the respondents.
ensure that the content delivered is more beneficial to students. Digital illustration requires powerful computers or tablets
It was also highlighted that students face challenges such as with high-resolution graphics, which are often expensive.
a shortage of support resources in their studios, particularly The participants also discussed developments in AI,
a lack of high-performance computers needed for digital art. where users can generate images from text prompts. This
The study further revealed that some students entering a new technology has led to concerns that anyone who can write
degree lack a strong background in art education, making a good prompt, regardless of their art background, can
it difficult for them to grasp some of the basic concepts now claim to be a digital artist.
essential to digital art. One interviewee also commented on
the influence of AI on digital art development: 3.4. Collaboration in digital art
Students now prefer to use AI for digital illustration The interviews highlighted the need for knowledge-
on various platforms, which undermines the sharing among artists, which could significantly contribute
individual creativity that is traditionally associated to the development of the digital arts sector. One artist
with art, making assessment difficult (LC1). emphasized the importance of encouraging students to
engage in more projects through assignments, as this
This comment suggests a need for curriculum revision effort would help them discover hidden talents. Fostering
to incorporate new technologies such as AI, VR, and AR partnerships between local and international institutions of
in art and design education at the higher education level. higher learning was also suggested as a strategy to enhance
Another lecturer noted that digital art promotes problem- students’ digital art illustration skills. Another interviewee
based learning among students, encouraging personal proposed that:
development, though some students may not recognize its
benefits. For digital art to flourish, one participant stressed Colleges can partner with generative AI developers
the importance of supporting art and design education to organize online sessions that can help local digital
from the grassroots level. This approach would allow artists understand and appreciate AI better (A5).
students to develop and nurture their skills early, facilitating She further suggested that such collaborative efforts
well-informed career choices. The study also found that could directly benefit students, potentially providing
while Zimbabwe’s high school curriculum includes CAD- access to cheaper payment plans or job opportunities on
related requirements in subjects such as Art and Design, AI platforms. In today’s technological world, no one can be
Textile Design, and Design and Technology, there is a lack an expert in all emerging technologies. Thus, as suggested
of foundational knowledge in CAD among students when by another participant, there is a need for cross-pollination
they enter higher education institutions. This gap makes between high school teachers and university lecturers.
it challenging for them to grasp CAD concepts effectively. This action would ensure that educators are equipped with

3.3. Digital art development the latest knowledge, enabling them to teach digital art
more effectively in schools. The students also mentioned
The results from the study indicated that, to the best of the that participating in online design contests that require
participants’ knowledge, only three digital art exhibitions have illustrations could open up more opportunities. Such
been held in the past 5 years. One interview participant stated: contests offer the potential for students to earn money
The growth of the digital art industry can only while continuing to learn and develop their skills.
succeed if there is a corresponding demand for 3.5. Government support
such art. Therefore, digital art exhibitions are not
very popular, as traditional art itself is not widely The government was identified as a key player in the
appreciated among the local population (LU1). development of digital art in Zimbabwe. Art galleries that

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 7 doi: 10.36922/dp.4342