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Design+ Digital art illustration and design in Zimbabwe

faced viability issues could be supported by government traditional art forms. Some purists argue that digital art
funding to reopen and serve as hubs for promoting lacks the authenticity and tactile quality of traditional
digital art. The participants also highlighted the need mediums such as painting and sculpture. However,
for the National Gallery of Zimbabwe to promote digital many contemporary artists view digital illustration as an
exhibitions, as they could encourage young artists to explore extension of traditional practices rather than a replacement.
digital art. As a developing nation, Zimbabwe has cultural This view aligns with Moyo’s assertion that traditional
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exchange programs with several developed countries art will not be substituted by digital art; rather, the two
where digital art has flourished. Promoting digital art can coexist and complement each other. The blending of
through these programs and offering scholarships could digital art illustration with traditional art could give rise
yield significant rewards for local artists. The participants to hybrid art exhibitions, offering a new dimension to the
also emphasized the importance of the government field. Education plays an important role in human capital
actively promoting art as a core subject from the primary development, and as Mushohwe suggests, the teaching of
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education level. Early exposure to art education helps art and design should be promoted from the early levels
students develop their skills at a young age. In the corporate of education. Digital art education fosters new practices
sector, companies can play a significant role in promoting among artists, aligning with the needs of the Fourth
digital art development. Some participants argued that Industrial Revolution, which demands creative talents in
such companies could be incentivized with tax rebates by a complex and evolving market. The intense competition
the government in recognition of their contributions to an among software companies has benefited users, as more
important sector of the economy. The study also revealed flexible and affordable packages — often with educational
that the government owns all the higher education discounts for students — are now available. Institutions
institutions involved in this research. Therefore, investing of higher learning should explore ways to negotiate
in the necessary infrastructure and resources should be subscription packages for their enrolled students, ensuring
prioritized if these institutions are to produce competent they can take full advantage of the various strengths offered
digital illustrators. by different platforms. While artists increasingly utilize
digital platforms to reach broader audiences and showcase
4. Discussion Zimbabwean culture on the global stage, challenges persist,
The technological accessibility available to Zimbabwean including limited access to technology and the need for
designers plays a crucial role in shaping the development of greater institutional support for artists. This duality reflects
digital art illustration. With the proliferation of smartphones the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity in
and affordable software options, many emerging artists are Zimbabwe’s artistic expression.
now able to explore digital mediums without substantial Another key issue that could hinder the success and
financial investment. This democratization of technology growth of digital illustration is the ethical concerns
in art and design has created a fertile ground for the growth surrounding authorship, copyright, and the use of
of digital art illustration, where tech-savvy young designers AI-generated content. The ease with which digital
are eager to explore the possibilities that technology images can be replicated and modified raises serious
offers. However, the study also revealed that established questions about ownership and originality. Digital artists,
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artists, who often have access to more advanced tools therefore, must navigate the complexities of copyright law,
and resources, are able to produce intricate designs and particularly when drawing inspiration from or referencing
high-quality outputs. This disparity can result in unequal existing works. Furthermore, the rise of AI-generated art
visibility among creators at different stages of their careers. prompts debates about the role of the artist in the creative
Consequently, this cascade of events creates an uneven process and its implications for artistic integrity. Finally,
playing field, affecting how designers navigate their careers the increase in job opportunities resulting from digital
in digital art illustration. Culturally, Zimbabwean art is rich art, as mentioned in the results, is also supported by a
with ideas that could be effectively promoted through digital previous study. If digital art illustration is embraced by
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platforms. The integration of culture and technology holds all stakeholders, it could significantly contribute to the
significant potential for economic growth, as it enables economic growth of the nation.
Zimbabwean artists to reach wider audiences. The contrast
between those who embrace traditional elements of art 5. Conclusion
and those who favor modern minimalism underscores the The study concludes that digital art illustration has
diversity within this artistic domain. become an integral part of contemporary art and
The study also revealed that the rise of digital art design, significantly influencing various industries
illustration has sparked debates about its impact on and transforming how artists create visual content.

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 8 doi: 10.36922/dp.4342