Contents
Introduction
The digital art landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade. What was once a relatively niche pursuit has blossomed into a vibrant ecosystem of communities, platforms, and shared spaces where artists can grow, connect, and showcase their work.
In 2024, the options for digital artists looking to join online communities are more diverse than ever. From massive platforms with millions of users to intimate Discord servers focused on specific niches, there's truly something for everyone—regardless of your skill level, preferred style, or career goals.
In this article, we'll explore the most active and valuable online communities for digital artists in 2024. We'll cover platforms for showcasing work, communities focused on learning and growth, specialized groups for specific art styles, and spaces designed for professional networking.
Whether you're just starting your digital art journey or you're a seasoned professional looking to expand your network, you'll find communities here that can help you take your art to the next level.
Benefits of Joining Art Communities
Connection with Like-minded Creators
Digital art can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you don't have artistic peers in your immediate circle. Online communities connect you with people who share your passion and understand the unique challenges of digital creation.
Constructive Feedback
Getting honest, knowledgeable feedback on your work is invaluable for growth. Art communities provide access to critique from peers and professionals who can spot issues and suggest improvements you might miss on your own.
Motivation and Accountability
Art challenges, prompt lists, and community events provide structure and motivation for consistent creation. Many artists find that community participation helps them establish and maintain creative habits.
Inspiration and Exposure to New Ideas
Seeing diverse work from artists around the world exposes you to new techniques, styles, and approaches you might not discover on your own. This cross-pollination of ideas can spark creativity and push your art in exciting new directions.
Learning Resources
Many art communities compile and share tutorials, workshops, reference materials, and other learning resources. This collective knowledge base can be invaluable, especially for self-taught artists.
Professional Opportunities
Many artists find clients, collaborators, and even job opportunities through community connections. Building a presence in art communities can open doors to commissions, freelance work, and career advancement.
General Art Platforms
These large, established platforms cater to a wide range of digital artists and provide comprehensive tools for sharing, discovering, and discussing artwork.
ArtStation
Best for: Professional artists, especially those in concept art, game art, illustration, and entertainment design.
Key features:
- High-quality presentation of artwork
- Industry job board
- Marketplace for selling resources and prints
- Learning platform with courses from top artists
Community vibe: Professional, industry-focused, competitive but supportive.
2024 update: ArtStation has expanded its learning resources and improved its commission system, making it easier to connect with potential clients.
Visit ArtStationDeviantArt
Best for: Artists of all levels and styles, from beginners to professionals.
Key features:
- Massive, diverse community
- Groups focused on specific art styles or interests
- Challenges and community events
- Commission system
Community vibe: Welcoming to beginners, diverse in terms of art styles and skill levels.
2024 update: DeviantArt has improved its discovery algorithm and implemented new AI content filters to better protect artists' work.
Visit DeviantArtBehance
Best for: Professional creatives, especially those in graphic design, UI/UX, and commercial illustration.
Key features:
- Project-based portfolio presentation
- Adobe Creative Cloud integration
- Job board and discovery features
- Professional networking
Community vibe: Professional, design-focused, emphasis on polished presentation.
2024 update: Behance has enhanced its discovery features to better showcase diverse creators and implemented improved analytics for creators.
Visit BehanceSpecialized Communities
These platforms cater to specific art styles, mediums, or interests within the digital art world.
Concept Art World
Best for: Concept artists and illustrators working in entertainment, gaming, and film industries.
Key features:
- Industry news and job postings
- Interviews with leading concept artists
- Resource sharing and tutorials
- Forums for specific concept art topics
Community vibe: Professional, industry-focused, emphasis on technical skill and industry standards.
2024 update: The platform has expanded its mentorship program and added new specialized forums for emerging areas like real-time concept art.
Visit Concept Art WorldCharacter Design References
Best for: Character artists, animators, and illustrators focused on character creation.
Key features:
- Extensive reference libraries for character design
- Interviews with professional character designers
- Tutorials and process breakdowns
- Community challenges
Community vibe: Educational, supportive, focused on skill development.
2024 update: The site has added new sections for specialized character types and expanded its tutorial library with a focus on diverse character representation.
Visit Character Design ReferencesComic Art Community
Best for: Comic artists, manga creators, and sequential storytellers.
Key features:
- Forums dedicated to comic creation
- Feedback on sequential art and storytelling
- Resources for publishing and distributing comics
- Collaborations between writers and artists
Community vibe: Supportive, focused on both art and storytelling, collaborative.
2024 update: The community has launched new sections focused on webtoons and digital-first comic formats, reflecting changing industry trends.
Visit Comic Art CommunityLearning-Focused Communities
These platforms emphasize skill development, feedback, and structured learning for digital artists.
Proko Forum
Best for: Artists focused on fundamentals and traditional art skills applied to digital medium.
Key features:
- Structured critique from peers and professionals
- Assignment submissions for Proko courses
- Discussion of art fundamentals
- Active moderators who are professional artists
Community vibe: Educational, focused on skill-building, constructively critical.
2024 update: The forum has added new sections dedicated to digital painting techniques while maintaining its focus on fundamental skills.
