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Design+ Digital art illustration and design in Zimbabwe

Its historical evolution, technological advancements, Acknowledgments
diverse applications, and impact on traditional art forms
highlight the dynamic nature of this medium. Ethical None.
issues surrounding the use and adoption of AI in digital Funding
art illustration will continue to shape its trajectory
worldwide, necessitating the development of AI policies at None.
institutional, corporate, and government levels. Digital art Conflict of interest
illustration stands as a testament to the power of creativity
and innovation in an increasingly digital world, offering The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
exciting possibilities for both artists and designers. Digital
artists should take advantage of online courses to enhance Author contributions
their proficiency with chosen software, while also creating Conceptualization: Walter Chipambwa, Munesu
digital portfolios to showcase their work in various online Manyengavana
communities. Engaging in online workshops, seminars, Investigation: All authors
and communities can help build networks and foster Methodology: Walter Chipambwa
collaborations on joint projects. For local Zimbabwean Writing – original draft: Walter Chipambwa
artists, digital art offers numerous benefits, such as Writing – review & editing: All authors
efficiency, shareability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness,
despite the higher initial investment in equipment. To fully Ethics approval and consent to participate
realize these benefits, digital artists must utilize advanced Not applicable.
software and hardware tailored for digital illustration,
explore AI-driven techniques, and leverage social media Consent for publication
platforms to monetize their artwork. The role of education Not applicable.
in the development of digital art illustration cannot be
overstated. Digital art has already made a significant Availability of data
positive impact in fields such as education, product
design, fashion design, marketing, animation, advertising, Not applicable.
and the gaming industry. Its ability to quickly produce References
solutions that can be shared with multiple iterations is
reshaping the art and design world. Governments should 1. Liu Y. On computer digital illustration design. J Phys Conf
develop flexible cultural policies that can adapt to rapid Ser. 2019;1302(2):022063.
changes in digital technologies and consumption patterns. doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1302/2/022063
This effort includes recognizing the unique needs of digital 2. Chekalina V. The Impact of AI on the Illustration and
artists and their audiences, which is crucial for the growth Design Industries; 2024. Available from: https://hdl.handle.
of the digital art industry. A review of the Zimbabwean art net/10400.26/51140 [Last accessed on 2024 Oct 16].
education curriculum is critical to incorporate emerging 3. Johnson G, Gross MD, Hong J, Yi-Luen Do E. Computational
technologies in the development of digital art, ensuring support for sketching in design: A review. Found Trends®
it is inclusive and accessible to all students. Developing a Hum Comput Interact. 2007;2(1):1-93.
policy for digital art and the creative sector requires the
involvement of key stakeholders, including art educators, doi: 10.1561/1100000013
designers, artists, businesses, and community members. 4. Belardi P. Why Architects Still Draw. United States: The MIT
Their engagement in policy-making ensures a more Press; 2014.
comprehensive and widely accepted solution for the doi: 10.7551/mitpress/9968.001.0001
digital arts sector. Finally, the study concludes that art 5. Goldschmidt G. Manual sketching: Why is it still relevant?
galleries and other key stakeholders have an important In: The Active Image: Architecture and Engineering in the
role to play in promoting digital art illustration as an Age of Modelling. Berlin, Germany: Springer International
extension of traditional art. Hybrid exhibitions could be a Publishing; 2017. p. 77-97.
viable option to expand the reach of digital art illustration. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-56466-1_4
By strengthening digital art education, the Zimbabwean
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greater economic resilience. doi: 10.25236/FAR.2020.020601

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 9 doi: 10.36922/dp.4342