Visit Proko Forum21 Draw Community
Best for: Illustrators and character artists looking to develop professional-level skills.
Key features:
- Course-specific feedback groups
- Challenges with instructor feedback
- Live critique sessions
- Community showcase
Community vibe: Supportive, focused on illustration skills, emphasis on professional development.
2024 update: The platform has introduced peer mentoring programs and expanded its course offerings to include more digital-specific techniques.
Visit 21 Draw CommunitySchoolism Forums
Best for: Serious digital artists aiming for industry-level skills.
Key features:
- Feedback from industry professionals
- Course-specific discussion groups
- High-level technical discussions
- Career advice and industry insights
Community vibe: Professional, focused on high-level skill development, industry-oriented.
2024 update: Schoolism has integrated more real-time feedback options and expanded its community features beyond course-specific discussions.
Visit Schoolism ForumsDiscord Communities
Discord has become a central hub for many digital art communities, offering real-time interaction and more intimate community experiences.
Art Corner
Best for: Artists of all levels looking for a supportive, active community.
Key features:
- Active feedback channels
- Regular art challenges and events
- Resource sharing
- Voice channels for live drawing sessions
Community vibe: Friendly, casual, supportive of all skill levels.
2024 update: The server has implemented structured mentorship programs and expanded its event calendar to include professional development workshops.
Join Art CornerDigital Painting Atelier
Best for: Digital painters focused on improving techniques and workflows.
Key features:
- Technique-specific channels
- Brush sharing and discussion
- Software-specific help
- Weekly painting challenges
Community vibe: Technical, focused on craft, collaborative.
2024 update: The server has added new channels dedicated to AI integration in digital painting workflows and expanded its tutorial archives.
Join Digital Painting AtelierCharacter Design Forge
Best for: Artists focused on character creation for games, animation, and illustration.
Key features:
- Character design challenges
- Anatomy help channels
- Collaborative character creation
- Industry professional AMAs
Community vibe: Creative, story-focused, collaborative.
2024 update: The server has implemented a more structured feedback system and added channels focused on character design for specific industries (gaming, animation, comics).
Join Character Design ForgeMaking the Most of Art Communities
Be an Active Participant
Don't just post your work and leave. Comment on others' art, participate in discussions, and engage with challenges. Communities reward engagement—the more you give, the more you'll receive.
Learn to Give and Receive Critique
Constructive criticism is invaluable for growth. Learn to request specific feedback on areas you're struggling with, and when giving feedback to others, be specific, constructive, and kind.
Start with Clear Goals
Different communities serve different purposes. Define what you want—skill development, networking, clients, motivation—and choose communities that align with those goals.
Curate Your Experience
Don't feel obligated to join every community. It's better to be active in a few well-chosen groups than to spread yourself too thin across many platforms.
Be Mindful of Community Rules
Each community has its own culture and guidelines. Take time to understand these before diving in to ensure you're contributing positively to the space.
Build Genuine Connections
Focus on building real relationships rather than just accumulating followers. Meaningful connections with fellow artists will provide more value than a large but disengaged audience.
Conclusion
The digital art landscape continues to evolve, with communities adapting to new technologies, changing industry needs, and shifting social media dynamics. In 2024, there's truly no shortage of spaces where digital artists can connect, learn, and grow.
The most valuable approach is to find communities that align with your specific goals and artistic journey. Whether you're looking for professional connections, skill development, or simply the motivation that comes from being part of a creative community, there are spaces designed for exactly what you need.
Remember that community participation is a two-way street—the more you contribute to these spaces, the more you'll benefit from them. By actively engaging, sharing your knowledge, and supporting fellow artists, you'll not only improve your own art but also help strengthen the vibrant ecosystem of digital art communities.
What art communities have you found most valuable? Are there emerging platforms you think digital artists should know about? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below!
Social Media Art Communities
While general social media platforms aren't dedicated art sites, they host thriving art communities with unique advantages.
Instagram Art Community
Best for: Artists looking to build a following and connect with a broader audience.
Key features:
Community vibe: Fast-paced, visually-focused, wide range of styles and skill levels.
2024 update: Instagram has improved its algorithm for art content discovery and added more creator tools for artists to monetize their presence.
Hashtags to follow: #digitalart #conceptart #illustrationartists #characterdesign #artcommunity
Explore Instagram ArtTwitter/X Art Community
Best for: Industry networking and participating in art movements and discussions.
Key features:
Community vibe: Direct, conversational, industry-connected.
2024 update: Despite platform changes, the art community on Twitter/X remains active with new community-organized events to maintain engagement.
Hashtags to follow: #ArtistOnTwitter #PortfolioDay #VisibleWomen #ConceptArt #ArtTips
Explore Twitter ArtReddit Art Communities
Best for: In-depth discussions, specific questions, and focused feedback.
Key features:
Community vibe: Varies by subreddit; generally discussion-focused and detail-oriented.
2024 update: Many art subreddits have implemented more structured feedback systems and expanded their wiki resources.
Subreddits to check: r/DigitalArt, r/ArtCrit, r/CharacterDrawing, r/conceptart, r/learnart
Explore Reddit Art